UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]

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

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

 

OR

 

[   ]

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

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________________ to _________________

 

Commission file number: 001-36724

 

The Joint Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 90-0544160

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or

organization)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

16767 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 240, Scottsdale

Arizona

85260
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(480) 245-5960

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes þ     No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company þ

 

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

 

As of November 9, 2015, the registrant had 9,906,491 shares of Common Stock ($0.001 par value) outstanding.

 

 

THE JOINT CORP.

FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      PAGE NO.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
       
  Item 1. Financial Statements:  
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014 1
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited) 2
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited) 3
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 5
       
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
       
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 28
       
  Item 4 Controls and Procedures 28
     
PART II OTHER INFORMATION  
       
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings 28
       
  Item 1A. Risk Factors 29
       
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 29
       
  Item 6. Exhibits 29
       
  SIGNATURES 29
       
  EXHIBIT INDEX 30
       
Part II, Items 3, 4, and 5 - Not applicable  

 

 

 
 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

THE JOINT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

 

  

September 30,

2015

 

December 31,

2014

ASSETS  (unaudited)   
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $9,522,013   $20,796,783 
Restricted cash   188,431    224,576 
Accounts receivable, net   605,876    704,905 
Income taxes receivable   449,803    395,814 
Note receivable - current portion   61,533    27,528 
Deferred franchise costs - current portion   548,400    622,800 
Deferred tax asset - current portion   61,000    208,800 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   151,794    375,925 
Total current assets   11,588,850    23,357,131 
Property and equipment, net   3,602,217    1,134,452 
Note receivable, net of current portion and reserve   26,024    31,741 
Deferred franchise costs, net of current portion   1,799,000    2,574,450 
Intangible assets, net   2,317,484    153,000 
Goodwill   2,948,363    636,104 
Deposits and other assets   203,244    585,150 
Total assets  $22,485,182   $28,472,028 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $1,436,350   $1,271,405 
Co-op funds liability   159,770    186,604 
Payroll liabilities   1,397,215    617,944 
Notes payable - current portion   466,850    - 
Deferred rent - current portion   101,498    93,398 
Deferred revenue - current portion   2,275,035    1,957,500 
Other current liabilities   48,254    50,735 
Total current liabilities   5,884,972    4,177,586 
Notes payable, net of current portion   167,500    - 
Deferred rent, net of current portion   488,746    451,766 
Deferred revenue, net of current portion   4,820,259    7,915,918 
Other liabilities   266,592    299,405 
Total liabilities   11,628,069    12,844,675 
Commitments and contingencies          
Stockholders' equity:          
Series A preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000 shares authorized, 0 issued and outstanding, as of September 30, 2015, and  December 31, 2014   -    - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 10,402,047 shares issued and 9,868,047 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and 10,196,502 shares issued and 9,662,502 outstanding as of December 31, 2014   10,402    10,197 
Additional paid-in capital   22,066,847    21,420,975 
Treasury stock (534,000 shares as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, at cost)   (791,638)   (791,638)
Accumulated deficit   (10,428,498)   (5,012,181)
Total stockholders' equity   10,857,113    15,627,353 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $22,485,182   $28,472,028 

 

 

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

 1 
 

 

THE JOINT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   2015  2014  2015  2014
Revenues:                    
Royalty fees  $1,150,574   $871,462   $3,264,278   $2,233,053 
Franchise fees   638,000    435,000    1,862,259    1,469,500 
Revenues and management fees from company clinics   1,198,397    -    2,368,866    - 
Advertising fund revenue   330,502    88,031    955,480    204,141 
IT related income and software fees   197,569    218,400    598,758    629,225 
Regional developer fees   531,350    152,250    799,600    377,000 
Other revenues   91,623    51,452    223,419    148,347 
Total revenues   4,138,015    1,816,595    10,072,660    5,061,266 
Cost of revenues:                    
Franchise cost of revenues   697,170    556,495    1,948,328    1,505,569 
IT cost of revenues   48,312    97,900    134,233    233,563 
Cost of revenues   745,482    654,395    2,082,561    1,739,132 
Selling and marketing expenses   693,953    324,177    2,450,976    723,955 
Depreciation and amortization   421,390    52,823    822,489    141,707 
General and administrative expenses   4,328,089    1,096,025    10,528,817    3,146,666 
Total selling, general and administrative expenses   5,443,432    1,473,025    13,802,282    4,012,328 
Loss from operations   (2,050,899)   (310,825)   (5,812,183)   (690,194)
                     
Other income (expense):                    
Bargain purchase gain   384,214    -    384,214    - 
Other income (expense), net   16,111    (54,599)   17,800    (58,399)
Total other income (expense)   400,325    (54,599)   402,014    (58,399)
                     
Loss before income tax (expense) benefit   (1,650,574)   (365,424)   (5,410,169)   (748,593)
                     
Income tax (expense) benefit   (6,148)   163,051    (6,148)   284,574 
                     
Net loss and comprehensive loss  $(1,656,722)  $(202,373)  $(5,416,317)  $(464,019)
                     
Loss per share:                    
Basic and diluted loss per share  $(0.17)  $(0.04)  $(0.55)  $(0.10)
                     
Weighted average shares   9,844,964    4,828,122    9,777,119    4,819,861 

 

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

  

 2 
 

THE JOINT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

 

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   2015  2014
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss  $(5,416,317)  $(464,019)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:          
Provision for bad debts   4,344    91,831 
Regional developer fees recognized upon acquisition of development rights   (254,250)   - 
Net franchise fees recognized upon termination of franchise agreements   (480,250)   - 
Notes receivable issued for payment of transfer fees   (49,850)   - 
Depreciation and amortization   822,489    141,707 
Gain on sale of property and equipment   (11,500)   - 
Deferred income taxes   147,800    - 
Bargain purchase gain   (384,214)   - 
Stock based compensation expense   646,077    42,047 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:          
Restricted cash   36,145    (158,950)
Accounts receivable   94,684    (8,582)
Income taxes receivable   (53,989)   (320,290)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   224,131    (45,230)
Deferred franchise costs   (18,100)   178,000 
Deposits and other assets   (125,594)   - 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   164,945    450,515 
Co-op funds liability   (26,834)   44,971 
Payroll liabilities   779,271    188,159 
Other liabilities   (35,294)   56,547 
Deferred rent   62,549    543,563 
Income taxes payable   -    (419,297)
Deferred revenue   (134,925)   (435,354)
Net cash used in operating activities   (4,008,682)   (114,382)
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Cash paid for acquisitions   (4,652,525)   - 
Reacquisition and termination of regional developer rights   (1,075,500)   - 
Purchase of property and equipment   (1,461,125)   (538,323)
Proceeds received on sale of property and equipment   11,500    2,500 
Payments received on notes receivable   21,562    19,301 
Net cash used in investing activities   (7,156,088)   (516,522)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Deferred offering costs   -    (511,921)
Repayments on note payable   (110,000)   - 
Net cash used in financing activities   (110,000)   (511,921)
           
Net decrease in cash   (11,274,770)   (1,142,825)
Cash at beginning of period   20,796,783    3,516,750 
Cash at end of period  $9,522,013   $2,373,925 
           
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:          
Cash paid for income taxes  $-   $420,250 
Cash paid for interest  $1,445   $- 

 

 3 
 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:

 

In connection with our acquisitions of franchises during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we acquired $1,539,321 of property and equipment, intangible assets of $1,531,041, goodwill of $2,312,259, favorable leases of $17,469 and assumed deferred revenue associated with membership packages paid in advance of $117,301 in exchange for $4,652,525 in cash and an aggregate amount of $744,350 in notes payable to the sellers. Additionally, at the time of these transactions, we carried deferred revenue of $976,500, representing franchise fees collected upon the execution of franchise agreements, and deferred costs of $478,200, related to our acquisition of undeveloped franchises. In accordance with ASC-952-605, we netted these amounts against the aggregate purchase price of the acquisitions (Note 2).

 

In connection with our reacquisition and termination of regional developer rights during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had deferred revenue of $914,000, representing license fees collected upon the execution of the regional developer agreements. In accordance with ASC-952-605, we netted these amounts against the aggregate purchase price of the acquisitions (Note 5).

