Litigation

SEC Investigation

On February 21, 2018, the Company received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and a letter from the SEC stating that it is conducting an investigation. The subpoena requested documents and information concerning, among other things, the restatement of the Company’s financial statements for the quarterly periods ended December 31, 2016, March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2017, the acquisition of Marquis Industries, Inc., Vintage Stock, Inc., and ApplianceSmart, Inc., and the change in auditors.  On August 12, 2020, three of the Company’s corporate executive officers (together, the “Executives”) each received a “Wells Notice” from the Staff of the SEC relating to the Company’s SEC investigation.  On October 7, 2020, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the Staff of the SEC relating to the Company’s previously-disclosed SEC investigation.  The Wells Notices relate to, among other things, the Company’s reporting of its financial performance for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, certain disclosures related to executive compensation, and its previous acquisition of ApplianceSmart. A Wells Notice is neither a formal charge of wrongdoing nor a final determination that the recipient has violated any law. The Wells Notices informed the Company and the Executives that the SEC Staff has made a preliminary determination to recommend that the SEC file an enforcement action against the Company and each of the Executives that would allege certain violations of the federal securities laws.  The Company and the Executives maintain that their actions were appropriate, and the Company and the Executives have engaged Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, among others, to defend themselves, and intend to vigorously defend against any and all allegations brought forth. 

On October 1, 2018, the Company received a letter from the SEC requesting information regarding a potential violation of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, based upon the timing of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 14, 2018.  The Company provided a response to the SEC on October 26, 2018.  The Company is cooperating with the SEC in its inquiry.

ApplianceSmart Bankruptcy and Other ApplianceSmart Litigation Matters

On August 4, 2020, Valassis Communications, Inc. and Valassis Digital Corp. (collectively, “Valassis”) filed suit against ApplianceSmart Holdings LLC in the State of Michigan, Third Judicial Circuit, Wayne County, alleging, among other things, breach of contract and account stated and seeking damages of approximately $700.  This matter has since been removed to United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.  The Company believes that ApplianceSmart, Inc., not ApplianceSmart Holdings LLC is the responsible party.  On December 9, 2019, ApplianceSmart filed a Chapter 11 Case in the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy affects Live Ventures’ indirect subsidiary ApplianceSmart only and does not affect any other subsidiary of Live Ventures, including, but not limited to ASH, or Live Ventures itself. 

On December 12, 2019, Crossroads Center LLC served a lawsuit against ApplianceSmart in the District Court for the State of Minnesota, County of Olmsted, alleging, among other things, breach of contract and seeking damages in excess of $64.  This matter has been stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case.

On December 9, 2019, ApplianceSmart filed a voluntary petition (the “Chapter 11 Case”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”) seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”). The bankruptcy affects Live Ventures’ indirect subsidiary ApplianceSmart only and does not affect any other subsidiary of Live Ventures, or Live Ventures itself.  ApplianceSmart expects to continue to operate its business in the ordinary course of business as debtor-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the orders of the Bankruptcy Court. In addition, the Company reserves its right to file a motion seeking authority to use cash collateral of the lenders under ApplianceSmart’s reserve-based revolving credit facility.  The case is being administrated under the caption In re: ApplianceSmart, Inc. (case number 19-13887). Court filings and other information related to the Chapter 11 Case are available at the PACER Case Locator website for those registered to do so or at the Courthouse located at One Bowling Green, Manhattan, New York 10004.

ApplianceSmart’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 is below. The debtor in possession assets and liabilities are primarily related to assets and liabilities incurred pre-petition and are subject to compromise.

ApplianceSmart’s statement of operations for the period of October 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 is below:

On November 22, 2019, Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. d/b/a GE Appliances filed suit against ApplianceSmart in the District Court for the State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin (the “Hennepin Court”) alleging, among other things, breach of contract and seeking damages in excess of $250.  This matter has been stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case.

On November 1, 2019, OIRE Minnesota, L.L.C. filed suit against ApplianceSmart in the Hennepin Court alleging, among other things, breach of contract and seeking damages in excess of $60.  This matter was subsequently settled for an aggregate of $20 on February 18, 2020 in exchange for full mutual releases.

On October 16, 2019, VanMile, LLC filed a lawsuit against ApplianceSmart in the Magistrate Court of Gwinnett County, State of Georgia alleging unpaid invoices and seeking damages therefor.  Plaintiff is seeking damages of $15.  This matter has been stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case.

On September 12, 2019, Fisher & Paykel Appliances, Inc. initiated an arbitration against ApplianceSmart in San Diego alleging breach of contract and seeking damages in excess of $100.  This matter has been stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case.

On July 22, 2019, Trustee Main/270, LLC (the “Reynoldsburg Landlord”) filed a lawsuit against ApplianceSmart and JanOne Inc. (formerly known as Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.) (“JanOne”) in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus, Ohio, alleging, with respect to ApplianceSmart, default under a lease agreement and, with respect to JanOne, guaranty of lease. The complaint sought damages of $1,530 attorney fees, and other charges.  On or about September 27, 2019, the parties entered into a second lease modification agreement and ratification of agreement (the “Second Lease Modification Agreement”) whereby the Reynoldsburg Landlord restored ApplianceSmart’s access to the property.  Pursuant to the terms of the Second Lease Modification Agreement, in exchange for such restored access, ApplianceSmart paid the Reynoldsburg Landlord $141 in partial satisfaction of past due rent and costs and the Reynoldsburg Landlord agreed to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice.  In addition, the Reynoldsburg Landlord agreed to reduced minimum annual rent for the remainder of the term and waived the rent due for October 2019, December 2019, and January 2020.  In addition, JanOne ratified its guaranty under the lease.

On August 29, 2019, Martin Drive, LLC filed suit against ApplianceSmart in the Hennepin Court, alleging, among other things, breach of contract and failure to pay rent under the terms of a lease agreement.  The plaintiff was awarded a default judgment in the aggregate amount of $265.  This matter has been stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case.

On August 27, 2019, CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. served a lawsuit against ApplianceSmart in the District Court for the State of Minnesota, County of Carver, alleging, among other things, breach of contract and seeking damages in excess of $140.  This matter has been stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case.

On August 15, 2019, 280 Business Center, LLC filed suit against ApplianceSmart in the District Court for the State of Minnesota, County of Ramsey for eviction from the premises.  This matter was settled in September 2019 for $130.

On June 19, 2019, Graceland Retail 2017 LLC filed suit against ApplianceSmart in the Court of Common Pleas in Franklin County, Ohio, alleging, among other things, breach of contract and failure to pay rent under the terms of a lease agreement.  The plaintiff was seeking damages of approximately $940.  This matter has been stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case.  

Generally

We are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. We currently believe that the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits and proceedings will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Operating Leases and Service Contracts

The Company leases its office, retail and warehouse space under long-term operating leases expiring through fiscal year 2040.

During fiscal 2019, as a result of our decision to close certain ApplianceSmart retail locations, we recorded a liability for the estimated remaining lease payments and early termination charges, as applicable, of $724. As of December 31,2020, this amount has been reduced to $405.

Warranties  

During 2019, the Company became the principal for certain extended warranties, as a result, warranty reserves are included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.  The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity for the three months ended December 31, 2020: