UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017

or

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number 1-7265


AMBASE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
(State of incorporation)
 
95-2962743
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
ONE SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD, SUITE 301
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 33432

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(203) 532-2000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES
X
 
NO
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).__X___ Yes_____ No

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

(Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer
   
Accelerated Filer
   
Non-Accelerated Filer
   
Smaller Reporting Company
X
                       
 
Emerging Growth Company
                   
                       

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

YES
   
NO
 

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

YES
   
NO
X

At July 31, 2017, there were 40,737,751 shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value per share.


AmBase Corporation

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
June 30, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
 
         
Item 1.
 
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
1
 
         
Item 2.
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
18
 
         
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
22
 
         
PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
22
 
         
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
22
 
         
Item 2.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity and Securities and Use of Proceeds
22
 
         
Item 3.
 
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
23
 
         
Item 4.
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
23
 
         
Item 5.
 
Other Information
23
 
         
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
23
 
         
Signatures
   
24
 


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AMBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)


(in thousands, except per share data)
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Operating expenses:
                       
Compensation and benefits
 
$
278
   
$
356
   
$
602
   
$
830
 
Professional and outside services
   
624
     
193
     
1,528
     
302
 
Property operating and maintenance
   
38
     
29
     
71
     
62
 
Depreciation
   
12
     
12
     
24
     
24
 
Insurance
   
49
     
45
     
85
     
81
 
Other operating
   
48
     
41
     
83
     
94
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,049
     
676
     
2,393
     
1,393
 
Operating income (loss)
   
(1,049
)
   
(676
)
   
(2,393
)
   
(1,393
)
                                 
Interest income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Interest expense
   
(13
)
   
-
     
(18
)
   
-
 
Equity income (loss) – 111 West 57th Partners LLC
   
(7
)
   
(108
)
   
(25
)
   
(500
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(1,069
)
   
(784
)
   
(2,436
)
   
(1,893
)
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
3
     
35
     
6
     
70
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(1,072
)
 
$
(819
)
 
$
(2,442
)
 
$
(1,963
)
                                 
Net income (loss) per common share - basic
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.05
)
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
   
40,738
     
40,738
     
40,738
     
40,738
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution
   
40,738
     
40,738
     
40,738
     
40,738
 
                                 

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


AMBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

Assets:
 
June 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
358
   
$
586
 
Real estate owned:
               
  Land
   
554
     
554
 
  Buildings
   
1,900
     
1,900
 
Real estate owned, gross
   
2,454
     
2,454
 
  Less:  accumulated depreciation
   
798
     
774
 
                 
Real estate owned, net
   
1,656
     
1,680
 
                 
Investment in 111 West 57th Partners LLC
   
63,745
     
63,770
 
Other assets
   
98
     
166
 
Total assets
 
$
65,857
   
$
66,202
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
               
Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
940
   
$
343
 
Loan payable - related party
   
1,500
     
-
 
Other liabilities
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Total liabilities
   
2,440
     
343
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
               
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 85,000 authorized in 2017, and  85,000 authorized in 2016, 46,410 issued and 40,738 outstanding in 2017 and 46,410 issued and 40,738 outstanding in 2016)
   
464
     
464
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
548,304
     
548,304
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(480,183
)
   
(477,741
)
Treasury stock, at cost – 2017 - 5,672 shares and 2016 – 5,672 shares
   
(5,168
)
   
(5,168
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
63,417
     
65,859
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
65,857
   
$
66,202
 

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


AMBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)


   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(2,442
)
 
$
(1,963
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities
               
Depreciation
   
24
     
24
 
Other income
   
-
     
-
 
Equity (income) loss - 111 West 57th Partners LLC
   
25
     
500
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Other assets
   
68
     
(77
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
597
     
(114
)
Other liabilities
   
-
     
-
 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
   
(1,728
)
   
(1,630
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from loan payable
   
1,500
     
-
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
   
1,500
     
-
 
                 
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(228
)
   
(1,630
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
586
     
3,303
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
358
   
$
1,673
 
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
               
Income taxes paid
 
$
5
   
$
47
 

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


AMBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – The Company and Basis of Presentation and Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of AmBase Corporation and subsidiaries ("AmBase" or the "Company") are unaudited and subject to year-end adjustments. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that it deems reasonable, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from such estimates and assumptions. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements filed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The Company's assets currently consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, an equity investment in a real estate development property and real estate owned. The Company owns an equity interest in a real estate development property through a joint venture agreement to purchase and develop real property located at 105 through 111 West 57th Street in New York (the "111 West 57th Property"). As further discussed herein below and in Note 4, Note 9 and Note 11, the Company is engaged in material disputes and litigation with the sponsor of the joint venture and a mezzanine lender to the joint venture. The Company is otherwise engaged in the management of its assets and liabilities.

In April 2016, AmBase initiated a litigation in the New York State Supreme Court for New York County (the "NY Court"), Index No652301/2016, ("AmBase v. 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, et al.") (the "111 West 57th Action").  The defendants in that litigation are 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, 111 West 57th JDS LLC, PMG West 57th Street LLC, 111 West 57th Control LLC, 111 West 57th Developer LLC, Elliot Joseph, 111 West 57th KM Equity LLC, 111 West 57th KM Group LLC, Kevin Maloney, Matthew Phillips, Michael Stern, Ned White and Franklin R. Kaiman (collectively, "Defendants") and nominal defendant 111 West 57th Partners LLCAmBase alleges in that action, among other claims, that the Defendants engaged in an unlawful scheme to dilute AmBase's equity interest in the joint real estate venture 111 West 57th Partners, to develop the 111 West 57th Street Property and to keep for themselves certain financing opportunities in breach of Defendants' contractual and fiduciary duties. The complaint also alleges that defendants have failed to honor the exercise of AmBase's contractual "equity put right" as set forth in the JV Agreement (the "Equity Put Right"). AmBase is seeking compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, indemnification and equitable relief including a declaration of the parties' rights, an accounting and a constructive trust over distributions received by the Defendants.  The complaint in this action has been filed, a motion to dismiss is pending and discovery is ongoing.  The Company has also demanded from the Sponsors access to the books and records for the 111 West 57th Property which the Sponsors have refused, claiming they have provided all books and records as required. For additional information, see Note 4, Note 9 and Note 11.

For additional information with regard to, among other items, recent developments concerning the Company's investment in the 111 West 57th Property, information concerning the junior mezzanine lender declaration of an event of default and its proposal to take control of the collateral pledged by the junior mezzanine borrower and therefore, the Company's entire interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property, the Company's request for injunctive relief, and the NY Court's issuance of a temporary restraining order pending a preliminary injunction hearing, see Note 4, Note 9, and Note 11.

A fundamental principle of the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP is the assumption that an entity will continue in existence as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations and the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities occurring in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with this requirement, the Company has prepared its accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.