  

As of December 31, 2014, we recorded a deposit of $507,500 for the reacquisition and termination of regional developer rights, which were paid in advance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we reclassified $507,500 from deposits to intangible assets.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 4 
 

 

THE JOINT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

These unaudited financial statements represent the condensed consolidated financial statements of The Joint Corp. (“The Joint”) and its wholly owned subsidiary The Joint Corporate Unit No. 1, LLC (collectively, the “Company”). These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with The Joint Corp. and Subsidiary consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as set forth in The Joint Corp.’s Form 10-K, which included all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position on a consolidated basis and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are not necessarily indicative of expected operating results for the full year. The information presented throughout the document as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is unaudited.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Joint Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiary, The Joint Corporate Unit No. 1, LLC (collectively, the “Company”), which was dormant for all periods presented.

 

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between The Joint Corp. and its subsidiary have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Comprehensive Loss

 

 Net loss and comprehensive loss are the same for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Nature of Operations

 

The Joint Corp., a Delaware corporation, was formed on March 10, 2010. Its principal business purposes are owning, operating, managing and franchising chiropractic clinics, selling regional developer rights and supporting the operations of owned, managed and franchised chiropractic clinics at locations throughout the United States of America. The franchising of chiropractic clinics is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and various state authorities.

 

 5 
 

The following table summarizes the number of clinics in operation under franchise agreements or that are company-owned or managed for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

   Three Months Ended
 September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
Franchised clinics:  2015  2014  2015  2014
Clinics open at beginning of period   239    215    242    175 
Opened during the period   13    16    36    57 
Acquired during the period   (2)   -    (23)   - 
Closed during the period   (2)   (1)   (7)   (2)
Clinics in operation at the end of the period   248    230    248    230 

 

   Three Months Ended
 September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
Company-owned or managed clinics:  2015  2014  2015  2014
Clinics open at beginning of period   23    -    4    - 
Opened during the period   4    -    4    - 
Acquired during the period   2    -    23    - 
Closed during the period   -    -    (2)   - 
Clinics in operation at the end of the period   29    -    29    - 
                     
Total clinics in operation at the end of the period   277    230    277    230 
                     
Clinic licenses sold but not yet developed   180    248    180    248 

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

An entity deemed to hold the controlling interest in a voting interest entity or deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) is required to consolidate the VIE in its financial statements. An entity is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the majority of losses of the VIE or the right to receive the majority of benefits from the VIE. Investments where the Company does not hold the controlling interest and are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method.

 

Certain states in which the Company manages clinics, regulate the practice of chiropractic care and require that chiropractic services be provided by legal entities organized under state laws as professional corporations or PCs. Such PCs are VIEs. In these states, the Company has entered into management services agreements with PCs under which the Company provides on an exclusive basis, all non-clinical services of the chiropractic practice.  The Company has analyzed its relationship with the PCs and has determined that the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the PCs. As such, the activity of the PCs is not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company continually monitors its positions with, and credit quality of, the financial institutions with which it invests. As of the balance sheet date and periodically throughout the period, the Company has maintained balances in various operating accounts in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has invested substantially all of the proceeds of its IPO in short-term bank deposits. The Company had no cash equivalents as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

 6 
 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash relates to cash franchisees and corporate clinics contribute to the Company’s National Marketing Fund and cash franchisees provide to various voluntary regional Co-Op Marketing Funds. Cash contributed by franchisees to the National Marketing Fund is to be used in accordance with the Franchise Disclosure Document with a focus on regional and national marketing and advertising.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

From time to time the Company grants credit in the normal course of business to franchisees related to the collection of royalties and other operating revenues. The Company periodically performs credit analysis and monitors the financial condition of the franchisees to reduce credit risk.  As of December 31, 2014, six franchisees represented 56% of outstanding accounts receivable. The Company did not have any customers that represented greater than 10% of its accounts receivable or revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable represent amounts due from franchisees for initial franchise fees, royalty fees and marketing and advertising expenses. The Company considers a reserve for doubtful accounts based on the creditworthiness of the franchisee. The provision for uncollectible amounts is continually reviewed and adjusted to maintain the allowance at a level considered adequate to cover future losses. The allowance is management’s best estimate of uncollectible amounts and is determined based on specific identification and historical performance that the Company tracks on an ongoing basis. The losses ultimately could differ materially in the near term from the amounts estimated in determining the allowance. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $85,376 and $81,032, respectively.

 

Deferred Franchise Costs

 

Deferred franchise costs represent commissions that are paid in conjunction with the sale of a franchise and are expensed when the respective revenue is recognized, which is generally upon the opening of a clinic.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets.

 

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred; major renewals and improvements are capitalized. When items of property or equipment are sold or retired, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in income.

 

Software Developed

 

The Company capitalizes most software development costs. These capitalized costs are primarily related to proprietary software used by clinics for operations and by the Company for the management of operations. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed as incurred. Once an application has reached the development stage, internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, are capitalized as assets in progress until the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalization ceases upon completion of all substantial testing. The Company also capitalizes costs related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable the expenditures will result in additional functionality. Software developed is recorded as part of property and equipment. Maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred. Internal use software is amortized on a straight line basis over its estimated useful life, generally 5 years.

 

 7 
 

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consist primarily of re-acquired franchise rights and customer relationships.  The Company amortizes the fair value of re-acquired franchise rights over the remaining contractual terms of the re-acquired franchise rights at the time of the acquisition, which range from six to seven years. The fair value of customer relationships is amortized over their estimated useful life of 2 years.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions discussed in Note 2.  Under ASC 350-10, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. As required, the Company performs an annual impairment test of goodwill as of the first day of the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recovered. The Company looks primarily to estimated undiscounted future cash flows in its assessment of whether or not long-lived assets have been impaired. No impairments of long-lived assets were recorded for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Advertising Fund

 

The Company has established an advertising fund for national/regional marketing and advertising of services offered by its clinics. The monthly marketing fee was increased to 2% in January 2015. The Company segregates the marketing funds collected which are included in restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheets. As amounts are expended from the fund, the Company recognizes advertising fund revenue and a related expense properly eliminating intercompany transactions. Amounts collected in excess of marketing expenditures are included in restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

Co-Op Marketing Funds

 

Some franchises have established regional Co-Ops for advertising within their local and regional markets. The Company maintains a custodial relationship under which the marketing funds collected are segregated and used for the purposes specified by the Co-Ops’ officers. The marketing funds are included in restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

Deferred Rent

 

The Company leases office space for its corporate offices and company-owned and managed clinics under operating leases, which may include rent holidays and rent escalation clauses.  It recognizes rent holiday periods and scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  The Company records tenant improvement allowances as deferred rent liabilities and amortizes the allowance over the term of the lease, as a reduction to rent expense.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company generates revenue through initial franchise fees, regional developer fees, royalties, advertising fund revenue, IT related income, and computer software fees, and from its company-owned and managed clinics.

 

Franchise Fees. The Company requires the entire non-refundable initial franchise fee to be paid upon execution of a franchise agreement, which typically has an initial term of ten years. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when the Company has substantially completed its initial services under the franchise agreement, which typically occurs upon opening of the clinic.  The Company’s services under the franchise agreement include: training of franchisees and staff, site selection, construction/vendor management and ongoing operations support. The Company provides no financing to franchisees and offers no guarantees on their behalf.

 

 8 
 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company terminated 10 and 30 franchise licenses, respectively, that were in default of various obligations under their respective franchise agreements. In conjunction with these terminations, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized $290,000 and $870,000 of revenue, respectively, and $153,000 and $389,750 of costs, respectively which were previously deferred.

  

Regional Developer Fees. During 2011, the Company established a regional developer program to engage independent contractors to assist in developing specified geographical regions. Under this program, regional developers pay a license fee ranging from $7,250 to 25% of the then current franchise fee, for each franchise they receive the right to develop within the region. Each regional developer agreement establishes a minimum number of franchises that the regional developer must develop. Regional developers receive fees ranging from $14,500 to $19,950 which are collected upon the sale of franchises within their region and a royalty of 3% of sales generated by franchised clinics in their region. Regional developer fees are non-refundable and are recognized as revenue when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the regional developer agreement, which generally is considered to be upon the opening of each franchised clinic. Upon the execution of a regional developer agreement, the Company estimates the number of franchised clinics to be opened, which is typically consistent with the contracted minimum. When the Company anticipates that the number of franchised clinics to be opened will exceed the contracted minimum, the license fee on a per-clinic basis is determined by dividing the total fee collected from the regional developer by the number of clinics expected to be opened within the region. Certain regional developer agreements provide that no additional fee is required for franchises developed by the regional developer above the contracted minimum, while other regional developer agreements require a supplemental payment. The Company reassesses the number of clinics expected to be opened as the regional developer performs under its regional developer agreement. When a material change to the original estimate becomes apparent, the fee per clinic is revised on a prospective basis, and the unrecognized fees are allocated among, and recognized as revenue upon the opening of, the expected remaining unopened franchised clinics within the region. The franchisor’s services under regional developer agreements include site selection, grand opening support for the clinics, sales support for identification of qualified franchisees, general operational support and marketing support to advertise for ownership opportunities. Several of the regional developer agreements grant the Company the option to repurchase the regional developer’s license.

 

Revenues and Management Fees from Company Clinics.  The Company earns revenues from clinics that it owns and operates or manages throughout the United States.  In those states where the Company owns and operates the clinic, revenues are recognized when services are performed. The Company offers a variety of membership and wellness packages which feature discounted pricing as compared with its single-visit pricing.  Amounts collected up front for membership and wellness packages are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized when the service is performed.  In other states where state law requires the chiropractic practice to be owned by a licensed chiropractor, the Company enters into a management agreement with the doctor’s PC.  Under the management agreement, the Company provides administrative and business management services to the doctor’s PC in return for a monthly management fee.  When the collectability of the full management fee is uncertain, the Company recognizes management fee revenue only to the extent of fees expected to be collected from the PCs.

 

Royalties. The Company collects royalties, as stipulated in the franchise agreement, equal to 7% of gross sales, and a marketing and advertising fee currently equal to 2% of gross sales. Certain franchisees with franchise agreements acquired during the formation of the Company pay a monthly flat fee. Royalties are recognized as revenue when earned. Royalties are collected bi-monthly two working days after each sales period has ended.

 

IT Related Income and Software Fees.  The Company collects a monthly computer software fee for use of its proprietary chiropractic software, computer support, and internet services support. These fees are recognized on a monthly basis as services are provided. IT related revenue represents a flat fee to purchase a clinic’s computer equipment, operating software, preinstalled chiropractic system software, key card scanner (patient identification card), credit card scanner and credit card receipt printer. These fees are recognized as revenue upon receipt of equipment by the franchisee.

 

Advertising Costs

 

The Company incurs advertising costs in addition to those included in the advertising fund. The Company’s policy is to expense all operating advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $377,122 and $853,110 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Advertising expenses were $53,691 and $93,730 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. 

 

 9 
 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the ASC 740 that requires the recognition of deferred income taxes for differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. The differences relate principally to depreciation of property and equipment and treatment of revenue for franchise fees and regional developer fees collected. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax consequence for those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred taxes are also recognized for operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes by recognizing the tax benefit or expense from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company measures the tax benefits and expenses recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements from such a position based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

 

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company maintained a liability for income taxes for uncertain tax positions of approximately $142,000 and $122,000, respectively, of which $36,000 and $30,000, respectively, represent penalties and interest and are recorded in the  “other liabilities” section of the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Interest and penalties associated with tax positions are recorded in the period assessed as general and administrative expenses. The Company’s tax returns for tax years subject to examination by tax authorities include 2011 through the current period for state and 2012-through the current period for federal reporting purposes.

 

Loss per Common Share

 

Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per common share is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares including preferred stock, restricted stock, and stock options.

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   2015  2014  2015  2014
             
Net loss  $(1,656,722)  $(202,373)  $(5,416,317)  $(464,019)
                     
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic   9,844,964    4,828,122    9,777,119    4,819,861 
Effect of dilutive securities:                    
Stock options   -    -    -    - 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted   9,844,964    4,828,122    9,777,119    4,819,861 
                     
Basic and diluted loss per share  $(0.17)  $(0.04)  $(0.55)  $(0.10)

 

The following table summarizes the potential shares of common stock that were excluded from diluted net loss per share, because the effect of including these potential shares was anti-dilutive:

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2015  2014  2015  2014
Unvested restricted stock   393,339    542,354    393,339    542,354 
Stock options   524,600    266,555    524,600    266,555 
Warrants   90,000    -    90,000    - 

 

 10 
 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for share based payments by recognizing compensation expense based upon the estimated fair value of the awards on the date of grant. The Company determines the estimated grant-date fair value of restricted shares using quoted market prices and the grant-date fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In order to calculate the fair value of the options, certain assumptions are made regarding the components of the model, including the estimated fair value of underlying common stock, risk-free interest rate, volatility, expected dividend yield and expected option life. Prior to the IPO the grant date fair value was determined by the Board of Directors. Changes to the assumptions could cause significant adjustments to the valuation. The Company recognizes compensation costs ratably over the period of service using the straight-line method.

  

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Items subject to significant estimates and assumptions include the allowance for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation arrangements, fair value of stock options, useful lives and realizability of long-lived assets, classification of deferred revenue and deferred franchise costs and the related deferred tax assets and liabilities as long-term or current, uncertain tax positions, realizability of deferred tax assets, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and purchase price allocations.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard becomes effective for us on January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosures about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-15 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.”  The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset.  Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate.  The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle.  The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015.  Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued.  ASU 2015-03 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.”  The guidance provides clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license.  If a software license is included, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting of other software licenses. If a software license is not included, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract.  The update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2015-05 on its consolidated financial statements. 

 

 11 
 

In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments." The update requires than an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The adjustments related to previous reporting periods since the acquisition date must be disclosed by income statement line item either on the face of the income statement or in the notes. The Company adopted this ASU during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Accordingly, the Company applied the amendments in this update to the measurement period adjustments made during the three months ended September 30, 2015 with no material effect on previous-period or current-period earnings. See "Note 2—Acquisitions" for more information regarding adjustments to provisional amounts that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Note 2:Acquisitions

 

Franchises acquired during 2014

 

During 2014, the Company acquired substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of six franchises including franchises that manage four clinics operating in Los Angeles County, for a purchase price of $900,000 which was paid in cash. The Company is operating four of the acquired franchises as managed company clinics and has terminated the two remaining franchises. On January 1, 2015, the Company acquired an additional three undeveloped franchises.  This resulted in a net deferred revenue adjustment of $41,100 to the net purchase price.  No additional consideration was paid on January 1, 2015. The remaining $858,900 was accounted for as the total consideration paid for the acquired franchises.

 

The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions is complete. The following summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

 

Property and equipment  $297,630 
Intangible assets   153,000 
Goodwill   636,104 
Total assets acquired   1,086,734 
Unfavorable leases   (227,834)
Net assets acquired  $858,900 

 

Intangible assets consist of reacquired franchise rights of $81,000 and customer relationships of $72,000 and will be amortized over their estimated useful lives of seven years and two years, respectively.

 

Unfavorable leases consist of leases with rents that are in excess of market value. This liability will be amortized over the lives of the associated leases.

 

Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition was attributable to the workforce of the clinics and synergies expected to arise from cost savings opportunities. All of the recorded goodwill is tax-deductible.

 

The Company has retrospectively adjusted the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 related to adjustments to the purchase price allocation of the above acquisition.  The impacts are adjustments to deferred franchise costs, goodwill and deferred revenue, with no changes to total net assets.  There were no impacts on the consolidated statements of operations or cash flows for any prior periods as a result of these adjustments.  The balance sheet impacts are as follows:

 

   December 31, 2014
   As reported  As revised
       
Deferred franchise costs - current portion  $668,700   $622,800 
Goodwill  $677,204   $636,104 
Deferred revenue - current portion  $2,044,500   $1,957,500 

 

 12 
 

 

Franchises acquired during 2015

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company continued to execute its growth strategy and entered into a series of unrelated transactions with existing franchisees to re-acquire an aggregate of 23 developed and 34 undeveloped franchises throughout Arizona, California, and New York for an aggregate purchase price of $5,396,875, subject to certain adjustments, consisting of cash of $4,652,525 and notes payable of $744,350. Of the 23 developed franchises, the Company is operating 21 as company-owned or managed clinics and has closed the remaining two clinics. The 34 undeveloped franchises have been terminated and the Company may relocate them. At the time these transactions were consummated, the Company carried a deferred revenue balance of $976,500, representing franchise fees collected upon the execution of the franchise agreements, and deferred franchise costs of $478,200, related to undeveloped franchises.  In accordance with ASC 952-605, the Company accounted for the franchise rights associated with the undeveloped franchise as a cancellation, and the respective deferred revenue and deferred franchise costs were netted against the aggregate purchase price.  The remaining $4,898,575 was accounted for as consideration paid for the acquired franchises.

