SPLP 3.31.2015 10Q

 


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT
 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
 
Commission File Number: 001-35493
 
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
13-3727655
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
 
New York, New York
10022
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(212) 520-2300
(Registrant’s telephone number)
 
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 þ No o
 
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).
Yes þ No o
 
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12-b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
 
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common units as of May 4, 2015 was 27,651,544.


 



STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
Item 1.
Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 









PART I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

Item 1. Financial Statements
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except common units)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
199,313

 
$
188,983

Restricted cash
25,664

 
21,311

Marketable securities
136,510

 
138,457

Trade and other receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,739 in 2015 and $2,149 in 2014)
107,533

 
87,440

Receivables from related parties
1,434

 
838

Loans receivable including loans held for sale of $54,547 and $40,886, respectively, net
55,207

 
41,547

Inventories, net
73,815

 
64,084

Deferred tax assets - current
16,660

 
30,262

Prepaid and other current assets
17,116

 
15,082

Assets of discontinued operations
2,500

 
76,418

Total current assets
635,752

 
664,422

Long-term loans receivable, net
78,798

 
76,382

Goodwill
75,138

 
45,951

Other intangible assets, net
119,672

 
118,550

Deferred tax assets - non-current
58,290

 
45,669

Other non-current assets
45,438

 
45,666

Property, plant and equipment, net
182,245

 
184,314

Long-term investments
361,715

 
311,951

Total Assets
$
1,557,048

 
$
1,492,905


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


















2


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except common units)

 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
43,187

 
$
34,686

Accrued liabilities
42,661

 
41,133

Financial instruments
21,308

 
21,311

Deposits
81,295

 
87,804

Payable to related parties
650

 
3,404

Short-term debt
868

 
602

Current portion of long-term debt
19,528

 
19,592

Deferred tax liabilities - current
294

 
271

Other current liabilities
12,933

 
8,250

Liabilities of discontinued operations
450

 
13,201

Total current liabilities
223,174

 
230,254

Long-term deposits
96,891

 
77,056

Long-term debt
222,016

 
296,282

Accrued pension liability
205,417

 
208,390

Deferred tax liabilities - non-current
5,139

 
5,301

Other liabilities
7,206

 
11,516

Total Liabilities
759,843

 
828,799

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Capital:
 
 
 
Partners’ capital common units: 27,663,715 and 27,566,200 issued and outstanding (after deducting 8,996,798 and 8,964,049 held in treasury, at cost of $138,936 and $138,363) at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
577,554

 
492,054

Accumulated other comprehensive income
4,904

 
2,805

Total Partners’ Capital
582,458

 
494,859

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
214,747

 
169,247

Total Capital
797,205

 
664,106

Total Liabilities and Capital
$
1,557,048

 
$
1,492,905


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements













3



STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except common units and per common unit data)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue
 
 
 
Diversified industrial net sales
$
137,982

 
$
135,487

Energy net sales
38,885

 
45,159

Financial services revenue
12,176

 
6,966

Investment and other income
400

 
405

Net investment gains (losses)
25,138

 
(160
)
Total revenue
214,581

 
187,857

Costs and expenses
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
131,694

 
133,331

Selling, general and administrative expenses
59,911

 
49,056

Impairment charges
5,598

 

Finance interest expense
264

 
171

Provision for (Recovery of) of loan losses
62

 
(90
)
Interest expense, net
2,034

 
2,441

Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives
207

 
(140
)
Other income, net
(2,455
)
 
(4,429
)
Total costs and expenses
197,315

 
180,340

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
and equity method income (loss)
17,266

 
7,517

Income tax provision
7,920

 
1,168

Income (Loss) from equity method investments and investments held at fair value:
 
 
 
Income (Loss) of associated companies, net of taxes
4,649

 
(18,258
)
Income (Loss) from other investments - related party
399

 
(2
)
Income (Loss) from investments held at fair value
4,413

 
(2,446
)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
18,807

 
(14,357
)
Discontinued operations:
 
 
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
565

 
2,769

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
86,406

 
42

Net income from discontinued operations
86,971

 
2,811

Net income (loss)
105,778

 
(11,546
)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
3,584

 
70

Discontinued operations
(30,931
)
 
(1,230
)
 
(27,347
)
 
(1,160
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
78,431

 
$
(12,706
)
Net income (loss) per common unit - basic
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
0.81

 
$
(0.46
)
Net income from discontinued operations
2.03

 
0.05

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
2.84

 
$
(0.41
)
Net income (loss) per common unit - diluted
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
0.8

 
$
(0.46
)
Net income from discontinued operations
2.00

 
0.05

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
2.80

 
$
(0.41
)
Weighted average number of common units outstanding - basic
27,658,494

 
30,803,229

Weighted average number of common units outstanding - diluted
28,069,888

 
30,803,229



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
105,778

 
$
(11,546
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
Gross unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of tax
27,061

 
5,779

Reclassification of unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (a)
(22,663
)
 
(1,268
)
 
4,398

 
4,511

Currency translation adjustment
(1,634
)
 
(252
)
Change in pension liability and other post-retirement benefit obligations, net of tax
1,627

 

    Other comprehensive income
4,391

 
4,259

Comprehensive income (loss)
110,169

 
(7,287
)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
(29,638
)
 
(2,845
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unit holders
$
80,531

 
$
(10,132
)
 
 
 
 
Tax (benefit) provision on gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
$
(2,976
)
 
$
2,764

Tax benefit on reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
$
(91
)
 
$
(666
)
Tax provision on change in pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
$
395

 
$


(a) For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 unrealized holding gains of $185 and $1,268, respectively, were reclassified to Other income, net and $22,478 and $0, respectively, were reclassified to Net investment gains (losses).


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
105,778

 
$
(11,546
)
Net income from discontinued operations
(86,971
)
 
(2,811
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Net investment (gains) losses
(25,138
)
 
160

Provision for (Recovery of) loan losses
62

 
(90
)
(Income) Loss of associated companies
(4,649
)
 
18,258

(Income) Loss from other investments - related party
(399
)
 
2

(Income) Loss from investments held at fair value
(4,413
)
 
2,446

Deferred income taxes
3,590

 
(1,084
)
Non-cash interest and dividend income
198

 

Non-cash income from derivatives

 
(442
)
Depreciation and amortization
9,672

 
9,586

Amortization of debt related costs
284

 
207

Reclassification of net cash settlements on derivative instruments
8

 
302

Stock based compensation
11,279

 
2,364

Impairment charges
5,598

 

Other
3,933

 
(3,216
)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
(18,061
)
 
(17,293
)
Receivables from related parties
(974
)
 
(24
)
Inventories
(8,367
)
 
(9,345
)
Prepaid and other assets
(1,921
)
 
(1,166
)
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities
961

 
(816
)
Payable to related parties
(2,540
)
 
(1,511
)
Net increase in loans held for sale
(13,661
)
 
(3,242
)
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations
(25,731
)
 
(19,261
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
(2,264
)
 
1,315

Net cash used in operating activities
(27,995
)
 
(17,946
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of investments
(51,993
)
 
(51,842
)
Proceeds from sales of investments
25,798

 
40,579

Maturities of marketable securities
8

 
317

Net increase in loans and other receivables
(3,476
)
 
(561
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(5,204
)
 
(6,544
)
Reclassification of restricted cash
(3,770
)
 
(195
)
Net cash settlements on derivative instruments
(8
)
 
(302
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
1,105

 
90

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(9,385
)
 
(530
)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests

 
(3,045
)
Investments in associated companies
(7,368
)
 

Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations
152,889

 

Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations
(75
)
 

Other
(186
)
 
(3,000
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
98,335

 
(25,033
)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




6



STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
(unaudited)
(in thousands)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Net revolver borrowings
(71,202
)
 
19,800

Net borrowings of term loans – foreign
266

 
1,720

Repayments of term loans

 
(6,509
)
Repayments of term loans – domestic
(3,391
)
 

Repayments of convertible notes

 
(346
)
Subsidiary's purchases of the Company's common units
(573
)
 
(5,252
)
Purchases of the Company's common units

 
(470
)
Subsidiary's purchases of their common stock

 
(1,410
)
Deferred finance charges
(282
)
 

Net change in overdrafts
1,555

 
2,672

Net increase in deposits
13,326

 
1,497

Other
(114
)
 
(457
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(60,415
)
 
11,245

Net change for the period
9,925

 
(31,734
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
405

 
(22
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
188,983

 
203,980

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
199,313

 
$
172,224

Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
1,822

 
$
4,288

Taxes
$
2,821

 
$
10,146

Non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
Reclassification of investment in associated company to cost of an acquisition
$
66,239

 
$

Reclassification of available-for-sale securities to equity method investment
$
10,858

 
$

Securities received in exchange for financial instrument obligations
$
76

 
$

Securities delivered in exchange for settlement of financial instrument obligations
$
76

 
$

Net increase in restricted cash from purchase of foreign currency financial instruments
$

 
$
(377
)
Non-cash financing activities:
 
 
 
Restricted stock awards surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon vesting
$
18

 
$




See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Capital
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except common units and treasury units)
 
Steel Partners Holdings L.P. Common Unit Holders
 
 
 
 
 
Common
 
Treasury Units
 
Partners’
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
 
Total Partners'
 
Non-controlling interests in Consolidated
 
Total
 
Units
 
Units
 
Dollars
 
Capital
 
Income
 
Capital
 
Entities
 
Capital
Balance at December 31, 2014
36,530,249

 
(8,964,049
)
 
$
(138,363
)
 
$
492,054

 
$
2,805

 
$
494,859

 
$
169,247

 
$
664,106

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
78,431

 
 
 
78,431

 
27,347

 
105,778

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,144

 
2,144

 
2,254

 
4,398

Currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,121
)
 
(1,121
)
 
(513
)
 
(1,634
)
Changes in post-retirement benefit obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,076

 
1,076

 
551

 
1,627

Acquisition of CoSine
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,842

 
12,842

Vesting of restricted units
130,264

 
 
 
 
 
9,340

 
 
 
9,340

 

 
9,340

Equity compensation- subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 
706

 
 
 
717

 
422

 
1,139

Subsidiary's purchases of the Company's common units
 
 
(32,749
)
 
(573
)
 
(573
)
 
 
 
(573
)
 

 
(573
)
Other, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,404
)
 
 
 
(2,415
)
 
2,597

 
182

Balance at March 31, 2015
36,660,513

 
(8,996,798
)
 
$
(138,936
)
 
$
577,554

 
$
4,904

 
$
582,458

 
$
214,747

 
$
797,205


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)


1. NATURE OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of the Business
Steel Partners Holdings L.P. ("SPLP" or the "Company") is a global diversified holding company that engages in multiple businesses, including diversified industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics, banking and youth sports.
The Company works with its businesses to increase corporate value for all stakeholders and shareholders by utilizing Steel Partners Operational Excellence programs, the Steel Partners Purchasing Council, Steel Partners Corporate Services, balance sheet improvements, capital allocation policies and growth initiatives. All of the Company's programs are focused on helping SPLP companies strengthen their competitive advantage and increase their profitability, while enabling them to achieve operational excellence and enhanced customer satisfaction.
SPLP operates through the following segments: Diversified Industrial, Energy, Financial Services, and Corporate and Other which are managed separately and offer different products and services. For additional details related to the Company's reportable segments see Note 17 - "Segment Information."
Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. (“SPH GP”), a Delaware corporation, is the general partner of SPLP and is wholly-owned by SPLP. The Company is managed by SP General Services LLC (the “Manager”), pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) discussed in further detail in Note 12 - "Related party Transactions".
Basis of Presentation

The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP")have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the results of operations and changes in cash flows for the interim periods. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates are based on historical experience, expected future cash flows and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

During 2015, one of the Company's subsidiaries, Steel Excel, identified an error related to the manner in which the provision for income taxes had reflected the tax effects related to unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities during 2014 and 2013. As a result, the Company recorded an adjustment to its tax provision of approximately $3,500 in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to correct the error.


9


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority or wholly-owned subsidiaries, which include the following:
 
Ownership as of
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
BNS Liquidating Trust ("BNS Liquidating Trust")
84.9
%
 
84.9
%
CoSine Communications, Inc. ("CoSine") (a)
80.6
%
 
48.3
%
DGT Holdings Corp. ("DGT") (b)
82.7
%
 
82.7
%
Handy & Harman Ltd. ("HNH")
66.1
%
 
66.2
%
SPH Services, Inc. ("SPH Services")
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Steel Excel Inc. ("Steel Excel")
57.2
%
 
57.9
%
WebFinancial Holding Corporation ("WebFinancial")
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
(a) CoSine became a majority-owned subsidiary in the first quarter of 2015 (see Note 2 - "Acquisitions" for additional information).
(b) DGT’s financial statements are recorded on a two-month lag, and as a result, the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Operations as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 includes DGT’s activity as of and for its three months ended January 31, 2015.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, and the guidance defines a five step process to achieve this core principle. The ASU is scheduled to be effective for the Company's 2017 fiscal year, however, the FASB has proposed a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard. The ASU may be applied either (i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented with an election for certain specified practical expedients, or (ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of initial application, with additional disclosure requirements. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance, but does not currently anticipate that the application of ASU No. 2014-09 will have a significant effect on its financial condition, results of operations or its cash flows. We have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2017.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this ASU require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. The ASU is effective for the Company's 2016 fiscal year and will be applied on a retrospective basis. As of March 31, 2015, debt issuance costs totaling $4,800 are included in other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet and will be reclassified upon adoption of this ASU. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

2. ACQUISITIONS

2015 Acquisitions
CoSine Acquisition
Description of the Transaction    

On January 20, 2015 ("CoSine Acquisition Date"), the Company entered into a contribution agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with CoSine. Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, the Company contributed (i) 24,807,203 ordinary shares of API Group plc (API") and (ii) 445,456 shares of common stock of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. ("Nathan's") to CoSine in exchange for 16,500,000 shares of newly issued CoSine common stock and 12,761 shares of newly issued 7.5%

10


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

series B non-voting preferred stock, which increased our ownership of CoSine to approximately 80%. Prior to obtaining a controlling interest, SPLP owned approximately 48% of the outstanding shares of CoSine, and its investment was accounted for under the traditional equity method. As a result of the above transaction, CoSine became a majority-owned controlled subsidiary and is consolidated with SPLP from the CoSine Acquisition Date and included in the Corporate and Other segment.

The Contribution Agreement was the first step in a plan for a wholly owned UK subsidiary of CoSine ("BidCo") to make an offer (the “Offer”), which commenced on February 4, 2015, to acquire all of the issued and to be issued shares in API for 60 pence in cash per API share not already owned by BidCo. As a result of the Offer, BidCo owned approximately 98% of API as of March 31, 2015, however CoSine did not obtain control over the operations of API until April 17, 2015. As a result, CoSine will account for the acquisition of API in the second quarter of 2015. For additional information see Note 21 - "Subsequent Events."

