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 ACTOF 1934

 

For the quarterly period endedJulyOctober 31, 2016

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from ___________________________________________________________________________________ to ___________________________________________________________________________________

 

Commission File Number:0-11306

 

 

VALUE LINE,, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New York

13-3139843

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

 

485 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York

10017-2630

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

                                                                                                                                                    

(212) 907-1500

(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 and posted on its corporate Website, if any, 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, 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.

 

Large accelerated filer [  ]

Accelerated filer [  ]

Non-accelerated filer [X]

Smaller reporting company [  ]

 

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

                   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [  ] No [X]

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                                                                                        

Class

Outstanding at August 25,October 31, 2016

 

 

Common stock, $0.10 par value

9,721,7259,715,128 Shares

                                             

 
 

 

 

VALUE LINE INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

  

Page No.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 
   
 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016

3

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the three and six months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015

4

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015

5

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015

6

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016

7

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015

8

   
 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

9

   

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

19

24

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

30

37

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

32

39

   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

32

39

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

32

39

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

3340

Item 5.

Other Information 

3340

Item 6.

Exhibits

34

41

 

Signatures

35

42

  

 
 

 

  

Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Value Line, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

  

July 31,

  

April 30,

 
  

2016

  

2016

 
  

(unaudited)

     

Assets

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents (including short terminvestments of $19,846 and $12,037, respectively)

 $21,395  $13,122 

Securities available-for-sale

  3,875   3,637 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtfulaccounts of $21 and $22, respectively

  1,482   1,254 

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

  51   126 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  1,512   1,381 

Deferred income taxes

  96   432 

Total current assets

  28,411   19,952 
         

Long term assets:

        

Investment in EAM Trust

  58,123   57,942 

Property and equipment, net

  623   3,621 

Capitalized software and other intangible assets, net

  3,890   4,992 

Total long term assets

  62,636   66,555 
         

Total assets

 $91,047  $86,507 
         

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

        

Current Liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 $1,905  $2,669 

Accrued salaries

  1,136   1,066 

Dividends payable

  1,653   1,659 

Accrued taxes on income

  3,617   388 

Unearned revenue

  19,316   20,516 

Total current liabilities

  27,627   26,298 
         

Long term liabilities:

        

Unearned revenue

  4,283   4,926 

Deferred income taxes

  20,213   20,683 

Total long term liabilities

  24,496   25,609 

Total liabilities

  52,123   51,907 
         

Shareholders' Equity:

        

Common stock, $0.10 par value; authorized 30,000,000shares; issued 10,000,000 shares

  1,000   1,000 

Additional paid-in capital

  991   991 

Retained earnings

  40,229   35,524 

Treasury stock, at cost (276,125 and 243,411 shares, respectively)

  (3,575)  (3,040)

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

  279   125 

Total shareholders' equity

  38,924   34,600 
         

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $91,047  $86,507 

  

October 31,

  

April 30,

 
  

2016

  

2016

 
  

(unaudited)

     

Assets

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents (including short terminvestments of $5,321 and $12,037, respectively)

 $6,737  $13,122 

Securities available-for-sale

  14,509   3,637 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtfulaccounts of $17 and $22, respectively

  1,734   1,254 

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

  58   126 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  1,445   1,381 

Deferred income taxes

  232   432 

Total current assets

  24,715   19,952 
         

Long term assets:

        

Investment in EAM Trust

  58,167   57,942 

Restricted money market investment

  469   - 

Property and equipment, net

  656   3,621 

Capitalized software and other intangible assets, net

  2,731   4,992 

Total long term assets

  62,023   66,555 
         

Total assets

 $86,738  $86,507 
         

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

        

Current Liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 $1,481  $2,669 

Accrued salaries

  1,146   1,066 

Dividends payable

  1,652   1,659 

Accrued taxes on income

  1,832   388 

Unearned revenue

  18,762   20,516 

Total current liabilities

  24,873   26,298 
         

Long term liabilities:

        

Unearned revenue

  4,035   4,926 

Deferred income taxes

  19,519   20,683 

Total long term liabilities

  23,554   25,609 

Total liabilities

  48,427   51,907 
         

Shareholders' Equity:

        

Common stock, $0.10 par value; authorized 30,000,000shares; issued 10,000,000 shares

  1,000   1,000 

Additional paid-in capital

  991   991 

Retained earnings

  40,056   35,524 

Treasury stock, at cost (284,872 and 243,411 shares, respectively)

  (3,721)  (3,040)

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

  (15)  125 

Total shareholders' equity

  38,311   34,600 
         

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $86,738  $86,507 

  

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

 

 

 

Value Line, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income

(in thousands, except share & per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
 

July 31,

  

October 31,

  

October 31,

 
 

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 
                        

Revenues:

                        

Investment periodicals and related publications

 $7,650  $8,184  $7,629  $8,039  $15,279  $16,223 

Copyright data fees

  871   648   1,021   598   1,892   1,246 

Total publishing revenues

  8,521   8,832   8,650   8,637   17,171   17,469 

Gain on sale of operating facility

  8,123   -   -   -   8,123   - 

Total revenues

  16,644   8,832   8,650   8,637   25,294   17,469 
                        

Expenses:

                        

Advertising and promotion

  908   984   620   748   1,528   1,732 

Salaries and employee benefits

  3,908   3,779   4,301   3,925   8,209   7,704 

Production and distribution

  2,474   1,965   2,350   2,065   4,824   4,030 

Office and administration

  1,217   1,145   1,356   1,073   2,573   2,218 

Total expenses

  8,507   7,873   8,627   7,811   17,134   15,684 

Income from operations

  8,137   959   23   826   8,160   1,785 
                        

Revenues and profits interests in EAM Trust

  1,916   2,042   1,932   1,940   3,848   3,982 

Income from securities transactions, net

  33   51   61   31   94   82 

Income before income taxes

  10,086   3,052   2,016   2,797   12,102   5,849 

Income tax provision

  3,728   933   536   805   4,264   1,738 

Net income

 $6,358  $2,119  $1,480  $1,992  $7,838  $4,111 
                        

Earnings per share, basic & fully diluted

 $0.65  $0.22  $0.15  $0.20  $0.81  $0.42 
                        
                        

Weighted average number of common shares

  9,739,355   9,803,734   9,718,650   9,787,610   9,729,002   9,795,672 

 

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

 

 

 

Value Line, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

  

For the Three Months Ended

 
  

July 31,

 
  

2016

  

2015

 
         
         

Net income

 $6,358  $2,119 
         

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

        

Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

  154   (92)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  154   (92)

Comprehensive income

 $6,512  $2,027 

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
  

October 31,

  

October 31,

 
  

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 
                 
                 

Net income

 $1,480  $1,992  $7,838  $4,111 
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

                

Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

  (294)  66   (140)  (26)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  (294)  66   (140)  (26)

Comprehensive income

 $1,186  $2,058  $7,698  $4,085 

 

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

 

 

 

Value Line, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  

For the Three Months Ended

 
  

July 31,

 
  

2016

  

2015

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income

 $6,358  $2,119 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

  1,449   710 

Non-voting revenues interest in EAM Trust

  (1,787)  (1,902)

Non-voting profits interest in EAM Trust

  (129)  (140)

Realized gain on sale of operating facility

  (8,123)  - 

Deferred income taxes

  (174  (163)

Deferred rent

  (50)  (50)

Other, net

  (15)  (15)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Unearned revenue

  (1,843)  (975)

Accounts payable & accrued expenses

  (714)  (98)

Accrued salaries

  70   (7)

Accrued taxes on income

  3,185   1,001 

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

  75   1 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  (131)  177 

Accounts receivable

  (228)  34 

Total adjustments

  (8,415)  (1,427)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  (2,057)  692 
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Purchases of securities classified as available-for-sale

  -   (138)

Distributions received from EAM Trust

  1,750   1,951 

Proceeds from sale of operating facility

  11,555   - 

Acquisition of property and equipment

  (515)  - 

Expenditures for capitalized software

  (266)  (518)

Net cash provided by investing activities

  12,524   1,295 
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Purchase of treasury stock at cost

  (535)  (166)

Dividends paid

  (1,659)  (1,472)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (2,194)  (1,638)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

  8,273   349 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  13,122   5,874 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $21,395  $6,223 

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

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
  

October 31,

 
  

2016

  

2015

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income

 $7,838  $4,111 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

  2,747   1,430 

Non-voting revenues interest in EAM Trust

  (3,586)  (3,721)

Non-voting profits interest in EAM Trust

  (262)  (261)

Realized gain on sale of operating facility

  (8,123)  - 

Realized losses on securities

  -   15 

Unrealized gains on securities

  (30)  (30)

Deferred rent

  (100)  (100)

Deferred income taxes

  (650)  (399)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Unearned revenue

  (2,645)  (2,000)

Reserve for settlement

  -   (5)

Accounts payable & accrued expenses

  (1,088)  (157)

Accrued salaries

  80   (148)

Accrued taxes on income

  1,207   (19)

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

  68   11 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  (64)  200 

Accounts receivable

  (480)  238 

Total adjustments

  (12,926)  (4,946)

Net cash used in operating activities

  (5,088)  (835)
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Purchases of equity securities classified as available-for-sale

  (4,954)  (1,611)

Purchases of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale

  (6,135)  - 

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

  -   8,684 

Distributions received from EAM Trust

  3,653   3,989 

Proceeds from sale of operating facility

  11,555   - 

Restricted money market investment

  (469)  - 

Acquisition of property and equipment

  (593)  - 

Expenditures for capitalized software

  (360)  (931)

Net cash provided by investing activities

  2,697   10,131 
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Purchase of treasury stock at cost

  (681)  (548)

Dividends paid

  (3,313)  (3,039)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (3,994)  (3,587)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

  (6,385)  5,709 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  13,122   5,874 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $6,737  $11,583 

Value Line, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2016

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

  

Common stock

  

Additional

paid-in-

  

Treasury stock

  

Retained

  

Accumulated other comprehensive

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

earnings

  

income

  

Total

 

Balance at April 30, 2016

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (243,411) $(3,040) $35,524  $125  $34,600 
                                 

Net income

                      6,358       6,358 

Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

                          154   154 

Purchase of treasury stock

              (32,714)  (535)          (535)

Dividends declared

                      (1,653)      (1,653)

Balance at July 31, 2016

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (276,125) $(3,575) $40,229  $279  $38,924 

Dividends declared per common share were $0.17 for the three months ending July 31, 2016.

 

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

 

 

 

Value Line, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

For the ThreeSix Months Ended JulyOctober 31, 20152016

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

  

Common stock

  

Additional

paid-in-

  

Treasury stock

  

Retained

  

Accumulated other comprehensive

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

earnings

  

income/(loss)

  

Total

 

Balance at April 30, 2015

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (190,504) $(2,244) $34,587  $105  $34,439 
                                 

Net income

                      2,119       2,119 

Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

                          (92)  (92)

Purchase of treasury stock

              (12,237)  (166)          (166)

Dividends declared

                      (1,568)      (1,568)

Balance at July 31, 2015

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (202,741) $(2,410) $35,138  $13  $34,732 

  

Common stock

  

Additional

paid-in

  

Treasury Stock

  

Retained

  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

earnings

  

income/(loss)

  

Total

 

Balance at April 30, 2016

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (243,411) $(3,040) $35,524  $125  $34,600 
                                 

Net income

                      7,838       7,838 

Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

                          (140)  (140)

Purchase of treasury stock

              (41,461)  (681)          (681)

Dividends declared

                      (3,306)      (3,306)

Balance at October 31, 2016

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (284,872) $(3,721) $40,056  $(15) $38,311 

 

Dividends declared per common share were $0.16$0.17 for each of the three months ending July 31, 2015.2016 and October 31, 2016.

 

 

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


Value Line, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

For the Six Months Ended October 31, 2015

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

  

Common stock

  

Additional

paid-in

  

Treasury Stock

  

Retained

  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

earnings

  

income/(loss)

  

Total

 

Balance at April 30, 2015

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (190,504) $(2,244) $34,587  $105  $34,439 
                                 

Net income

                      4,111       4,111 

Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

                          (26)  (26)

Purchase of treasury stock

              (37,335)  (548)          (548)

Dividends declared

                      (3,131)      (3,131)

Balance at October 31, 2015

  10,000,000  $1,000  $991   (227,839) $(2,792) $35,567  $79  $34,845 

Dividends declared per share were $0.16 for each of the three months ending July 31, 2015 and October 31, 2015. 