  

Additionally, in January 2015, in connection with the default by a franchisee under its franchise agreement, the Company assumed substantially all of the assets of a clinic in Tempe, Arizona in exchange for $25,000.  The Company has accounted for this as a business combination.  The Company completed its valuation of the fair value of the assets acquired, including intangible assets, in September 2015. Because the net assets acquired exceeded the consideration paid, the Company recognized a bargain purchase gain of $384,214 during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

The Company incurred $361,997 of transaction costs related to these acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Purchase Price Allocation

 

The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions are preliminary and subject to further adjustment upon finalization of the opening balance sheet. The following summarizes the aggregate fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during 2015 as of the acquisition date:

 

Property and equipment  $1,539,321 
Intangible assets   1,531,041 
Favorable leases   17,469 
Goodwill   2,312,259 
Total assets acquired   5,400,090 
Deferred membership revenue   (117,301)
Net assets acquired  $5,282,789 
Bargain purchase gain   (384,214)
Net purchase price  $4,898,575 

 

Intangible assets in the table above consist of reacquired franchise rights of $1,215,248 and customer relationships of $315,793, and will be amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from six to seven years and two years, respectively.

 

The estimates of the fair value of the assets or rights acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the applicable acquisition are subject to adjustment during the measurement period (up to one year from the particular acquisition date). The primary areas of the accounting for the acquisitions that are not yet finalized relate to the fair value of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired, residual goodwill and any related tax impact. The fair value of these net assets acquired are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. While the Company believes that such preliminary estimates provide a reasonable basis for estimating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, it evaluates any necessary information prior to finalization of the fair value. During the measurement period, the Company will adjust assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in the revised estimated values of those assets or liabilities as of that date. The effect of measurement period adjustments to the estimated fair value is reflected as if the adjustments had been completed on the acquisition date. The impact of all changes that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are included in current period earnings. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these fair values, the amounts recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements could be subject to a possible impairment of the intangible assets or goodwill, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of intangible assets in subsequent periods. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company made certain measurement period adjustments related to several acquisitions consummated in period. Property and equipment was increased by $47,859, intangible assets increased by $72,400, favorable leases increased by $17,469 and deferred membership revenue decreased by $7,032 with the resulting offset to goodwill of $130,696.

 

 13 
 

Goodwill recorded in connection with these acquisitions was attributable to the workforce of the clinics and synergies expected to arise from cost savings opportunities. All of the recorded goodwill is tax-deductible. 

 

Pro Forma Results of Operations (Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes selected unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 as if the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2014.

 

   Pro Forma for the Three Months Ended  Pro Forma for the Nine Months Ended
   September 30, 2015  September 30, 2014  September 30, 2015  September 30, 2014
Revenues, net  $4,159,975   $2,668,562   $11,030,264   $7,465,179 
Net loss  $(2,064,297)  $(814,369)  $(6,338,663)  $(2,811,855)

 

This selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data is included only for the purpose of illustration and does not necessarily indicate what the operating results would have been if the acquisitions had been completed on that date. Moreover, this information does not indicate what the Company’s future operating results will be. The information for 2014 and 2015 prior to the acquisitions is included based on prior accounting records maintained by the acquired companies. In some cases, accounting policies differed materially from accounting policies adopted by the Company following the acquisitions. For 2015, this information includes actual data recorded in its financial statements for the period subsequent to the date of the acquisition. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 includes net revenue and net loss of $1,198,397 and $(854,948), respectively, attributable to the 2015 acquisitions. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes net revenue and net loss of $2,368,866 and $(1,209,682), respectively, attributable to the acquisitions. As the 2014 acquisition occurred on the last day of the period, there were no net revenues or income attributable to the acquisitions.

 

The pro forma amounts included in the table above reflect the application of accounting policies and adjustment of the results of the clinics to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property and equipment and intangible assets had been applied from January 1, 2014, together with the consequential tax impacts.

 

Note 3: Notes Receivable

 

Effective July 2012, the Company sold a company-owned clinic, including the license agreement, equipment, and customer base, in exchange for a $90,000 unsecured promissory note. The note bears interest at 6% per annum for fifty-four months and requires monthly principal and interest payments over forty-two months, beginning August 2013 and maturing January 2017.

 

Effective July 2015, the Company entered into two license transfer agreements, in exchange for $10,000 and $29,925 in separate unsecured promissory notes.  The non-interest bearing notes require monthly principal payments over 24 months, beginning on September 1, 2015 and maturing on August 1, 2017. Effective July 2015, the Company entered into a license transfer agreement, in exchange for $29,925 in an unsecured promissory note.  The note bearings interest at 4.0% per annum, and requires monthly principal payments over 12 months, beginning on August 1, 2015 and maturing on July 1, 2016.

 

The outstanding balance of the notes as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $87,557 and $59,269, respectively.

 

 14 
 

  

Note 4: Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

   September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
       
Office and computer equipment  $470,251   $209,575 
Leasehold improvements   2,330,927    665,961 
Software developed   688,471    564,560 
    3,489,649    1,440,096 
Accumulated depreciation   (838,325)   (305,644)
    2,651,324    1,134,452 
Assets in progress   950,893    - 
   $3,602,217   $1,134,452 

 

Depreciation expense was $257,197 and $532,682 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Depreciation expense was $52,823 and $141,707 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

 

Assets in progress relate to the ongoing development of company-owned or managed clinics, which are not yet placed in service.

 

Note 5: Intangible Assets

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company entered into several agreements to repurchase regional developer licenses, reacquiring rights in Los Angeles County, San Diego, and Orange County, all located in the state of California, Erie County, Monroe County, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Albany County, all located in the state of New York, and the regional developer license in New Jersey in exchange for cash consideration of $1,583,000, of which $507,500 was recorded as a cash advance at December 31, 2014.  The Company carried a deferred revenue balance associated with these transactions of $914,000, representing license fees collected upon the execution of the regional developer agreements.  In accordance with ASC 952-605, the Company accounted for the development rights associated with the unsold or undeveloped franchises as a cancellation, and the respective deferred revenue was netted against the aggregate purchase price or recognized as revenue to the extent deferred revenue was in excess of the cash consideration paid.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the revenue recognized as excess deferred regional developer fees totaled $254,250. The remaining balance was accounted for as consideration paid for the reacquired development rights. As the deferred revenue with respect to these regional developer rights had previously been taken into account for income tax purposes, the tax basis in the reacquired development rights is equal to the cash consideration paid.

 

Intangible assets which remain subject to adjustment upon receipt of final valuation information consisted of the following:

 

 

   As of September 30, 2015
  

Gross Carrying

Amount

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

Net Carrying

Value

Amortized intangible assets:               
Reacquired franchise rights  $1,296,248   $108,916   $1,187,332 
Customer relationships   387,793    101,652    286,141 
Reacquired development rights   923,250    79,239    844,011 
  $2,607,291   $289,807   $2,317,484 
Unamortized intangible assets:              
Goodwill             2,948,363 
Total intangible assets            $5,265,847 

 

Amortization expense was $164,193 and $289,807 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. There was no amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

 15 
 

Estimated amortization expense for 2015 and subsequent years is as follows:

 

2015  $129,101 
2016   518,896 
2017   368,634 
2018   325,000 
2019   325,000 
Thereafter   650,853 
Total  $2,317,484 

 

 

Note 6: Notes Payable

 

On February 17, 2015, the Company delivered a $155,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of two existing franchises and a license to develop one additional franchise from Roth & Pelan Enterprises, LLC.  This note bears interest at 1.5% per annum with a principal payment of $25,000 plus interest due on June 17, 2015, and the remaining principal and interest due February 17, 2017.  While this is a below market interest rate loan, the Company did not impute interest as the effects are immaterial.

 

On March 3, 2015, the Company delivered a $60,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of four existing franchises and a license to develop one additional franchise from TJSC, LLC. This note bears interest at 4.5% per annum with a principal payment of $30,000 plus interest due on July 30, 2015, and the remaining principal plus interest due on January 30, 2016.

 

On March 6, 2015, the Company delivered a $30,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of two existing franchises and licenses to develop seven additional franchises from The Joint San Gabriel Valley Inc. This note bears interest at 1.5% per annum with principal and interest due on November 19, 2015. While this is a below market interest rate loan, the Company did not impute interest as the effects are immaterial.

 

On March 23, 2015, the Company delivered a $10,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of an existing franchise from The Joint Arrowhead Ranch LLC. This note bears interest at 1.5% per annum with principal and interest due September 20, 2016.  The seller fully performed its duties under the agreement and one half of the principal plus interest was paid on September 21, 2015. While this is a below market interest rate loan, the Company did not impute interest as the effects are immaterial.

 

On April 1, 2015, the Company delivered a $58,500 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of an existing franchise from The Joint Chiropractic Bell Towne LLC. This note bears interest at 1.50% per annum with the principal and interest due September 30, 2015.  The seller fully performed its duties under the agreement and $25,000 plus interest was paid on August 18, 2015. While this is a below market interest rate loan, the Company did not impute interest as the effects are immaterial.

 

On May 1, 2015, the Company delivered a $80,900 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of two existing franchises and licenses to develop six additional franchises from San Diego Joint Development Inc. This note bears interest at 4.25% per annum with the principal and interest due April 30, 2016.  The seller fully performed its duties under the agreement and $25,000 plus interest was paid on September 1, 2015. An additional $15,500 plus interest is payable on November 1, 2015 and $40,450 plus interest will be paid on April 30, 2016.

 

On May 18, 2015, the Company delivered a $75,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of three existing franchises and licenses to develop two additional franchises from First Light Junction. This note bears interest at 4.0% per annum with the principal and interest due November 18, 2016.  If the seller has fully performed its duties under the agreement, $25,000 plus interest is payable September 18, 2015, $25,000 plus interest will be paid on February 18, 2016 and $25,000 plus interest will be paid on November 18, 2016.

 

 16 
 

On June 3, 2015, the Company delivered a $100,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of two existing franchises and licenses to develop four additional franchises from WHB Franchise, Inc. This note bears interest at 5.25% per annum with the principal and interest due April 3, 2016.  If the seller has fully performed its duties under the agreement, $25,000 plus interest is payable October 3, 2015, $25,000 plus interest will be paid on December 3, 2015 and $50,000 plus interest will be paid on April 3, 2016.

 

On June 5, 2015, the Company delivered a $75,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of three existing franchises and licenses to develop three additional franchises from Clear Path Ventures, Inc. This note bears interest at 4.25% per annum with the principal and interest due June 4, 2016.  If the seller has fully performed its duties under the agreement, $25,000 plus interest is payable on October 5, 2015, $12,500 plus interest will be paid on December 5, 2015 and $37,500 plus interest will be paid on June 4, 2016.

 

On July 1, 2015, the Company delivered a $53,000 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of one franchise from Chiro Novo, LLC. This note bears interest at 4.00% per annum with the principal and interest due January 1, 2016. If the seller has fully performed its duties under the agreement, $15,000 plus interest is payable on November 1, 2015.

 

On August 10, 2015, the Company delivered a $46,950 note payable as a portion of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of three franchises from Chiro Group. This note bears interest at 4.25% per annum with the principal and interest due June 10, 2016. If the seller has fully performed its duties under the agreement, $25,000 plus interest will be paid on December 10, 2015.

 

Maturities of the Company’s notes payable are as follows as of September 30, 2015: 

 

2015  $231,500 
2016   272,850 
2017   130,000 
Total  $634,350 

 

Note 7:       Equity

 

Initial Public Offering

 

The Company completed its initial public offering of 3,000,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $6.50 per share on November 14, 2014, whereupon it received aggregate net proceeds of approximately $17,065,000 after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses. The Company’s underwriters exercised their option to purchase 450,000 additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments on November 18, 2014, pursuant to which it received aggregate net proceeds of approximately $2,710,000, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses.  Also, in conjunction with the IPO, the Company issued warrants to the underwriters for the purchase of 90,000 shares of common stock, which can be exercised between November 10, 2015 and November 10, 2018 at an exercise price of $8.125 per share.

 

Stock Options

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted 211,660 stock options to employees and certain non-employee members of its board of directors with exercise prices ranging from $6.31 - $9.62.

 

The fair value of the Company’s common stock prior to its IPO was estimated by the Board of Directors at or about the time of grant for each share-based award. At each grant, the board considered a number of factors in establishing a value for the Company’s common stock including its EBITDA, assessments of an amount its shareholders would accept in the private sale of the company, discussions with its investment bankers regarding pricing of the Company’s common stock in an initial public offering and the probability of successfully completing an IPO. Although the methods for determining the fair value of the Company’s common stock are not complex, the board’s estimate of the fair value of the common stock did involve subjectivity, especially assessments of value in a private sale and estimates of value in the public stock market.

 

 17 
 

Upon the completion of the Company’s IPO, its stock trading price became the basis of fair value of its common stock used in determining the value of share based awards. To the extent the value of the Company’s share based awards involves a measure of volatility, it will rely upon the volatilities from publicly traded companies with similar business models until its common stock has accumulated enough trading history for it to utilize its own historical volatility. The expected life of the options granted is based on the average of the vesting term and the contractual term of the option. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury 10-year yield curve in effect at the date of the grant.

 

The Company has computed the fair value of all options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, using the following assumptions:

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2015  2014
Expected volatility   45% - 50%    43% - 46% 
Expected dividends     None        None   
Expected term (years)   5.5 - 7    5.5 - 7.5 
Risk-free rate   1.66% - 1.92%    0.07% - 2.05% 
Forfeiture rate     20%        None   

 

The information below summarizes the stock options:

 

   Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Fair
Value
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Outstanding at December 31, 2014   314,775   $2.23   $0.92    9.2 
Granted at market price   211,660    8.35           
Exercised   -    -           
Cancelled   (1,835)   3.49           
Outstanding at September 30, 2015   524,600   $4.69   $2.21    9.0 
Exercisable at September 30, 2015   111,502   $1.81   $0.82    8.4 

 

The intrinsic value of the Company’s stock options outstanding was $1,336,454 at September 30, 2015.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, stock based compensation expense for stock options was $129,704, and $240,701, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, stock based compensation expense for stock options was $7,440 and $15,538, respectively.  Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for stock options as of September 30, 2015 was $613,406, which is expected to be recognized ratably over the next 2.7 years. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 the Company made a cumulative adjustment to stock-based compensation expense in the amount of $23,031 to reflect accounting for certain performance based options.

 

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Restricted Stock

 

The information below summaries the restricted stock activity:

 

Restricted Stock Awards  Shares
Outstanding at December 31, 2014   662,375 
Restricted stock awards granted   8,000 
Awards forfeited or exercised   - 
Outstanding  at September 30, 2015   670,375 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, stock based compensation expense for restricted stock was $226,875, and $405,376, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, stock based compensation expense for restricted stock was $10,115, and $32,508, respectively.   Unrecognized stock based compensation expense for restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2015 was $663,525 to be recognized ratably over the next 2.7 years. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 the Company made a cumulative adjustment to stock-based compensation expense in the amount of $122,841 to reflect accounting for certain performance based awards.

 

Note 8:      Income Taxes

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of approximately $6,100 due to state tax expense stemming from current year state income taxes and  an increase to uncertain tax positions related to unresolved state apportionment of taxable income. 

 

Note 9:       Related Party Transactions

 

The Company entered into consulting and legal agreements with certain common stockholders related to services performed for the operations and transaction related activities of the Company.  Amounts paid to or for the benefit of these stockholders was approximately $100,000 and $471,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Amounts paid to or for the benefit of these stockholders was approximately $293,000 and $671,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

 

Note 10:      Commitments and Contingencies

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases its corporate office space with 66 monthly payments increasing from $10,500 to $22,000, beginning February 3, 2014, the date it took occupancy of the new office space.  Between December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, the Company assumed 46 additional leases for clinic locations.  These leases vary in length from 18 to 124 months and have monthly payments ranging from $1,432 to $13,213.

 

Total rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $402,061 and $756,678, respectively. Total rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $33,860 and $100,942, respectively.

 

Future minimum annual lease payments are as follows:

 

2015  $431,526 
2016   2,548,329 
2017   2,513,975 
2018   1,948,791 
2019   1,601,175 
Thereafter   8,443,060 
   $17,486,856 

 

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Litigation

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is party to litigation from time to time. The Company maintains insurance to cover certain actions and believe that resolution of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

  

On July 7, 2015, a group of 13 franchisees, whose licenses had been terminated by the Company due to defaults in performance, commenced a collective arbitration proceeding in San Diego, California. The claimants’ demand for arbitration asserts claims for breach of contract, promissory fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination of franchise agreements and “wrongful competition” pursuant to unspecified state business practices, unfair competition and franchise statutes. The claimants also seek “a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting the Company from seeking to operate corporate clinics within 25 miles of any franchise clinic.” Although commenced in California, the arbitration proceeding has been moved to Arizona, pursuant to the franchise agreements in dispute, which include clauses that make it mandatory for any arbitration proceeding to be conducted in Phoenix, Arizona. Each agreement also requires claims to be arbitrated on an individual, not class-wide basis. Additionally, some of the claimants may be unauthorized assignees of franchisees and, therefore, may not have standing to assert certain claims. The Company does not believe any of the claims, either collectively or individually, have any legal merit and intends to vigorously defend the arbitration proceeding.

 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (“the Exchange Act”), which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects and plans and objectives of management; and accounting estimates and the impact of new or recently issued accounting pronouncements. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are made based on our current expectations, forecasts, estimates and assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, uncertainties and risks that could affect our future results or operations as described from time to time in our SEC reports, including those risks outlined under “Risk Factors” which are contained in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. These factors, uncertainties and risks may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement set forth in this Form 10-Q. You should carefully consider these risk and uncertainties and other information contained in the reports we file with or furnish to the SEC before making any investment decision with respect to our securities. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  we may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy if we or our franchisees are unable to locate and secure appropriate sites for clinic locations, obtain favorable lease terms, and attract patients to our clinics;

 

 20 
 

 

  we have limited experience operating company-owned or managed clinics, and we may not be able to duplicate the success of some of our franchisees;

 

  we may not be able to acquire operating clinics from existing franchisees or develop company-owned or managed clinics on attractive terms;

 

  any acquisitions that we make could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition;

 

  we may not be able to continue to sell franchises to qualified franchisees;

 

  we may not be able to identify, recruit and train enough qualified chiropractors to staff our clinics;

 

  new clinics may not be profitable, and we may not be able to maintain or improve revenues and franchise fees from existing franchised clinics;

 

  the chiropractic industry is highly competitive, with many well-established competitors;

 

  recent administrative actions and rulings regarding the corporate practice of medicine and joint employer responsibility may jeopardize our business model;

 

  we may face negative publicity or damage to our reputation, which could arise from concerns expressed by opponents of chiropractic and by chiropractors operating under traditional service models;
  legislation and regulations, as well as new medical procedures and techniques could reduce or eliminate our competitive advantages;

 

  we face increased costs as a result of being a public company; and

 

  we have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, and our business and stock price may be adversely affected if we do not adequately address those weaknesses.

 

Additionally, there may be other risks that are otherwise described from time to time in the reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements in this report should be considered in light of various important factors, including the risks and uncertainties listed above, as well as others.

 

Overview

 

The principal business of The Joint Corp., a Delaware corporation, is to develop, own, operate, support and manage chiropractic clinics through direct ownership, management arrangements, franchising and the sale of regional developer rights throughout the United States.

 

As used in this Form 10-Q:

 

  · “we,”  “us,” and “our” refer to The Joint Corp.
     
  · a “clinic” refers to a chiropractic clinic operating under our “Joint” brand, which may be (i) owned by a franchisee, (ii) owned by a professional corporation or limited liability company and managed by a franchisee; (iii) owned directly by us; or (iv) owned by a professional corporation or limited liability company and managed by us.

 

 21 
 

 

  · when we identify an “operator” of a clinic, a party that is “operating” a clinic, or a party by whom a clinic is “operated,” we are referring to the party that operates all aspects of the clinic in certain jurisdictions, and to the party that manages all aspects of the clinic other than the practice of chiropractic in certain other jurisdictions.

 

We seek to be the leading provider of chiropractic care in the markets we serve and to become the most recognized brand in our industry through the rapid and focused expansion of chiropractic clinics in key markets throughout North America and abroad.

 

Key Performance Measures.  We receive both weekly and monthly performance reports from our clinics which include key performance indicators including gross clinic revenues, total royalty income, and patient office visits. We believe these indicators provide us with useful data with which to measure our performance and to measure our franchisees’ and clinics’ performance.

 

Key Clinic Development Trends.   As of September 30, 2015, we or our franchisees operated 277 clinics. Of the 277 clinics in operation, 224 were originally awarded through our regional developer program. We repurchased 17 of the 224 clinics awarded through our regional developer program, which we now operate as company-owned or managed clinics. Our regional developer program is one in which we sold licenses to third parties to develop franchises in particular geographic areas.  In addition, 49 of the 277 clinics in operation were awarded through direct sales. We repurchased eight of the 49 clinics awarded through direct sales, which we now operate as company-owned or managed clinics bringing the total of corporate clinics to 29 as of September 30, 2015.

 

Our future growth strategy will increasingly focus on acquiring and developing clinics that are directly owned operated, or managed by us, while continuing to grow through the sale of additional franchises.  

 

We expect to repurchase or to develop up to 42 franchises or clinics to be operated or managed as company-owned or managed clinics during the year ending December 31, 2015.

 

We expect to open up to 55 new franchised clinics during the year ending December 31, 2015. We generally expect a franchised clinic to open within 9 to 12 months from the date a franchise agreement is signed. This development timeline applies both to clinics franchised directly with us and for clinics franchised through a regional developer. In addition, our regional developers are required, under their respective regional developer agreements, to obtain franchises and open the minimum number of clinics prescribed in their regional developer agreement within a negotiated time period, which takes into account the number of clinics, as well as the size, geography and demographics pertaining to each relevant region. This negotiated time period may differ among regional developers.

 

We may encounter difficulty in finding suitable locations for our planned company-owned or managed clinics, and our franchisees may encounter difficulty in finding and funding suitable locations for their franchised clinics. In addition, we and our franchisees may not be able to secure the services of chiropractors who share our vision and philosophy regarding the practice of chiropractic and are therefore appropriate candidates to provide services at a Joint clinic. Our ability to take full advantage of advertising and public awareness initiatives will depend on the speed with which we can develop either company-owned or franchised clinics in clusters with sufficient density to justify the use of mass media and other strategic media.

 

Recent Developments

 

On December 31, 2014, we reacquired six franchised clinics, closed two clinics and retained the remaining four clinics as company-managed clinics.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we acquired an aggregate of 21 clinics, opened four company-owned or managed clinics and terminated regional developer rights in one territory. As of September 30, 2015 we had 29 company-owned or managed clinics. As part of our company-owned or managed clinic strategy, we may seek to reacquire additional franchises as circumstances permit. We are in process of negotiating lease agreements for additional company clinics which we expect to open later in the year.

 

 22 
 

Development of company-owned or managed clinics will be our principal focus, and we have used and will use a significant amount of the proceeds from our IPO to pursue this strategy. We believe we can leverage the experience we have gained in supporting our demonstrated franchisee growth and our senior management’s experience in rapidly and effectively growing other well-known high velocity specialty retail concepts to successfully develop and profitably operate company-owned or managed clinics. Since commencing operations as a franchisor of chiropractic clinics, we have gained significant experience in identifying the business systems and practices that are required to profitably operate our clinics, validate our model and demonstrate proof of concept.