The Company has incurred operating losses and used cash for operating activities for the past several years.  The Company has also made significant investments in the 111 West 57th Street Property since 2013.  The Company has continued to keep operating expenses at a reduced level; however, there can be no assurance that the Company's current level of operating expenses will not increase or that other uses of cash will not be necessary.  The Company believes that based on its current level of operating expenses, its currently available cash and financial resources together with the borrowings and line of credit from Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer ("Mr. R. A. Bianco") as further discussed in Note 10 herein, may not be sufficient to cover operating cash needs through the twelve month period from the financial statement reporting date. Based on the above factors, management determined there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include adjustments to the carrying value of assets and liabilities which might be necessary should the Company not continue in operation.

Over the next several months, the Company will seek to manage its current level of cash and cash equivalents, through various ways, including but not limited to, reducing operating expenses, possible asset sales and/or long term borrowings, although this cannot be assured. In order to continue on a long-term basis, the Company must raise additional capital through the sale of assets or long term borrowings.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to attain such financing at terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.

With respect to its current disputes and litigation relating to its interest in the 111 West 57th Property, the Company will continue to pursue all available legal courses of action as well as considering other possible economic strategies, including the possible sale of the Company's investment interest in the 111 West 57th Property. The Company is negotiating with all potential parties to protect the Company's interests. Additionally, the Company is pursuing alternative financial resources to help finance current and future litigation in the courts to protect the Company's investment value, including negotiating possible contingency arrangements with legal counsel and/or raising capital for the Company to pursue its legal rights.


New accounting pronouncements

There are no new accounting pronouncements that would likely materially affect the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 3 – Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned consists of a commercial office building in Greenwich, Connecticut that is managed and operated by the Company.  A portion of the building is utilized by the Company for office space; the remaining space is currently unoccupied and available for lease. Depreciation expense for the building is calculated on a straight-line basis.

Information relating to the Company's real estate owned in Greenwich, Connecticut is as follows:

 
June 30, 2017
 
Area of building in square feet
14,500
 
Square feet utilized by Company
3,500
 
Number of years depreciation is based upon
39
 


Although the portion of the building not being utilized by the Company is currently unoccupied and available for lease, based on the Company's analysis, the Company believes the property's fair value exceeds the property's current carrying value.  The Company's impairment analysis includes a comprehensive range of factors including but not limited to:  the location of the property; property condition; current market conditions; comparable sales; current market rents in the area; new building zoning restrictions; raw land values; new building construction costs; building operating costs; leasing values; and cap rates for comparable buildings in the area.  Varying degrees of weight are given to each factor.  Based on the Company's analysis these factors, taken together and/or considered individually, form the basis for the Company's analysis that no impairment condition exists.

The Company performs impairment tests on a regular basis and if events or circumstances indicate that the property's carrying value may not be recoverable.  Based on the Company's analysis, the Company believes the carrying value of the real estate owned as of June 30, 2017, has not been impaired; and therefore, the carrying value of the asset is fully recoverable by the Company.  The building is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.


Note 4 – Investment in 111 West 57th Partners LLC

On June 28, 2013, 111 West 57th Investment LLC, ("Investment LLC"), a then newly formed subsidiary of the Company, entered into a joint venture agreement (as amended, the "JV Agreement") with 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, (the "Sponsors"), pursuant to which Investment LLC invested (the "Investment") in a real estate development property to purchase and develop the 111 West 57th Street Property (the "111 West 57th Property").  In consideration for making the Investment, Investment LLC was granted a membership interest in 111 West 57th Partners LLC ("111 West 57th Partners"), which indirectly acquired the 111 West 57th Property on June 28, 2013 (the "Joint Venture," and such date, the "Closing Date").  The Company also indirectly contributed an additional amount to the Joint Venture in exchange for an additional indirect interest in the Joint Venture.  Other members and the Sponsor contributed additional cash and/or property to the Joint Venture. The Joint Venture plans to redevelop the 111 West 57th Property into a luxury residential tower and retail project.

Amounts relating to the Company's initial investment and other information relating to the 111 West 57th Property are as follows:

 
($ in thousands)
     
Company's aggregate initial investment
 
$
57,250
 
Company's aggregate initial membership interest %
   
60.3
%
Other members and Sponsor initial investment
 
$
37,750
 
Approximate gross square feet of project
   
346,000
 


On June 30, 2015, 111 West 57th Partners obtained financing for the 111 West 57th Property.  The financing was obtained in two parts: (i) a first mortgage construction loan with AIG Asset Management (US), LLC (along with its affiliates "AIG"); and (ii) a mezzanine loan with Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (along with its affiliates "Apollo"), as detailed herein below.  Both loans have a four-year term with a one-year extension option subject to satisfying certain conditions.  The loan agreements (the "Loan Agreements") also include customary events of default and other customary terms and conditions.  Simultaneously with the closing of the AIG and the Apollo financing, 111 West 57th Partners repaid all outstanding liabilities and obligations to Annaly CRE, LLC under the initial mortgage and acquisition loan agreement, dated June 28, 2013, between 111 West 57th Partners and Annaly CRE, LLC.  The remaining loan proceeds will be drawn down and used as necessary for construction and related costs, loan interest escrow and other related project expenses for development of the 111 West 57th Property.

Information relating to the June 30, 2015 financing for 111 West 57th Partners is as follows:

(in thousands)
     
Financing obtained by 111 West 57th Partners - AIG
 
$
400,000
 
Financing obtained by 111 West 57th Partners - Apollo
   
325,000
 
Annaly CRE LLC initial mortgage and acquisition loan repaid
 
$
230,000
 

In July 2015, based on available net proceeds received from the financing and equity previously invested in the project, funds were distributed to the members of 111 West 57th Partners (the "July 2015 Distribution").  In connection therewith, the Company, principally through Investment LLC, received a distribution but reserved its rights to dispute the actual amount to which it is entitled based on the 111 West 57th Partners Operating Agreement and the Company's percentage interests thereunder.  In accordance with the Second Amended and Restated Investment Operating Agreement as noted herein, the Company through Investment LLC fully repaid 111 West 57th Capital LLC, an entity wholly owned by Mr. R.A. Bianco ("Capital LLC"), its capital contributions as noted below. The remaining amount was retained by the Company.

Information relating to the July 2015 Distribution is as follows:

(in thousands)
     
Distribution attributable to Company's investment
 
$
11,699
 
Distribution retained by the Company, net of amounts repaid to Capital LLC
 
$
1,831
 

The JV Agreement and related operating agreements generally provide that all distributable cash shall be distributed as follows: (i) first, 100% to the members in proportion to their percentage interests until Investment LLC has received distributions yielding a 20% internal rate of return as calculated; (ii) second, 100% to the Sponsor as a return of (but not a return on) any additional capital contributions made by the Sponsor on account of manager overruns; and (iii) thereafter, (a) 50% to the members in proportion to their respective percentage interests at the time of such distribution, and (b) 50% to the Sponsor.

Additionally, the JV Agreement provides that (i) Mr. Richard A. Bianco (the Company's current Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer) ("Mr. R. A. Bianco"), his immediate family, and/or any limited liability company wholly-owned thereby, and/or a trust in which Mr. R. A. Bianco and/or his immediate family is the beneficiary, shall at all times own, in the aggregate, not less than 20% of the outstanding shares of AmBase; and (ii) Mr. R. A. Bianco shall remain the Chairman of the Board of Directors of AmBase for the duration of the JV Agreement.