Fair Value of Consideration Paid

As of the CoSine Acquisition Date, the fair value of the Company's previously held equity interest and the noncontrolling interest in CoSine was valued at approximately $2.51 per share. Accordingly, the Company remeasured its previously held equity interest to a fair value of approximately $12,011, resulting in an investment gain of approximately $6,900 which is included in Net investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the first quarter of 2015.

The table below details the consideration paid to acquire the controlling interest in CoSine:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Consideration Paid
Previously held common equity of CoSine
 
4,779,721

 
 
Fair Value Per Share (a)
 
$
2.51

 
$
12,011

 
 
 
 
 
Shares of API transferred to CoSine
 
24,807,203

 
 
Fair Value Per Share (b)
 
$
0.92

 
22,823

 
 
 
 
 
Shares of Nathan's transferred to CoSine
 
445,456

 
 
Fair Value Per Share (c)
 
$
70.50

 
31,405

 
 
 
 
$
66,239

(a) Based on comparable company trading multiples and discounted cash flow analysis.
(b) Represents the Offer price of 60 pence at the U.S. dollar to GBP exchange rate on the CoSine Acquisition Date.
(c) Determined by analysis of other publicly traded companies.

    

11


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Allocation of Consideration Paid

The following table summarizes the preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the CoSine Acquisition Date as well as the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in CoSine:
 
 
Amount
 Assets:
 
 
 Cash
 
$
17,614

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
7

 Investments
 
54,228

 Goodwill
 
8,295

 Total assets acquired
 
80,144

 Liabilities:
 
 
Accounts payable
 
280

 Other accrued Liabilities
 
783

 Total liabilities assumed
 
1,063

 Fair value of noncontrolling interest
 
12,842

 Net assets acquired
 
$
66,239


Pro Forma Results
    
Pro forma financial information is not provided for the three months ended March 31, 2014 since CoSine's results of operations are not material. Prior to the acquisition date, CoSine was a business with operating expenses looking to deploy its capital. The net operating loss from CoSine included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, within the Corporate and Other segment, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 totaled approximately $2,400.

HNH Acquisition of ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc. (“ITW”)

On March 31, 2015, HNH, through its indirect subsidiary, OMG, Inc. (“OMG”), acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of ITW, which are used in the business of manufacturing two-component polyurethane adhesive for the roofing industry for a cash purchase price of $27,000, subject to a final working capital adjustment. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed primarily include net working capital of inventories and accrued liabilities; property, plant and equipment; and intangible assets, primarily unpatented technology, valued at $1,600, $100 and $4,400, respectively, on a preliminary basis. ITW was the exclusive supplier of certain adhesive products to OMG, and this acquisition will provide OMG with greater control of its supply chain and allow OMG to expand its product development initiatives. The results of operations of the acquired business will be reported within the Company's Diversified Industrial segment. In connection with the ITW acquisition, HNH has recorded goodwill totaling approximately $20,900 on a preliminary basis, which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

2014 Acquisitions

There were no significant acquisitions in 2014.    

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Assets and Liabilities of discontinued operations at March 31, 2015 include certain assets and liabilities relating to a sports business owned by Steel Excel and a building owned by DGT, which is held for sale.
    
Assets and Liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2014 include assets and liabilities relating to HNH's discontinued operations, primarily Arlon LLC ("Arlon"), a sports business owned by Steel Excel and a building owned by DGT, which is held for sale.

12


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Assets of discontinued operations:
 
 
 
Trade and other receivables
$

 
$
16,044

Inventories, net

 
8,294

Other current assets

 
811

Goodwill

 
6,582

Other intangible assets, net

 
14,230

Property, plant and equipment, net
2,500

 
30,457

Other assets

 

Total assets
$
2,500

 
$
76,418

Liabilities of discontinued operations:
 
 
 
Trade payables and accrued liabilities
$
450

 
$
6,702

Other current liabilities

 
3,986

Accrued pension liability

 
1,794

Other liabilities

 
719

Total liabilities
$
450

 
$
13,201

        
Summary results for our discontinued operations included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations are detailed in the table below.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015 (a)
 
2014 (b)
Sales
$
5,952

 
$
26,360

Net income
565

 
2,769

(Loss) income after taxes and noncontrolling interests
(1,117
)
 
1,558

Gain on sale of discontinued operations after taxes and noncontrolling interests
57,158

 
23

(a) Includes gain on sale of Arlon.
(b) Includes the operations of Arlon and the gain on disposal of certain assets recorded by HNH.

Arlon    

On December 18, 2014, HNH entered into a contract to sell its Arlon business for $157,000 in cash, less transaction fees, subject to a working capital adjustment and certain potential reductions as provided in the stock purchase agreement. The closing of the sale occurred in January 2015. The operations of Arlon, which manufactures high performance materials for the printed circuit board industry and silicone rubber-based materials, were part of SPLP's Diversified Industrial reporting segment. The closing of the sale occurred in January 2015.
    


