SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC, 10-Q filed on 5/7/2021
Quarterly Report
v3.21.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
May 04, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Central Index Key 0000086115  
Entity Registrant Name SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2021  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 1-5620  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code PA  
Entity Tax Identification Number 23-1609753  
Entity Address, Address Line One 150 N. Radnor Chester Road  
Entity Address, City or Town Radnor  
Entity Address, State or Province PA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 19087  
City Area Code 610  
Local Phone Number 293-0600  
Title of 12(b) Security common stock, par value $0.10  
Trading Symbol SFE  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   20,957,572
v3.21.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,750 $ 15,601
Restricted cash 25 0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 588 462
Total current assets 22,363 16,063
Property and equipment, net 1,736 1,790
Ownership interests and advances 62,593 50,398
Other assets 292 784
Total Assets 86,984 69,035
Current Liabilities:    
Accounts payable 18 56
Accrued compensation and benefits 3,045 2,677
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 577 410
Lease liability - current 338 327
Total current liabilities 3,978 3,470
Lease liability - non-current 1,964 2,053
Other long-term liabilities 50 637
Total Liabilities 5,992 6,160
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Equity:    
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value; 1,000 shares authorized 0 0
Common stock, $0.10 par value; 83,333 shares authorized; 21,573 shares issued at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 2,157 2,157
Additional paid-in capital 807,111 807,582
Treasury stock, at cost; 630 and 688 shares at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (9,237) (10,200)
Accumulated deficit (719,014) (736,639)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (25) (25)
Total Equity 80,992 62,875
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 86,984 $ 69,035
v3.21.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.10 $ 0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 1,000 1,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.10 $ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 83,333 83,333
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 21,573 21,573
Treasury stock, shares (in shares) 630 688
v3.21.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
General and administrative expense $ 2,463 $ 3,532
Operating loss (2,463) (3,532)
Other income (loss), net 706 (3,567)
Interest income 53 105
Equity income (loss), net 19,329 (9,014)
Net income (loss) before income taxes 17,625 (16,008)
Income tax benefit (expense) 0 0
Net income (loss) $ 17,625 $ (16,008)
Net income (loss) per share:    
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 0.84 $ (0.77)
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 0.84 $ (0.77)
Weighted average shares used in computing income (loss) per share:    
Basic (in shares) 20,902 20,686
Diluted (in shares) 20,930 20,686
v3.21.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:    
Net cash used in operating activities $ (2,157) $ (2,551)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:    
Proceeds from sales of ownership interests 9,419 708
Acquisitions of ownership interests 0 (1,000)
Advances and loans to ownership interests (1,000) (1,241)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 8,419 (1,533)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:    
Tax withholdings related to equity-based awards (88) (11)
Net cash used in financing activities (88) (11)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 6,174 (4,095)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 15,601 25,053
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 21,775 $ 20,958
v3.21.1
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
Retained Earnings [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ (697,223) $ (25) $ 2,157 $ 810,856 $ (14,024) $ 101,741
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019     21,573   930  
Net income (loss) (16,008) 0 $ 0 0 $ 0 (16,008)
Restricted stock awards, forfeitures and shares repurchased for tax withholdings, net 0 0 $ 0 (32) $ 104 72
Restricted stock awards, forfeitures and shares repurchased for tax withholdings, net (in shares)     0   (6)  
Stock-based compensation expense 0 0 $ 0 3 $ 0 3
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020 (713,231) (25) $ 2,157 810,827 $ (13,920) 85,808
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020     21,573   924  
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020 (736,639) (25) $ 2,157 807,582 $ (10,200) 62,875
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020     21,573   688  
Net income (loss) 17,625 0 $ 0 0 $ 0 17,625
Restricted stock awards, forfeitures and shares repurchased for tax withholdings, net 0 0 $ 0 (593) $ 963 370
Restricted stock awards, forfeitures and shares repurchased for tax withholdings, net (in shares)     0   (58)  
Stock-based compensation expense 0 0 $ 0 122 $ 0 122
Balance at Mar. 31, 2021 $ (719,014) $ (25) $ 2,157 $ 807,111 $ (9,237) $ 80,992
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021     21,573   630  
v3.21.1
Note 1 - General
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

1. General

 

The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (“Safeguard” or the “Company”) were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the interim financial statement rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year or for any interim period. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations relating to interim financial statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Liquidity

 

As of March 31, 2021 the Company had $21.8 million of cash and cash equivalents.