 

We believe that applying our operating standards to company-owned or managed clinics will enable us to more effectively apply these business systems and practices than in our franchised clinics and to collect more revenue per clinic than would otherwise be available to us solely through the collection of royalty fees, franchise sales fees, and regional developer fees. We intend to develop company-owned or managed clinics in geographic clusters where we are able to increase efficiencies through a consolidated real estate penetration strategy, leverage aggregated advertisement and marketing, and attain general corporate and administrative operating efficiencies. We believe that our management’s experience in this area readily translates to our business model.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we terminated 10 and 30 franchise licenses, respectively, that were in default of various obligations under their respective franchise agreements. In conjunction with these terminations, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized $290,000 and $870,000 of revenue, respectively, and $153,000 and $389,750 of costs, respectively which were previously deferred.

 

Factors Affecting Our Performance

 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the timing of new clinic openings, markets in which they are contained and related expenses, general economic conditions, consumer confidence in the economy, consumer preferences, and competitive factors.

 

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

We adopted accounting policies for revenues and management fees for company clinics in conjunction with our acquisitions of company-owned or managed clinics during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

There were no additional changes in our significant accounting policies and estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from those set forth in “Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Total Revenues

 

Components of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended      
   September 30,      
   2015  2014  Change from
Prior Year
  Percent Change
from Prior Year
Revenues:                    
Royalty fees  $1,150,574   $871,462   $279,112    32.0%
Franchise fees   638,000    435,000    203,000    46.7%
Revenues and management fees from company clinics   1,198,397    -    1,198,397    100.0%
Advertising fund revenue   330,502    88,031    242,471    275.4%
IT related income and software fees   197,569    218,400    (20,831)   (9.5)%
Regional developer fees   531,350    152,250    379,100    249.0%
Other revenues   91,623    51,452    40,171    78.1%
                     
Total revenues  $4,138,015   $1,816,595   $2,321,420    127.8%

 

The reasons for the significant changes in our components of total revenues are as follows:

 

  · Royalty fees have increased due to an increase in the number of clinics in operation during the current quarter along with continued growth of existing clinics.  As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, there were 248 and 230 franchised clinics in operation, respectively.  
  · Franchise fees are recognized when a clinic is opened. Franchise fees have increased due to the recognition of $290,000 in revenues from terminated franchise licenses, partially offset by lower franchise openings in the quarter. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 13 and 16 new clinics opened, respectively.
  · Revenue and management fees from company clinics increased due to our recent acquisition of franchises and their subsequent operation as company-owned or managed clinics.  No such company-owned or managed clinics were in operation during 2014.
  · Advertising fund revenue increased due to an increase in the monthly marketing fee from 1% to 2% in January 2015, as well as continued growth of existing clinics.
  · Regional developer fees increased largely due to revenue recognition on the default and termination of regional developer rights and fees associated with license transfers.
  · IT related income and software fee revenues declined in the aggregate primarily due to lower franchise computer build fee income.
  · Other revenue increased due to merchant income attributed to the growth in quarterly sales compared to 2014.

 

Components of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, are as follows:

 

   Nine Months Ended      
   September 30,      
   2015  2014  Change from
Prior Year
  Percent Change
from Prior Year
Revenues:                    
Royalty fees  $3,264,278   $2,233,053   $1,031,225    46.2%
Franchise fees   1,862,259    1,469,500    392,759    26.7%
Revenues and management fees from company clinics   2,368,866    -    2,368,866    100.0%
Advertising fund revenue   955,480    204,141    751,339    368.0%
IT related income and software fees   598,758    629,225    (30,467)   (4.8)%
Regional developer fees   799,600    377,000    422,600    112.1%
Other revenues   223,419    148,347    75,072    50.6%
                     
Total revenues  $10,072,660   $5,061,266   $5,011,394    99.0%

 

The reasons for the significant changes in our components of total revenues are as follows:

 

  · Royalty fees have increased due to an increase in the number of clinics in operation during the current quarter along with continued growth of existing clinics.  As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, there were 248 and 230 franchised clinics in operation, respectively.  

 

 24 
 

 

  · Franchise fees are recognized when a clinic is opened. Franchise fees have increased due to the recognition of $870,000 in revenues from terminated franchise licenses, partially offset by lower franchise clinic openings in the period.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 36 and 55 new franchise clinics opened, respectively.
  · Revenue and management fees from company clinics increased due to our recent acquisition of franchises and their subsequent operation as company-owned or managed clinics.  No such company-owned or managed clinics were in operation during 2014.
  · Advertising fund revenue increased due to an increase in the monthly marketing fee from 1% to 2% in January 2015, as well as continued growth of existing clinics.
  · Regional developer fees increased largely due to revenue recognition on the default and termination of regional developer rights and fees associated with license transfers.
  · IT related income and software fee and revenue declined in the aggregate primarily due to lower franchise computer build fee income.
  · Other revenue increased due to merchant income attributed to the growth in quarterly sales compared to 2014.

 

Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of Revenues  2015  2014  Change from
Prior Year
  Percent Change
from Prior Year
             
Three Months Ended September 30,  $745,482   $654,395   $91,087    13.9%
Nine Months Ended September 30,  $2,082,561   $1,739,132   $343,429    19.7%

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared with the same period last year, the total cost of revenues increased primarily due to an increase in regional developer commissions on franchise license terminations in the quarter.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared with the same period last year, the total cost of revenues increased primarily due to an increase in regional developer commissions recognized in connection with the franchise license terminations in the period, and an increase in regional developer royalties due to corresponding increased royalty revenue earned in regional developer territories.

 

Selling and Marketing Expenses

 

Selling and Marketing Expenses  2015  2014  Change from
Prior Year
  Percent Change
from Prior Year
             
Three Months Ended September 30,  $693,953   $324,177   $369,776    114.1%
Nine Months Ended September 30,  $2,450,976   $723,955   $1,727,021    238.6%

 

Selling and marketing expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, due to increased system wide sales and the associated contribution to the advertising fund, and due to the expenses of opening Company-owned or managed clinics.

  

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses  2015  2014  Change from
Prior Year
  Percent Change
from Prior Year
             
Three Months Ended September 30,  $421,390   $52,823   $368,567    697.7%
Nine Months Ended September 30,  $822,489   $141,707   $680,782    480.4%

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to fixed assets additions of $1,163,372 and intangible asset additions of $460,541 relating to our acquisitions of franchises and regional developer rights.

 

 25 
 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to fixed assets additions of $3,000,446 and intangible asset additions of $2,454,293 relating to our acquisitions of franchises and regional developer rights.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and Administrative Expenses  2015  2014  Change from
Prior Year
  Percent Change
from Prior Year
             
Three Months Ended September 30,  $4,328,089   $1,096,025   $3,232,064    294.9%
Nine Months Ended September 30,  $10,528,817   $3,146,666   $7,382,151    234.6%

 

General and administrative expenses increased during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to the following:

 

  · An increase of approximately $1,840,000 of employment expense which includes salaries and wages, stock based compensation, health insurance expense and payroll taxes. This is primarily due to an increase in support staff at the corporate level to support the Company’s strategy of operating and managing company clinics, plus the addition of employees in the Company owned/managed clinics.
     
  · An increase of approximately $277,000 in professional fees, primarily related to franchising and acquisition related services, public company costs, and staff placement fees.

 

  · An increase of approximately $466,000 in occupancy costs, primarily due to acquisition of company clinics.

 

  ·

An increase of approximately $566,000 in general administrative expenses, primarily made up of general liability and professional insurance and miscellaneous corporate office expenses.

.

  · An increase of approximately $83,000 in costs related to the acquiring of franchise clinics.

 

General and administrative expenses increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to the following:

 

  · An increase of approximately $4,132,000 of employment expense which includes salaries and wages, stock based compensation, executive relocation costs, health insurance expense and payroll taxes. This is primarily due to an increase in support staff at the corporate level to support the Company’s strategy of operating and managing company clinics, plus the addition of employees in the Company owned/managed clinics.
     
  · An increase of approximately $895,000 in professional fees, primarily related to franchising and acquisition related services, public company costs, and staff placement fees.