13


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

4. INVESTMENTS

A) Short-Term Investments

Marketable Securities

The Company's short-term investments primarily consist of its marketable securities portfolio held by its subsidiaries, Steel Excel and CoSine. These marketable securities as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, are classified as "available-for-sale" securities, with changes in fair value recognized in stockholders' equity as Other comprehensive income (loss). The classification of marketable securities as a current asset is based on the intended holding period and realizability of the investment.

The Company's portfolio of marketable securities was as follows:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair value
 
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair value
Available for sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term deposits
$
41,704

 
$

 
$

 
$
41,704

 
$
42,681

 
$

 
$

 
$
42,681

Mutual funds
17,030

 
4,713

 
(272
)
 
21,471

 
17,030

 
4,262

 
(322
)
 
20,970

United States government securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities
91,395

 
18,085

 
(25,277
)
 
84,203

 
103,761

 
7,821

 
(23,732
)
 
87,850

Commercial paper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate obligations
32,396

 
481

 
(2,041
)
 
30,836

 
32,486

 
592

 
(3,441
)
 
29,637

Total marketable securities
182,525

 
23,279

 
(27,590
)
 
178,214

 
195,958

 
12,675

 
(27,495
)
 
181,138

Amounts classified as cash equivalents
(41,704
)
 

 

 
(41,704
)
 
(42,681
)
 

 

 
(42,681
)
Amounts classified as marketable securities
$
140,821

 
$
23,279

 
$
(27,590
)
 
$
136,510

 
$
153,277

 
$
12,675

 
$
(27,495
)
 
$
138,457


Proceeds from sales of marketable securities were $23,098 and $40,600 in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company determines gains and losses from sales of marketable securities based on specific identification of the securities sold. Gross realized gains and losses from sales of marketable securities, all of which are reported as a component of Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Gross realized gains
$
1,190

 
$
3,200

Gross realized losses
(375
)
 
(209
)
   Realized gains, net
$
815

 
$
2,991



14


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

The fair value of marketable securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2015, all of which had unrealized losses for periods of twelve months or less, were as follows:
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
Corporate securities
$
40,326

 
$
(25,277
)
Corporate obligations
14,741

 
(2,041
)
Mutual funds
4,922

 
(272
)
    Total
$
59,989

 
$
(27,590
)

The fair value of marketable securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2014, all of which had unrealized losses for periods of twelve months or less, were as follows:
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
Corporate securities
$
39,869

 
$
(23,732
)
Corporate obligations
13,530

 
(3,441
)
Mutual funds
4,873

 
(322
)
    Total
$
58,272

 
$
(27,495
)

Gross unrealized losses primarily related to losses on corporate securities. The Company has evaluated such securities, which primarily consist of investments in equity securities of publicly-traded entities, as of December 31, 2014, and has determined that there was no indication of other-than-temporary impairments. This determination was based on several factors, including the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the entity, and the Company's intent and ability to hold the corporate securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt securities and marketable securities with no contractual maturities as of March 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, were as follows:
 
Cost
Estimated Fair Value
Mature in one year or less
$
202

$
207

Mature after one year through three years


Mature after three years
32,194

30,629

  Total debt securities
32,396

30,836

Securities with no contractual maturities
150,129

147,378

 
$
182,525

$
178,214




15


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

B) Long-Term Investments

The following table summarizes the Company's long-term investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. For those investments at fair value, the carrying amount of the investment equals its respective fair value.
 
 
 
 
Investment Balance
 
Income (Loss) Recorded in Statement of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
 
2015
 
2014
(A) AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fair Value Changes Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Equity securities - U.S. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Aerospace/Defense
 
 
 
$
96,957

$
76,512

 
 
 
 
       Restaurants
 
 
 

35,637

 
 
 
 
       Manufacturing
 
 
 
466


 
 
 
 
       Other
 
 
 
577

572

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98,000

112,721

 
 
 
 
   Fair Value Changes Recorded in Consolidated Statement of Operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       API (1)
 
 
 
66,688

18,373

 
$
4,450

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
164,688

131,094

 
$
4,450

 
$
1

(B) EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Investments in Associated Companies:
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    At Cost:
Ownership
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       CoSine
80.6
%
48.3
%
 

5,521

 
$
(602
)
 
$
(126
)
       Other (5)
 
 
 
5,568

5,705

 
(137
)
 
(1,433
)
    At Fair Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. ("MLNK") (1)
31.4
%
27.7
%
 
63,757

54,086

 
1,726

 
(17,278
)
       SL Industries, Inc. ("SLI") (1)
24.3
%
24.0
%
 
42,529

38,799

 
3,731

 
(2,527
)
       JPS Industries, Inc. ("JPS") (1)
38.7
%
38.7
%
 
40,176

38,406

 
1,769

 
3,217

   API Technologies Corp. ("API Tech") (1)
20.6
%
20.6
%
 
23,669

24,355

 
(686
)
 

