UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

LITTLEFIELD CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

2501 N. Lamar Blvd.

Austin, Texas 78701

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number:

(512) 476-5141

 

_________________

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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

 

 

On April 25, 2009, 16,754,901 shares of our Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

Littlefield Corporation

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2009

 

INDEX

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Littlefield Corporation

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Littlefield Corporation

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Littlefield Corporation

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts may not add due to rounding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Littlefield Corporation

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Littlefield Corporation

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 1 – PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Littlefield Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). The financial statements contained herein are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Where appropriate, items within the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to maintain consistency and comparability for all periods presented.

The operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. Except for historical information contained herein, certain matters set forth in this report are forward looking statements that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including the impact of government regulation and taxation, customer attendance and spending, competition, and general economic conditions, among others. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking” statements as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries that are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend” and words or phrases of similar import, as they relate to the Company or its subsidiaries or Company management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitations, competitive factors, general economic conditions, customer relations, relationships with vendors, the interest rate environment, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, distribution networks, product introductions and acceptance, technological change, changes in industry practices, onetime events and other factors described herein and in other filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, based upon changing conditions, should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

NOTE 2 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS.

This report presents the results of operations of the Company’s Hospitality segment for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, as discontinued operations and the assets related to the Hospitality segment are classified as assets held for sale as of the balance sheet dates presented in this report. On April 1, 2009, the Company completed the sale of its Premiere Tents and Events (“PTE”) business unit reflecting the Company’s focus on its charitable bingo business in Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida. The PTE business unit was sold for $900,000 consisting of $300,000 cash consideration and a seven year note for $600,000 at sixpercent interest. The asset sale is expected to result in a yet to be determined gain on sale which will be recorded in the second quarter of 2009.

On April 15, 2008, the Company sold the assets of its custom catering business unit. The asset sale of the catering business unit resulted in a gain on sale of $474,387 resulting from a $650,000 sales price less $175,613 of disposed assets, at net book value. The assets of the catering business unit were sold for $650,000 with payment consisting of $250,000 in cash and a three year $400,000 note receivable at seven percent (7%). During the third quarter of 2008, the note was paid in full less a discount of $22,000 granted for the early payoff of the note.

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 2 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (continued).

 

The amounts of sales, gross profit and gross profit on a basic per share basis of the Hospitality segment included in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the comparable prior year period are as follows:

 

Assets held for sale as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consists of the following:

 

 

Fixed and other assets consist mainly of rental inventory and equipment.

 

 

NOTE 3 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT.

 

Property and equipment at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consists of the following:

 

 

Total depreciation expense, for owned and leased assets, charged to continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $198,200 and $156,500 respectively.

 

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 4 – GOODWILL & OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS.

 

Goodwill at March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

 

 

Intangible assets at March 31, 2009 consists of the following:

                                                                                                                                                

 

 

Amortization expense charged to operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $9,000 and $7,400 respectively.

 

 

NOTE 5 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY.

 

At March 31, 2009, the Company holds 779,806 treasury shares at an average purchase cost of $1.27.

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 6 – SHARE BASED PAYMENTS.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, which requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements based on the provisions of SFAS 123 issued in 1995. We have adopted this statement using the modified prospective method of implementation, whereby the prospective method records the compensation expense from the implementation date forward, but leaves prior periods unchanged.

 

The Company recorded approximately $31,000 and $14,000 in compensation expense in the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, respectively, related to options issued under its stock-based incentive compensation plans. This includes expense related to both options issued in the current year and options issued in prior years for which the requisite service period for those options includes the current year. The fair value of these options was calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model. There were 900,000 and 0 options issued during the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For options issued in 2009, the following assumptions were used: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 78%, risk free interest rates of 2.25% and an expected life of 10 years.

 

 

NOTE 7 – EARNINGS PER SHARE.

 

A reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows:

 

 

 

Stock options to acquire 439,410 and 239,000 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were excluded in the computations of diluted EPS because the effect of including the stock options would have been anti-dilutive to a loss per share or the options were out of the money. The dilutive securities for the three month period ended March 31, 2009, include a stock grant of 1,182,699 shares granted during the first quarter but not yet issued as of March 31, 2009.