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

 

 

  

Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

JulyOctober 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

Value Line, Inc. ("Value Line" or "VLI", and collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is incorporated in the State of New York. The name "Value Line" as used to describe the Company, its products, and its subsidiaries, is a registered trademark of the Company. The Company's primary business is producing investment periodicals and related publications and making available copyright data including certain Value Line trademarks and Value Line Proprietary Ranking System information to third parties under written agreements for use in third party managed and marketed investment products. The Company maintains a significant investment in the Eulav Asset Management LLC ("EAM") from which it received non-voting revenues interest and a non-voting profits interests. EAM was established to provide investment management services to the Value Line Mutual Funds ("Value Line Funds" or the "Funds"). Pursuant to the EAM Declaration of Trust, the Company granted EAM the right to use the Value Line name for all existing Value Line Funds and agreed to supply the Value Line proprietary Ranking System information to EAM without charge or expense.

 

The Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, which have been derived from the unaudited interim Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively, were prepared following the interim reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying Unaudited Interim Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals except as noted below) considered necessary for a fair presentation. This report should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on July 15, 2016 (the “Form 10-K”). Results of operations covered by this report may not be indicative of the results of operations for the entire year.

 

Use of Estimates:

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

Principles of Consolidation:

 

The Company follows the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Topic 810 “Consolidation” to determine if it should consolidate its investment in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). A VIE is a legal entity in which either (i) equity investors do not have sufficient equity investment at risk to enable the entity to finance its activities independently or (ii) the equity holders at risk lack the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns or the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities that most significantly affect the entity's economic performance. A holder of a variable interest in a VIE is required to consolidate the entity if it is determined that it has a controlling financial interest in the VIE and is therefore the primary beneficiary. The determination of a controlling financial interest in a VIE is based on a qualitative assessment to identify the variable interest holder, if any, that has (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) either the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The accounting guidance requires the Company to perform an ongoing assessment of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of a VIE (see Note 3).

  


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

In accordance with FASB's Topic 810, the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest have been consolidated. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. On December 23, 2010, the Company completed the deconsolidation of the investment management related affiliates (the "Restructuring Transaction") in accordance with FASB's Topic 810. As part of the Restructuring Transaction, the Company received a significant non-voting revenues interest (excluding distribution revenues) and a significant non-voting profits interest in the new entity, EULAV Asset Management, a Delaware statutory trust (“EAM” or “EAM Trust”). The Company relied on the guidance in FASB's ASC Topics 323 and 810 in its determination not to consolidate its investment in EAM and to account for such investment under the equity method of accounting. The Company reports the amount it receives for its non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests as a separate line item below operating income in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.

 

Revenue Recognition:

 

Depending upon the product, subscriptions to Value Line periodicals and related publications are available in print or digitally, via internet access. The length of a subscription varies by product and offer received by the subscriber. Generally, subscriptions are offered as annual subscriptions. Subscription revenues, net of discounts, are recognized ratably on a straight line basis when the product is served to the client over the life of the subscription. Accordingly, the amount of subscription fees to be earned by fulfilling subscriptions after the date of the balance sheets are shown as unearned revenue within current and long term liabilities.

 

Copyright data revenues are derived from providing certain Value Line trademarks and Value Line Proprietary Ranking System information to third parties under written agreements for use in selecting securities for third party marketed products, including unit investment trusts and exchange traded funds ("ETFs"). The Company earns asset-based copyright data fees as specified in the individual agreements. Revenue is recognized monthly over the term of the agreement and, because it is asset-based, will fluctuate as the market value of the underlying portfolio increases or decreases in value.


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

  

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities:

 

The Company accounts for its investment in its unconsolidated entity, EAM, using the equity method of accounting in accordance with FASB’s ASC 323. The equity method is an appropriate means of recognizing increases or decreases measured by GAAP in the economic resources underlying the investments. Under the equity method, an investor recognizes its share of the earnings or losses of an investee in the periods for which they are reported by the investee in its financial statements rather than in the period in which an investee declares a dividend or distribution. An investor adjusts the carrying amount of an investment for its share of the earnings or losses recognized by the investee.

 

The Company’s “interests” in EAM, the investment adviser to and the sole member of the distributor of the Value Line Funds, consist of a "non-voting revenues interest" and a "non-voting profits interest" in EAM as defined in the EAM Trust Agreement. The non-voting revenues interest entitles the Company to receive a range of 41% to 55%, based on the amount of EAM’s adjusted gross revenues, excluding ES's distribution revenues (“Revenues Interest”). The non-voting profits interest entitles the Company to receive 50% of EAM's profits, subject to certain limited adjustments as defined in the EAM Trust Agreement (“Profits Interest”). 100% of the Revenues Interest and not less than 90% of the Profits Interest are to be distributed each quarter to all interest holders of EAM, including Value Line. The Company's Revenues Interest in EAM excludes participation in the service and distribution fees of EAM's subsidiary ES. The Company reflects its non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM as non-operating income under the equity method of accounting. Although the Company does not have control over the operating and financial policies of EAM, pursuant to the EAM Trust Agreement, the Company has a contractual right to receive its share of EAM's revenues and profits.


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

 

Valuation of Securities:

 

The Company's securities classified as cash equivalents and available-for-sale consist of shares of money market funds that invest primarily in short-term U.S. Government securities and investments in equity securities including Exchange traded funds ("ETFs") and are valued in accordance with the requirements of the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB's ASC 820. The securities classified as available-for-sale reflected in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets are valued at market and unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of the securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded in earnings as of the trade date and are determined on the identified cost method.

 

The Company classifies its securities available-for-sale as current assets to properly reflect its liquidity and to recognize the fact that it has liquid assets available-for-sale should the need arise.

 

Market valuations of securities listed on a securities exchange and ETF shares are based on the closing sales prices on the last business day of each month. Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government securities valued in accordance with rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Securities and Exchange Act.

 

The Fair Value Measurements Topic of FASB's ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that the Company would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. The Fair Value Measurements Topic established a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the information that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Examples of risks include those inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value such as the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs are classified as observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

 

The following summarizes the levels of fair value measurements of the Company’s investments:

 

 As of July 31, 2016  

As of October 31, 2016

 

($ in thousands)

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Cash equivalents

 $19,846  $-  $-  $19,846  $5,321  $-  $-  $5,321 

Securities available-for-sale

  3,875   -   -   3,875   14,509   -   -   14,509 
 $23,721  $-  $-  $23,721  $19,830  $-  $-  $19,830 

 

  

As of April 30, 2016

 

($ in thousands)

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Cash equivalents

 $12,037  $-  $-  $12,037 

Securities available-for-sale

  3,637   -   -   3,637 
  $15,674  $-  $-  $15,674 

Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

 
  As of April 30, 2016 

($ in thousands)

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Cash equivalents

 $12,037  $-  $-  $12,037 

Securities available-for-sale

  3,637   -   -   3,637 
  $15,674  $-  $-  $15,674 

 

The Company had no other financial instruments such as futures, forwards and swap contracts. For the periods ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, there were no Level 2 nor Level 3 investments. The Company does not have any liabilities subject to fair value measurement.

  


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Advertising expenses:

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.

Income Taxes:

 

The Company computes its income tax provision in accordance with the Income Tax Topic of the FASB's ASC. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the book values and the tax bases of particular assets and liabilities, using tax rates currently in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

The Income Tax Topic of the FASB's ASC establishes for all entities, a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of positions taken in filing tax returns (including whether an entity is taxable in a particular jurisdiction), and requires certain expanded tax disclosures. As of JulyOctober 31, 2016, management has reviewed the tax positions for the years still subject to tax audit under the statute of limitations, evaluated the implications, and determined that there is no material impact to the Company's financial statements.

 

Earnings per share:

 

Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during each period. Any shares that are reacquired during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they are outstanding. The Company does not have any potentially dilutive common shares from outstanding stock options, warrants, restricted stock, or restricted stock units.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

For purposes of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all cash held at banks and short term liquid investments with an original maturity of less than three months to be cash and cash equivalents. As of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, cash equivalents included $19,846,000$5,321,000 and $12,037,000, respectively, for amounts invested in money market mutual funds that invest in short term U.S. government securities.

Note 2 - Investments:

Securities Available-for-Sale:

 

Investments held by the Company are classified as securities available-for-sale in accordance with FASB's ASC 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities. All of the Company's securities classified as available-for-sale are readily marketable and have a maturity of twelve months or less and are included as current assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

Equity Securities:

 

Equity securities classified as available-for-sale on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, consist of ETFs held for dividend yield that attempt to replicate the performance of certain equity indexes and ETFs that hold preferred shares primarily of financial institutions.

  


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

As of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, the aggregate cost of the equity securities classified as available-for-sale, which consist of investments in the SPDR Series Trust S&P Dividend ETF (SDY), First Trust Value Line Dividend Index ETF (FVD), PowerShares Financial Preferred ETF (PGF), XLU, TUSA, FVL and Proshares Trust S&P 500 Dividend (NOBL) was $8,399,000 and $3,445,000, and the fair value was $3,875,000$8,372,000 and $3,637,000, respectively.

 

There were no sales or proceeds from sales of equity securities during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 20162016. During the six months ended October 31, 2015, the Company received $8,684,000 of proceeds from sales of equity securities and July 31, 2015.reclassified $15,000 of losses from these sales into Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income. The increasedecrease in gross unrealized gains on equity securities classified as available-for-sale of $238,000,$218,000, net of deferred taxes of $84,000$77,000 was included in Shareholders' Equity at JulyOctober 31, 2016. The decrease in gross unrealized gains on equity securities classified as available-for-sale of $142,000,$55,000, net of deferred taxes of $50,000$19,000 was included in Shareholders' Equity at JulyOctober 31, 2015.

 

The changes in the value of equity securities investments are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. Realized gains and losses are recorded as of the trade date in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income when securities are sold, mature or are redeemed. As of JulyOctober 31, 2016, andaccumulated other comprehensive income included unrealized loss of $27,000, net of deferred taxes of $9,000. As of April 30, 2016, accumulated other comprehensive income included unrealized gains of $430,000 and $192,000, net of deferred taxes of $151,000 and $67,000, respectively.$67,000.

 


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

The carrying value and fair value of securities available-for-sale at JulyOctober 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)

 

Cost

  

Gross Unrealized Gains

  

Gross Unrealized Losses

  

Fair Value

  

Cost

  

Gross Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair Value

 

ETFs - equities

 $3,445  $430  $-  $3,875  $8,399  $56  $(83) $8,372 

 

The carrying value and fair value of securities available-for-sale at April 30, 2016 were as follows:

($ in thousands)

 

Cost

  

Gross Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross Unrealized Losses

  

Fair Value

 

ETFs - equities

 $3,445  $194  $(2) $3,637 

($ in thousands)

 

Cost

  

Gross Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair Value

 

ETFs - equities

 $3,445  $194  $(2) $3,637 

 

Fixed Income Securities:

Fixed income securities consist of certificates of deposits and securities issued by federal, state, and local governments within the United States. The aggregate cost and fair value at October 31, 2016 of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:

  

Amortized

  

Gross

Unrealized

  

Gross

Unrealized

     

($ in thousands)

 

Historical Cost

  

Holding Gains

  

Holding Losses

  

Fair Value

 

Maturity

                

Due within 1 year

 $3,395  $1  $-  $3,396 

Due 1 year through 5 years

  2,740   1   -   2,741 

Total investment in government debt securities

 $6,135  $2  $-  $6,137 


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

There were no fixed income securities at April 30, 2016.

The increase in gross unrealized gains of $2,000 on fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale net of deferred income tax of $1,000, was included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2016.

The average yield on the Government debt securities classified as available-for-sale at October 31, 2016 was 0.78%.

Income from Securities Transactions:

Income from securities transactions was comprised of the following:

 

 

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Three Months Ended October 31,

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 

Dividend income

 $24  $43  $49  $38  $73  $80 

Interest income

  -   -   2   -   2   - 

Capital loss

  -   (15)  -   (15)

Other

  9   8   10   8   19   17 

Total income from securities transactions, net

 $33  $51  $61  $31  $94  $82 

 

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities:

Equity Method Investment:

As of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, the Company's investment in EAM Trust, on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets was $58,123,000$58,167,000 and $57,942,000, respectively.