       Aviat Networks, Inc. ("Aviat") (1)
12.9
%
%
 
9,571


 
(1,287
)
 

       Other (2)
43.8
%
43.8
%
 
2,298

2,163

 
135

 
(111
)
 
 
 
 
187,568

169,035


$
4,649


$
(18,258
)
  Other Investments at Fair Value - Related Party:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  SPII Liquidating Trust - Series G (SPCA) (2), (3)
 
 
 
7,294

6,811

 
$
483

 
$
(102
)
  SPII Liquidating Trust - Series H (SPJSF) (2), (4)
 
 
 
2

2,812

 
(84
)
 
100

 
 
 
 
7,296

9,623

 
$
399

 
$
(2
)
 (C) OTHER INVESTMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     ModusLink Warrants (2)
 
 
 
2,163

2,199

 
$
(37
)
 
$
(2,447
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Long-Term Investments
 
 
 
$
361,715

$
311,951

 
 
 
 
(1) Level 1 investment. Equity securities totaling $98,000 and $112,721 were classified as Level 1 investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
(2) Level 3 investment. For additional information related to the Company's Level 3 investments, see Note 5 - "Fair Value Measurements."
(3) Steel Partners China Access I L.P.
(4) Steel Partners Japan Strategic Fund, L.P.
(5) Represents Steel Excel's investments in a sports business and iGo, Inc. ("iGo") of 40% and 46.9%, respectively.
    

16


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

The following table presents activity for the available-for-sale securities presented in the table above for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
(A) AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
 
 
 
   Fair Value Changes Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
 
 
 
  Change in net unrealized holding gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income
$
20,481

 
$
521

Reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income :
 
 
 
   Unrealized gains
$
(22,478
)
 
$

   Unrealized losses

 

     Total
$
(22,478
)
 
$


(A) AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES

Fair Value Changes Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

For purposes of determining gross realized gains and losses, the cost of securities sold is based on specific identification. Gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses are reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. In January 2015 the Company contributed Nathan’s, one if its available -for-sale securities, to CoSine in exchange for additional CoSine equity (see Note 2 - "Acquisitions" for additional information). Also, in the first quarter of 2015, Cosine sold approximately 222,000 shares of Nathan's for proceeds of approximately $16,000 and received a special dividend of approximately $5,500 which is included in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. As a result, management determined there to be an other-than-temporary impairment in the stock price and recorded an impairment charge of approximately $5,500. The investment in Nathan's was reclassified to short-term investments and is included in Marketable Securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015.

The cost basis and unrealized gains and losses related to our available-for-sale securities which are classified as long-term investments are as follows:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
 
Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Aerospace/Defense
$
11,675

$
85,282

$

$
96,957

 
$
11,675

$
64,837

$

$
76,512

Restaurants




 
5,974

29,663


35,637

Manufacturing
435

31


466

 




Other
575

2


577

 
575


(3
)
572

 
$
12,685

$
85,315

$

$
98,000

 
$
18,224

$
94,500

$
(3
)
$
112,721

Fair Value Changes Recorded in Consolidated Statement of Operations
Available-for-sale securities that are classified as long-term investments also include the Company's investment in API. Changes in the fair value of this investment is reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations as Income (loss) from investments held at fair value. In January 2015, the Company contributed its investment in API to CoSine in exchange for additional CoSine equity. Also, in the first quarter of 2015, CoSine acquired an additional 50,127,702 shares of API for approximately $46,000 as a result of the tender offer for the API shares (see Note 2 - "Acquisitions" for additional information).

17


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

(B) EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

Investments in Associated Companies

The Company’s investments in associated companies are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company elected to record certain investments under the equity method at fair value beginning on the dates these investments became subject to the equity method. Associated companies are included in the Diversified Industrial, Energy or Corporate segments. Certain associated companies have a fiscal year end that differs from December 31. Additional information for each of SPLP's investments in associated companies that have impacted the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations during 2015 or 2014 follows:

Equity Method

Prior to acquiring a controlling interest in CoSine in the first quarter of 2015, the Company's investment in CoSine was accounted for under the traditional equity method. For additional information on the acquisition of CoSine and its related tender offer for the shares of API, see Note 2 - "Acquisitions."

Steel Excel has an investment in a sports business and in iGo, a mobile device accessories provider company. These investments are being accounted for under the traditional equity method as associated companies. Based on the closing market price of iGo's publicly-traded shares, the value of the investment in iGo was approximately $3,300 and $3,400 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Equity Method, At Fair Value:

MLNK provides supply chain and logistics services to companies in consumer electronics, communications, computing, medical devices, software, luxury goods and retail. MLNK also issued the Company warrants to purchase an additional 2,000,000 shares at $5.00 per share. See the "Other Investments" section of this Note for a further description of these warrants and their valuation for financial statement reporting. These warrants will expire in March 2018.

SLI is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures and markets power electronics, motion control, power protection and specialized communication equipment.

JPS is a U.S. manufacturer of extruded urethanes, ethylene vinyl acetates and mechanically formed glass and aramid substrate materials for specialty applications in a wide expanse of markets requiring highly engineered components.