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 8 - ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company applies FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (Revised 2004), Share Based Payment, using the modified prospective method of implementation, whereby the prospective method records the compensation expense from the implementation date forward, however leaves prior periods recorded in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) in accounting for its stock options. At March 31, 2009, the Company has implemented five shareholder approved stock option plans. These plans are intended to comply with Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The plans collectively provide for the total issuance of 3,600,000 common shares, as adjusted for the 20% stock dividend in 2006, over ten years from the date of each plan’s approval. In addition, the plans allow for additional increases of 15% of the then outstanding shares.

 

Transactions under the stock option plans are summarized below. At March 31, 2009, a total of 1,345,410 options were outstanding under these plans.

 

 

The fair value of options issued during the three month period ended March 31, 2009was approximately $199,980; the options vest over a three-year period with an exercise price of a ten percent premium over the stock price on the date of grant.

 

Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period in excess of the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2009 was $0, as no options were exercised.Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was approximately $183,000 as of March 31, 2009, related to approximately 825,000 shares with a per share weighted average fair value of $0.22. We anticipate this expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.75 years.

 

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at March 31, 2009 under the Employee Stock Plan adjusted for the 2006 stock dividend:

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable as of March 31, 2009 was 6.3 years.

 

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES.

 

The Company recorded approximately $26,000 and $22,000 of state income tax expense, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. The Company does not expect to incur material federal income tax charges until the depletion of its accumulated federal income tax loss carry-forwards, which totaled approximately $9,200,000 at December 31, 2008, and begin expiring in the year 2016.

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48) on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. If a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, then an enterprise would be required to recognize in its financial statements the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As a result of our implementation of FIN 48 at the time of adoption and as of December 31, 2008, the Company did not recognize a liability for uncertain tax positions.  We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next twelve months.  The tax years 2005 through 2008 remain open to examination by the taxing jurisdictions in which we file income tax returns.

 

 

NOTE 10 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.

 

During 2009, the Company renewed the employment agreement with its President and CEO; in accordance with this agreement, the Company accrued $6,000 and $6,000 of deferred compensation in the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.

 

Generally speaking, the Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines require a company to report any pending legal and/or regulatory proceedings that involves a claim for damages in excess of ten percent (10%) of its current assets. The litigation and proceedings discussed below do not necessarily meet this threshold, but are included in the interest of full disclosure. In general, the Company will vigorously defend itself against all claims to the fullest extent possible.

 

The Company is obligated to make payments over approximately the next 1.25 years in settlement of litigation that was concluded in prior periods. At March 31, 2009, the carrying value of these obligations was $321,191. The Company is current in all its settlement payment obligations.

 

Littlefield Corporation f/k/a/ American Bingo and Gaming v. Philip Furtney, Case No.: 2001 CA 4000, Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in and for Manatee County, Florida.

 

In this case, Littlefield is plaintiff. Littlefield initially sought recovery from Philip Furtney [“Furtney”] for fraud, negligent misrepresentations, and breach of guaranty. This litigation arises from the 1995 acquisition of three Florida bingo centers by a predecessor, American Bingo & Gaming Corporation, from two corporations controlled by Furtney – Pondella Hall for Hire, Inc., and

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued).

 

800438 Ontario. Several months after the acquisition of the three centers, the Florida Attorney General obtained an indictment for alleged racketeering against two American Bingo subsidiaries that operated two of the centers and brought a civil proceeding for racketeering against the same two subsidiaries and American Bingo based upon the same allegations. The indictment and civil litigation were the result of an investigation that had been ongoing for over one year prior to the acquisition of the centers. Furtney was aware of the investigation and its serious nature, but did not disclose the investigation to American Bingo. In fact, the agreements related to the sales specifically and falsely stated that there were not any ongoing governmental investigations. American Bingo settled the litigation brought by the Florida Attorney General and sold its Florida centers as a condition of the settlement. The resolution of this long pending matter was substantially delayed when Furtney, a citizen of Canada and part time resident of Mexico, avoided service of the Complaint and would not permit his United States attorney to accept service of the Complaint. Littlefield was successful in finally serving Furtney when he was in the United States in 2005, to attend related litigation.