 

In January 2018, Safeguard announced that, from that date forward, the Company will not deploy any capital into new opportunities and will focus on supporting our existing companies and maximizing monetization opportunities to return value to shareholders. In that context, the Company has, is and will consider initiatives including, among others: the sale of individual ownership interests, the sale of certain or all ownership interests in secondary market transactions, or a combination thereof, as well as other opportunities to maximize shareholder value.  As we seek to provide additional funding to existing companies where we have an ownership interest, we may be required to expend our cash or incur debt, which will decrease our liquidity.  From time to time, we are engaged in discussions concerning acquisitions and dispositions which, if consummated, could impact our liquidity, perhaps significantly.  Accordingly, the Company could also pursue other sources of capital in order to maintain its liquidity.    

 

The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2021 will be sufficient to fund operations past one year from the issuance of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests

 

The Company accounts for its ownership interests using one of the following methods: Equity or Other. The accounting method applied is generally determined by the degree of the Company's influence over the entity, primarily determined by our voting interest in the entity.

 

In addition to holding voting and non-voting equity, the Company also periodically makes advances to its companies in the form of promissory notes which are included in the Ownership interests and advances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Equity Method. The Company accounts for ownership interests whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to an ownership interest depends on the evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation on the board of directors and our ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of a company, including voting rights associated with the Company’s holdings in common, preferred and other convertible instruments in the company. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a company’s financial statements within our Consolidated Financial Statements; however, our share of the income or loss of such company is reflected in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method companies in Ownership interests and advances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any excess of the Company’s cost over its underlying interest in the net assets of equity method companies that is allocated to intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible assets. The Company reflects its share of the income or loss of the equity method companies on a one quarter lag. This reporting lag could result in a delay in recognition of the impact of changes in the business or operations of these companies.

 

When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method company. When such equity method company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized.

 

Other Method. We account for our equity interests in companies which are not accounted for under the equity method as equity securities without readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair value of these securities based on our original cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar interest of the same issuer. Under this method, our share of the income or losses of such companies is not included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, however, the result of observable price changes, if any, are reflected in Other income (loss), net. We include the carrying value of these interests in Ownership interests and advances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Impairment of Ownership Interests and Advances

 

On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than quarterly, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its ownership interests and advances for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the estimated fair value of each company relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the company and other relevant factors. The business plan objectives and milestones the Company considers include, among others, those related to financial performance, such as achievement of planned financial results or completion of capital raising activities, and those that are not primarily financial in nature, such as hiring of key employees or the establishment of strategic relationships.

 

Management then determines whether there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of its ownership interest in the company. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated fair value.

 

The estimated fair value of privately held companies is generally determined based on the value at which independent third parties have invested or have committed to invest in these companies or based on other valuation methods, including discounted cash flows, valuation of comparable public companies and the valuation of acquisitions of similar companies.

 

Impairment charges related to equity method companies are included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Impairment charges related to non-equity method companies and funds are included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The reduced cost basis of a previously impaired company accounted for using the Equity method is not written-up even if circumstances suggest the value of the company has subsequently recovered.

 

v3.21.1
Note 2 - Ownership Interests and Advances
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block]

2. Ownership Interests and Advances

 

The following summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s ownership interests and advances. 

  

  

March 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

Equity Method:

        

Companies

 $27,541  $27,550 

Private equity funds

  271   271 
   27,812   27,821 

Other Method:

        

Companies

  32,833   19,683 

Private equity funds

  268   268 
   33,101   19,951 

Advances to companies

  1,680   2,626 
  $62,593  $50,398 

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, Zipnosis, Inc. was acquired by another entity.  The Company received $3.3 million in initial cash proceeds and $15.3 million in preferred equity in the acquiror in connection with this transaction.  This ownership interest represents a security that does not have a readily determinable fair value.  Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of ownership interests that do not have a readily determinable fair value, this estimated value  may differ significantly from the value that would have been reported had a ready market for the security existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material.  The Company recognized a $17.0 million gain on the sale, which is included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The fair value of the ownership interests received as a result of the acquisition was estimated based on evaluating several valuation methods available, including the value at which independent third parties have recently invested, the valuation of comparable public companies, and the present value of our expected outcomes.  Assumptions considered within these methods include determining which public companies are comparable, projecting forward revenues, selecting an appropriate valuation multiple,  discounts to apply for the lack of marketability or lack of comparability, other factors and the relative weight to apply to each valuation method available.  Due to the unobservable nature of some of these inputs, we have determined this estimate to be Level 3 fair value measurements.  Our ownership interest in the acquiror will be accounted for under the Other method, as such in subsequent periods it could be subject to observable price changes or impairment if our estimated fair value declines.  

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, WebLinc, Inc. was acquired by another entity.  The Company received $3.2 million in initial cash proceeds and may receive additional amounts over the next 24 months based on certain transactional performance activities, which could be partially offset by indemnifiable claims.  The Company recognized a $0.5 million initial loss on the sale, which is included in Equity income (loss).  To the extent additional amounts are collected as contingencies are resolved, those amounts will be recorded as gain on the sale and included within Equity income (loss).  QuanticMind was acquired during the first quarter by another entity, however there were no resultant proceeds to the Company.  There was no resulting gain or loss due to this equity method ownership interest being impaired during the prior year.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company's ownership interest in T-REX Group, Inc. was acquired for $3.0 million in cash, which was accounted for under the Other method.  The Company recognized a $0.7 million gain, which is included in Other income (loss), net.  Hoopla was also acquired during the first quarter by another entity, however there were no resultant proceeds to the Company.  There was no resulting gain or loss due to this Other method ownership interest being impaired during the prior year.

 

Summarized Financial Information

 

The following table summarizes the statement of operations data for the companies accounted for under the equity method for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These results have been compiled from the respective companies' financial statements, reflect certain historical adjustments, and are reported on a one quarter lag basis. Results of operations of the companies are excluded for periods prior to their acquisition, subsequent to their disposition and subsequent to the discontinuation of equity method of accounting. Historical results are not adjusted when the Company exits, writes-off or discontinues the equity method of accounting. 

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

Results of Operations:

        

Revenue

 $40,168  $47,414 

Gross profit

 $28,228  $29,506 

Net loss

 $(23,021) $(14,604)

 

v3.21.1
Note 3 - Acquisitions of Ownership Interests
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Acquisitions of Ownership Interests

 

The following is a summary of additional deployments during the three month period ended  March 31, 2021:

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, Syapse raised $68 million of preferred equity which reduced the Company's ownership interest to approximately 11%.  The Company recorded a $7.3 million dilution gain as a result of this transaction, which is included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operation.  Syapse drives healthcare transformation through precision medicine, enabling provider systems to improve clinical outcomes, streamline operations, and shift to new payment models.

 

The Company funded an additional $1.0 million of convertible loans to Trice Medical, Inc. The Company had previously deployed an aggregate of $10.8 million. Trice is focused on orthopedic diagnostics using fully integrated camera-enabled technologies to provide clinical solutions to physicians.

 

 

 

    

v3.21.1
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

4. Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short term nature.  The Company did not have any Level 2 or Level 3 financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

 

v3.21.1
Note 5 - Stock-based Compensation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]

5. Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:  

 

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

General and administrative expense

 $245  $86 
  $245  $86 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company granted 11 thousand and 7 thousand restricted stock awards, respectively to non-employee directors for compensation.

v3.21.1
Note 6 - Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded no consolidated income tax benefit (expense) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce its net deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future years. Accordingly, the tax provision that would have been recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2021 was offset by changes in the valuation allowance. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had no material changes in uncertain tax positions.

v3.21.1
Note 7 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

7. Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

The calculations of net income (loss) per share were as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data)

 

Basic:

        

Net income (loss)

 $17,625  $(16,008)

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  20,902   20,686 

Net income (loss) per share

 $0.84  $(0.77)
         

Diluted:

        

Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation

 $17,625  $(16,008)
         

Number of shares used in basic per share computation

  20,902   20,686 

Unvested restricted stock and DSU's

  28    

Employee stock options

      

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  20,930   20,686 
         

Net income (loss) per dilutive share

 $0.84  $(0.77)

 

Basic and diluted average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing net income (loss) per share includes outstanding common shares and vested deferred stock units (DSUs).

 

If an equity method company has dilutive stock options, unvested restricted stock, DSUs or warrants, diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by first deducting the income attributable to the potential exercise of the dilutive securities of the company from net income (loss). Any impact is shown as an adjustment to net income (loss) for purposes of calculating diluted net income (loss) per share.

 

Diluted earnings per share do not reflect the following potential shares of common stock that would have an anti-dilutive effect or have unsatisfied performance or market conditions:

 

 

At March 31, 2021 and 2020, options to purchase 45 thousand and 179 thousand shares of common stock, respectively, at prices ranging from $10.37 to $17.11 and $10.37 to $18.45, respectively, were excluded from the calculations.

   
 

At March 31, 2021 and 2020, unvested restricted stock, performance-based stock units and DSUs convertible into 0.3 million and 0.3 million shares of stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculations.

   
v3.21.1
Note 8 - Segment Reporting
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

8. Segment Reporting

 

The Company operates as one operating segment based upon the similar nature of its technology-driven companies, the functional alignment of the organizational structure, and the reports that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources. As of March 31, 2021, the Company held ownership interests accounted for using the equity method in 9 non-consolidated companies. 

 

Certain of the Company’s ownership interests as of March 31, 2021 included the following:   

 

Company Name

 

Safeguard Primary Ownership as of March 31, 2021

 

Accounting Method

Aktana, Inc.

 15.0% 

Equity

Bright Health Group * Other

Clutch Holdings, Inc.

 42.3% 

Equity

Flashtalking

 13.2% 

Other

InfoBionic, Inc.

 25.2% 

Equity

Lumesis, Inc.

 43.4% 

Equity

MediaMath, Inc.

 13.3% 

Other

meQuilibrium

 32.0% 

Equity

Moxe Health Corporation

 27.6% 

Equity

Prognos Health Inc.

 28.5% 

Equity

Syapse, Inc.

 11.1% 

Equity

Trice Medical, Inc.

 16.6% 

Equity

*not disclosed

 

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, all of the Company’s assets were located in the United States.

v3.21.1
Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

9. Commitments and Contingencies

 

In March 2019, the Company entered into a sublease of its prior corporate headquarters office space beginning in June 2019. The term of the sublease is through April 2026, the same as the Company's underlying lease. Fixed sublease payments to the Company are escalating over the term of the sublease and are reported as a component of general and administrative expenses.

 

A summary of the Company's operating lease cash flows at March 31, 2021 follows:

 

  

Operating lease payments

  

Expected sublease receipts

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

2021 (nine months ending December 31)

 $447  $396 

2022

  601   540 

2023

  607   556 

2024

  613   573 

2025

  619   590 

2026

  207   199 

Thereafter

      

Total future minimum lease payments

  3,094  $2,854 

Less imputed interest

  (792)    

Total operating lease liabilities

 $2,302     

 

 

The Company and the companies in which it holds ownership interests are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the current opinion of the Company, it is not reasonably possible that the ultimate disposition of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, however, no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these actions, and one or more adverse rulings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations or that of its companies. The Company records costs associated with legal fees as such services are rendered.

 

The Company had outstanding guarantees of $3.8 million at March 31, 2021 which related to one of the Company's private equity holdings.

 

In 2018, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company adopted a long-term incentive plan, which was amended in February 2019 and June 2020, known as the Amended and Restated Safeguard Scientifics Transaction Bonus Plan, (the “LTIP”). The purpose of the LTIP is to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing an additional incentive to employees to maximize the value of the Company in connection with the execution of the business strategy that the Company adopted and announced in January 2018. The June 2020 amendment lowered the level of the first threshold and the resulting bonus pool percentage as an incentive to employees to accelerate actions consistent with the business strategy.  Under the LTIP, participants, which include certain current and former employees, have received awards that may result in cash payments in connection with sales of the Company’s ownership interests (“Sale Transaction(s)”). The LTIP provides for a bonus pool corresponding to: (i) specified vesting thresholds or (ii) specified events. In the first case, the bonus pool will range from an amount equal to 0.2% (previously 1.0%) of received proceeds at the first threshold to 1.3% at higher thresholds and no bonus pool will be created if the transaction consideration is less than certain minimum thresholds. In the second case, a minimum pool will be created and paid under specified circumstances. The bonus pool will be allocated and paid to participants in the LTIP based on the product of (i) the participant’s applicable bonus pool percentage and (ii) the bonus pool calculated as of the vesting date, minus any previously paid portion of the bonus pool. Any portion of the bonus pool available as of the applicable vesting date that is reserved will be allocated in connection with each vesting date so that the entire bonus pool available as of such vesting date is allocated and payable to participants. Subject to the terms of the LTIP, payments under the LTIP will be paid in cash within 60 days of the applicable vesting date. All current officers and employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the LTIP. The Board, in its sole discretion, will determine the participants to whom awards are granted under the LTIP. The Company has accrued approximately $2.0 million under the LTIP as of March 31, 2021, all of which is estimated as current accrued compensation.

 

The Company recorded severance expense for certain employees of $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 in accordance with existing employment arrangements.  During the three months ended March 31, 2021, cash payments of $0.4 million were made pursuant to obligations under these arrangements and prior actions.  Remaining amounts to be paid pursuant to severance agreements aggregate to $0.6 million.  Accrued compensation of previously deferred amounts of $0.4 million will be paid during the second quarter of 2021.  Additional contingent amounts could be paid based on continued participation in prior awards granted pursuant to the LTIP.  The Company has agreements with certain remaining employees that provide for severance payments to the employee in the event the employee is terminated without cause or an employee terminates his employment for “good reason.” The maximum aggregate exposure under employment and severance agreements for remaining employees was approximately $0.9 million at March 31, 2021.

 

In June 2011, the Company's former ownership interest, Advanced BioHealing, Inc. (“ABH”) was acquired by Shire plc (“Shire”).  Prior to the expiration of the escrow period in March 2012, Shire filed a claim against all amounts held in escrow related to the sale based principally upon a United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) false claims act investigation relating to ABH (the “Investigation”). In connection with the Investigation, in July 2015 the Company received a Civil Investigation Demand-Documentary Material (“CID”) from the DOJ regarding ABH and Safeguard’s relationship with ABH. Pursuant to the CID, the Company provided the requested materials and information.  To the Company’s knowledge, the CID was related to multiple qui tam (“whistleblower”) actions, one of which was filed in 2014 by an ex-employee of ABH that named the Company and one of the Company’s employees along with other entities and individuals as defendants.  At this time, the DOJ has declined to pursue the qui tam action as it relates to the Company and such Company employee.

v3.21.1
Note 10 - Equity
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

 

10. Equity

 

In July 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company, from time to time and depending on market conditions, to repurchase up to $25.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company has not repurchased any shares under the existing authorization during 2020 or the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

v3.21.1
Note 11 - Subsequent Event
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements  
Subsequent Events [Text Block]

11. Subsequent Event

 

In April 2021, Velano Vascular was acquired by another entity.  The Company received $3.4 million in initial cash proceeds and may receive additional amounts over the next 12 months from the resolution of escrow contingencies.

 

In May 2021, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new $6 million share repurchase program using existing funds in accordance with the requirements Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

v3.21.1
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Liquidity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Liquidity

 

As of March 31, 2021 the Company had $21.8 million of cash and cash equivalents.

 

In January 2018, Safeguard announced that, from that date forward, the Company will not deploy any capital into new opportunities and will focus on supporting our existing companies and maximizing monetization opportunities to return value to shareholders. In that context, the Company has, is and will consider initiatives including, among others: the sale of individual ownership interests, the sale of certain or all ownership interests in secondary market transactions, or a combination thereof, as well as other opportunities to maximize shareholder value.  As we seek to provide additional funding to existing companies where we have an ownership interest, we may be required to expend our cash or incur debt, which will decrease our liquidity.  From time to time, we are engaged in discussions concerning acquisitions and dispositions which, if consummated, could impact our liquidity, perhaps significantly.  Accordingly, the Company could also pursue other sources of capital in order to maintain its liquidity.    

 

The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2021 will be sufficient to fund operations past one year from the issuance of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Accounting for Ownership Interests

 

The Company accounts for its ownership interests using one of the following methods: Equity or Other. The accounting method applied is generally determined by the degree of the Company's influence over the entity, primarily determined by our voting interest in the entity.

 

In addition to holding voting and non-voting equity, the Company also periodically makes advances to its companies in the form of promissory notes which are included in the Ownership interests and advances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Equity Method. The Company accounts for ownership interests whose results are not consolidated, but over which it exercises significant influence, under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to an ownership interest depends on the evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation on the board of directors and our ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of a company, including voting rights associated with the Company’s holdings in common, preferred and other convertible instruments in the company. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not reflect a company’s financial statements within our Consolidated Financial Statements; however, our share of the income or loss of such company is reflected in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company includes the carrying value of equity method companies in Ownership interests and advances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any excess of the Company’s cost over its underlying interest in the net assets of equity method companies that is allocated to intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible assets. The Company reflects its share of the income or loss of the equity method companies on a one quarter lag. This reporting lag could result in a delay in recognition of the impact of changes in the business or operations of these companies.

 

When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method company is reduced to zero, the Company records no further losses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations unless the Company has an outstanding guarantee obligation or has committed additional funding to such equity method company. When such equity method company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it exceeds the amount of the Company’s share of losses not previously recognized.

 

Other Method. We account for our equity interests in companies which are not accounted for under the equity method as equity securities without readily determinable fair values. We estimate the fair value of these securities based on our original cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar interest of the same issuer. Under this method, our share of the income or losses of such companies is not included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, however, the result of observable price changes, if any, are reflected in Other income (loss), net. We include the carrying value of these interests in Ownership interests and advances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Impairment of Ownership Interests and Advances

 

On a periodic basis, but no less frequently than quarterly, the Company evaluates the carrying value of its ownership interests and advances for possible impairment based on achievement of business plan objectives and milestones, the estimated fair value of each company relative to its carrying value, the financial condition and prospects of the company and other relevant factors. The business plan objectives and milestones the Company considers include, among others, those related to financial performance, such as achievement of planned financial results or completion of capital raising activities, and those that are not primarily financial in nature, such as hiring of key employees or the establishment of strategic relationships.

 

Management then determines whether there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of its ownership interest in the company. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated fair value.

 

The estimated fair value of privately held companies is generally determined based on the value at which independent third parties have invested or have committed to invest in these companies or based on other valuation methods, including discounted cash flows, valuation of comparable public companies and the valuation of acquisitions of similar companies.

 

Impairment charges related to equity method companies are included in Equity income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Impairment charges related to non-equity method companies and funds are included in Other income (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The reduced cost basis of a previously impaired company accounted for using the Equity method is not written-up even if circumstances suggest the value of the company has subsequently recovered.

 

v3.21.1
Note 2 - Ownership Interests and Advances (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block]
  

March 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

Equity Method:

        

Companies

 $27,541  $27,550 

Private equity funds

  271   271 
   27,812   27,821 

Other Method:

        

Companies

  32,833   19,683 

Private equity funds

  268   268 
   33,101   19,951 

Advances to companies

  1,680   2,626 
  $62,593  $50,398 
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]
  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

Results of Operations:

        

Revenue

 $40,168  $47,414 

Gross profit

 $28,228  $29,506 

Net loss

 $(23,021) $(14,604)
v3.21.1
Note 5 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Activity [Table Text Block]
  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

General and administrative expense

 $245  $86 
  $245  $86 
v3.21.1
Note 7 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data)

 

Basic:

        

Net income (loss)

 $17,625  $(16,008)

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  20,902   20,686 

Net income (loss) per share

 $0.84  $(0.77)
         

Diluted:

        

Net income (loss) for dilutive share computation

 $17,625  $(16,008)
         

Number of shares used in basic per share computation

  20,902   20,686 

Unvested restricted stock and DSU's

  28    

Employee stock options

      

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  20,930   20,686 
         

Net income (loss) per dilutive share

 $0.84  $(0.77)
v3.21.1
Note 8 - Segment Reporting (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Partner Company Ownership Interest [Table Text Block]

Company Name

 

Safeguard Primary Ownership as of March 31, 2021

 

Accounting Method

Aktana, Inc.

 15.0% 

Equity

Bright Health Group * Other

Clutch Holdings, Inc.

 42.3% 

Equity

Flashtalking

 13.2% 

Other

InfoBionic, Inc.

 25.2% 

Equity

Lumesis, Inc.

 43.4% 

Equity

MediaMath, Inc.

 13.3% 

Other

meQuilibrium

 32.0% 

Equity

Moxe Health Corporation

 27.6% 

Equity

Prognos Health Inc.

 28.5% 

Equity

Syapse, Inc.

 11.1% 

Equity

Trice Medical, Inc.

 16.6% 

Equity

v3.21.1
Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Notes Tables  
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]
  

Operating lease payments

  

Expected sublease receipts

 
  

(Unaudited - In thousands)

 

2021 (nine months ending December 31)

 $447  $396 

2022

  601   540 

2023

  607   556 

2024

  613   573 

2025

  619   590 

2026

  207   199 

Thereafter

      

Total future minimum lease payments

  3,094  $2,854 

Less imputed interest

  (792)    

Total operating lease liabilities

 $2,302     
v3.21.1
Note 1 - General (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance $ 21,750 $ 15,601
v3.21.1
Note 2 - Ownership Interests and Advances (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount $ 33,101 $ 19,951
Preferred Equity in Acquiror in Connection with Sale of Zipnosis, Inc [Member]    
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount 15,300  
Zipnosis [Member]    
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments 3,300  
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal, Total 17,000  
WebLinc, Inc. [Member]    
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments 3,200  
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal, Total $ (500)  
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Period of Contingent Proceeds (Month) 24 months  
T-Rex Group, Inc [Member]    
Proceeds From Sale of Other Method Investment $ 3,000  
Other Method Investment, Gain (Loss) $ 700  
v3.21.1
Note 2 - Ownership Interests and Advances - Schedule of Carrying Value of Ownership Interests (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Equity Method Companies $ 27,812 $ 27,821
Other Companies 33,101 19,951
Advances to companies 1,680 2,626
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Total 62,593 50,398
Partnership Interest [Member]    
Equity Method Companies 27,541 27,550
Other Companies 32,833 19,683
Private Equity Funds [Member]    
Equity Method Companies 271 271
Other Companies $ 268 $ 268
v3.21.1
Note 2 - Ownership Interests and Advances - Schedule of Results of Operations (Details) - Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue $ 40,168 $ 47,414
Gross profit 28,228 29,506
Net loss $ (23,021) $ (14,604)
v3.21.1
Note 3 - Acquisitions of Ownership Interests (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Equity Method Investments $ 27,812 $ 27,821
Syapse, Inc. [Member]    
Equity Method Investment, Dilution Gain $ 7,300  
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage 11.10%  
Trice Medical [Member]    
Convertible Bridge Loan $ 1,000  
Equity Method Investments 10,800  
Syapse, Inc. [Member]    
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock $ 68,000  
v3.21.1
Note 5 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) - shares
shares in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Restricted Stock [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in shares) 11 7
v3.21.1
Note 5 - Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Stock-based compensation expense $ 245 $ 86
General and Administrative Expense [Member]    
Stock-based compensation expense $ 245 $ 86
v3.21.1
Note 6 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total $ 0 $ 0
v3.21.1
Note 7 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details Textual) - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in shares) 45 179
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit (in dollars per share) $ 10.37 $ 10.37
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (in dollars per share) $ 17.11 $ 18.45
Restricted Stock, Performance-based Stock Units, and Deferred Stock Units [Member]    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in shares) 300 300
v3.21.1
Note 7 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Calculations of Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Basic:    
Net income (loss) $ 17,625 $ (16,008)
Basic (in shares) 20,902 20,686
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 0.84 $ (0.77)
Diluted:    
Net income (loss) $ 17,625 $ (16,008)
Basic (in shares) 20,902 20,686
Unvested restricted stock and DSU's (in shares) 28 0
Employee stock options (in shares) 0 0
Diluted (in shares) 20,930 20,686
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 0.84 $ (0.77)
v3.21.1
Note 8 - Segment Reporting (Details Textual)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Number of Operating Segments 1
v3.21.1
Note 8 - Segment Reporting - Schedule of Active Partner Companies by Segment (Details)
Mar. 31, 2021
Aktana, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 15.00%
Clutch Holdings [Member]  
Ownership Interest 42.30%
Flashtalking, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 13.20%
InfoBionic, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 25.20%
Lumesis, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 43.40%
MediaMath, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 13.30%
meQuilibrium [Member]  
Ownership Interest 32.00%
Moxe Health Corporation [Member]  
Ownership Interest 27.60%
Prognos Health, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 28.50%
Syapse, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 11.10%
Trice Medical, Inc. [Member]  
Ownership Interest 16.60%
v3.21.1
Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2021
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent, Total   $ 2.0  
Supplemental Unemployment Benefits, Severance Benefits   0.6  
Employee and Severance Agreement, Maximum Aggregate Exposure   0.9  
Employee Severance [Member]      
Restructuring Charges, Total   0.8  
Payments for Postemployment Benefits   $ 0.4  
Employee Severance [Member] | Forecast [Member]      
Payments for Postemployment Benefits $ 0.4    
Minimum [Member]      
Long-term Incentive Plan, Bonus Pool Percent   0.20% 1.00%
Maximum [Member]      
Long-term Incentive Plan, Bonus Pool Percent   1.30%  
Private Equity Funds [Member]      
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value   $ 3.8  
v3.21.1
Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies - Operating Lease Cash Flow (Details)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
2021 (nine months ending December 31), Operating lease payments $ 447
2021 (nine months ending December 31), Expected sublease receipts 396
2022, Operating lease payments 601
2022), Expected sublease receipts 540
2023, Operating lease payments 607
2023), Expected sublease receipts 556
2024, Operating lease payments 613
2024), Expected sublease receipts 573
2025, Operating lease payments 619
2025), Expected sublease receipts 590
2026, Operating lease payments 207
2026), Expected sublease receipts 199
Thereafter, Operating lease payments 0
Thereafter, Expected sublease receipt 0
Total future minimum lease payments, Operating lease payments 3,094
Total future minimum lease payments, Expected sublease receipt 2,854
Less imputed interest, Operating lease payments (792)
Total operating lease liabilities, Operating lease payments $ 2,302
v3.21.1
Note 10 - Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2015
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount     $ 25
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired (in shares) 0 0  
v3.21.1
Note 11 - Subsequent Event (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2021
May 07, 2021
Jul. 31, 2015
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount     $ 25.0
Subsequent Event [Member]      
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount   $ 6.0  
Velano Vascular [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]      
Proceeds From Sale of Other Method Investment $ 3.4