On January 26, 2015, HNH announced its has commenced a tender offer to purchase up to 10,028,724 shares, or approximately 96.5% of the outstanding shares, of common stock of JPS at a price of $10.00 per share in cash to all stockholders other than SPLP and with respect to the 4,021,580 JPS shares owned by SPLP, in exchange for common stock of HNH. If all shares are tendered, HNH would exchange approximately $60,100 in cash and 863,946 shares of its common stock. If all shares are tendered, HNH would exchange approximately $60,000 in cash and 863,946 shares of its common stock. On April 29, 2015, HNH announced that it was extending the expiration of the tender offer to May 15, 2015. The extension of the tender offer is intended to facilitate the discussions between the HNH and JPS regarding a potential negotiated transaction. There is no assurance that HNH and JPS will enter into a definitive agreement.

In May 2014, Steel Excel increased its holdings of the common stock of API Tech to 20.6%. API Tech is a designer and manufacturer of high performance systems, subsystems, modules, and components. Effective as of that date, the investment in API Tech has been accounted for as an equity method investment using the fair value option. Steel Excel elected the fair value option to account for its investment in API Tech in order to more appropriately reflect the value of API Tech in its financial statements. Prior to such time, the investment in API Tech was accounted for as an available-for-sale security, and upon the change in classification the Company recognized a loss of approximately $600 that had previously been included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
In January 2015, two members of Steel Excel's board of directors were appointed to the eight-member board of directors of Aviat Networks, Inc. ("Aviat"), a global provider of microwave networking solutions. At the time of the appointment, Steel Excel held 8,041,892 shares of Aviat, or approximately 12.9% of the total outstanding common stock. Effective as of the date of the appointment, the investment in Aviat has been accounted for as an equity-method investment as the Steel Excel’s

18


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

voting interest and board representation provide it with significant influence over Aviat's operations. Steel Excel elected the fair value option to account for its investment in Aviat, with changes in fair value based on the market price of Aviat's common stock recognized currently as income or loss from equity method investees, in order to more appropriately reflect the value of Aviat in its financial statements. Prior to such time the investment in Aviat was accounted for as an available-for-sale security, and upon the change in classification Steel Excel recognized a loss of approximately $2,800 that had previously been included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Other investment represents the Company's investment in a Japanese real estate partnership.

Associated Company Information
The below summary balance sheet amounts are for the nearest practicable period. The below summary income statement amounts include results for associated companies for the periods in which they were accounted for as an associated company, or the nearest practicable corresponding period. This summary data may be derived from unaudited financial statements and may contain a lag.
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Summary of balance sheet amounts:
 
 
 
Current assets
$
567,022

 
$
556,571

Noncurrent assets
144,687

 
160,202

Total assets
$
711,709

 
$
716,773

Current liabilities
$
267,912

 
$
257,559

Noncurrent liabilities
112,857

 
113,217

Total liabilities
380,769

 
370,776

Parent equity
330,940

 
345,997

Total liabilities and equity
$
711,709

 
$
716,773

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Summary income statement amounts:
 
 
 
Revenue
$
221,067

 
$
290,416

Gross profit
31,188

 
48,418

Income from continuing operations
1,890

 
2,386

Net income after noncontrolling interests
6,995

 
2,428

Other Investments at Fair Value - Related Party

Other investments - related party, consist of the Company’s investment in each series of the SPII Liquidating Trust (see Note 12 - “Related Party Transactions”) accounted for under the equity method. In February 2015, the SPII Liquidating Trust comprising Trust H was fully liquidated. As a result, the Company received its proportional interest of the cash and investments in Trust H totaling approximately $2,730. There was no gain or loss recorded on the transaction.

The purpose of the SPII Liquidating Trust is to effect the orderly liquidation of certain assets previously held by Steel Partners II, L.P. ("SPII"). SPLP’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows will be affected by the extent to which the operations of the SPII Liquidating Trust results in realized or unrealized gains (losses) and by distributions it makes in each reporting period. The Company holds variable interests in each series of the SPII Liquidating Trust.

Each series of the SPII Liquidating Trust is separate and distinct with respect to its assets, liabilities and net assets. Each individual series has no liability or claim with respect to the liabilities or assets of the other series. Each series shares in the costs, assets and liabilities, if any, that are not specifically attributable to a particular series. Each series generally holds the securities related to a specific investment and cash for operating expenses of the series. The investments in the SPII Liquidating Trust are not redeemable and distributions will be received from the SPII Liquidating Trust as the underlying assets held are sold over a period which is not determinable. There are no unfunded capital commitments with respect to these investments. The fair values for the investments in the SPII Liquidating Trust have been estimated using the net asset value of such interests as reported by the SPII Liquidating Trust.