 

The value of VLI’s investment in EAM at JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016 reflects the fair value of contributed capital of $55,805,000 at inception which included $5,820,000 of cash and liquid securities in excess of working capital requirements contributed to EAM’s capital account by VLI, plus VLI's share of non-voting revenues and non-voting profits from EAM less distributions, made quarterly to VLI by EAM, during the period subsequent to its initial investment through the dates of the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

It is anticipated that EAM will have sufficient liquidity and earn enough profit to conduct its current and future operations so the management of EAM will not need additional funding.


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

 

The Company monitors its Investment in EAM Trust for impairment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to the following: (a) a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, asset quality, or business prospects of the investee, (b) a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technological environment of the investee, (c) a significant adverse change in the general market condition of the industry in which the investee operates, or (d) factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern such as negative cash flows, working capital deficiencies, or noncompliance with statutory capital and regulatory requirements. EAM did not record any impairment losses for its assets during the fiscal years 2017 or 2016.

 


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

The components of EAM’s investment management operations, provided to the Company by EAM, were as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

 

($ in thousands) (unaudited)

 

2016

  

2015

 

Investment management fees earned from the Value Line Funds, net of fee waivers

 $3,637  $3,838 

12b-1 fees and other fees, net of fee waivers

 $1,443  $1,396 

Other income (loss)

 $63  $(9)

Investment management fee waivers (1)

 $81  $47 

12b-1 fee waivers (1)

 $233  $371 

Value Line’s non-voting revenues interest

 $1,787  $1,902 

EAM's net income (2)

 $258  $280 

  

Three Months Ended October 31,

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

($ in thousands) (unaudited)

 

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 

Investment management fees earned from the Value Line Funds, net of fee waivers

 $3,680  $3,653  $7,317  $7,491 

12b-1 fees and other fees, net of fee waivers

 $1,476  $1,442  $2,919  $2,838 

Other income (loss)

 $16  $(18) $79  $(27)

Investment management fee waivers (1)

 $95  $48  $176  $95 

12b-1 fee waivers (1)

 $232  $242  $465  $613 

Value Line’s non-voting revenues interest

 $1,799  $1,819  $3,586  $3,721 

EAM's net income (2)

 $266  $242  $524  $522 

 

(1) During fiscal 2017 and 2016 investment management fee waivers primarily related to the Value Line Core Bond Fund and the 12b-1 fee waivers related to four of the Value Line Mutual Funds.

 

(2) Represents EAM's net income, after giving effect to Value Line’s non-voting revenues interest, but before distributions to voting profits interest holders and to the Company in respect of its 50% non-voting profits interest.

 

 

July 31,

  

April 30,

  

October 31,

  

April 30,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2016

  

2016

  

2016

 
 

(unaudited)

      

(unaudited)

     

EAM's total assets

 $60,955  $60,292  $60,789  $60,292 

EAM's total liabilities (1)

  (3,627)  (3,021)  (3,403)  (3,021)

EAM's total equity

 $57,328  $57,271  $57,386  $57,271 

 

(1) At JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, EAM's total liabilities included a payable to VLI for its accrued non-voting revenues, interest and the 90% distributable share of its non-voting profits interest of $1,903,000$1,918,000 and $1,750,000, respectively.


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity

 

The Company retained a non-voting revenues interest and a 50% non-voting profits interest in EAM, which was formed, as a result of the Restructuring Transaction on December 23, 2010, to carry on the asset management and mutual fund distribution businesses formerly conducted by the Company. EAM is considered to be a VIE. The Company makes its determination for consolidation of EAM as a VIE based on a qualitative assessment of the purpose and design of EAM, the terms and characteristics of the variable interests in EAM, and the risks EAM is designed to originate and pass through to holders of variable interests. Other than EAM, the Company does not have an interest in any other VIEs.

 

The Company has determined that it does not have a controlling financial interest in EAM because it does not have the power to direct the activities of EAM that most significantly impact its economic performance. Value Line does not hold any voting stock of EAM and it does not have any involvement in the day-to-day activities or operations of EAM. Although the EAM Trust Agreement provides Value Line with certain consent rights and contains certain restrictive covenants related to the activities of EAM, these are considered to be protective rights and therefore Value Line does not maintain control over EAM.

 

In addition, although EAM is expected to be profitable, there is a risk that it could operate at a loss. While all of the profit interest shareholders in EAM are subject to variability based on EAM’s operations risk, Value Line’s non-voting revenues interest in EAM is a preferred interest in the revenues of EAM, rather than a profits interest in EAM, and Value Line accordingly believes it is subject to proportionately less risk than other holders of the profits interests.

 

The Company has not provided any explicit or implicit financial or other support to EAM other than what was contractually agreed to in the EAM Trust Agreement. Value Line has no obligation to fund EAM in the future and, as a result, has no exposure to loss beyond its initial investment and any undistributed revenues and profits interests retained in EAM. The following table presents the total assets of EAM, the maximum exposure to loss due to involvement with EAM, as well as the value of the assets and liabilities the Company has recorded on its Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets for its interest in EAM.

 

     

Value Line

      

Value Line

 

($ in thousands)

 

VIE Assets

  

Investment in EAM Trust (1)

  

Liabilities

  

Maximum Exposure to Loss

  

VIE Assets

  

Investment in

EAM Trust (1)

  

Liabilities

  

Maximum

Exposure to

Loss

 

As of July 31, 2016 (unaudited)

 $60,955  $58,123  $-  $58,123 

As of October 31, 2016 (unaudited)

 $60,789  $58,167  $-  $58,167 

As of April 30, 2016

 $60,292  $57,942  $-  $57,942  $60,292  $57,942  $-  $57,942 

 

(1) Reported within Long Term Assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

Note 4 - Supplementary Cash Flow Information:

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

 

State and local income tax payments

 $422  $153 

Federal income tax payments to the Parent

 $3,218  $1,990 

 

 

Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

JulyOctober 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Note 4 - Supplementary Cash Flow Information:

 

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

 

State and local income tax payments

 $375  $93 

Federal income tax payments to the Parent

 $268  $- 

Note 5 - Employees' Profit Sharing and Savings Plan:

 

Substantially all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are members of the Value Line, Inc. Profit Sharing and Savings Plan (the "Plan"). In general, this is a qualified, contributory plan which provides for a discretionary annual Company contribution which is determined by a formula based on the salaries of eligible employees and the amount of consolidated net operating income as defined in the Plan. For the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015, the estimated profit sharing plan contributions, which are included as expenses in salaries and employee benefits in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income, were $108,000$214,000 and $100,000,200,000, respectively.

Note 6 - Comprehensive Income:

 

The FASB's ASC Comprehensive Income topic requires the reporting of comprehensive income in addition to net income from operations. Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure of certain financial information that otherwise would not be recognized in the calculation of net income.

 

Beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update 2011-05 to reflect comprehensive income in two statements which include the components of net income and total net income in the first statement, immediately followed by a financial statement that presents the components of other comprehensive income, a total for other comprehensive income and a total for comprehensive income.

 

As of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015, the Company held equity securities consisting primarily of ETFs with high relative dividend yields that are classified as securities available-for-sale on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. The change in valuation of these securities, net of deferred income taxes, has been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

The components of comprehensive income included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income and Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 are as follows:

($ in thousands)

 

Amount Before

Tax

  

Tax Benefit

  

Amount Net of

Tax

  

Amount Before

Tax

  

Tax Benefit

  

Amount Net of

Tax

 

Change in unrealized gains on securities

 $238  $(84) $154 

Change in unrealized losses on securities

 $(216) $76  $(140)
             $(216) $76  $(140)
 $238  $(84) $154 

 

The components of comprehensive income included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income and Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

($ in thousands)

 

Amount Before

Tax

  

Tax Provision

  

Amount Net of

Tax

  

Amount Before

Tax

  

Tax

Provision/(Benefit)

  

Amount Net of

Tax

 

Change in unrealized gains on securities

 $(142) $50  $(92) $(55) $19  $(36)

Add: Losses realized in net income

  15   (5)  10 
             $(40) $14  $(26)
 $(142) $50  $(92)

  


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions:

Investment Management (overview):

The Company has substantial non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM, the asset manager to the Value Line Mutual Funds. Accordingly, the Company does not report this operation as a separate business segment, although it maintains a significant interest in the cash flows generated by this business and will receive ongoing payments in respect of its non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests.

 

Total assets in the Value Line Funds managed and/or distributed by EAM at JulyOctober 31, 2016, were $2.32$2.24 billion, 1.4%2.3% below total assets of $2.35$2.29 billion in the Value Line Funds managed and/or distributed by EAM at JulyOctober 31, 2015.

 

The Company’s non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM entitle it to receive a range of 41% to 55% of EAM’s revenues (excluding distribution revenues) from EAM’s mutual fund and separate account business and 50% of the residual profits of EAM (subject to temporary increase in certain limited circumstances). The Voting Profits Interest Holders will receive the other 50% of residual profits of EAM. Distribution is not less than 90% of EAM’s profits payable each fiscal quarter under the provisions of the EAM Trust Agreement. Value Line’s percent share of EAM’s revenues calculated each fiscal quarter was 49.45% and 49.14% during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2017, respectively, and 50.05% and 50.16% during the first quarter and second quarters of fiscal 2017 and 50.05% during the first quarter of fiscal 2016.


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016,

(Unaudited) respectively. 

 

EAM Trust - VLI's non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests:

The Company holds non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM which entitle the Company to receive from EAM an amount ranging from 41% to 55% of EAM's investment management fee revenues from its mutual fund and separate accounts business. EAM currently has no separately managed account clients. The Company recorded income from its non-voting revenues interest and its non-voting profits interest in EAM as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Three Months Ended October 31,

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 

Non-voting revenues interest in EAM

 $1,787  $1,902  $1,799  $1,819  $3,586  $3,721 

Non-voting profits interest in EAM

  129   140   133   121   262   261 
 $1,916  $2,042  $1,932  $1,940  $3,848  $3,982 

 

At JulyOctober 31, 2016, the Company's investment in EAM includes a receivable of $1,903,000$1,918,000 representing the quarterly distribution of 100% of the non-voting revenues share and 90% of its non-voting profits share.

Transactions with Parent:

During the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015, the Company was reimbursed $84,000$185,000 and $31,000,$65,000, respectively, for payments it made on behalf of and for services the Company provided to the Parent. There were no receivables from the Parent on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets at JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016.

 

The Company is a party to a tax-sharing arrangement with the Parent which allocates the tax liabilities of the two Companies between them. The Company made federal tax payments of $268,000$3,218,000 to the Parent during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016. The Company made no federal tax payments of $1,990,000 to the Parent during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015.

 

From time to time, the Parent has purchased additional shares of common stock of the Company in the market when and as the Parent has determined it to be appropriate. The Parent may make additional purchases of common stock of the Company from time to time in the future. As of JulyOctober 31, 2016, the Parent owned 88.8%88.87% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.

  


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Note 8 - Federal, State and Local Income Taxes:

In accordance with the requirements of the Income Tax Topic of the FASB's ASC, the Company's provision for income taxes includes the following:

 

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

 

Current tax expense:

        

Federal

 $3,577  $1,024 

State and local

  325   72 

Current tax expense

  3,902   1,096 

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

        

Federal

  (189)  (12)

State and local

  15   (151)

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

  (174)  (163)

Income tax provision

 $3,728  $933 

  

Three Months Ended October 31,

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 

Current tax expense:

                

Federal

 $996  $986  $4,573  $2,010 

State and local

  15   55   340   127 

Current tax expense

  1,011   1,041   4,913   2,137 

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

                

Federal

  (399)  (166)  (588)  (178)

State and local

  (77)  (70)  (62)  (221)

Deferred tax expense (benefit):

  (476)  (236)  (650)  (399)

Income tax provision

 $535  $805  $4,263  $1,738 

Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

 

Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. The tax effect of temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability are as follows:

 

 

July 31,

  

April 30,

  

October 31,

  

April 30,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2016

  

2016

  

2016

 

Federal tax benefit (liability):

                

Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale

 $(239) $(68) $8  $(68)

Capital loss carryforward

  -   86   -   86 

Operating lease deferred obligation

  41   58   23   58 

Deferred professional fees

  17   77   17   77 

Deferred charges

  249   250   162   250 

Total federal tax benefit

  68   403   210   403 
                

State and local tax benefits:

                

Other

  28   29   22   29 

Total state and local tax benefits

  28   29   22   29 

Deferred tax asset, short term

 $96  $432  $232  $432 

  

  

July 31,

  

April 30,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2016

 

Federal tax liability (benefit):

        

Deferred gain on deconsolidation of EAM

 $17,726  $17,679 

Deferred non-cash post-employment compensation

  (619)  (619)

Depreciation and amortization

  1,454   1,812 

Other

  (120)  8 

Total federal tax liability

  18,441   18,880 
         

State and local tax liabilities (benefits):

        

Deferred gain on deconsolidation of EAM

  1,702   1,704 

Deferred non-cash post-employment compensation

  (60)  (60)

Depreciation and amortization

  140   174 

Other

  (10)  (15)

Total state and local tax liabilities

  1,772   1,803 

Deferred tax liability, long term

 $20,213  $20,683 

Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

  

October 31,

  

April 30,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2016

 

Federal tax liability (benefit):

        

Deferred gain on deconsolidation of EAM

 $17,732  $17,679 

Deferred non-cash post-employment compensation

  (619)  (619)

Depreciation and amortization

  1,018   1,812 

Other

  (77)  8 

Total federal tax liability

  18,054   18,880 
         

State and local tax liabilities (benefits):

        

Deferred gain on deconsolidation of EAM

  1,434   1,704 

Deferred non-cash post-employment compensation

  (50)  (60)

Depreciation and amortization

  82   174 

Other

  (1)  (15)

Total state and local tax liabilities

  1,465   1,803 

Deferred tax liability, long term

 $19,519  $20,683 

 

At the end of each interim reporting period, the Company estimates the effective income tax rate to apply for the full fiscal year. The Company uses the effective income tax rate determined to provide for income taxes on a year-to-date basis and reflects the tax effect of any tax law changes and certain other discrete events in the period in which they occur.

 

The overall effective income tax rates, as a percentage of pre-tax ordinary income for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015 were 36.96%35.23% and 30.57%29.71%, respectively. The Company's annual effective tax rate will change due to a number of factors including but not limited to an increase or decrease in the ratio of items that do not have tax consequences to pre-tax income, the Company's geographic profit mix between tax jurisdictions, taxation method adopted by each locality, new tax laws, new interpretations of existing tax laws and rulings and settlements with tax authorities. The fluctuation in the effective income tax rate during fiscal 2017 is primarily attributable to the attribution of 100% of the gain on the sale of the Company's operating facility to one tax jurisdiction and partially tooffset by the effect fromof the scheduled reduction in the allocation factors on the state and local current and deferred tax liability (primarily associated with the gain on deconsolidation of EAM), and the dividend received deduction.

 

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. statutory income tax rate to pretax income as a result of the following:

 

 

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Six months Ended October 31,

 
 

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 

U.S. statutory federal tax rate

  35.00%  35.00%  35.00%  35.00%

Increase (decrease) in tax rate from:

                

State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

  1.99%  -3.57%  1.15%  -2.48%

Effect of dividends received deductions

  -0.06%  -0.32%  -0.15%  -0.32%

Domestic production tax credit

  0.00%  -0.63%  0.00%  -0.62%

Other, net

  0.03%  0.09%  -0.77%  -1.87%

Effective income tax rate

  36.96%  30.57%  35.23%  29.71%


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

 

The Company believes that, as of JulyOctober 31, 2016, there were no material uncertain tax positions that would require disclosure to GAAP.


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

 

The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of the Parent, and beginning with the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, will file combined income tax returns with the Parent on a unitary basis in certain states as a result of changes in state tax regulations. The Company does not anticipate any significant tax implications from the change to unitary state tax filing.

 

The Company’s federal income tax returns (included in the Parent’s consolidated returns) and state and city tax returns for fiscal years ended 2013 through 2016, are subject to examination by the tax authorities, generally for three years after they are filed with the tax authorities. The Company favorably concluded certain tax audits during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 that provided the recognition of tax benefits resulting from a favorable outcome. The Company is presently engaged in a federal tax audit for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015 and a state tax audit for that period, but does not expect itthem to have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Note 9 - Property and Equipment:

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or in the case of leasehold improvements, over the remaining terms of the leases. For income tax purposes, depreciation of furniture and equipment is computed using accelerated methods and buildings and leasehold improvements are depreciated over prescribed extended tax lives. Property and equipment, net, on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets was comprised of the following:

 

 

July 31,

  

April 30,

  

October 31,

  

April 30,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2016

  

2016

  

2016

 

Land

 $-  $726  $-  $726 

Building and leasehold improvements

  324   5,190   388   5,190 

Furniture and equipment

  3,641   4,156   3,655   4,156 
  3,965   10,072   4,043   10,072 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (3,342)  (6,451)  (3,387)  (6,451)

Total property and equipment, net

 $623  $3,621  $656  $3,621 

 

Note 10 - Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed for Internal Use:

The Company has adopted the provisions of the Statement of Position 98-1 (SOP 98-1), "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed for Internal Use". SOP 98-1 requires companies to capitalize as long-lived assets many of the costs associated with developing or obtaining software for internal use and amortize those costs over the software's estimated useful life in a systematic and rational manner.

 

The Company capitalized $266,000$360,000 and $518,000$931,000 related to the development of software for internal use for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Capitalized software includes $155,000$215,000 and $375,000$675,000 of internal costs to develop software and $111,000$145,000 and $143,000$256,000 of third party programmers' costs for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, and JulyOctober 31, 2015, respectively. Such costs are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the asset which is 3 to 5 years. Total amortization expenses for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015, were $1,368,000$2,621,000 and $635,000, respectively.$1,289,000, respectively.An increase of $1,332,000 was attributable to additional amortization of internally developed software costs related to the product production cycle that is expected to be upgraded during fiscal 2018. 

  


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Note 11 - Treasury Stock and Repurchase Program:

On September 19, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock up to an aggregate purchase price of $3,000,000. The repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices, in negotiated transactions off the market, in block purchases or otherwise. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion and has no set expiration date. 

 

Treasury stock, at cost, consists of the following:

 

(in thousands except for shares and cost per share)

 

Shares

  

Total Average

Cost Assigned

  

Average Cost

per Share

  

Aggregate Purchase Price Remaining Under the Program

  

Shares

  

Total Average

Cost Assigned

  

Average Cost

per Share

  

Aggregate Purchase

Price Remaining

Under the Program

 

Balance as of April 30, 2016 (1)(2)

  243,411  $3,040  $12.49  $1,350   243,411  $3,040  $12.49  $1,350 

Purchases effected in open market during the quarters ended:

                                

May 31, 2016 (2)

  7,820  $132  $16.90  $1,218 

June 30, 2016 (2)

  19,539  $313  $16.05  $905 

July 31, 2016 (2)

  5,355  $90  $16.85  $815   32,714  $535  $12.95  $815 

Balance as of July 31, 2016

  276,125  $3,575  $12.95  $815 

October 31, 2016 (2)

  8,747  $146  $16.68  $669 

Balance as of October 31, 2016

  284,872  $3,721  $13.06  $669 

 

(1) Includes 85,219 shares with a total average cost of $1,036,000 that were acquired during the former repurchase program, which was authorized in January 2011 and expired in January 2012; 18,400 shares were acquired prior to January 2011.

 

(2) Were acquired during the $3 million repurchase program authorized in September 2012.

 


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

July 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

Note 12 - Lease Commitments:

 

On February 7, 2013, theThe Company and Citibank, N.A. (the “Sublandlord”) entered into a sublease agreement, pursuant to which Value Line has leased approximatelyleases 44,493 square feet of office space located on the ninth floor at 485 Lexington Ave.,Avenue in New York, NY (“Building” or “Premises”) beginning on July 1, 2013 and ending on February 27, 2017 ("Sublease").NY. Base rent under the Sublease is $1,468,269 per annum, subject to customary concessions in the Company’s favor and pass-through of certain increases in operating costs and real estate taxes. The Company provided a security deposit in cash in the amount of $489,423, which is to bewas partially returned over the course of the sublease term. The Company received $122,355 each year from sublandlord inSublandlord as of March 2015 and in March 2016. The Company is required to pay for certain operating expenses associated with the Premises as well as utilities supplied to the Premises. The Sublease terms have provided for a significant decrease in the Company’s annual rental expenses. The Company recorded a deferred charge on its Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the excess of annual rental expense over cash payments since inception of the lease due to free rent for the first six months of the sublease. The lease expires in February 2017.

 

On February 29, 2016, the Company’s subsidiary Value Line Distribution Center (“VLDC”) and Seagis Property Group LP (the “Landlord”) entered into a lease agreement, pursuant to which VLDC has leased approximately 24,110 square feet of warehouse and appurtenant office space located at 205 Chubb Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ (“Building” or “Premises”) beginning on May 1, 2016 and ending on April 30, 2024 (“Lease”). Base rent under the Lease is $192,880 per annum payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month, in advance during fiscal 2017 and will gradually increase to $237,218 in fiscal 2024, subject to customary increases based on operating costs and real estate taxes. The Company provided a security deposit in cash in the amount of $32,146, which will be fully refunded after the Lease term expires. The lease is a net lease requiring the Company to pay for certain operating expenses associated with the Premises as well as utilities supplied to the Premises.

  


Value Line, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

October 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

On November 30, 2016, Value Line, Inc., received consent from the landlord at 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY to the terms of a new sublease agreement between Value Line, Inc. (“Value Line” or “Company”) and ABM Industries, Incorporated. Pursuant to the agreement Value Line will lease from ABM 24,726 square feet of office space located on the second and third floors at 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY (“Building” or “Premises”) beginning on December 1, 2016 and ending on November 29, 2027. Base rent under the sublease agreement will be $1,126,000 per annum during the first twelve months with an annual increase in base rent of 2.25% scheduled for each subsequent year, payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month, subject to customary concessions in the Company’s favor and pass-through of certain increases in utility costs and real estate taxes over the base year. The Company provided a security deposit represented by a letter of credit ("LOC") in the amount of $469,000, which is scheduled to be reduced to $305,000 on September 30, 2021 and fully refunded after the sublease ends. This Building will become the Company’s new corporate office facility. The Company is required to pay for certain operating expenses associated with the Premises as well as utilities supplied to the Premises.The sublease terms will provide for a significant decrease (23% initially) in the Company’s annual rental expenditure due to free rent for the first six months of the sublease.Sublandlord will provide Value Line an allowance of $417,000 which is expected to be applied against the Company’s costs and expenses related to the relocation to the new office facility or applied as additional free rent.

The total amount of the base rent payments is being charged to expense on the straight-line method over the term of the lease.

 

Future minimum payments, exclusive of potential increases in real estate taxes and operating cost escalations, under operating leases for space, with remaining terms of one year or more, are as follows:

 

Fiscal Years Ended April 30,

 

($ in thousands)

 
     

2018

  199 

2019

  204 

2020

  211 

2021

  217 

2022 and thereafter

  691 
  $1,522 
 

Fiscal Years Ended April 30, 

($ in thousands)

 
     

2018

  1,242 

2019

  1,366 

2020

  1,399 

2021

  1,432 

2022 and thereafter

  10,002 
  $15,441 

For the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and 2015, rental expenses were $365,000$730,000 and $317,000,$634,000, respectively.

Note 13 - Restricted Cash and Deposits:

 

The Restricted Money Market Investment included in noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, amounting to $469,000 at October 31, 2016, represents invested cash securing a letter of credit ("LOC") in the amount of $469,000 issued by a financial institution on behalf of Value Line, Inc. to the sublandlord as a security deposit for the Company's new leased corporate office facility.

Note 1314 - Gain on Sale of Operating Facility:

 

On July 29, 2016, Value Line closed the sale of its 85,000 sq ft distribution, fulfillment and warehouse operating facility located at 125 East Union Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ, received net proceeds of $11,555,000 and reported an increment to net profits after tax forduring the first quarter of fiscal 2017 of approximately $5.28 million. The distribution, fulfillment and warehouse operations were recently relocated to an alternative 24,000 sq ft leased facility.facility (See Note 12 here to.)12).   

 

 

 

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

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

 

This report contains statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions (including certain projections and business trends) accompanied by such phrases as “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “will”, “intend” and other similar or negative expressions, that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Actual results for Value Line, Inc. (“Value Line” or “the Company”) may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the following:

 

 

maintaining revenue from subscriptions for the Company’s digital and print published products;

 

changes in market and economic conditions, including global financial issues;

 

protection of intellectual property rights;

 

dependence on non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EULAV Asset Management, a Delaware statutory trust (“EAM” or “EAM Trust”), which serves as the investment advisor to the Value Line Funds and engages in related distribution, marketing and administrative services;

 

fluctuations in EAM’s assets under management due to broadly based changes in the values of equity and debt securities, redemptions by investors and other factors, and the effect these changes may have on the valuation of EAM’s intangible assets;

 

dependence on key personnel;

 

competition in the fields of publishing, copyright data and investment management;

 

the impact of government regulation on the Company’s and EAM’s businesses;

 

availability of free or low cost investment data through discount brokers or generally over the internet;

 

terrorist attacks, cyber attacks and natural disasters;

 

locating suitable office space before expiration of the Company’s current lease term;

other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risks described in Item 1A,“Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2016 and in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended JulyOctober 31, 2016; andotherandother risks and uncertainties arising from time to time.

 

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors which may involve external factors over which we may have no control or changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at our discretion, could also have material adverse effects on future results. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports required to be filed by public companies with the SEC pursuant to the SEC's rules, we have no duty to update these statements, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, current plans, anticipated actions, and future financial conditions and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking information contained herein.

 

In this report, “Value Line,” “we,” “us,” “our” refers to Value Line, Inc. and the “Company” refers to Value Line and its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires.

 

 

Executive Summary of the Business

 

The Company's core business is producing investment periodicals and their underlying research and making available copyright data, including certain proprietary Ranking System and other proprietary information, to third parties under written agreements for use in third-party managed and marketed investment products and for other purposes. Value Line markets under well-known brands includingValue Line®, the Value Linelogo®,TheValue Line Investment Survey®, Smart Research, Smarter Investing™andThe Most Trusted Name in Investment Research®. The name "Value Line" as used to describe the Company, its products, and its subsidiaries, is a registered trademark of the Company. Since December 23, 2010, EULAV Asset Management Trust (“EAM”) provides the investment management services to the Value Line Funds, institutional and individual accounts and provides distribution, marketing, and administrative services to the Value Line® Mutual Funds ("Value Line Funds"). Value Line holds substantial non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM.

 

The Company’s target audiences within the investment research field are individual investors, colleges, libraries, and investment management professionals. Individuals come to Value Line for complete research in one package. Institutional licensees consist of corporations, financial professionals, colleges, and municipal libraries. Libraries and universities offer the Company’s detailed research to their patrons and students. Investment management professionals use the research and historical information in their day-to-day businesses. The Company has a dedicated department that solicits institutional subscriptions.

 

Payments received for new and renewal subscriptions and the value of receivables for amounts billed to retail and institutional customers are recorded as unearned revenue until the order is fulfilled. As the orders are fulfilled, the Company recognizes revenue in equal installments over the life of the particular subscription. Accordingly, the subscription fees to be earned by fulfilling subscriptions after the date of a particular balance sheet are shown on that balance sheet as unearned revenue within current and long term liabilities.

 

The investment periodicals and related publications (retail and institutional) and fees from copyright data including the proprietary Ranking System information and other proprietary information consolidate into one segment called Publishing.

 

Asset Management and Mutual Fund Distribution Businesses

 

The business of EAM is managed by its trustees each owning 20% of the voting profits interest in EAM and by its officers subject to the direction of the trustees. The Company’s non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM entitle it to receive a range of 41% to 55% of EAM’s revenues (excluding distribution revenues) from EAM’s mutual fund and separate account business and 50% of the residual profits of EAM (subject to temporary increase in certain limited circumstances). The Voting Profits Interest Holders will receive the other 50% of residual profits of EAM. Distribution is not less than 90% of EAM’s profits payable each fiscal quarter under the provisions of the EAM Trust Agreement. Value Line’s percent share of EAM’s revenues calculated each fiscal quarter was 49.45% and 49.14% during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2017, respectively, and 50.05% and 50.16% during the first quarter and second quarters of fiscal 2017 and 50.05% during the first quarter of fiscal 2016.2016, respectively.

 

Pursuant to the EAM Declaration of Trust, the Company granted EAM the right to use the Value Line name for all existing Value Line Funds and agreed to supply the Value Line proprietary Ranking System information to EAM without charge or expense.

 

 

Business Environment

 

The nation's economy tunedturned in ana mostly uninspiring performance during the first half of this calendar year 2016, with the U.S. gross domestic product gaining a scantjust 0.8% and 1.1%1.4%, respectively, duringover the first two quarters. In all, weaksofter levels of businessresidential  fixed investment, (mostly from declining energy sector capital spending), selective weakness in state and local government spending, and a further slidedrawdown in worker productivityinventories combined to largely offset another solid showingcontinued increases in spending by consumers, who continued to spend at a reasonably good pace. the U.S. consumer.

 

However, things changed abruptly after midyear, as a notable restocking of inventories after five consecutive quarters of drawdowns, a selective strengthening in government spending, and improving levels of consumer activity combined to give the nation's flagging business expansion an appreciable third-quarter lift. In all, GDP gained a reassuring 3.2% during the July-through-September period. Looking out toover the balanceremaining few weeks of the second calendar half,2016, we are seeing reasonably decentsolid levels of job creation, a modest pickup in wage growth, and a stable labor force participation rate. Such gradual improvement in the employment situation, along with ongoing resilience in housing, and additional likely gains in consumer spending, should moreand a possible further, but very modest, restocking of inventories could again combine to push the economy forward by better than offset what are expected to be further struggles in business capital investment. The generally brighter outlook should help GDP expand by 2%, or more, in the third and fourth quarters. Thereafter, we would look for further gains, within the confines of what figures to remain a modest, albeit durable, business expansion.    calendar quarter.

 

Meanwhile, the global outlook isremains unsettled. Heading the list of problems off shore are the uncertain growth prospects in China (where that nation's maturing economy will almost certainly lead to progressively slower rates of growth), and a poorly defined outlook in Europe, (based onwhich continues to suffer the recent vote byafter effects of earlier weakness, especially along the United Kingdom to exitsouthern tier of the European Union and other factors), and recurring bouts of violence and political unrest in the fractious, but oil rich, Middle East.Continent.  

 

Finally, there are questions on the home front, headed by the fast-approaching Presidential electionnow that a new Administration with a somewhat different approach to infrastructure spending, tax, and the uncertain long-termapproach byregulatory policies will soon be in place. Already, we have seen a sharp jump in Treasury note and bond yields, a run-up that could well encourage the Federal Reserve. Both are onReserve to take a more pro-active approach to monetary tightening in the minds of investors. How these domestic and global issues are resolved will go a long way toward sustaining or reversing some of the continuing bull market gains.months to come. 

 

 

Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015

 

The following table illustrates the Company’s key components of revenues and expenses.

 

 

Three Months Ended July 31,

  Three Months Ended October 31,  Six Months Ended October 31, 

($ in thousands, except earnings per share)

 

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

 

Income from operations

 $8,137  $959   748.5% $23  $826   -97.2% $8,160  $1,785   357.1%

Revenues and profits interests from EAM Trust

 $1,916  $2,042   -6.2% $1,932  $1,940   -0.4% $3,848  $3,982   -3.4%

Income from operations plus non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests from EAM Trust

 $10,053  $3,001   235.0% $1,955  $2,766   -29.3% $12,008  $5,767   108.2%

Gain on sale of operating facility (included in operating income)

 $8,123   -   n/a 

Gain on sale of operating facility

  -   -   n/a  $8,123   -   n/a 

Operating expenses

 $8,507  $7,873   8.1% $8,627  $7,811   10.4% $17,134  $15,684   9.2%

Income from securities transactions, net

 $33  $51   -35.3% $61  $31   96.8% $94  $82   14.6%

Income before income taxes

 $10,086  $3,052   230.5% $2,016  $2,797   -27.9% $12,102  $5,849   106.9%

Net income

 $6,358  $2,119   200.0% $1,480  $1,992   -25.7% $7,838  $4,111   90.7%

Earnings per share

 $0.65  $0.22   195.5% $0.15  $0.20   -25.0% $0.81  $0.42   92.9%

  

 

  

During thethreethesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, the Company’s net income of $6,358,000,$7,838,000, or $0.65$0.81 per share, was $4,239,000$3,727,000 or 200%90.7% above net incomeof $2,119,000,$4,111,000, or $0.22$0.42 per share, for thethreethesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015. During thethreethesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 there were 9,739,3559,729,002 average common shares outstanding as compared to9,803,734to9,795,672 average common shares outstanding during thethreethesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015.Income from operations of $8,137,000$8,160,000 for thethreethesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 whichincluded additional depreciation and amortization expense of $739,000$1,317,000 was $7,178,000$6,375,000 above income from operations of $959,000$1,785,000 for thesix months ended October 31, 2015. During thethree months ended October 31, 2016, the Company’s net income of $1,480,000, or $0.15 per share, was $512,000 or 25.7% below net incomeof $1,992,000, or $0.20 per share, for thethree months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015. During2015.During the first quarterhalf of fiscal 2017 both net income and income from operations included a pre-tax gain of $8,123,000 from the sale of the Company's operating facility for which it received proceeds of $11,555,000 on July 29, 2016. The fulfillment and mailing operations housed within the facility were relocated to a leased facility within close proximity.

 

 

Total operating revenues

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

  

Change

 

Investment periodicals and related publications:

            

Print

 $3,602  $4,212   -14.5%

Digital

  4,048   3,972   1.9%

Total investment periodicals and related publications

  7,650   8,184   -6.5%

Copyright data fees

  871   648   34.4%

Gain on sale of operating facility

  8,123   -   n/a 
             

Total operating revenues

 $16,644  $8,832   88.5%

   Three Months Ended October 31,   Six Months Ended October 31, 
($ in thousands)  2016   2015   Change   2016   2015   Change 

Investment periodicals and related publications:

                        

Print

 $3,553  $3,925   -9.5% $7,155  $8,137   -12.1%

Digital

  4,076   4,114   -0.9%  8,124   8,086   0.5%

Total investment periodicals and related publications

  7,629   8,039   -5.1%  15,279   16,223   -5.8%

Copyright data fees

  1,021   598   70.7%  1,892   1,246   51.8%

Gain on sale of operating facility

  -   -   n/a   8,123   -   n/a 

Total operating revenues

 $8,650  $8,637   0.2% $25,294  $17,469   44.8%

 

During the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 total publishing revenues from investment periodicals and related publications excluding copyright data fees were $7,650,000,$15,279,000, which is 6.5%5.8% below the total publishing revenues excluding copyright data fees of $8,184,000$16,223,000 during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015. During the first quartersix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, the Company’s decrease in the publishing revenues was partially the result of 1326 weeks of print revenues recorded in the first quarterhalf of fiscal 2017 as compared to 1427 weeks recorded in the first quarterhalf of fiscal 2016. The remaining decrease in print publications revenue is primarily a result of a 10.5% decrease in print circulation at October 31, 2016.


  

Within investment periodicals and related publications, subscription sales orders are derived from print and digital products. The following chart illustrates the changes in the sales associated with print and digital subscriptions.

 

Sources of subscription sales

 

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

     
  

2016

      

2015

     
  

Print

  

Digital

  

Print

  

Digital

 

New Sales

  14.9%  18.3%  11.0%  28.6%

Conversion and Renewal Sales

  85.1%  81.7%  89.0%  71.4%

Total Gross Sales

  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%

  

Three Months Ended October 31,

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 
  

2016

  

2015

  

2016

  

2015

 
  

Print

  

Digital

  

Print

  

Digital

  

Print

  

Digital

  

Print

  

Digital

 

New Sales

  14.9%  17.3%  11.0%  28.4%  14.9%  17.7%  11.0%  28.5%

Conversion and Renewal Sales

  85.1%  82.7%  89.0%  71.6%  85.1%  82.3%  89.0%  71.5%

Total Gross Sales

  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%

 

During the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 new sales of print publications increased as a percent of the total gross print sales while conversion and renewal sales of print orders decreased from the prior fiscal year as a result of a slower decline in new print sales orders. New sales of digital publications decreased as a percent of the total gross digital sales as a result of less aggressive promotion to first-time customers at introductory prices. Conversion and renewal sales of digital orders increased over the prior fiscal year outpacing the decrease in new sales of digital orders as a result of increased efforts by our in-house Retail and Institutional Sales departments.

 


 
  

As of July 31,

  

As of April 30,

  

As of July 31,

  

Change

 
                

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2016

  

2015

  

July-16 vs.

Apr-16

  

July-16 vs.

July-15

 

Unearned subscription revenue (current and long term liabilities)

 $23,599  $25,442  $25,072   -7.2%  -5.9%
  

As of

October 31,

  

As of

April 30,

  

As of

October 31,

  

Change

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2016

  

2015

  

Oct-16 vs.

Apr-16

  

Oct-16 vs.

Oct-15

 

Unearned subscription revenue (current and long term liabilities)

 $22,797  $25,442  $24,047   -10.4%  -5.2%

  

Unearned subscription revenue as of JulyOctober 31, 2016 is 5.9%5.2% below JulyOctober 31, 2015 and is 7.2%10.4% below April 30, 2015.2016. The decline from April 30, 2016, reflects both curtailed advertising for order generation and the fact that April 30th is the usual annual peak. Further, a certain amount of variation is to be expected due to the volume of new orders and timing of renewal orders, direct mail campaigns and large Institutional Sales orders.

 

Investment periodicals and related publications revenues

 

Investment periodicals and related publications revenues of $7,650,000$15,279,000 decreased $534,000,$944,000, or 6.5%5.8%, for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The Company continued its efforts to attract new subscribers through various marketing channels, primarily direct mail, e-mail, and by the efforts of our sales personnel. Total product line circulation at JulyOctober 31, 2016 was 6.1%9.4% below total product line circulation at JulyOctober 31, 2015. The Company has been successful in growing revenues from digitally-delivered investment periodicals within the institutional market. Institutional Sales generated total sales orders of $2,762,000$6,407,000 for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 which were 1%6.7%, above comparable total sales orders of $6,006,000 for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015. This growth continues a positive trend for Institutional Sales. We have also benefited from “converting” some customers from retail to the more robust professional priced services.

 

Digital publications revenues of $4,048,000$8,124,000 during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 were $76,000 or 1.9%1% above the prior fiscal year. Revenues from institutional digital publications increased 3%2.5% as compared to the prior fiscal year. Digital publications revenues from retail subscribers decreased 1.0%4.4% as compared to the prior fiscal year. Total digital circulation at October 31, 2016 was 8% below total digital circulation at October 31, 2015.      

 

Print publication revenues of $3,602,000$7,155,000 decreased $610,000$982,000 or 14.5%12.1% for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 as compared to the prior fiscal year. Revenues from institutional print publications increased 3.3%6.4% while print publications revenues from retail subscribers decreased 17.1%14.8% for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, as compared to the prior fiscal year.This includes the effect of 1326 weeks of print revenues recorded in the first quarterhalf of fiscal 2017 versus 1427 weeks recorded in the first quarterhalf of fiscal 2016.Total print circulation at JulyOctober 31, 2016 was 9.3%10.5% below total print circulation at JulyOctober 31, 2015.


  

The Company has relied more on its personnel selling efforts in both the institutional segment and retail retention and sales, as the ability to obtain orders profitably through traditional direct marketing plateaus. The majority of the Company’s subscribers have traditionally been individual investors who generally receive printed publications via U.S. Mail on a weekly basis. Individual investors interested in digitally-delivered investment information have access to both free and subscription equity research from many sources.Continuing factors that have contributed to the decline in the retail digital investment periodicals and related publications revenues include competition in the form of free or low cost investment research on the Internet and research provided by brokerage firms at no direct cost to their clients. Further, there appears to be a relative decline in individuals’ interest in holding specific stocks as compared with ETFs, mutual funds and participation in retirement plans. In order to address competition the Company has emphasized its lower-priced “starter” levels of service. Also many of the professional subscribers to the Company’s digital and print retail products have been successfully converted to a higher priced Institutional product, with the peak impact of such movement probably behind us. The Company offers quality publications on mutual funds, but they have achieved only modest market share.

 

Value Line serves primarily individual and professional investors in stocks who pay, primarily on annual subscription plans, for basic services or as much as $100,000 or more annually for comprehensive research, not obtainable elsewhere. The ongoing goal of adding new subscribers has led us to experiment with varying terms for our reliable, proprietary research including a period of intensive promotion of “starter” services and publications.


 

Copyright data fees

The Value Line proprietary Ranking System information (the “Ranking System”), a component of the Company’s flagship product,The Value Line Investment Survey, is also utilized in the Company’s copyright data business. The Ranking System is made available to EAM for specific uses without charge. The Ranking System is designed to be predictive over a six to twelve month period. For the six month periods ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, the combined Ranking System “Rank 1 & 2” stocks’ increase of 17.0%3.1% outperformed the S&P 500 Index’s increase of 15.8%2.9% during the comparable period. For the twelve month period ended July 31, 2016 calendar year-to-date, the combined Ranking System “Rank 1 & 2” stocks’stocks increase of 5.3% was slightly ahead of12.3% outperformed the S&P 500 Index’s increase of 5.1%7.2% during the comparable period.

 

During thethree and six months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, copyright data fees of $871,000$1,021,000 and $1,892,000, respectively, were 34.4%70.7% and 51.8% abovethe comparable periods of the prior fiscal year. As ofJulyofOctober 31, 2016, total third party sponsored assets were attributable to three contracts for copyright data representing $2.4$2.6 billion in various products, as compared to four contracts for copyright data representing $1.3 billion in assets atJulyatOctober 31, 2015.

 

The Company believes this part of the business is dependent upon the desire of third parties to use the Value Line trademarks and proprietary research for their products, on competition and on fluctuations in segments of the equity markets. Management is pursuing potential channelsOur quantitative specialists are seeking to develop and conform reliable models for theadditional copyright data products, including Ranking System-based concepts as well as other proprietary quantitative models.

  

Gain on sale of operating facility

  

On July 29, 2016, Value Line closed the sale of its 85,000 sq ft distribution, fulfillment and warehouse operating facility located at 125 East Union Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ, received proceeds of $11,555,000 and reported an increment to net profits after tax for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 of approximately $5.28 million. The distribution, fulfillment and warehouse operations were recently relocated to an alternative 24,000 sq ft leased facility.


  

Investment management fees and services – (unconsolidated)

 

The Company has a substantial non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM, the asset manager to the Value Line Mutual Funds. The Company does not report this operation as a separate business segment, although it maintains a significant interest in the cash flows generated by this business and will receive ongoing payments in respect of its non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests.

 

Total assets in the Value Line Funds managed and/or distributed by EAM at JulyOctober 31, 2016, were $2.32$2.24 billion, which is $32$52 million, or 1.4%2.3%, below total assets of $2.35$2.29 billion in the Value Line Funds managed and/or distributed by EAM at JulyOctober 31, 2015, reflecting market depreciation andappreciation offset by the net redemptions in all but three of the Value Line Funds over the past twelve months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016.

 

The largest decline of $33$32 million was in the Guardian channel. Shares of Value Line Strategic Asset Management Trust (“SAM”) and Value Line Centurion Fund (“Centurion”) are within certain variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. (“GIAC”); new contracts of this type are no longer sold. The two funds consequently continue to experience net redemptions.

 


Value Line Mutual Funds

 

 

As of July 31,

      

As of October 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

 

Variable annuity assets ("GIAC")

 $410  $443   -7.4% $397  $429   -7.5%

All other open end equity and hybrid fund assets

  1,764   1,755   0.5%  1,705   1,714   -0.5%

Total equity and hybrid funds

  2,174   2,198   -1.1%  2,102   2,143   -1.9%

Fixed income funds

  141   149   -5.4%  135   146   -7.5%

Total EAM managed net assets

 $2,315  $2,347   -1.4% $2,237  $2,289   -2.3%

  

The Daily Income Fund managed by Reich & Tang Asset Management LLC was liquidated on July 29, 2015. In fiscal 2016years 2017 and 20172016 the Value Line Fund shareholders were provided a money market fund alternative investment managed by Federated Government Obligations Fund.

 

EAM has successfully broadened distribution, particularly within the Adviser/IBD channel. Over the past year, more than 500 financial advisers purchased Value Line Funds’ shares for their clients for the first time, with over 3,000 advisers’ clients now owning a Value Line Fund.

 

Starting fiscal 2016 the Core Bond Fund was modified to no longer waive 12b-1 fees, but to cap the overall fund’s expense ratio, 12b-1 fee waivers were removed on the Asset Allocation Fund, and also a portion of the 12b-1 waivers were removed on the SAM and Centurion Funds.

As of October 31, 2016, all six of the Value Line equity mutual funds, excluding SAM and Centurion, held an overall four or five star rating by Morningstar, Inc. The largest distribution channel for the Value Line Funds remains the fund supermarket platforms such as Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Fidelity, Pershing and E-Trade.

Additionally, as of October 31, 2016, three of the six equity and hybrid funds are in the top quartile of their respective peer groups for the one year period and five of the six funds are in the top quartile for the three year period according to Lipper. At this time last year, five of the six equity and hybrid funds were in the top quartile of their respective peer groups for one year and four of the six were in the top quartile for the three year period according to Lipper.

Overall, the Value Line equity funds continue to be recognized for both their strong long-run performance and lower-risk profile. The Value Line Small Cap Opportunities Fund is recognized on a select list at Lincoln Financial. As of June 30, 2015 Fidelity has added the Value Line Small Cap Opportunities Fund as a Fidelity Fund Pick. Since September 30, 2015 the Value Line Asset Allocation Fund and the Value Line Small Cap Opportunities Fund have been in the top quartile of their category for 1, 3, 5, and 10 year periods according to Lipper.

 

In November 2015 four funds: the Small Cap Opportunities Fund, the Larger Companies Focused Fund, the Asset Allocation Fund, and the Income and Growth Fund launched a new Institutional Class of shares. With the creation of institutional shares EAM has the opportunity to place the Value Line Mutual Funds on distribution platforms that offer exclusively those funds shares that have eliminated all 12b-1 fees from their fee structure. The Small Cap Opportunities Fund and the Mid Cap Focused Fund were named “Category Kings” inThe Wall Street Journalin calendar 2016.

 

EAM Trust - Results of operations before distribution to interest holders

 

The overall results of EAM’s investment management operations during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, before interest holder distributions, include total investment management fees earned from the Value Line Funds of $3,637,000,$7,317,000, 12b-1 fees and other fees of $1,443,000$2,919,000 and other income of $63,000$79,000 which is mark to market for the seed capital relating to new fund launchesincludes, dividend, interest and the institutional shares.licensing fees income. For the same period, total investment management fee waivers were $81,000$176,000 and 12b-1 fee waivers for four Value Line Funds were $233,000.$465,000. During the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, EAM's net income was $258,000$524,000 after giving effect to Value Line’s non-voting revenues interest of $1,787,000,$3,586,000, but before distributions to voting profits interest holders and to the Company in respect of its 50% non-voting profits interest.

 


The overall results of EAM’s investment management operations during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015, before interest holder distributions, includeincluded total investment management fees earned from the Value Line Funds of $3,838,000,$7,491,000, 12b-1 fees and other fees of $1,396,000$2,838,000 and other loss of $9,000.$27,000. For the same period, total investment management fee waivers were $47,000$95,000 and 12b-1 fee waivers for sixfour Value Line Funds were $371,000.$613,000. During the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015, EAM's net income was $280,000$522,000 after giving effect to Value Line’s non-voting revenues interest of $1,902,000,$3,721,000, but before distributions to voting profits interest holders and to the Company in respect of its 50% non-voting profits interest.