 

Furtney passed away in September 2007, several months before the scheduled trial date. In the event a defendant dies following the commencement of litigation, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure provides that a plaintiff may substitute the defendant’s estate as the defendant and continue to pursue the claim to judgment. Furtney’s estate has now been substituted as the defendant and Littlefield intends to vigorously pursue the claim for all damages related to the purchase of the Florida centers from Furtney’s estate, including all sums paid in the acquisition, all costs incurred by American Bingo in the litigation with the state of Florida, and judgments Littlefield was required to pay to Pondella and 800438 Ontario as a result of related litigation. After the substitution, Furtney’s estate discharged Furtney’s previous counsel and retained their own counsel which resulted in additional delay. We expect the case will go to trial in the fall of 2009.

 

South Carolina Department of Revenue v. Littlefield Corporation, Midlands Promotions, Inc., Low Country Promotions, Inc., and Gamecock Promotions, Inc., 05-ALJ-17-0413-CC.

 

This and the following case have now been settled. The South Carolina Department of Revenue issued an administrative bingo violation against the above referenced parties alleging that the Company has an unlawful number of bingo promoter licenses. The Department of Revenue sought to revoke all bingo promoter licenses held by the Company's South Carolina subsidiaries and sought a $5,000 penalty. The Department of Revenue sought to pierce the corporate veil of the Company to thereby attribute the promoter licenses to the Company.  The Department of Revenue's theory is that the three South Carolina subsidiaries were sham corporations and that, as a matter of law, the Company should be deemed the holder of the 12 promoter licenses at issue.  South Carolina law provides that a promoter may only have 5 licenses.

 

Additionally, in Littlefield Corporation, Gamecock Promotions Inc., Palmetto Upstate Promotions Inc., and Midlands Promotions Inc. v. South Carolina Department of Revenue, 07-ALJ-17-623-CC, the Company and its subsidiaries protested the South Carolina Department of Revenue's initial denial of six additional promoters licenses that the Department of Revenue denied on the same theories upon which they sought to revoke the other subsidiaries' promoter licenses, as described above.  Although both parties' Motions for Summary Judgment were denied in this proceeding, in June 2008, the administrative law judge in this protest proceeding ordered that the six licenses be issued pending trial and resolution of the proceedings between the Department of Revenue and the Company.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries vigorously defended the revocation proceeding and the right to hold the additional licenses for which the subsidiaries applied and asserted that Littlefield Corporation is not the holder of these promoter licenses, but rather that its lawfully formed subsidiaries are separate corporations that each hold a lawful number of the promoter licenses. 

 

The Company and the Department of Revenue recently entered into a settlement agreement regarding these matters which allows the Company’s subsidiaries to continue as bingo promoters as they have done in the past. In accordance with the agreement, the subsidiaries, without a fine or penalty, will continue as bingo promoters and for a period of two years the Company and its subsidiaries are to provide the Department with certain quarterly and annual information pertaining to its subsidiaries. In March 2009, both matters were dismissed with prejudice by an Administrative Law Judge.

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2009

 

NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued).

 

Cause No. 8285-D; West Texas Bingo, Inc v. Rodger Hiatt, in the 350^th Judicial District Court of Taylor County, Texas.

 

In this case, the Company is plaintiff. The Company filed suit against the Defendant alleging the Defendant interfered with the Company's bingo operations and/or business operations at Super Bingo, which is located in Abilene, Texas. The Defendant asserted counterclaims against the Company alleging that the Company's claims were harassing and constituted intentional infliction of emotional distress. Defendant’s claims were dismissed by the Court via summary judgment in June 2008, and there are currently no pending claims being asserted by Defendant against West Texas Bingo, Inc. or Littlefield Corporation. The lawsuit is ongoing and the parties are currently engaged in discovery. The matter has not been set for trial, nor have the parties scheduled a pre-trial mediation.

