UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021
  
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: 000-50587

 

WRIGHT INVESTORS’ SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware 13-4005439

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

118 North Bedford Road, Ste. 100, Mount Kisco, NY10549
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)

 

(914) 242-5700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data 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 x  No ¨

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:           None 

 

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

 

Title of each classTrading Symbol (s)Name of each exchange on which registered
   
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueWISHIWSHOTC

 

As of August 1, 2020,May 12, 2021, there were 19,839,777 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding. 

 

 

  

 

WRIGHT INVESTORS’ SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 Part I.  Financial InformationPage No.
   
Item 1.Financial Statements of Wright Investors’ Service Holdings, Inc.1
   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations-

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

1
   
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -

June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 (Unaudited) and December 31, 20192020

2
   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

SixThree Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

3
   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity-

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

4
   
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -

June 30,Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

5
   
   
   
Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial


Condition and Results of Operations

109
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk1210
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures1210
   
 Part II. Other Information 
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds1311
   
Item 5.Other Information1311
   
Item 6.Exhibits1412
  
SIGNATURES1513

 

  
Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements.

 

WRIGHT INVESTORS' SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2020  2019  2020  2019  2021  2020 
              
Expenses                     
Compensation and benefits $126  $127  $259  $280  $106  $133 
Other operating  221   418   465   892   196   244 
  347   545   724   1,172   302   377 
Loss from operations  (347)  (545)  (724)  (1,172)  (302)  (377)
Interest and other income, net  1   46   60   192   53   59 
Loss from operations before income taxes  (346)  (499)  (664)  (980)  (249)  (318)
Income tax expense  -   (14)  -   (25)
Income tax benefit / (expense)  -   - 
Net loss $(346) $(513) $(664) $(1,005) $(249) $(318)
                        
Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.02) $(0.03) $(0.03) $(0.05) $(0.01) $(0.02)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WRIGHT INVESTORS' SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 June 30, December 31,  March 31, December 31, 
 2020  2019  2021  2020 
  (unaudited)      (unaudited)    
Assets             
Current assets             
Cash and cash equivalents $6,494  $7,336  $6,139  $6,469 
Investments in U.S. Treasury Bills  250   - 
Income tax receivable  52   15   73   73 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  56   131   76   40 
Total current assets  6,852   7,482   6,288   6,582 
                
        
Other assets  8   26   8   8 
Deferred tax assets  -   37 
Total assets $6,860  $7,545  $6,296  $6,590 
                
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                
Current liabilities                
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $70  $190  $68  $83 
Loan payable  15   -   -   53 
Total current liabilities  85   190   68   136 
                
Other long-term liabilities  38   - 
                
Total liabilities  123   190 
        
                
Stockholders’ equity                
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 10,000,000 shares;
none issued
  -   -   -   - 
                
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 30,000,000 shares;
issued 20,654,996 as of June 30, 2020 and December 31,
2019; outstanding 19,839,777 at June 30,
2020 and December 31, 2019; and 33,333 shares issuable as
of June 30, 2020
  206   206 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 30,000,000 shares;
issued 20,654,996 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31,
2020; outstanding 19,839,777 at March 31,
2021 and December 31, 2020; and 337,416 and 227,160 shares issuable as
of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020
  206   206 
                
Additional paid-in capital  34,180   34,134   34,249   34,226 
Accumulated deficit  (25,950)  (25,286)  (26,528)  (26,279)
Treasury stock, at cost (815,219 shares at June 30, 2020 and December
31, 2019)
  (1,699)  (1,699)
Treasury stock, at cost (815,219 shares at March 31, 2021 and December
31, 2020)
  (1,699)  (1,699)
Total stockholders' equity  6,737   7,355   6,228   6,454 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $6,860  $7,545  $6,296  $6,590 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WRIGHT INVESTORS' SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 2020  2019  2021  2020 
Cash flows from operating activities             
             
Net loss $(664) $(1,005) $(249) $(318)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Equity based compensation, including vesting of stock to directors  46   44   23   23 
Amortization expense – right-of-use assets  -   137 
Unrealized appreciation on investments in U.S. Treasury Bills  -   13 
Gain on extinguishment of debt  (53)  - 
Changes in other operating items:                
Deferred tax asset  37   74   -   37 
Income taxes receivable  (37)  (73)  -   (37)
Prepaid expenses, other current assets, and other assets  93   96   (36)  58 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (120)  (56)  (15)  (48)
Operating lease liability  -   (129)
Net cash used in operating activities  (645)  (899)  (330)  (285)
                