In March 2014, the Company entered into an amended and restated operating agreement for Investment LLC (the "Amended and Restated Investment Operating Agreement") to grant a 10% subordinated participation interest in Investment LLC to Mr. R. A. Bianco as contingent future incentive for Mr. R. A. Bianco's past, current and anticipated ongoing role to develop and commercialize the Company's equity investment in the 111 West 57th Property.  Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Investment Operating Agreement, Mr. R.A. Bianco has no voting rights with respect to his interest in Investment LLC, and his entitlement to receive 10% of the distributions from Investment LLC is subject to the Company first receiving distributions equal to 150% of the Company's initial aggregate investment in Investment LLC and the Joint Venture, plus any additional investments by the Company, and only with respect to any distributions thereafter. At the current time the Company has not expensed nor accrued any amounts relating to this subordinated participation interest, as no amount or range of amounts can be reasonably estimated or assured.

During 2014, in connection with the funding of additional capital calls under the JV Agreement for required borrowing and development costs for the 111 West 57th Property, the Company's management and its Board of Directors concluded that, given the continuing development risks of the 111 West 57th Property and the Company's financial position, the Company should not at that time increase its already significant concentration and risk exposure to the 111 West 57th Property.  Nonetheless, the Company sought to limit dilution of its interest in the Joint Venture resulting from any failure to fund the capital call requirements, but at the same time wished to avoid the time, expense and financial return requirements (with attendant dilution and possible loss of voting rights) that obtaining a replacement third-party investor would require. The Company therefore entered into a second amended and restated operating agreement for Investment LLC ("Second Amended and Restated Investment Operating Agreement") pursuant to which Capital LLC was admitted as a member of Investment LLC. In exchange for Capital LLC contributing toward Investment LLC capital calls in respect of the 111 West 57th Property, available cash of Investment LLC will be distributed first to Capital LLC until it has received a 20% internal rate of return (calculated as provided for in the JV Agreement as noted above), second to the Company until it has received 150% of its capital, and; thereafter, available cash is split 10/90 with 10% going to Mr. R.A. Bianco as the subordinated participation interest noted above and 90% going to Capital LLC and the Company pari-passu, with Capital LLC receiving one-half of its pro-rata share based on capital contributed and the Company receiving the balance. No other material changes were made to the Amended and Restated Investment Operating Agreement, and neither Mr. Bianco nor Capital LLC has any voting rights with respect to their interest and investment in Investment LLC.

In March 2017, the Company and Mr. R. A. Bianco entered into an agreement for Mr. R. A. Bianco to provide to the Company a financial commitment in the form of a line of credit up to ten million dollars ($10,000,000) or additional amount(s) as may be necessary and agreed to enable AmBase to contribute capital to Investment LLC and/or other affiliated subsidiaries of the Company to meet capital calls for the of 111 West 57th Property if and when the case may be necessary on terms agreeable to/by the Company (as determined by the independent members of the Board of Directors) and Mr. R. A. Bianco at such time.  The agreement provides that additional borrowings from Mr. R. A. Bianco pursuant to this line of credit shall be secured by the Company's commercial office building in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Capital contributed by Capital LLC in December 2014 and April 2015, which was fully repaid as part of the July 2015 Distribution, was as follows:

(in thousands)
     
Capital contributed by Capital LLC
 
$
9,868
 

As part of the July 2015 Distribution, Capital LLC was repaid the full amount of its capital investment.  Additional amounts may still be payable to Capital LLC based on investment returns received on the 111 West 57th Property as further described herein.

Pursuant to various capital contribution requests in December 2014, February 2015 and April 2015, the Company was requested to contribute funds to the Joint Venture (the "Capital Contribution Requests").  The Company chose to contribute only a portion of the amounts requested pursuant to the Capital Contribution Requests.  The remaining amounts requested pursuant to the Capital Contribution Requests (not funded by the Company) were contributed by either the Sponsor, which deemed its capital contributions on behalf of the Company to be Shortfall Capital Contributions ("Shortfall Capital Contributions") or by the Company from Capital LLC, pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Investment Operating Agreement as noted herein.

The Company made additional capital contributions to the Joint Venture as indicated below:

(in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 
Capital contributions
 
$
-
 

In accordance with the JV Agreement, Shortfall Capital Contributions may be treated either as a member loan or as a dilutive capital contribution by the funding party valued at one and one-half times the amount actually contributed.  The Sponsors deemed the Shortfall Capital Contributions as dilutive capital contributions to the Company.  The Company disagrees with the Sponsors' investment percentage calculations. The Sponsors have taken the position that the Capital Contribution Requests, if taken together, would cause the Company's combined ownership percentage to be diluted to approximately 48%. The parties have a dispute with regard to the calculation of the revised investment percentages resulting from the Capital Contribution Requests, along with the treatment and allocation of these Shortfall Capital Contribution amounts.

In April 2016, AmBase initiated a litigation in the New York State Supreme Court for New York County (the "NY Court"), Index No652301/2016, ("AmBase v. 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, et al.") (the "111 West 57th Action").  The defendants in that litigation are 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, 111 West 57th JDS LLC, PMG West 57th Street LLC, 111 West 57th Control LLC, 111 West 57th Developer LLC, Elliot Joseph, 111 West 57th KM Equity LLC, 111 West 57th KM Group LLC, Kevin Maloney, Matthew Phillips, Michael Stern, Ned White and Franklin R. Kaiman (collectively, "Defendants") and nominal defendant 111 West 57th Partners LLCAmBase alleges in that action, among other claims, that the Defendants engaged in an unlawful scheme to dilute AmBase's equity interest in the joint real estate venture 111 West 57th Partners, to develop the 111 West 57th Street Property and to keep for themselves certain financing opportunities in breach of Defendants' contractual and fiduciary duties. The complaint also alleges that defendants have failed to honor the exercise of AmBase's contractual "equity put right" as set forth in the JV Agreement (the "Equity Put Right"). AmBase is seeking compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, indemnification and equitable relief including a declaration of the parties' rights, an accounting and a constructive trust over distributions received by the Defendants.  The complaint in this action has been filed, a motion to dismiss is pending and discovery is ongoing.  The Company has also demanded from the Sponsors access to the books and records for the 111 West 57th Property which the Sponsors have refused, claiming they have provided all books and records as required. For additional information, see Note 9 – Legal Proceedings.

The Sponsors have proposed for approval a "proposed budget" (the "Proposed Budget"), which the Sponsors claim represents an increase to the aggregate of hard cost line items of an amount slightly below the Equity Put Right threshold amount and a further increase in other costs thus resulting in the need for additional funding in order to complete the project. The Company disputes, among other items, the calculation of the percentage increase of hard costs shown in the Proposed Budget. The Company believes the aggregate projected hard costs in the Proposed Budget exceed a contractually stipulated limit as a percentage of the hard costs set forth in the prior approved budget, thus allowing Investment LLC the option to exercise its Equity Put Right. Consequently, subsequent to the Sponsors' presentation of the Proposed Budget, Investment LLC notified the Sponsors that it was exercising its Equity Put Right pursuant to the JV Agreement. As previously disclosed, the Sponsors have refused to honor the exercise of Investment LLC's Equity Put Right. The Sponsors claim, among other things, that the conditions precedent have not been met in that the increase in aggregate hard costs in the Proposed Budget does not exceed the contractually stipulated limit that would allow exercise of the Equity Put Right.

The Company further contends that a portion of the Proposed Budget increases represent manager overruns (as defined in the JV Agreement) and thus should be paid for by the Sponsors. The Sponsors deny that the Proposed Budget increases are manager overruns. The Company continues to challenge the nature and substance of the Proposed Budget increases and how they should be treated pursuant to the JV Agreement.

As a result of the projected Proposed Budget increase, the Sponsors have claimed that additional borrowings of $60 million to $100 million may be needed to complete the project. In addition, the Company had been informed by the Sponsors, that Apollo had indicated that due to budget increases, it believes the current loan has been "out of balance" (meaning, according to Apollo, the projected budget exceeds the original budget approved in connection with the loan); and thus 111 West 57th Partners LLC ("111 West 57th Partners"), or its subsidiaries would need additional funding in order to bring the loan back into balance. The Company has considered approving the additional financing, but has informed the Sponsors that it has concerns about the Proposed Budget and the implications of the Proposed Budget, as well as other questions that must be addressed first. Apollo had previously provided loan forbearances to the borrowers and guarantors in order to allow the Sponsors time (while the building continues to be built) to raise the additional financing which it claimed would be needed in order to complete the 111 West 57th project. This forbearance period ended on June 29, 2017. Around this date, the Company was advised that Apollo had sold $25 million of the mezzanine loan—broken off as a junior mezzanine loan—to an affiliate of Spruce Capital Partners LLC, ("Spruce") (the "Junior Mezzanine Loan").

On June 30, 2017, Spruce declared an event of default under the Junior Mezzanine Loan now held by it and demanded immediate payment of the full outstanding balance of the Junior Mezzanine Loan.  By letter dated July 7, 2017, Spruce gave notice to the junior mezzanine borrower that it proposed to accept the pledged collateral (including the joint venture members' collective interest in the property) in full satisfaction of the joint venture's indebtedness under the junior mezzanine loan (i.e., a "Strict Foreclosure"). The Company informed the Sponsors that they objected to Spruce's proposal and demanded that the Sponsors inform the Company as to how they intended to respond on behalf of the junior mezzanine borrower. The Sponsors refused to commit to filing an objection on behalf of the junior mezzanine borrower. Thus, on July 23, 2017, the Company sent Spruce a letter objecting to the Strict Foreclosure on behalf of Investment LLC. Spruce likewise gave no indication that it would honor the Company's objection.

By accepting the pledged collateral, Spruce would have taken control of the collateral pledged by the junior mezzanine borrower, and therefore, the Company's entire interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property, representing practically all of the Company's equity investment in the 111 West 57th Street project.

On July 25, 2017, the Company filed a complaint against Spruce and the Sponsors and requested injunctive relief halting the Strict Foreclosure from the New York State Supreme Court for New York County, (the "NY Court") Index No. 655031/2017, (the "111 West 57th Spruce Action"). The defendants in the 111 West 57th TRO action are 111 W57 Mezz Investor, LLC, Spruce Capital Partners LLC, 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, Michael Z. Stern, and Kevin P. Maloney (collectively, "Defendants") and nominal defendants 111 West 57th Partners LLC and 111 West 57th Mezz 1 LLC.

On July 26, 2017, the Court issued a temporary restraining order barring Spruce from accepting the collateral pending a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for August 14, 2017.

Since the Company is not party to the Loan Agreements, it does not have access to communications with the lenders, except for those individual communications the Sponsors have elected to share.  The Company has continued to demand access to such information, including access to the books and records for the 111 West 57th Property both under the JV Agreement and as part of the 111 West 57th Action and the 111 West 57th Spruce Action.

For additional information with regard to, among other items, recent developments concerning the Company's investment in the 111 West 57th Property, information concerning the junior mezzanine lender declaration of an event of default and its proposal to take control of the collateral pledged by the junior mezzanine borrower and therefore, the Company's entire interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property, the Company's request for injunctive relief, and the NY Court's issuance of a temporary restraining order pending a preliminary injunction hearing, see Note 9 and Note 11.

With respect to its current disputes and litigation relating to its interest in the 111 West 57th Property, the Company will continue to pursue all available legal courses of action as well as considering other possible economic strategies, including the possible sale of the Company's investment interest in the 111 West 57th Property. The Company is negotiating with all potential parties to protect the Company's interests. Additionally, the Company is pursuing alternative financial resources to help finance current and future litigation in the courts to protect the Company's investment value, including negotiating possible contingency arrangements with legal counsel and/or raising capital for the Company to pursue its legal rights.

The Company can give no assurances regarding the outcome of the matters described above, including as to whether the Sponsors will perform their contractual commitments to the Company under the JV Agreement, as to what further action, if any, the lenders may take with respect to the project, as to the ultimate resolution of the ongoing litigation, or as to the ultimate effect of the Sponsors', the Company's or the lenders' actions on the project, or as to the completion or ultimate success of the project, or the value or ultimate realization of any portion of the Company's equity interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property.

The Company has recorded the investment in 111 West 57th Partners utilizing the equity method of accounting, as pursuant to the various agreements the Company has significant influence, but does not have control, as defined under GAAP. Accordingly, the results of operations of 111 West 57th Partners are included in equity income (loss) in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations.  As of June 30, 2017, the Company's carrying amount of its investment in 111 West 57th Partners, as noted in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet, is greater than the Company's equity in the underlying net assets of 111 West 57th Partners by $867,000, categorized as goodwill, due to a difference resulting from the reduction in equity for syndication fees paid relating to 111 West 57th Partners.  The Company reviews its investments and ownership interests recorded under the equity method for impairment on a regular basis and if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a loss in the value of its investment may be other than temporary. Based on the Company's analysis, the Company believes, there was no impairment on the Company's equity method investment for the periods ended June 30, 2017.


The following tables present summarized financial information for the Company's equity method investment in 111 West 57th Partners.  The amounts shown represent 100% of the financial position and results of operations of 111 West 57th Partners for the dates indicated below.

(in thousands)
Assets:
 
June 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Real estate held for development, net
 
$
635,676
   
$
563,133
 
Escrow deposits
   
9,250
     
9,000
 
Other assets
   
14,374
     
6,908
 
Total assets
 
$
659,300
   
$
579,041
 
Liabilities:
               
Loans payable
 
$
518,961
   
$
441,749
 
Other liabilities
   
19,876
     
16,788
 
Total liabilities
   
538,837
     
458,537
 
Equity:
               
Total members' equity
   
120,463
     
120,504
 
Total liabilities and members' equity
 
$
659,300
   
$
579,041
 


   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2017
   
June 30, 2016
   
June 30, 2017
   
June 30, 2016
 
                         
Rental income
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Expenses
   
10
     
179
     
41
     
829
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(179
)
 
$
(41
)
 
$
(829
)

Note 5 – Savings Plan

The Company sponsors the AmBase 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Savings Plan"), which is a "Section 401(k) Plan" within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").  The Savings Plan permits eligible employees to make contributions of up to a percentage of their compensation, which are matched by the Company at a percentage of the employees' elected deferral.  Employee contributions to the Savings Plan are invested at the employee's discretion, in various investment funds.  The Company's matching contributions are invested in the same manner as the compensation reduction contributions.  All contributions are subject to maximum limitations contained in the Code.

The Company's matching contributions to the Savings Plan, charged to expense, were as follows:

($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2017
   
June 30, 2016
   
June 30, 2017
   
June 30, 2016
 
Company matching contributions
 
$
3
   
$
2
   
$
15
   
$
25
 
Employer match %
   
33
%
   
33
%
   
33
%
   
33
%

Note 6 – Common Stock Repurchase Plan

The Company's common stock repurchase plan (the "Repurchase Plan") allows for the repurchase by the Company of its common stock in the open market. The Repurchase Plan is conditioned upon favorable business conditions and acceptable prices for the common stock.  Purchases under the Repurchase Plan may be made, from time to time, in the open market, through block trades or otherwise.  Depending on market conditions and other factors, purchases may be commenced or suspended any time or from time to time without prior notice.  Pursuant to the Repurchase Plan the Company repurchased shares of common stock from unaffiliated parties at various dates at market prices at their time of purchase, including broker commissions.

Information relating to the Repurchase Plan is as follows:

(in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 
Common shares repurchased to treasury during period
   
-
 
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased during period
 
$
-
 

 (in thousands)
 
June 30, 2017
Total number of common shares authorized for repurchase
 
10,000
Total number of common shares repurchased to date
 
6,226
Total number of shares that may yet be repurchased
 
3,774

Note 7 – Incentive Plans

Under the Company's 1993 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1993 Plan"), the Company may grant to officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, stock options ("Options"), stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock awards ("Restricted Stock"), merit awards ("Merit Awards") and performance share awards ("Performance Shares") through May 28, 2018.  A pre-determined number of shares of the Company's Common Stock are reserved for issuance under the 1993 Plan (upon the exercise of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, and awards of Restricted Stock and Performance Shares); however, only a portion of such shares are available for the issuance of Restricted Stock Awards and Merit Awards. Such shares shall be authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock. Options may be granted as incentive stock options ("ISOs") intended to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Federal tax law or as nonqualified stock options ("NQSOs"). SARs may be granted with respect to any Options granted under the 1993 Plan and may be exercised only when the underlying Option is exercisable. The 1993 Plan requires that the exercise price of all Options and SARs be equal to or greater than the fair value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant of that Option. The term of any NQSO, ISO or related SAR cannot exceed terms under federal tax law and/or as prescribed in the 1993 Plan. Subject to the terms of the 1993 Plan and any additional restrictions imposed at the time of grant, Options and any related SARs ordinarily will become exercisable pursuant to a vesting period prescribed at the time of grant.  In the case of a "Change of Control" of the Company (as defined in the 1993 Plan), Options granted pursuant to the 1993 Plan may become fully exercisable as to all optioned shares from and after the date of such Change in Control in the discretion of the Committee or as may otherwise be provided in the grantee's Option agreement. Death, retirement, or absence for disability will not result in the cancellation of any Options.

The fair values of option awards are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model ("Black-Scholes") that uses certain assumptions at the time of valuation. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company's stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. The expected term of options granted is estimated based on the contractual lives of option grants, option vesting period and historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury bond yield in effect at the time of grant.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based award and stock price volatility. The assumptions utilized represent management's best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, our recorded stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different from the amounts previously recorded. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, the share-based compensation expense could be materially different.  The Company believes that the use of the Black-Scholes model meets the fair value measurement objectives of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflects all substantive characteristics of the instruments being valued.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and given the substantial changes in the price per share of the Company's Common Stock, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

Information relating to the Company's 1993 Plan is as follows:

   
Period Ending
 
(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Stock option grants
 
-
     
-
 
Stock options exercisable
 
-
     
-
 
Stock options outstanding
 
-
     
-
 

Common stock reserved for issuance under the Company's 1993 Stock Incentive Plan and other non-related employee benefit plans is as follows:

(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2017
 
1993 Stock Incentive Plan
 
4,320
 
Other employee benefit plan
 
110
 
Total common shares reserved for issuance
 
4,430
 

Note 8 – Income Taxes

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.  The Company recognizes both the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements, calculated based on the provisions of enacted tax laws, including the tax rates in effect for current and future years.  Net deferred tax assets are recognized immediately when a more likely than not criterion is met; that is, a greater than 50% probability exists that the tax benefits will actually be realized sometime in the future.

The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Federal – current
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
State – current
   
3
     
35
     
6
     
70
 
Total current
   
3
     
35
     
6
     
70
 
                                 
Federal – deferred
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
State - deferred
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total deferred
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
3
   
$
35
   
$
6
   
$
70
 

A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
     
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
     
2017
   
2016
 
Tax at statutory federal rate
 
35.0%
   
35.0%
     
35.0%
   
35.0%
 
State income taxes
 
0.3
   
4.5
     
0.3%
   
3.7%
 
Permanent differences
 
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
 
Other
 
-
   
-
     
-
   
-
 
Change in valuation allowance
 
(35.0)
   
(35.0)
     
(35.0)%
   
(35.0)%
 
Effective income tax rate
 
0.3%
   
4.5%
     
0.3%
   
3.7%
 

The Company has not been notified of any potential tax audits by any federal, state or local tax authorities.  As such, the Company believes the statutes of limitations for the assessment of additional federal and state tax liabilities are generally closed for tax years prior to 2013.  Interest and/or penalties related to underpayments of income taxes, or on uncertain tax positions, if applicable, would be included as a component of income tax expense (benefit).  The accompanying financial statements do not include any amounts for penalties.

State income tax amounts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, and the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, reflect a provision for a tax on capital imposed by the state jurisdictions.

The utilization of certain carryforwards and carrybacks is subject to limitations under U.S. federal income tax laws. Based on the Company's federal tax returns as filed and to be filed, the Company estimates it has federal NOL carryforwards and federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards ("AMT Credits"), available to reduce future federal taxable income which would expire if unused, as indicated below.

The federal NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Tax Year Originating
Tax Year Expiring
 
Amount
 
         
         
2006
2026
 
$
500,000
 
2007
2027
   
12,700,000
 
2008
2028
   
4,600,000
 
2009
2029
   
2,400,000
 
2010
2030
   
1,900,000
 
2011
2031
   
1,900,000
 
2013
2033
   
3,700,000
 
2014
2034
   
4,900,000
 
2015
2035
   
4,200,000
 
2016
2036
   
2,600,000
 
      
$
39,400,000
 

AMT Credits available which are not subject to expiration are as follows:

   
Amount
 
AMT Credits
 
$
21,000,000
 

Based on the Company's state tax returns as filed, and to be filed the Company estimates that it has state NOL carryforwards available to reduce future state taxable income, which would expire if unused, as indicated below.

The state NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2016,are as follows:

Tax Year Originating
Tax Year Expiring
 
Amount
 
         
2011
2031
 
$
1,800,000
 
2013
2033
   
2,700,000
 
2014
2034
   
4,200,000
 
2015
2035
   
4,100,000
 
2016
2036
   
2,800,000
 
      
$
15,600,000
 

The Company has calculated a deferred tax asset arising primarily from NOL carryforwards and AMT credits as follows:

   
June 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Deferred tax asset
 
$
37,300,000
   
$
36,400,000
 
Valuation allowance
   
(37,300,000
)
   
(36,400,000
)
Net deferred tax asset recognized
 
$
-
   
$
-
 

A valuation allowance has been established for the entire deferred tax asset, as management has no basis to conclude that realization is more likely than not.
Note 9 - Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries may be named as a defendant in various lawsuits or proceedings.  At the current time except as set forth below, the Company is unaware of any legal proceedings pending against the Company.  The Company intends to aggressively contest all litigation and contingencies, as well as pursue all sources for contributions to settlements.

The Company is a party to a lawsuit as follows:

AmBase Corp., et al. v. 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, et al. In April 2016, AmBase initiated a litigation in the New York State Supreme Court for New York County (the "NY Court"), Index No652301/2016, ("AmBase v. 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, et al.") (the "111 West 57th Action").  The defendants in that litigation are 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, 111 West 57th JDS LLC, PMG West 57th Street LLC, 111 West 57th Control LLC, 111 West 57th Developer LLC, Elliot Joseph, 111 West 57th KM Equity LLC, 111 West 57th KM Group LLC, Kevin Maloney, Matthew Phillips, Michael Stern, Ned White and Franklin R. Kaiman (collectively, "Defendants") and nominal defendant 111 West 57th Partners LLCAmBase alleges in that action, among other claims, that the Defendants engaged in an unlawful scheme to dilute AmBase's equity interest in the joint real estate venture 111 West 57th Partners, to develop the 111 West 57th Street Property and to keep for themselves certain financing opportunities in breach of Defendants' contractual and fiduciary duties. The complaint also alleges that defendants have failed to honor the exercise of AmBase's contractual "equity put right" as set forth in the JV Agreement (the "Equity Put Right"). AmBase is seeking compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, indemnification and equitable relief including a declaration of the parties' rights, an accounting and a constructive trust over distributions received by the Defendants.  The complaint in this action has been filed, a motion to dismiss is pending and discovery is ongoing The Company has also demanded from the Sponsors access to the books and records for the 111 West 57th Property which the Sponsors have refused, claiming they have provided all books and records as required.

AmBase Corp., et al. v. Spruce Capital Partners, et al. In July 2017, the Company initiated a second litigation in the NY Court, Index No. 655031/2017, (the "111 West 57th Spruce Action"). The defendants in the 111 West 57th TRO action are 111 W57 Mezz Investor, LLC, Spruce Capital Partners LLC, 111 West 57th Sponsor LLC, Michael Z. Stern, and Kevin P. Maloney (collectively, "Defendants") and nominal defendants 111 West 57th Partners LLC and 111 West 57th Mezz 1 LLC.   Spruce had given notice to the junior mezzanine borrower that it proposed to accept the pledged collateral (including the joint venture members' collective interest in the property) in full satisfaction of the joint venture's indebtedness under the Junior Mezzanine Loan (i.e., a "Strict Foreclosure"). After the Sponsors refused to object to Spruce's proposal on behalf of the junior mezzanine borrower, and Spruce refused to commit to honor Investment LLC's objection on its own behalf, the Company initiated this litigation to obtain injunctive relief halting the Strict Foreclosure. On July 26, 2017, the Court issued a temporary restraining order barring Spruce from accepting the collateral pending a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for August 14, 2017. For additional information on the events leading to this litigation see Note 4.

Since the Company is not party to the Loan Agreements, it does not have access to communications with the lenders, except for those individual communications the Sponsors have elected to share.  The Company has continued to demand access to such information both under the JV Agreement and as part of the 111 West 57th Action and the 111 West 57th Spruce Action.

With respect to its current disputes and litigation relating to its interest in the 111 West 57th Property, the Company will continue to pursue all available legal courses of action as well as considering other possible economic strategies, including the possible sale of the Company's investment interest in the 111 West 57th Property. The Company is negotiating with all potential parties to protect the Company's interests. Additionally, the Company is pursuing alternative financial resources to help finance current and future litigation in the courts to protect the Company's investment value, including negotiating possible contingency arrangements with legal counsel and/or raising capital for the Company to pursue its legal rights.

For additional information with regard to, among other items, recent developments concerning the Company's investment in the 111 West 57th Property, information concerning the junior mezzanine lender declaration of an event of default and its proposal to take control of the collateral pledged by the junior mezzanine borrower and therefore, the Company's entire interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property, the Company's request for injunctive relief, and the NY Court's issuance of a temporary restraining order pending a preliminary injunction hearing, see Note 4 and Note 11.

The Company can give no assurances regarding the outcome of the matters described above, including as to whether the Sponsors will perform their contractual commitments to the Company under the JV Agreement, as to what further action, if any, the lenders may take with respect to the project, as to the ultimate resolution of the ongoing litigation, or as to the ultimate effect of the Sponsors', the Company's or the lenders' actions on the project, or as to the completion or ultimate success of the project, or the value or ultimate realization of any portion of the Company's equity interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property. For additional information on the Company's investment in the 111 West 57th Property see Note 4 and Note 11.

Note 10 – Loans Payable

In May 2016, the Company and Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer ("Mr. R. A. Bianco") entered into an agreement for Mr. R. A. Bianco to provide to the Company a secured working capital line of credit of up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) or additional amount(s) as may be necessary and agreed to on an as needed basis, if and when necessary, subject to customary and market terms and conditions to be agreed upon at such time (the "WC Agreement").

Pursuant to the WC Agreement, Mr. R. A. Bianco made loans to the Company for use as working capital.  The loans are due on the earlier of the date the Company receives funds from any source sufficient to pay all amounts due under the loans, including accrued interest thereon, or the due date noted below.  Accrued interest payable associated with the loans are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Information regarding the loans payable is as follows:

Date of Loan
 
Rate
 
Due Date
 
June 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Loan payable
January 2017
   
5.25
%
December 31, 2019
 
$
500,000
   
$
-
 
Loan payable
April 2017
   
5.25
%
December 31, 2019
   
500,000
     
-
 
Loan payable
June 2017
   
5.25
%
December 31, 2019
   
500,000
     
-
 
                  
$
1,500,000
   
$
-
 

Information regarding accrued interest expense on the loans payable is as follows:

 
(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
Accrued interest expense
 
$
18
   
$
-
 

The amounts noted above pursuant to the WC Agreement are distinct from the line of credit agreement for the 111 West 57th Property as discussed in Note 4 herein.


Note 11 - Subsequent Events

The Company has performed a review of events subsequent to the balance sheet dated June 30, 2017, through the report issuance date.

For additional information with regard to, among other items, recent developments concerning the Company's investment in the 111 West 57th Property, information concerning the junior mezzanine lender declaration of an event of default and its proposal to take control of the collateral pledged by the junior mezzanine borrower and therefore, the Company's entire interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property, the Company's request for injunctive relief, and the NY Court's issuance of a temporary restraining order pending a preliminary injunction hearing, see Note 4 and Note 9.

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

Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information

This quarterly report, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by the Company, may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or make oral statements that constitute forward looking statements. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted or quantified. The forward-looking statements may relate to such matters as anticipated financial performance, future revenues or earnings, business prospects, projected ventures, anticipated market performance, anticipated litigation results or the timing of pending litigation, and similar matters. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "intends" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  The Company cautions readers that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, include, but are not limited to those set forth in "Item 1A, Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to: (i) transaction volume in the securities markets; (ii) the volatility of the securities markets; (iii) fluctuations in interest rates; (iv) risks inherent in the real estate business, including, but not limited to, insurance risks, tenant defaults, risks associated with real estate development activities, changes in occupancy rates or real estate values; (v) changes in regulatory requirements which could affect the cost of doing business; (vi) general economic conditions; (vii) risks with regard to whether or not the Company's current financial resources will be adequate to fund operations over the next twelve months from financial statement issuance date and/or continue operations; (viii) changes in the rate of inflation and the related impact on the securities markets; (ix) changes in federal and state tax laws; (x) assumptions regarding the outcome of legal and/or tax matters, based in whole or in part upon consultation with outside advisors; (xi) risks arising from unfavorable decisions in tax, legal and/or other proceedings; and risks with reard to the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern.  These are not the only risks that we face.  There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently believe are immaterial which could also impair our business and/or financial position.

Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are applicable only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this Quarterly Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company's expectations will be realized.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which follows, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are contained in Part I - Item 1, herein and in Part II – Item 8 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


BUSINESS OVERVIEW

AmBase Corporation ("AmBase" or the "Company") is a holding company which has an equity investment in a real estate development property in New York, New York and owns a commercial office building in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The Company's assets currently consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, an equity investment in a real estate development property and real estate owned.  The Company owns an equity interest in a real estate development property through a joint venture agreement to purchase and develop real property located at 105 through 111 West 57th Street in New York, New York (the "111 West 57th Property"). As further discussed herein below and in Part I – Item 1 - Note 4, Note 9 and Note 11 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company is engaged in material disputes and litigation with the sponsor of the joint venture and a mezzanine lender to the joint venture. The Company is otherwise engaged in the management of its assets and liabilities.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's assets at June 30, 2017, aggregated $65,857,000, consisting principally of cash and cash equivalents of $358,000, an equity investment in a real estate development property of $63,745,000 and real estate owned, net of $1,656,000.  At June 30, 2017, the Company's liabilities aggregated $2,440,000.  Total stockholders' equity was $63,417,000.

A fundamental principle of the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP is the assumption that an entity will continue in existence as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations and the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities occurring in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with this requirement, the Company has prepared its accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.

The Company has incurred operating losses and used cash for operating activities for the past several years.  The Company has also made significant investments in the 111 West 57th Street Property since 2013.  The Company has continued to keep operating expenses at a reduced level; however, there can be no assurance that the Company's current level of operating expenses will not increase or that other uses of cash will not be necessary.  The Company believes that based on its current level of operating expenses, its currently available cash and financial resources together with the borrowings and the line of credit from Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer ("Mr. R. A. Bianco") as noted herein, may not be sufficient to cover operating cash needs through the twelve month period from the financial statement reporting date. Based on the above factors, management determined there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include adjustments to the carrying value of assets and liabilities which might be necessary should the Company not continue in operation.

Over the next several months, the Company will seek to manage its current level of cash and cash equivalents, through various ways, including but not limited to, reducing operating expenses, possible asset sales and/or long term borrowings, although this cannot be assured. In order to continue on a long-term basis, the Company must raise additional capital through the sale of assets or long term borrowings.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to attain such financing at terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.

In April 2016, the Company filed an action in New York State Supreme Court against the Sponsors, et al., pursuant to which the Company is seeking compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, indemnification and equitable relief, including a declaration of the parties' rights, an accounting, and a constructive trust over distributions received by the Defendants. For additional information, see Part I – Item 1 – Note 4, Note 9 and Note 11 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

For additional information with regard to, among other items, recent developments concerning the Company's investment in the 111 West 57th Property, information concerning the junior mezzanine lender declaration of an event of default and its proposal to take control of the collateral pledged by the junior mezzanine borrower and therefore, the Company's entire interest in the 111 West 57th Street Property, the Company's request for injunctive relief, and the NY Court's issuance of a temporary restraining order pending a preliminary injunction hearing, see Part I – Item 1 – Note 4, Note 9, and Note 11, to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.



With respect to its current disputes and litigation relating to its interest in the 111 West 57th Property, the Company will continue to pursue all available legal courses of action as well as considering other possible economic strategies, including the possible sale of the Company's investment interest in the 111 West 57th Property. The Company is negotiating with all potential parties to protect the Company's interests. Additionally, the Company is pursuing alternative financial resources to help finance current and future litigation in the courts to protect the Company's investment value, including negotiating possible contingency arrangements with legal counsel and/or raising capital for the Company to pursue its legal rights. For additional information, see Part I – Item 1 – Note 4, Note 9 and Note 11 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2016, the Company and Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer ("Mr. R. A. Bianco") entered into an agreement for Mr. R. A. Bianco to provide to the Company a secured working capital line of credit of up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) or additional amount(s) as may be necessary and agreed to on an as needed basis, if and when necessary, subject to customary and market terms and conditions to be agreed upon at such time (the "WC Agreement").  A copy of the WC Agreement was filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016.  Pursuant to the WC Agreement, Mr. R. A. Bianco made a $500,000 loan to the Company in January 2017 and an additional $500,000 loan in April 2017 for use as working capital.  The loans accrue interest at 5.25% per annum and are due on the earlier of the date the Company receives funds from any source sufficient to pay all amounts due under the loans, including accrued interest thereon, or December 31, 2019.  A copy of such agreements are filed as exhibits to the Company's previously filed periodic filings.

In June 2017, Mr. R. A. Bianco made an additional $500,000 loan to the Company for use as working capital in accordance with the same terms of the loans payable noted above.  A copy of the loan agreement is filed as exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017.

The amounts noted above pursuant to the WC Agreement are distinct from the line of credit agreement for the 111 West 57th Property as noted below and as discussed in Part I – Item 1 – Note 4 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, cash of $1,728,000 was used by operations for the payment of operating expenses and prior year accruals.  The cash needs of the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2017, were satisfied by the loan from Mr. R.A. Bianco as noted above and Company's financial resources.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, cash of $1,630,000 was used by operations, for the payment of operating expenses and prior year accruals.  The cash needs of the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2016, were principally satisfied by the Company's financial resources.