 

Cause No.24, 182-B; West Texas Bingo, Inc. v. Janie Wall, in the 104^th Judicial District Court of Taylor County, Texas.

 

In this case, the Company is plaintiff. The Company filed suit against the Defendant alleging the Defendant interfered with the Company's bingo operations and/or business operations at Super Bingo, which is located in Abilene, Texas. The Defendant asserted counterclaims against the Company alleging that the Company's claims were harassing and constituted intentional infliction of emotional distress. Defendant’s claims were dismissed by the Court via summary judgment in June 2008. Defendant, however, recently moved the Court for leave to assert additional claims against Littlefield Corporation and its CEO. The Court granted Defendant’s request. The lawsuit is ongoing and the parties are currently engaged in discovery. The matter has not been set for trial, nor have the parties scheduled a pre-trial mediation.

 

 

NOTE 12 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This pronouncement applies under other accounting standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value measurement. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. However, SFAS 157 is amended by Financial Statement Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-1, Application of FASB Statement 157 to FASB Statement 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 , which excludes from the scope of this provision arrangements accounted for under SFAS 13, Accounting for Leases. SFAS 157 is also amended by FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially defers the effective date of Statement 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as noted in FSP FAS 157-2. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – including an amendment of FASB Statement 115. This standard permits an entity to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, as required. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Littlefield Corporation

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2009

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 141, which significantly changes the principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective prospectively, except for certain retrospective adjustments to deferred tax balances, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS 141(R) and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets. FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of the position is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141R, Business Combinations , and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The provisions of FSP FAS 142-3 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the requirements of FSP FAS 142-3 and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 13 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

 

In April 2009, the Company sold its Premiere Tents and Events business unit reflecting the Company’s strategic focus on its charitable bingo business in Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida. A final determination of the expected gain on sale will be determined within ninety days of the closing in accordance with the terms of the asset purchase agreement. Assets purchased, excluding goodwill, were approximately $413,000 consisting mainly of equipment and rental inventory.

 

 

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

 

The first quarter 2009 discussion in this report focuses on the Company’s results of continuing operations which is comprised of the Company’s Entertainment segment’s charitable bingo operations in four states: Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida. In April 2009, the Company disposed of Premiere Tents & Events thereby strategically focusing on its Entertainment business.

 

The disposition of Premiere Tents & Events is the final transaction in the disposition of the Company’s Hospitality segment which had included units engaged in catering and party rentals. The disposition of Premiere Tents & Events is expected to result in a yet to be determined gain which will be included in Q2 2009 results.

 

The Company achieved a record level of revenue from continuing operations which increased 24% over the comparable prior year period. Income from continuing operations was approximately $393,000, up approximately $505,000 over the prior year period.

 

The Q1 2009 results include approximately $284,000 of notable items: $158,000 of expense from the effects associated with the start-up of new halls and re-openings at halls in Texas, $85,000 of legal expenses for South Carolina, Texas and Furtney litigation, $10,000 of acquisition related expenses and $31,000 for non-cash stock-based compensation. The Company is working to reduce the negative impact of the Texas start-up operations and its legal fees should be more manageable with the recently reported South Carolina settlement. In addition, the Company expects the Furtney litigation to go to trial this calendar year.

 

The Q1 2008 earnings included approximately $397,000 of notable items: $240,000 from Texas start-ups and re-openings, $143,000 from legal expenses related to South Carolina and Texas and the Furtney litigation and $14,000 for non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

 

Revenues  

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues from continuing operations the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

During the first three months of 2009, total revenues for the Company increased 24% from 2008. Entertainment revenue increased 25% and was favorably affected by the contribution of revenue from a net of seven halls acquired since the beginning of last year in South Carolina and Florida; a total of nine halls were acquired and two under-performing halls were closed. The first quarter is typically the strongest quarter especially in South Carolina.