 

  · An increase of approximately $831,000 in occupancy costs, primarily due to acquisition of company clinics.
     
  · An increase of approximately $1,162,000 in general administrative expenses, primarily made up of general liability and professional insurance and miscellaneous corporate office expenses.
     
  · An increase of approximately $362,000 in costs related to the acquiring of franchise clinics.

 

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit

 

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit  2015  2014  Change from
Prior Year
  Percent Change
from Prior Year
             
Three Months Ended September 30,  $(6,148)  $163,051   $(169,199)   (103.8)%
Nine Months Ended September 30,  $(6,148)  $284,574   $(290,722)   (102.2)%

 

Changes in our income tax (provision) benefit related primarily to changes in pretax loss during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  For the three and nine months ending September 30, 2015, the effective rate was 0% as we have established a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the effective rate was 38.6% and 31.7%. The difference is due to uncertain tax positions that were recorded during the period and the impact of certain permanent differences on taxable income.

 26 
 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Sources of Liquidity

 

Since 2012, we have financed our business primarily through existing cash on hand and cash flows from operations until 2014 when we completed an initial public offering.

 

On November 14, 2014, we closed on our initial public offering (“IPO”) of 3,000,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $6.50 per share. As a result of the IPO, we received aggregate net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses, of approximately $17,065,000.  On November 18, 2014, our underwriters exercised their option to purchase 450,000 additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, pursuant to which we received aggregate net proceeds of approximately $2,710,000, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses.

 

We are using a significant amount of the net proceeds from our IPO for the development of company-owned or managed clinics.  We may accomplish this by developing new clinics, by repurchasing existing franchises or by acquiring existing chiropractic practices. In addition, we are using these proceeds to repurchase existing regional developer licenses.  Other than to pursue this growth strategy, we have not allocated a specific amount of our net proceeds from the offering to any particular purpose. The net proceeds we actually expend for the development of company-owned or managed clinics and the acquisition of franchises or regional developer licenses may vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the timing of our identification and leasing of suitable sites for company-owned or managed clinics and, in respect of the acquisition of franchises or regional developer licenses, our ability to enter into a binding acquisition agreement on favorable terms and the negotiated purchase price. In addition, the net proceeds we actually expend for general corporate purposes may vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including future revenue growth and our cash flows. As a result, we will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from these offerings. Pending use of the net proceeds from these offerings, we are holding the net proceeds in cash or investments in short-term, investment-grade securities.

 

As of September 30, 2015, we had cash and short-term bank deposits of $9,522,013.

 

Analysis of Cash Flows

 

Net cash used in operating activities increased by $3,894,300 to $4,008,682 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $114,382 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The cash used in operating activities was attributable primarily to increased expenses caused by the addition of senior level and support staff and changes in net working capital and other adjustments.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $7,156,088 and $516,522 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 this includes acquisitions of franchises of $4,652,525, reacquisition and termination of regional developer rights of $1,075,000, purchases of fixed assets of $1,461,125, proceeds received on sale of property and equipment of $11,500, and payments received on notes receivable of $21,562.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 this includes investments in property and equipment of $538,323, proceeds received on sale of property and equipment of $2,500 and payments received on notes receivable of $19,301. 

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $110,000 and $511,921 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 this includes repayments on notes payable of $110,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 this includes $511,921 of deferred offering costs.

 

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Contractual Obligations and Risk

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at September 30, 2015 and the effect that such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:

 

   Payments Due by Fiscal Year
   Total  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  Thereafter
Operating leases  $17,486,856   $431,526   $2,548,329   $2,513,975   $1,948,791   $1,601,175    8,443,060 
Notes payable   634,350    231,500    272,850    130,000    -    -    - 
   $18,121,206   $663,026   $2,821,179   $2,643,975   $1,948,791   $1,601,175   $8,443,060 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities that were established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

 

We continue to implement certain controls over the Company’s financial reporting cycle. These areas included properly segregating duties and increasing the size of our accounting department. However, even with these improvements one or more material weaknesses or significant deficiencies could be present and result in errors in our financial statements.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We are currently in the process of addressing and remediating the control weaknesses described above which included the hiring of additional personnel and continued integration of a new general ledger system.  

  

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In the normal course of business, we are party to litigation from time to time. We maintain insurance to cover certain actions and believe that resolution of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

On July 7, 2015, a group of 13 franchisees, whose licenses had been terminated by us due to defaults in performance, commenced a collective arbitration proceeding in San Diego, California. The claimants’ demand for arbitration asserts claims for breach of contract, promissory fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination of franchise agreements and “wrongful competition” pursuant to unspecified state business practices, unfair competition and franchise statutes. The claimants also seek “a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting us from seeking to operate corporate clinics within 25 miles of any franchise clinic.” Although commenced in California, the arbitration proceeding has been moved to Arizona, pursuant to the franchise agreements in dispute, which include clauses that make it mandatory for any arbitration proceeding to be conducted in Phoenix, Arizona. Each agreement also requires claims to be arbitrated on an individual, not class-wide basis. Additionally, some of the claimants may be unauthorized assignees of franchisees and, therefore, may not have standing to assert certain claims. We do not believe any of the claims, either collectively or individually, have any legal merit and intend to vigorously defend the arbitration proceeding 

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities 

 

On July 15, 2015, the Registrant granted options to purchase an aggregate of 52,250 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $9.62 per share to 21 individuals who were either employees of or service providers to the Registrant. The foregoing option grants were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof on the basis that the transaction did not involve a public offering.

 

On July 15, 2015, the Registrant issued 4,000 restricted shares of its common stock to each of 2 individuals who were either employees of or service providers to the Registrant pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement. The Board of Directors of the Company determined that the fair market value of its common stock as of that date was $9.62 per share, based on the Registrant’s stock trading price. The foregoing restricted stock grants were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof on the basis that the transaction did not involve a public offering.

 

On August 4, 2015, the Registrant granted options to purchase 7,500 shares of its common stock to each of Craig P. Colmar, Steven P. Colmar and John Leonesio and 10,000 options to purchase common stock to each of Bret Sanders, William R. Fields and Ronald V. DaVella. The Board of Directors of the Company determined that the fair market value of its common stock as of that date was $9.08 per share, based on the Registrant’s stock trading price. The foregoing option grants were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof on the basis that the transaction did not involve a public offering.

 

On September 28, 2015, the Registrant granted options to purchase an aggregate of 45,410 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $6.31 per share to 23 individuals who were either employees of or service providers to the Registrant. The foregoing option grants were exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof on the basis that the transaction did not involve a public offering.

 

Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

 

On July 1, 2015, the Company completed its repurchase of one operating franchise and one undeveloped franchise in Maricopa County, Arizona (the “Repurchase Transaction”) from Chiro-Novo, LLC. The total consideration for the Repurchase Transaction was $265,000, $212,000 of which was funded from the proceeds of the Company’s initial public offering (IPO). The Company is operating the operating franchise as a Company-owned clinic.

 

On August 10, 2015, the Company repurchased one operating franchise and two undeveloped franchises in Erie County, New York (the “Repurchase Transaction”) from the Chiro Group. The Company is operating the operating franchise to manage an affiliated Company clinic. In a related transaction, the Company terminated a regional developer agreement (the “Termination Transaction”) relating to development rights in Erie County, Monroe County, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Albany County, all located in the state of New York. The Company terminated the regional developer license as a prelude to developing Company-managed clinics in the region. The total consideration for the Repurchase Transaction and the Termination Transaction was $350,000, $303,050 of which was funded from the proceeds of the Company’s IPO.

 

Our reasonable estimate of net proceeds from the IPO in the amount of $2.7 million were also expended during the quarter for general corporate purposes, including compensation of officers and non-employee directors.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

The Exhibit Index immediately following the Signatures to this Form 10-Q is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q.

 

 

 

THE JOINT CORP.

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  THE JOINT CORP.
       
Dated: November 16, 2015 By:  /s/ John B. Richards  
    John B. Richards  
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
       
  By: /s/ Francis T. Joyce  
    Francis T. Joyce  
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description of Document
     
     
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (filed herewith).
     
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (filed herewith).
     
32   Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document.
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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