 

As of JulyOctober 31, 2016, four of the Value Line Funds have all or a portion of the 12b-1 fees being waived, and one fund has partial investment management fee waivers in place. Although, under the terms of the EAM Declaration of Trust, the Company no longer receives or shares in the revenues from 12b-1 distribution fees, the Company could benefit from the fee waivers to the extent that the resulting reduction of expense ratios and enhancement of the performance of the Value Line Funds attracts new assets.

 


The Value Line equity and hybrid funds assets represent 76.2%76.3%, variable annuity funds issued by GIAC represent 17.7%, and fixed income fund assets represent 6.1%6.0%, respectively, of total fund assets under management (“AUM”) as of JulyOctober 31, 2016. At JulyOctober 31, 2016, equity, hybrid and GIAC variable annuities AUM decreased by 1.1%1.9% and fixed income AUM decreased by 5.4%7.5% as compared to the prior fiscal year.

As of July 31, 2016, five of the six Value Line equity mutual funds, excluding SAM and Centurion, held an overall four or five star rating by Morningstar, Inc. The largest distribution channel for the Value Line Funds remains the fund supermarket platforms such as Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Fidelity, Pershing and E-Trade.

Additionally, as of July 31, 2016, five of the six equity and hybrid funds are in the top quartile of their respective peer groups for the one year period and four of the six funds are in the top quartile for the three year period according to Lipper. At this time last year, four of the six equity and hybrid funds were in the top quartile of their respective peer groups for one year and three of the eight were in the top quartile for the three year period according to Lipper.

Overall, the Value Line equity funds continue to be recognized for both their strong long-run performance and lower-risk profile. The Value Line Small Cap Opportunities Fund is recognized on a select list at Lincoln Financial. As of June 30, 2015 Fidelity has added the Value Line Small Cap Opportunities Fund as a Fidelity Fund Pick. Since September 30, 2015 the Value Line Asset Allocation Fund and the Value Line Small Cap Opportunities Fund have been in the top quartile of their category for 1, 3, 5, and 10 year periods according to Lipper.

   

 

EAM - The Company’s non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests

 

The Company holds non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM which entitle the Company to receive from EAM an amount ranging from 41% to 55% of EAM's investment management fee revenues from its mutual fund and separate accounts business, and 50% of EAM’s net profits, not less than 90% of which is distributed in cash every fiscal quarter.

 


The Company recorded income from its non-voting revenues interest and its non-voting profits interest in EAM as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Three Months Ended October 31,

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

 

Non-voting revenues interest

 $1,787  $1,902   -6.0% $1,799  $1,819   -1.1% $3,586  $3,721   -3.6%

Non-voting profits interest

  129   140   -7.9%  133   121   9.9%  262   261   0.4%
 $1,916  $2,042   -6.2% $1,932  $1,940   -0.4% $3,848  $3,982   -3.4%

 

During the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015, the Company recorded revenues of $1,916,000$3,848,000 and $2,042,000,$3,982,000, respectively, consisting of $1,787,000$3,586,000 and $1,902,000,$3,721,000, from its non-voting revenues interest in EAM and $129,000$262,000 and $140,000,$261,000, from its non-voting profits interest in EAM without incurring any directly related expenses.


 

Operating expenses

 

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

 
    

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

  

Change

 

Advertising and promotion

 $908  $984   -7.7%

Salaries and employee benefits

  3,908   3,779   3.4%

Production and distribution

  2,474   1,965   25.9%

Office and administration

  1,217   1,145   6.3%

Total expenses

 $8,507  $7,873   8.1%

  

Three Months Ended October 31,

  

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

 

Advertising and promotion

 $620  $748   -17.1% $1,528  $1,732   -11.8%

Salaries and employee benefits

  4,301   3,925   9.6%  8,209   7,704   6.6%

Production and distribution

  2,350   2,065   13.8%  4,824   4,030   19.7%

Office and administration

  1,356   1,073   26.4%  2,573   2,218   16.0%

Total expenses

 $8,627  $7,811   10.4% $17,134  $15,684   9.2%

  

Expenses within the Company are categorized into advertising and promotion, salaries and benefits, production and distribution, office and administration.

 

Operating expenses of $8,507,000$17,134,000 for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 increased $634,000,$1,450,000, or 8.1%9.2%, as compared to the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015 primarily due to additional accelerated depreciation and amortization expense of $739,000$1,317,000 in fiscal 2017. For the three months ended October 31, 2016 operating expenses increased $816,000 or 10.4% as compared to the three months ended October 31, 2015 as a result of additional amortization and depreciation of $573,000 during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

  

Advertising and promotion

 

Advertising and promotion expenses of $620,000 during the three months ended October 31, 2016 decreased $128,000 or 17.1%, as compared to the second quarter of the prior fiscal year as a result of a decrease in direct mail campaigns expense during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Advertising and promotion expenses of $908,000$1,528,000 during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 decreased $76,000$204,000 or 7.7%11.8%, as compared to the firstsecond quarter of the prior fiscal year. There was oneThe decrease in direct mail campaignexpenses of $157,000during the six months ended October 31, 2016, is mainly attributable to a reduction in the number of campaigns forTheValue Line Investment Survey andThe Value Line 600, as compared to fiscal 2016 partially offset by an increase in direct marketing forValue Line Select: Dividend Income & Growthin fiscal 2017. There were two direct mail campaigns forThe Value Line Investment Survey and one forThe Value Line 600during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 as compared to twothree direct mail campaigns intheforThe Value Line Investment Survey and two forThe Value Line 600during the comparable period ofthe prior fiscal year. year.During the six months ended October 31, 2016 sales commissions decreased $57,000 as compared to fiscal 2016.


  

Salaries and employee benefits

 

SalariesDuring the three and six months ended October 31, 2016 salaries and employee benefits of $3,908,000during$4,301,000 and $8,209,000, respectively, increased 9.6% and 6.6% above the three months ended July 31, 2016 increased $129,000 or 3.4% abovecomparable periods in the prior fiscal year’syear primarily as a result of a decrease in the capitalization of internal salaries and benefits expenses for digital project development of $220,000$240,000 and $460,000, respectively, during the three and six months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was partially offset by a decrease in salaries and employee benefits in Human Resources and fulfillment and distribution departments at VLDC during the six months ended October 31, 2016.

 

Production and distribution

 

ProductionDuring the three and six months ended October 31, 2016 production and distribution expenses of $2,474,000during$2,350,000 and $4,824,000, respectively, increased 13.8% and 19.7% above the three months ended July 31, 2016 increased $509,000 or 25.9%as compared tocomparable periods in the prior fiscal year. During thethreethesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, an increase of $733,000$1,332,000 was attributable to additional amortization of internally developed software costs related to softwarethe product production cycle that willis expected to be upgraded during fiscal 2017. Third party2018. Increases in production costs include a $78,000 increase in production support of website, statistical reporting and hosting expenses forframework upgrade costs and a $34,000 increase in outside data services due to modified delivery of financial product pricing services. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company’s print and digital product files for internal use and deliveryCompany transitioned to the Company’s third party that hosts our digital and mobile version of our equity based product offerings, that began on July 9, 2014 decreased $102,000.data provided by an alternative vendor which resulted in $300,000 annual savings. Distribution expenses decreased $71,000$110,000 in fiscal 2017 due to switching to United States Postal Service delivery from a private carrier.carrier and a 10.5% decline in print circulation during thesix months ended October 31, 2016 as compared to the prior fiscal year. 

 

Office and administration

 

OfficeDuring the three and six months ended October 31, 2016 office and administration expenses of $1,217,000 during$1,356,000 and $2,573,000, respectively, increased 26.4% and 16% above the three months ended July 31, 2016 increased $72,000 or 6.3%, as compared tocomparable periods in the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of an increasedue to increases in the cost of maintenance,professional fees, telephone communication and information system costs (primarily in housecommunication software used by the in-house retail sales), and space rental and real estate taxes for our leased NJ facility.moving costs (NJ facility).


 

Income from Securities Transactions, net

 

During the three and six months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015 the Company’s income from securities transactions, net, primarily derived from dividend income, was $33,000$61,000 and $51,000,$94,000, respectively. There were no sales, or gains or losses from sales, of equity securities during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 or July2016. During the six months ended October 31, 2015.2015 sales of equity securities resulted in a $15,000 loss.

 

Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases 44,493 square feet of office space at 485 Lexington Avenue in New York, NY. Base rent under the Sublease is $1,468,269 per annum, subject to customary concessions in the Company’s favor and pass-through of certain increases in operating costs and real estate taxes. The Company provided a security deposit in cash in the amount of $489,423, which is to bewas partially returned over the course of the sublease term. The Company received $122,355 each year from sublandlord inSublandlord as of March 2015 and in March 2016.The2016.The Company is required to pay for certain operating expenses associated with the Premises as well as utilities supplied to the Premises. The Sublease terms have provided for a significant decrease in the Company’s annual rental expenses. The Company recorded a deferred charge on its Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the excess of annual rental expense over cash payments since inception of the lease due to free rent for the first six months of the sublease. The lease expires in February 2017. 

 

On February 29, 2016, the Company’s subsidiary Value Line Distribution Center (“VLDC”) and Seagis Property Group LP (the “Landlord”) entered into a lease agreement, pursuant to which VLDC has leased approximately 24,110 square feet of warehouse and appurtenant office space located at 205 Chubb Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ (“Building” or “Premises”) beginning on May 1, 2016 and ending on April 30, 2024 (“Lease”). Base rent under the Lease is $192,880 per annum payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month, in advance during fiscal 2017 and will gradually increase to $237,218 in fiscal 2024, subject to customary increases based on operating costs and real estate taxes. The Company provided a security deposit in cash in the amount of $32,146, which will be fully refunded after the Lease term expires. The lease is a net lease requiring the Company to pay for certain operating expenses associated with the Premises as well as utilities supplied to the Premises.

 


On November 30, 2016, Value Line, Inc., received consent from the landlord at 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY to the terms of a new sublease agreement between Value Line, Inc. (“Value Line” or “Company”) and ABM Industries, Incorporated (the “ABM” or “Sublandlord”) commencing on December 1, 2016. Pursuant to the agreement Value Line will lease from ABM 24,726 square feet of office space located on the second and third floors at 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY (“Building” or “Premises”) beginning on December 1, 2016 and ending on November 29, 2027. Base rent under the sublease agreement will be $1,126,000 per annum during the first year with an annual increase in base rent of 2.25% scheduled for each subsequent year, payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month, subject to customary concessions in the Company’s favor and pass-through of certain increases in utility costs and real estate taxes over the base year. The Company provided a security deposit represented by a letter of credit in the amount of $469,000, which is scheduled to be reduced to $305,000 on September 30, 2021 and fully refunded after the sublease ends. This Building will become the Company’s new corporate office facility. The Company is required to pay for certain operating expenses associated with the Premises as well as utilities supplied to the Premises. The sublease terms will provide for a significant decrease (23% initially) in the Company’s annual rental expenditure due to free rent for the first six months of the sublease.Sublandlord will provide Value Line an allowance of $417,000 which is expected to be applied against the Company’s costs and expenses related to the relocation to the new office facility or applied as additional free rent.

Effective income tax rate

 

The overall effective income tax rates, as a percentage of pre-tax ordinary income for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 and JulyOctober 31, 2015 were 36.96%35.23% and 30.57%29.71%, respectively. The Company's annual effective tax rate will change due to a number of factors including but not limited to an increase or decrease in the ratio of items that do not have tax consequences to pre-tax income, the Company's geographic profit mix between tax jurisdictions, taxation method adopted by each locality, new tax laws, new interpretations of existing tax laws and rulings and settlements with tax authorities. The fluctuation in the effective income tax rate during fiscal 2017 is primarily attributable to the attribution of 100% of the gain on the sale of the Company's operating facility to one tax jurisdiction and partially tooffset by the effect fromof the scheduled reduction in the allocation factors on the state and local current and deferred tax liability (primarily associated with the gain on deconsolidation of EAM), favorable settlement of certain tax audits, and the dividend received deduction.


 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company had negative working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, of $784,000$158,000 as of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and had negative working capital $6,346,000 as of April 30, 2016. These amounts include short term unearned revenue of $19,316,000$18,762,000 and $20,516,000 reflected in total current liabilities at JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, respectively. Cash and short term securities were $25,270,000$21,246,000 and $16,759,000 as of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, respectively.