 

By state, Entertainment revenues for Texas, South Carolina and Alabama were 47%, 35% and 18% of total Entertainment revenue respectively compared to 56%, 23% and 21% in 2008. Other revenue includes other ancillary services and miscellaneous revenue not reported as segment revenue.

 

Gross profit and Costs and Expenses  

 

The table below summarizes the Company’s gross profit from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. Gross profit percent (gross profit as a percent of sales) increased to 41.0% from 30.8% in 2008.

 

 

Overall, total cost of services increased 6% over the comparable three-month prior year period mainly as a result of higher rent costs associated with new bingo halls.

 

 

Direct salaries and other compensation were up approximately $43,000 or 24% above the prior year reflecting the addition of staffing to support the acquired halls.

 

Rent and utilities in 2009 rose approximately $185,000 or 32% over 2008, largely due to the addition of our new halls in South Carolina and Florida. In 2009 and 2008, we did not recognize lease costs on a straight-line basis as provided in SFAS 13, paragraph 15 and FTB 85-3. Instead, lease costs were recognized based on payments made or accrued during each month. If the Company had recognized lease expense on a straight-line basis in 2009 and 2008, total lease costs would not have materially changed the Company’s financial results. In general, the Company enters into long term leases underlying its operations. At the same time, the Company generally enters into agreements which are renewed annually with its customers. This permits the Company to adjust its customer agreements in response to general price increases and limits the effect of lease escalation clauses. Generally, the Company’s leases require payments of rent and a pro-rata share of real estate maintenance, taxes and insurance.

 

Other direct operating costs in 2009 declined $165,000 or 25% from the prior year, mainly resulting from lower costs such as advertising, promotions and development expenses associated with start-ups, re-openings and closures of certain halls in Texas.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense totaled approximately $207,000 ($178,000 Cost of Services plus $29,000 G&A) in 2009 versus $164,000 in the prior year. The increase in depreciation is mainly attributed to hall renovations last year.

 

General and administrative expenses, excluding related depreciation expense, the noted legal fees and stock-based compensation totaled approximately $542,000 in 2009, compared to approximately $547,000 in 2008, a decrease of about $5,000. The decrease mainly related to a staff reduction partially offset by certain compensation adjustments.

 

Other income and expense was an expense of approximately $55,000 for 2009, compared to approximately $66,000 in 2008. The difference mainly stems from lower interest expense from the refinancing of legal settlements and certain notes payable during 2008 and lower interest rates.

 

Our income tax expense for 2009 was approximately $26,000 compared to $22,000 in 2008, all of which is related to the expected effective tax rate for state income taxes. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had a net operating loss available for carryover on its federal income taxes of approximately $9,200,000.

 

Income from continuing operations

 

During the first three months of 2009, income from continuing operations was approximately $393,000; $0.02 per basic share and $0.02 per fully diluted share. Income from continuing operations for the first three months of 2008 was a loss of approximately $112,000; ($0.01) per basic share and ($0.01) per fully diluted share. The weighted average number of basic Common Stock shares outstanding totaled 16,754,901 in 2009 compared to11,738,662 in 2008. The increase in shares outstanding mainly represents the sale of 5,190,568 shares of common stock on March 27, 2008.

 

The Q1 2009 results include approximately $284,000 of notable items: $158,000 of expense from the effects associated with the start-up of new halls and re-openings at halls in Texas, $85,000 of legal expenses for South Carolina, Texas and Furtney litigation, $10,000 of acquisition related expenses and $31,000 for non-cash stock-based compensation. The Company is working to reduce the negative impact of the Texas start-up operations and its legal fees should be more manageable with the recently reported South Carolina settlement. In addition, the Company expects the Furtney litigation to go to trial this calendar year.

 

The Q1 2008 earnings included approximately $397,000 of notable items: $240,000 from Texas start-ups and re-openings, $143,000 from legal expenses related to South Carolina and Texas and the Furtney litigation and $14,000 for non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

 

Adjusted for the noted items above, the adjusted income from continuing operations during the first three months of 2009 was $677,000 and basic earnings per share were $0.04 per share in 2009 versus an adjusted net income of $285,000 and basic earnings per share of $0.02 last year.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2009, totaled approximately $4,142,000 and represented 21% of total assets of approximately $19,398,000. Current assets totaled approximately $5,518,000. Current liabilities totaled $2,774,000. Working capital was approximately $2,744,000 with a current ratio of 1.9 to 1 compared to approximately 1.9 to 1 in December 2008.