In March 2017, the Company and Mr. R. A. Bianco entered into an agreement for Mr. R. A. Bianco to provide to the Company a financial commitment in the form of a line of credit up to ten million dollars ($10,000,000) or additional amount(s) as may be necessary and agreed to enable AmBase to contribute capital to Investment LLC and/or other affiliated subsidiaries of the Company to meet capital calls for the of 111 West 57th Property if and when the case may be necessary on terms agreeable to/by the Company (as determined by the independent members of the Board of Directors) and Mr. R. A. Bianco at such time. The agreement provides that additional borrowings from Mr. R. A. Bianco pursuant to this line of credit shall be secured by the Company's commercial office building in Greenwich, Connecticut.  A copy of such agreement was filed as exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2016.

Real estate owned consists of a commercial office building in Greenwich, Connecticut that is managed and operated by the Company.  The building is approximately 14,500 square feet with approximately 3,500 square feet utilized by the Company for its offices; the remaining space is currently unoccupied and available for lease.  Although the portion of the building not being utilized by the Company is currently unoccupied and available for lease, based on the Company's analysis, including but not limited to current market rents in the area, leasing values, and comparable property sales, the Company believes the property's fair value exceeds the property's current carrying value.  Therefore, the Company believes the carrying value of the property as of June 30, 2017, has not been impaired.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2017, increased from December 31, 2016, principally as a result of current period accruals including $18,000 of accrued interest expense relating to the loan payable to Mr. R. A. Bianco.

There are no other material commitments for capital expenditures as of June 30, 2017. Inflation has had no material impact on the business and operations of the Company.


Results of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 vs. the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2016

The Company recorded a net loss of $1,072,000 or $0.03 per share and $2,442,000 or $0.06 per share in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 respectively, compared to a net loss of $819,000 or $0.02 per share and $1,963,000 or $0.05 per share in the respective 2016 periods.

Compensation and benefits were $278,000 and $602,000 in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively compared to $356,000 and $830,000 in the respective 2016 periods.  No stock based compensation expense was recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2017 or June 30, 2016.  The decrease in the 2017 three month and six month periods is due to a decrease in incentive compensation accruals in the 2017 periods versus the comparable 2016 periods.

Professional and outside services increased to $624,000 and $1,528,000 in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to $193,000 and $302,000 in the respective 2016 periods.  The increase in the 2017 periods as compared to the 2016 periods is principally the result of a higher level of legal and professional fees incurred in 2017 in connection with the Company's legal proceedings relating to the Company's investment in the 111 West 57th property.

Property operating and maintenance expenses were $38,000 and $71,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to $29,000 and $62,000 in the respective 2016 periods.  The decreased expense in the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the respective 2016 period is due to a decrease in the overall level of repairs and maintenance expenses.

Insurance expenses increased to $49,000 and $85,000 in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to $45,000 and $81,000 in the respective 2016 periods.  The increase is generally due to an increase in insurance coverage levels and insurance premium costs

Other operating expenses were $48,000 and $83,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, compared with $41,000 and $94,000 in the respective 2016 periods.  The decrease in the June 30, 2017 six month period is due to a general lower level of related expenses including decreased Delaware franchise tax expenses in the 2017 period.

Interest expense of $13,000 and $18,000 in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, represents accrued interest expense on the loan payable to Mr. R. A. Bianco.  See Part I – Item 1 - Note 10 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for further information.

Equity income (loss) - 111 West 57th Partners of $7,000 and $25,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively represents the Company's share of the 111 West 57th Partners' loss for the periods indicated versus $108,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2016, and $500,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The equity loss in the 2017 and 2016 periods is due to sales and marketing expenses incurred. Beginning January 1, 2015, all tenants had vacated the building and expenses incurred for the building's operations are being capitalized as part of development costs.

The Company recognized income tax provisions of $3,000 and $6,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as compared with income tax provisions of $35,000 and $70,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.  The income tax provisions for the 2017 periods and 2016 periods are attributable to a provision for a tax on capital imposed by the state jurisdictions.

Income taxes applicable to operating income (loss) are generally determined by applying the estimated effective annual income tax rates to pretax income (loss) for the year-to-date interim period.  Income taxes applicable to unusual or infrequently occurring items are provided in the period in which such items occur.

A reconciliation between income taxes computed at the statutory federal rate and the provision for income taxes is included in Part I - Item 1 – Note 8 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.


Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our disclosure controls and procedures include our controls and other procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed in this and other reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to ensure that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods.

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2017.  Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported with adequate timeliness.

There have been no changes during the most recent fiscal quarter in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 

For a discussion of the Company's legal proceedings, see Part I - Item 1- Note 9 – Legal Proceedings.


Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 in response to Item 1A of Part I of Form 10-K.

Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     
 
a. Not applicable
 
 
b. Not applicable
 
 
c. None
 

Common Stock Repurchase Plan

The Company's common stock repurchase plan (the "Repurchase Plan") allows for the repurchase by the Company of up to 10 million shares of its common stock in the open market.  The Repurchase Plan is conditioned upon favorable business conditions and acceptable prices for the common stock. Purchases under the Repurchase Plan may be made, from time to time, in the open market, through block trades or otherwise.  Depending on market conditions and other factors, purchases may be commenced or suspended any time or from time to time without prior notice.  No common stock repurchases have been made pursuant to the Repurchase Plan during year to date 2017 period.

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
 
In April 2017, pursuant to the WC Agreement, Mr. R. A. Bianco made an additional loan of $500,000 to the Company for use as working capital in accordance with the same terms of the January 2017 loan payable agreement.  A copy of the loan agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2017, in lieu of under Items 1.01 and 9.01 of Form 8-K.
 
In June 2017, Mr. R. A. Bianco made an additional loan of $500,000 to the Company for use as working capital in accordance with the same terms of the previous loan payable agreements.  A copy of the loan agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.4, hereto. in lieu of under Items 1.01 and 9.01 of Form 8-K.

Item 6.
EXHIBITS
   
10.1
Loan Agreement dated January 31, 2017 between Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer ("R. A. Bianco") and the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2
Agreement dated March 17, 2017 between Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer ("R. A. Bianco") and the Company for Mr. R. A. Bianco to provide to the Company a financial commitment in the form of a line of credit up to ten million dollars ($10,000,000) or additional amount(s) as may be necessary and agreed to enable AmBase to contribute capital to the 111 West 57th Property (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3
 
10.4*
Loan Agreement dated April 2017, between Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer ("Mr. R. A. Bianco') and the Company.
Loan Agreement dated June 2017, between Mr. Richard A. Bianco, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer ("Mr. R. A. Bianco") and the Company.
31.1 *
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2 *
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1 *
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2 *
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
101.1 *
The following financial statements from AmBase Corporation's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 formatted in XBRL:  (i) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited); (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited); (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (unaudited); and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
 
_______________
*
filed herewith

SIGNATURES

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

AMBASE CORPORATION



 
/s/ John Ferrara
 
By
JOHN FERRARA
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
 
 
     
Date:
August 11, 2017