Cash flows from investing activities        
Investments in U.S. Treasury Bills  (250)  (2,027)
Net cash used in investing activities  (250)  (2,027)
        
Cash flows from financing activities        
Proceeds from loan  53   - 
Net cash from financing activities  53   - 
                
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (842)  (2,926)  (330)  (285)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period  7,336   6,163   6,469   7,336 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $6,494  $3,237  $6,139  $7,051 
        
        
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information        
Net cash paid during the period for Income taxes $1  $- 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WRIGHT INVESTORS' SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

THREE AND SIXNINE MONTHS ENDED June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019

(UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

           Total            Total 
     Additional   Treasury stock-      Additional   Treasury stock- 
 Common stock (Issued) paid -in Accumulated stock, at holders  Common stock (Issued) paid -in Accumulated stock, at holders 
 shares amount capital deficit cost equity 
Balance at December 31, 2018 20,462,462  $204  $34,046  $(23,283) $(1,699) $9,268 
Net loss -  -  -  (492) -  (492)
Equity based compensation expense -  -  2  -  -  2 
Stock based compensation expense to directors -  -  20  -  -  20 
Balance at March 31, 2019 20,462,462  $204  $34,068  $(23,775) $(1,699) $8,798 
Net loss -  -  -  (513) -  (513)
Equity based compensation expense -  -  2  -  -  2 
Stock based compensation expense to directors 97,078  1  19  -  -  20 
Balance at June 30, 2019 20,559,540  $205  $34,089  $(24,288) $(1,699) $8,307 

                   shares amount capital deficit cost equity 
Balance at December 31, 2019 20,654,996  $206  $34,134  $(25,286) $(1,699) $7,355   20,654,996  $206  $34,134  $(25,286) $(1,699) $7,355 
Net loss -  -  -  (318) -  (318)  -   -   -   (318)  -   (318)
Equity based compensation expense -  -  3  -  -  3   -   -   3   -   -   3 
Stock based compensation expense to directors -  -  20  -  -  20   -   -   20   -   -   20 
Balance at March 31, 2020 20,654,996  $206  $34,157  $(25,604) $(1,699) $7,060   20,654,996  $206  $34,157  $(25,604) $(1,699) $7,060 
                        
                        
                        
Balance at December 31, 2020  20,654,996  $206  $34,226  $(26,279) $(1,699) $6,454 
Net loss -  -  -  (346) -  (346)  -   -   -   (249)  -   (249)
Equity based compensation expense -  -  3  -  -  3   -   -   3   -   -   3 
Stock based compensation expense to directors -  -  20  -  -  20   -   -   20   -   -   20 
Balance at June 30, 2020 20,654,996  $206  $34,180  $(25,950) $(1,699) $6,737 
Balance at March 31, 2021  20,654,996  $206  $34,249  $(26,528) $(1,699) $6,228 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WRIGHT INVESTORS’ SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019

 

(unaudited)

 

1.Basis of presentation and description of activities

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying interim financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X.  The information and note disclosures normally included in complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 20192020 has been derived from audited financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 20192020 as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, this interim information includes all material adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation. The results for the 20202021 interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire year.

 

 

Description of activities

 

The Company has no or nominal operations. As a result, the Company is a “shell company”, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. As a shell company, its stockholders will be unable to utilize Rule 144 of the Securities Act, or Rule 144 to sell “restricted stock” as defined in Rule 144 or otherwise use Rule 144 to sell stock of the Company, and the Company would be ineligible to utilize registration statements on Form S-3 or Form S-8 for so long as the Company remains a shell company and for 12 months thereafter. Among other things, as a consequence, the offering, issuance and sale of its securities is likely to be more expensive and time consuming and may make the Company’s securities less attractive to investors.

 

The Company is not engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, and it does not hold itself out as being engaged in those activities. However, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), a company may fall within the scope of being an “inadvertent investment company” under section 3(a)(1)(C) of such Act if the value of the Company’s investment securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act) is more than 40% of the Company’s total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash and certain cash equivalents). 

 

The Company intends to evaluate and explore all available strategic options. The Company will continue to work to maximize stockholder value. Such strategic options may include acquisition of an investment advisory business, acquisition of a financial services business, creating partnerships or joint ventures for those or other businesses and investing in other businesses that provide attractive opportunities for growth. The directors will also consider alternatives for distributing some or all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents. Until such time as a decision is made as to how the proceeds from the Sale and other liquid assets of the Company are so deployed, the Company intends to invest the proceeds of the Sale and its other liquid assets in high-grade, short- term investments (such as cash and cash equivalents) consistent with the preservation of principal, maintenance of liquidity and avoidance of speculation.

 

2.Adoption of new accounting guidance

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which eliminates the second step of the previous FASB guidance for testing goodwill for impairment and is intended to reduce cost and complexity of goodwill impairment testing. The Company has adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, which did not have an impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3.Certain newNew accounting guidance not yet adopted

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13) "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss model which requires the use of forward-looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. It also eliminates the concept of other-than-temporary impairment and requires credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a reduction in the amortized cost basis of the securities. These changes will result in earlier recognition of credit losses. The standard, as amended, is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2022 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to have an impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

4.3.Per share data

 

Loss per share for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 respectively, is calculated based on 19,873,11020,137,129 and 19,744,32119,856,444 weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, including 33,333a weighted average 297,352 shares which are issuable at June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.

 

Loss per shareStock awards for the six months ended June 30, 202033,334 and 2019 respectively, is calculated based on 19,864,777 and 19,688,848 weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, including 25,000 shares which are issuable, at June 30, 2020.

Options for 550,00066,667 shares of common stock for each of the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, and stock awards for 66,667 and 100,000 shares of common stock for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were not included in the diluted computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive since the Company incurred net losses for both periods.

 

5.4.Investment valuation

 

The Company carries its investments at fair value. Fair value is an estimate of the exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (i.e., the exit price at the measurement date). Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy provides for prioritizing inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels:

 

Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 
Level 2Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, and reasonably available. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.

 
Level 3Unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect the assumptions that the Company develops based on available information about what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability.

 

An asset or liability's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a variety of factors. The Company uses judgment in determining fair value of assets and liabilities and Level 3 assets and liabilities involve greater judgment than Level 1 or Level 2 assets or liabilities.

 

As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019,2020, the Company held $6,675,000$4,700,000 and $7,144,000$5,950,000, respectively, in U.S. government debt securities. U.S. government securities are valued using a model that incorporates market observable data, such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor from an actively traded exchange. U.S. government debt securities are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used and market activity levels for specific securities. The U.S. government debt securities, which have maturities of three months or less at time of purchase, are reported as Cash and cash equivalents, and those with longer maturities are reported as investments, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019.2020. 

 

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The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments at fair value (in thousands):

 

  

Fair Value Measurements
as of June 30, 2020

 
  6/30/2020  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents $6,494  $69  $6,425  $- 
Investments in U.S. Treasury Bills  250   -   250   - 
  

Fair Value Measurements

as of March 31, 2021

 
  3/31/2021  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents $6,139  $1,439  $4,700  $- 

 

 

  

Fair Value Measurements
as of December 31, 2019

 
   

 

 

 

 

 

12/31/2019

   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

   

 

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents $7,336  $192  $7,144  $- 
  

Fair Value Measurements

as of December 31, 2020

 
  12/31/2020  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents $6,469  $519  $5,950  $- 

 

 

6.5.Income taxes

 

Income tax expense represents minimum state taxes. No tax benefit has been recorded in relation to the pre-tax loss for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, due to a full valuation allowance to offset any deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carry forwards attributable to the losses.

 

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The Act contains several new or changed income tax provisions, including but not limited to the following: increased limitation threshold for determining deductible interest expense; class life changes to qualified improvements and the ability to carry back net operating losses incurred from tax years 2018 through 2020 up to the five preceding tax years. The Company has evaluated the new tax provisions of the CARES Act and determined the impact to be either immaterial or not applicable.

 

 

7.6.Loan Payable

 

On May 1, 2020, the Company received $53,000 from Fieldpoint Private Bank pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan”) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan matures on May 4, 2022 (the “Maturity Date”), accrues interest at 1% per annum and may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty. No principal or interest payments are due within the initial six months of the PPP Loan. Thereafter, monthly payments of principal and interest are due. The interest accrued during the initial six-month period is due and payable, together with the remaining principal, on the Maturity Date. As of June 30, 2020, short-term liability related to the loan payable was approximately $15,000 and the long-term liability was approximately $38,000. The Company intends to useused all proceeds from the PPP Loan to retain employees, maintain payroll and make operating expense payments to support business continuity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, whichpandemic. The amounts are intended to be eligible for forgiveness, subject towere forgiven as of January 7, 2021 and the provisionsgain of the CARES Act and could be subject to claw back.extinguishment of debt of $53,000 was recorded as Other income as of March 31, 2021.

 

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8.7.Capital Stock

 

The Company’s Board of Directors, without any vote or action by the holders of common stock, is authorized to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and to determine the number of shares and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of any series of preferred stock.

 

The Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 5,000,000 outstanding shares of common stock from time to time either in open market or privately negotiated transactions. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had repurchased 2,041,971 shares of its common stock and a total of 2,958,029 of the authorization shares, remained available for repurchase as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. No such shares were repurchased during any of the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 2019.

2020.

 

9.8.Incentive stock plans and stock-based compensation

 

Stock awards

 

On February 13, 2019, 100,000 stock awards were issued to a newly appointed director of the Company. The stock awards vest equally, annually, over 3 years. The stock awards are valued based on the closing price of $0.42 of the Company’s common stock on February 13, 2019. At June 30, 2020, 66,667March 31, 2021, 33,334 stock awards remained unvested and 33,33366,666 shares are to be issued.

 

The Company recorded compensation expense of approximately $3,000$3,300 and $3,000 for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and compensation expense of approximately $6,000 and $4,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to those stock awards. The total unrecognized compensation expense related to these unvested stock awards at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 is $21,900,$12,300, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately 20.9 years. 

 

Common stock optionsCapital Stock

 

TheDuring the quarter ended March 31, 2021, a) the Company adopted a stock-based compensation plan for employees and non-employee membersincurred $20,000 of director fees payable in 76,923 shares of its Boardcommon stock which were not issued as of DirectorsMarch 31, 2021 and b) 33,333 stock awards vested which were not issued at March 31, 2021. During the year ended 2020, there were 193,827 shares of Company common stock to be issued to the independent directors of the Company, in November 2003 (the “2003 Plan”),payment of quarterly directors’ fees due to them for services in 2020 and 33,333 stock awards to be issued to a director of the National Patent Development Corporation 2007 Incentive Stock Plan in December 2007 (the “2007 NPDC Plan”).Company. The periods during which additional awards may be granted under the plans have expired and no further awards may be granted under any of these plans after December 20, 2017. As a consequence, any equity compensation awards were issued after that time will be on terms determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and pursuant to exemptionsthe exemption from the registration requirements of the securities laws.

The Company recorded compensation expense of $0 and $100, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under these plans. 

The Company issued 100,000 options to a consultant on March 28, 2016 which vest equally over 3 years and are subject to post vesting restrictions for sale for three years with an exercise price of $1.29, which price was equal to the market value at the dateSection 5 of the grant. 

AsSecurities Act of June 30, 2020, all options were vested and there were outstanding options to acquire 550,000 common shares under1933 (“1933 Act”) provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the 2007 NPDC Plan, all 550,000 options were vested and exercisable, having a weighted average exercise price of $1.35 per share, a weighted average contractual term of 1.75 years and zero aggregate intrinsic value. There were no grants, forfeitures or options exercised during the first and second quarters of 2020.1933 Act. 

 

 

10.9.Commitments, Contingencies, and Other

 

a)The extent of the impact and effects of the recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the operation and financial performance of our Company are unknown. However, the Company does not expect that the outbreak will have a material adverse effect on financial results at this time.

 

b)In July 2019, the Company entered into a six-month lease for office space in a building located in Mt. Kisco, NY. The lease commenced on September 1, 2019 and expired on February 29, 2020, after which itand is being renewed on a monthly basis for $3,800 per month.

 

c)The Company has interests in land and certain flowage rights in undeveloped property (the “properties”) primarily located in Killingly, Connecticut. The properties were fully impaired as of December 31, 2018.