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents include $19,846,000$5,321,000 and $12,037,000 at JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, respectively, invested primarily in Money Market Funds at brokers, which operate under Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Securities and Exchange Act and invest primarily in short term U.S. government securities.

 

Restricted Money Market Investment in the noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, amounting to $469,000 at October 31, 2016, represents cash securing a letter of credit ("LOC") in the amount of $469,000 issued to the sublandlord as a security deposit for the Company's new leased corporate office facility.


Cash from operating activities

 

The Company had cash outflows from operating activities of $2,057,000$5,088,000 during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016 compared to cash inflowsoutflows from operations of $692,000$835,000 during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015. The decreaseincrease in cash inflowsoutflows of $4,253,000 from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2017 wasresulted from the payment of additional income taxes of $1,497,000, primarily attributable to the sale of the Company’s VLDC operating facility, the timing of payments of invoices to vendors, the timing of receipts from copyright data sales and a decrease in unearned income from prepaid subscription orders and the timing of payments to fund the annual profit sharing contribution and payment of income taxes.orders.

Cash from investing activities

 

The Company’s cash inflows from investing activities of $12,524,000$2,697,000 during the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, compared to cash inflows from investing activities of $1,295,000$10,131,000 for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015. Cash inflows for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, were higherlower primarily due to investing $11,089,000 in fixed income and equity securities of the proceeds of $11,555,000 received from the sale of the Company’s operating facility as compared to $1.6 million invested in equity securities from the $8.7 million of proceeds from sales of securities during fiscal 2016. Additionally, the Company invested $469,000 in a bank money market fund and lower expenditurespledged this investment to represent cash securing a Bank Letter of Credit issued to the sublandlord as a security deposit for capitalized software and property and equipment.the Company's new leased corporate office facility.

 

Cash from financing activities

 

During the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2016, the Company’s cash outflows from financing activities were $2,194,000$3,994,000 and compared to cash outflows from financing activities of $1,638,000$3,587,000 for the threesix months ended JulyOctober 31, 2015. Cash outflows for financing activities included $535,000$681,000 and $166,000$548,000 for the repurchase of 32,71441,461 and 12,23737,335 shares of the Company’s common stock under the September 19, 2012 board of directors approved common stock repurchase program, during fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. Quarterly dividend payments of $0.17 per share in the first quarterhalf of fiscal 2017 aggregated $1,659,000$3,313,000 as compared to $1,472,000$3,039,000 aggregated quarterly dividend payments of $0.15 per share during the first quarter and $0.16 per share during the second quarter of the prior fiscal year.

 

On July 14,October 20, 2016, the Board of Directors of Value Line declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share. At JulyOctober 31, 2016 there were 9,723,8759,715,128 common shares outstanding as compared to 9,797,2599,772,259 common shares outstanding at JulyOctober 31, 2015. The Company expects financing activities to continue to include use of cash for dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

 

Management believes that the Company’s cash and other liquid asset resources used in its business together with the future cash flows from operations and from the Company’s non-voting revenues and non-voting profits interests in EAM will be sufficient to finance current and forecasted liquidity needs for the next twelve months. Management does not anticipate making any borrowings during the next twelve months. As of JulyOctober 31, 2016, retained earnings and liquid assets were $40,229,000$40,056,000 and $25,270,000,$21,246,000, respectively.

 

Seasonality

 

Our publishing revenues are comprised of subscriptions which are generally annual subscriptions, paid in advance. Our cash flows from operating activities are minimally seasonal in nature, primarily due to the timing of customer payments made for orders and subscription renewals.

 


Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than operating leases and a secured Letter of Credit (“LOC”) in the amount of $469,000 issued as a security deposit for the Company’s office facility entered into in the ordinary course of business. The LOC is secured by arestricted Money Market Investment of similar amount.

 


  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

None.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

 

The Company prepares its Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in accordance with accepted accounting principlesGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles as in effect in the United States (U.S. “GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent, and the Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies reflect the significant judgmentsCompany’s Critical Accounting Estimates and estimates usedPolicies have not changed from those reported in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the preparation of its Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on July 15, 2016. 


Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

Market Risk Disclosures

 

The Company’s Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets include a substantial amount of assets whose fair values are subject to market risks. The Company’s market risks are primarily associated with interest rates and equity price risk. The following sections address the significant market risks associated with the Company’s investment activities.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

At July       The Company’s strategy has been to acquire debt securities with low credit risk. Despite this strategy management recognizes and accepts the possibility that losses may occur. To limit the price fluctuation in these securities from interest rate changes, the Company’s management invests primarily in short-term obligations maturing within one year.

       The fair values of the Company’s fixed maturity investments will fluctuate in response to changes in market interest rates. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates generally translate into decreases and increases in fair values of those instruments. Additionally, fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by prepayment options, relative values of alternative investments, and other general market conditions.

Fixed income securities consist of certificates of deposits and securities issued by federal, state, and local governments within the United States. As of October 31, 2016 the Company didaggregate cost and fair value of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale were $6,135,000 and $6,137,000, respectively. There were no fixed income securities at April 30, 2016. 

       The following table summarizes the estimated effects of hypothetical increases and decreases in interest rates on assets that are subject to interest rate risk. It is assumed that the changes occur immediately and uniformly to each category of instrument containing interest rate risks. The hypothetical changes in market interest rates do not havereflect what could be deemed best or worst case scenarios. Variations in market interest rates could produce significant changes in the timing of repayments due to prepayment options available. For these reasons, actual results might differ from those reflected in the table.

Fixed Income Securities

   Estimated Fair Value after 
   Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates 
   (in thousands) 
                      
   (bp = basis points) 
                      
.      1 yr.  1 yr.  

1 yr.

  1 yr. 
                  
   Fair  50bp  50bp  

100bp

  100bp 
   Value  increase  decrease  increase  decrease 

As of October 31, 2016

                     

Investments in securities with fixed maturities

  $6,137  $6,135  $6,145  $6,130  $6,149 

Management regularly monitors the maturity structure of the Company’s investments in debt securities in order to maintain an acceptable price risk associated with fixed maturities and therefore did not have anychanges in interest rate risk.rates.


  

Equity Price Risk

 

The carrying values of investments subject to equity price risks are based on quoted market prices as of the balance sheet dates. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and, consequently, the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the issuer, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions. Furthermore, amounts realized in the sale of a particular security may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.

 

The Company’s equity investment strategy has been to acquire equity securities across a diverse industry group. The portfolio consists primarily of ETFs and select common stock holdings of blue chip companies with a concentration on large capitalization companies with high relative dividend yields. In order to maintain liquidity in these securities, the Company’s policy has been to invest in and hold in its portfolio, no more than 5% of the approximate average daily trading volume in any one issue. Additionally, the Company may purchase and hold non-leveraged ETFs whose performance inversely corresponds to the market value changes of investments in other ETF securities held in the equity portfolio for dividend yield.

 


As of JulyOctober 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016, the aggregate cost of the equity securities classified as available-for-sale, which consist of investments in the SPDR Series Trust S&P Dividend ETF (SDY), First Trust Value Line Dividend Index ETF (FVD) and, PowerShares Financial Preferred ETF (PGF), XLU, TUSA, FVL and Proshares Trust S&P 500 Dividend (NOBL) was $8,399,000 and $3,445,000, and the fair value was $3,875,000$8,372,000 and $3,637,000, respectively.

 

Equity Securities

       

Estimated Fair

Value after

  

Hypothetical

Percentage

 
      

Hypothetical

 

Hypothetical

  

Increase (Decrease) in

 

($ in thousands)

  

Fair Value

 

Price Change

 

Change in Prices

  

Shareholders’ Equity

 

As of July 31, 2016

Total Equity Securities

 $3,875 

30% increase

 $5,037   1.94%
      

30% decrease

 $2,712   -1.94%

Equity Securities

       

Estimated Fair

Value after

  

Hypothetical

Percentage

 
      

Hypothetical

 

Hypothetical

  

Increase (Decrease) in

 

($ in thousands)

  

Fair Value

 

Price Change

 

Change in Prices

  

Shareholders’Equity

 

As of October 31, 2016

Total Equity Securities

 $8,372 

30% increase

 $10,884   4.26%
      

30% decrease

 $5,861   -4.26%

 

 

 

Equity Securities

       

Estimated Fair

Value after

  

Hypothetical

Percentage

        

Estimated Fair

Value after

  

Hypothetical

Percentage

 
     

Hypothetical

 

Hypothetical

  

Increase (Decrease) in

      

Hypothetical

 

Hypothetical

  

Increase (Decrease) in

 

($ in thousands)

  

Fair Value

 

Price Change

 

Change in Prices

  

Shareholders’ Equity

   

Fair Value

 

Price Change

 

Change in Prices

  

Shareholders’ Equity

 

As of April 30, 2016

Equity Securities and ETFs held for dividend yield

 $3,637 

30% increase

 $4,728   2.05%

Equity Securities and ETFs held for dividend yield

 $3,637 

30% increase

 $4,728   2.05%
     

30% decrease

 $2,546   -2.05%     

30% decrease

 $2,546   -2.05%
              

  

 

Item 4.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

The Company’s management has evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

The Company’s management has evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

 

(b)

The registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have determined that there have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A – Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on July 15, 2016. The Company removed the risk of finding suitable corporate office space which has been satisfied with the sublease the Company entered into withABM Industries, Incorporated on October 3, 2016 for which landlord gave consent to the terms of the sublease on November 30, 2016.

 

 

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

 

(c)

(c)        Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company

 

The following table provides information with respect to all repurchases of common stock made by or on behalf of the Company during the fiscalsecond quarter ended JulyOctober 31, 2016. All purchases listed below were made in the open market at prevailing market prices.

 

  

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 
  

(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased

  

(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)

  

(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

  

(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

 

May 1 - 31, 2016

  7,820  $16.90   7,820  $1,218,000 

June 1 - 30, 2016

  19,539  $16.05   19,539   905,000 

July 1 - 31, 2016

  5,355  $16.85   5,355   815,000 

Total

  32,714  $16.38   32,714  $815,000 
  

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 
  

(a) Total Number of

Shares (or Units)

Purchased

  

(b) Average Price

Paid per Share (or

Unit)

  

(c) Total Number of

Shares (or Units)

Purchased as Part of

Publicly Announced

Plans or Programs

  

(d) Maximum Number

(or Approximate Dollar

Value) of Shares (or

Units) that May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

 

August 1 - 31, 2016

  3,002  $17.78   3,002  $762,000 

September 1 - 30, 2016

  4,800  $16.09   4,800  685,000 

October 1 - 31, 2016

  945  $16.14   945  669,000 

Total

  8,747  $16.68   8,747     

 

All shares represent shares repurchased pursuant to authorization of the Board of Directors. On September 19, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock, at such times and prices as management determined to be advisable, up to an aggregate purchase price of $3,000,000.As of October 31, 2016, $669,000 of the $3,000,000 authorization remains available.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

10.1

First Amendment to Real Estate Sales ContractAgreement of Sublease, dated as of May 20,October 3, 2016, – salepossession commencing December 1, 2016 for the Company’s premises at 551 Fifth Ave., New York, NY and Consent of theCompany’s operating facility located at 125 E Union Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ *

Landlord dated November 30, 2016.

31.1

31.1Certificate of Principal Executive Officer Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2

31.2Certificate of Principal Financial Officer Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.132

Joint Principal Executive Officer/Principal Financial Officer Certificate Required Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

101.INS

101.INSXBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Filed herewith

 

 

 

VALUE LINE, INC.

 

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.

 

Value Line, Inc.

(Registrant) 

 

Value Line, Inc.

  (Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:/s/ 

Howard A. Brecher

/s/ Howard A. Brecher

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

     Howard A. Brecher

 

 

 

     

By:/s/ 

Stephen R. Anastasio

Stephen R. Anastasio

Vice President & TreasurerChief Executive Officer

 

  (Principal     (Principal Executive Officer)
By:/s/ Stephen R. Anastasio
     Stephen R. Anastasio
     Vice President & Treasurer
     (Principal Financial Officer) 

   

 

Date: September 9,December 13, 2016

 

35