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 totaled approximately $706,000 compared to cash used of $7,000 during 2008. Cash flows from operating activities in 2009 were increased by net income of approximately $283,000 and provided by non-cash depreciation expense of approximately $260,000, stock based compensation of approximately $31,000, a $300,000 contingent cash deposit associated with the sale of PTE and offset by other net changes in asset and liability accounts of $168,000.

 

Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $355,000 for capital expenditures mainly for bingo hall renovations, leasehold improvements and the acquisition of a hall in South Carolina during the three months ended March 31, 2009. This compared to net cash used in investing activities of approximately $1,164,000 in 2008 for the purchase of capital assets and an acquisition.

 

Cash used in financing activities in 2009 totaled approximately $635,000, compared to net cash provided by financing activities in 2008 of approximately $6,926,000. During the first three months of 2009, approximately $500,000 of cash was used in the final payoff of a note related to the purchase of six halls in South Carolina last year to realize a $300,000 reduction in purchase price and approximately $135,000 was used for the payment of notes payable and legal settlement obligations. In 2008, approximately $7,000,000 of cash proceeds were obtained through the sale of common stock, approximately $27,000 was provided by exercised options and $101,000 was used for the payment of notes payable and legal settlement obligations.

 

At March 31, 2009, we had approximately $19,398,000 in total assets with total liabilities of approximately $5,994,000 and approximately $13,404,000 of shareholders’ equity. Total assets include approximately $4,142,000 in cash, $708,000 of net accounts receivable, other current assets of $256,000, assets held for sale of $412,000, $7,456,000 of net property and equipment, $6,159,000 of intangible assets, and $265,000 of other assets. Total liabilities primarily consist of accounts payable of approximately $140,000 and notes payable obligations of approximately $3,353,000, legal settlement related obligations of $321,000 and accrued and related-party liabilities of $2,180,000.

 

In 2009, we plan to continue to use our cash generated from operations to make leasehold improvements and renovations in our bingo operations. We also plan to use advantageous combinations of bank financing, seller financing, treasury stock, and cash on hand to acquire new bingo halls when favorable terms can be obtained.

 

Financial Risk Management

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. We have no off-balance sheet debt.

 

Market Risk. In the normal course of business, we employ established procedures to manage our exposure to changes in the market value of our investments. There were no significant investments in marketable securities at March 31, 2009 or 2008. The Company holds its funds in cash and certificates of deposit generally insured by the FDIC with uninsured amounts setting off loans payable.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This pronouncement applies under other accounting standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value measurement. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. However, SFAS 157 is amended by Financial Statement Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-1, Application of FASB Statement 157 to FASB Statement 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 , which excludes from the scope of this provision arrangements accounted for under SFAS 13, Accounting for Leases. SFAS 157 is also amended by FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially defers the effective date of Statement 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as noted in FSP FAS 157-2. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – including an amendment of FASB Statement 115. This standard permits an entity to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, as required. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 141, which significantly changes the principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective prospectively, except for certain retrospective adjustments to deferred tax balances, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS 141(R) and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets. FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of the position is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141R, Business Combinations , and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The provisions of FSP FAS 142-3 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the requirements of FSP FAS 142-3 and have not yet determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Response to this item is included in “Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations – Market Risk” above.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls

 

The Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed with the objective of ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) the information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Based upon their evaluation, our management including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15 d – 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act) are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2009, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of a control system are met. Further, any control system reflects limitations on resources, and the benefits of a control system must be considered relative to its costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Littlefield Corporation have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of a control. A design of a control system is also based upon certain assumptions about potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

For a discussion of material pending legal proceedings, see Note 11 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I hereof, which Note 11 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

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