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On September 26, 2014, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) issued two Orders requiring the investigation and repair of two dams in which the Company and its subsidiaries have certain ownership interests. The first Order required that the Company investigate and make specified repairs to the ACME Pond Dam located in Killingly, Connecticut. The second Order, as subsequently revised by DEEP on October 10, 2014, required that the Company investigate and make specified repairs to the Killingly Pond Dam located in Killingly, Connecticut. The Company administratively appealed and contested the allegations in both Orders. On July 27, 2017, the Company entered into a Consent Order with the DEEP relative to Killingly Pond Dam. The Killingly Pond Consent Order required the Company to continue to perform routine maintenance and administrative procedures consistent with DEEP’s Dam Safety regulations, the cost of which was not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

On July 27, 2018,2017, the Company entered into a Consent Order with the DEEP relative to Acme Pond Dam. The Acme Pond Dam Consent Order required the Company to investigate and recommend repairs to Acme Pond Dam. Based up on the work performed by the Company’s retained consulting engineering firm, the Company submitted its recommended Action Plan (the “Action Plan”) for Acme Pond Dam pursuant to the Consent Order on November 30, 2017 and such recommended Action Plan was approved by DEEP as submitted on May 23, 2019. The estimated cost of work to be performed under the Action Plan was $90,000 and was accrued for at December 31, 2018. Total expenses for the repair work conducted in accordance with the Action Plan during the year ending December 31, 2019 was approximately $150,000. All repair work required for both the ACME Pond Dam and the Killingly Pond Dam was completed as of December 31, 2019. DEEP issued a Certificate of Compliance for Consent Order for the ACME Pond Dam on February 7, 2020, and a Certificate of Compliance for Consent Order for the Killingly Pond Dam was issued on May 22, 2020. On February 11, 2020, the Company and its representatives met with the Town of Killingly Town Council to discuss a proposed ownership transfer of the properties to the Town of Killingly or a group of interested parties. The proposal is currently under the review of the Town of Killingly Town Council, in conjunction with the Town Manager.

 

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

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” and “intend,” as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Factors that may cause actual results to differ from those results expressed or implied, include, but are not limited to, those listed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20192020 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 30, 2020.12, 2021.

 

These forward-looking statements generally relate to our plans, objectives and expectations for future events and include statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts.  These statements are based upon our opinions and estimates as of the date they are made.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may be beyond our control, which could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from results, performance and achievements projected, expected, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  While we cannot assess the future impact that any of these differences could have on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows or the market price of shares of our common stock, the differences could be significant. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this report and you are urged to consider all such risks and uncertainties. In light of the uncertainty inherent in such forward-looking statements, you should not consider their inclusion to be a representation that such forward-looking matters will be achieved. 

 

General Overview

 

The Company is a “shell company”, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  Because we are a shell company, our stockholders are unable to utilize Rule 144 to sell “restricted stock” as defined in Rule 144 or to otherwise use Rule 144 to sell our securities, and we are ineligible to utilize registration statements on Form S-3 or Form S-8 for so long as we remain a shell company and for 12 months thereafter.  As a consequence, among other things, the offering, issuance and sale of our securities is likely to be more expensive and time consuming and may make our securities less attractive to investors.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors is considering strategic uses for its funds to develop or acquire interests in one or more operating businesses.  While we have focused our development or acquisition efforts on sectors in which our management has expertise, we do not wish to limit ourselves to, or to foreclose any opportunities in, any particular industry or sector.  Prior to this use, the Company’s funds have been, and we anticipate will continue to be, invested in high-grade, short-term investments (such as cash and cash equivalents) consistent with the preservation of principal, maintenance of liquidity and avoidance of speculation, until such time as we need to utilize such funds, or any portion thereof, for the purposes described above.   The directors will also consider alternatives for distributing some or all of its cash and cash equivalents to stockholders.

 

Results of operations

 

Three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had a loss from operations before income taxes of $346,000$249,000 compared to a loss from operations before income taxes of $499,000$318,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019.  March 31, 2020.

 

The decreased loss before income taxes of $153,000$69,000 was primarily as athe result of a decrease in Other operating expenses of $197,000 mainly as the result$48,000 and decrease in Compensation and benefits of decreased professional fees and decreased rent expense,$27,000 offset by a decrease in Interest and other income of $45,000.$6,000.

 

Compensation and benefits

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Compensation and benefits were $106,000 as compared to $133,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

The decreased Compensation and benefits of $27,000 was primarily the result of a decrease in the health plan, medical expense, and unemployment tax for the three months ended March 31, 2021 in comparison to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

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Other operating expenses

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, Other operating expenses were $221,000$196,000 as compared to $418,000$244,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019.March 31, 2020. The decreased operating expenses of $197,000$48,000 were primarily the result of decreased insurance expenses of $20,000, decreased professional fees of $111,000,$26,000, decreased renttravel and entertainment expense of $43,000$11,000, and decreased other expenses of $21,000.$11,000.

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Income taxes

  

The Company did not record any income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020. For the three months ended June 30, 2019,March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $14,000 and $25,000, respectively,less than $1,000, which representedrepresents minimum state taxes. No tax benefit has been recorded in relation to the pre-tax loss for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, due to a full valuation allowance to offset any deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carry forwards attributable to the losses. 

 

Other Assets

The Company has interests in landInterest and certain flowage rights in undeveloped property (the “properties”) primarily located in Killingly, Connecticut, which are deemed to be fully impaired as of June 30, 2020 and are subject to a proposed transfer (See Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019other income

 

For the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020, the Company had a loss from operations beforeMarch 31, 2021, interest and other income taxes of $664,000was $53,000 as compared to a loss from operations of $980,000$59,000 for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019.  

The decreased loss before income taxes of $316,000 was the result of a decrease in Compensation and benefits of $21,000 and a decrease in Other operating expenses of $427,000, offset by a decrease inMarch 31, 2020. Interest and other income of $132,000,during the period ended March 31, 2021 primarily asrelates to the resultforgiveness of the recovery inPPP loan while interest and other income during the first quarter of 2019period ended March 31, 2020 primarily relates to a reimbursement due to the liquidation of an old investment of $100,000 in a private entity that was deemed worthless.

Compensation and benefits

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, Compensation and benefits were $259,000 as compared to $280,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as the result of the Company having fewer employees and a decrease in the health plan expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 in comparison to the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Other operating expenses

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, Other operating expenses were $465,000 as compared to $892,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The decreased operating expenses of $427,000 were primarily the result of decreased insurance expenses of $40,000, decreased professional fees of $227,000, decreased rent expense of $97,000 and decreased other expenses of $63,000.

Income taxes

The Company did not record any income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $14,000 and $25,000, respectively, which represented minimum state taxes. No tax benefit has been recorded in relation to the pre-tax loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, due to a full valuation allowance to offset any deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carry forwards attributable to the losses. interest income.

 

 

Financial condition

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents totaling $6,494,000,$6,139,000, which it intends to use to acquire interests in one or more operating businesses, to fund the Company’s general and administrative expenses, and the directors will also consider alternatives for distributing some or all of its cash and cash equivalents to stockholders.  The Company believes that its working capital is sufficient to support its operating requirements through June 30, 2021.2022.

 

Cash equivalents represent short-term, highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible to cash and have maturities of three months or less at time of purchase. Please refer to note 54 for valuation on Investments.

 

The decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $842,000$330,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was primarily the result of $645,000$330,000 used in operating activities and $250,000 used to invest in long term U.S. Treasury Bills, offset by proceeds from a PPP loan of $53,000.activities.

 

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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not required.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, with the assistance of other members of the Company’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is 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. Based upon such evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

 

The Company��sCompany’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have also concluded that there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

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

 

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 5,000,000 outstanding shares of common stock from time to time either in open market or privately negotiated transactions. At June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had repurchased 2,041,971 shares of its common stock and, a total of 2,958,029 shares remained available for repurchase at June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, pursuant to the 5,000,000 shares repurchase plans. The Company did not repurchase shares of common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.

 

Item 5.Other Information

 

None

 

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Item 6.Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.
 Description
   
31.1*Certification of principal executive officer of the Company, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
   
31.2*Certification of principal financial officer of the Company, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
   
32.1*Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by the principal executive officer of the Company and the principal financial officer of the Company
   
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 Extension Labels Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

________________________

 

*Filed herewith

 

**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 WRIGHT INVESTORS’ SERVICE HOLDINGS, INC

 
  

 
Date:  AugustMay 13, 20202021By:/s/ HARVEY P. EISEN
  Name:Harvey P. Eisen
  Title:

Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

Date:  AugustMay 13, 20202021By:/s/ HAROLD D. KAHN
  Name:Harold D. Kahn
  Title:

Acting Chief Financial Officer and Acting Principal
Accounting Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

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