19


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)


The following tables provide combined summarized data with respect to the other investments - related party accounted for under the equity method, at fair value:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Summary of balance sheet amounts:
 
 
 
Total assets
$
16,760

 
$
21,966

Total liabilities
(118
)
 

Net Asset Value
$
16,642

 
$
21,966

 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Summary income statement amounts:
 
 
 
Net increase in net assets from operations
$
879

 
$
8


(C) OTHER INVESTMENTS

In connection with the acquisition of MLNK common shares in March 2013, the Company received warrants ("ModusLink Warrants") to acquire an additional 2,000,000 shares at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. The ModusLink Warrants are accounted for as an asset at fair value with changes in fair value recognized each period in Income (Loss) from investments held at fair value in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The ModusLink warrants have a life of 5 years and were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the current valuation were as follows: 1) volatility of 52.9% 2) term of 2.9 years 3) risk free interest rate of 1.370% based on the U.S. Treasury bill yield, and 4) an expected dividend of $0.

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT AND PROMISSORY NOTE    

Steel Excel also has other investments which include a $25,000 cost-method investment in a limited partnership that co-invested with other private investment funds in a public company. Such investment had an approximate fair value of $26,700 and $28,600 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, based on the net asset value included in the monthly statement it receives from the partnership. Steel Excel's other investments at March 31, 2015, also include an investment in a venture capital fund totaling $500 and a promissory note with an amortized cost of $3,000, which approximates fair value at March 31, 2015. These amounts are included in Other non-current assets in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.



20


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized by type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements as follows:

March 31, 2015
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities (a)
$
93,486

 
$
12,134

 
$
30,890

 
$
136,510

Long-term investments (a)
344,390

 

 
11,757

 
356,147

Investments in certain funds

 

 
483

 
483

Precious metal and commodity inventories recorded at fair value
14,078

 

 

 
14,078

Commodity contracts on precious metal and commodity inventories
548

 

 

 
548

Total
$
452,502

 
$
12,134

 
$
43,130

 
$
507,766

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial instruments
$

 
$
21,307

 
$

 
$
21,307

Interest rate swap agreement

 
131

 

 
131

Total
$

 
$
21,438

 
$

 
$
21,438

December 31, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities (a)
$
93,768

 
$
10,793

 
$
33,896

 
$
138,457

Long-term investments (a)
286,740

 

 
13,985

 
300,725

Investments in certain funds

 

 
525

 
525

Precious metal and commodity inventories recorded at fair value
13,249

 

 

 
13,249

Commodity contracts on precious metal and commodity inventories
764

 

 

 
764

Total
$
394,521

 
$
10,793

 
$
48,406

 
$
453,720

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial instruments
$

 
$
21,311

 
$

 
$
21,311

Interest rate swap agreement

 
138

 

 
138

Total
$

 
$
21,449

 
$

 
$
21,449

(a) For additional detail of the marketable securities and long-term investments see Note 4 - "Investments."

Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. The types of investments included in Level 1 are listed debt and equity securities.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and can include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in a market that is not active for identical assets or liabilities, or other inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data. Investments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, less liquid and restricted equity securities.

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation and due to lack of observable inputs, the assumptions used may impact the fair value of these investments in future periods. Investments which are generally included in this category include private investments,

21


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

non-exchange traded derivative contracts, and currency and interest rate swaps. For certain marketable securities, net asset value is used which is included in quarterly statements received in arrears from a venture capital fund to determine the fair value of such fund. The fair value of certain other marketable securities are determined by incorporating and reviewing prices provided by third-party pricing services based on the specific features of the underlying securities.
    
The fair value of the Company's financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade payables, approximate carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. Carrying cost approximates fair value for long-term debt which has variable interest rates.

The precious metal and commodity inventories associated with HNH's fair value hedges (see Note 6 - "Financial Instruments") are reported at fair value. Fair value of these inventories is based on quoted market prices on commodity exchanges and are considered Level 1 measurements. The derivative instruments that HNH purchases in connection with its precious metal and commodity inventories, specifically commodity futures and forwards contracts, are also valued at fair value. The futures contracts are Level 1 measurements since they are traded on a commodity exchange. The forward contracts are entered into with a counterparty and are considered Level 2 measurements.

Interest rate swap agreements are considered Level 2 measurements as the inputs are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Following is a summary of changes in financial assets measured using Level 3 inputs:
 
Long - Term Investments
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in Associated Companies (a)
 
Other Investments - Related Party (b)
 
ModusLink Warrants (c)
 
Marketable Securities and Other (d)
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
2,243

 
$
10,228

 
$
5,832

 
$
24,209

 
$
42,512

Purchases

 

 

 
5,299

 
5,299

Sales

 

 

 
(1,974
)
 
(1,974
)
Unrealized gains

 
99

 

 
2,857

 
2,956

Unrealized losses
(112
)
 
(101
)
 
(2,447
)
 

 
(2,660
)
Balance at March 31, 2014
$
2,131

 
$
10,226

 
$
3,385

 
$
30,391

 
$
46,133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
2,163

 
$
9,623

 
$
2,199

 
$
34,421

 
$
48,406

Purchases

 

 

 

 

Sales

 
(2,727
)
 

 
(163
)
 
(2,890
)
Realized gain on sale

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains
135

 
484

 

 

 
619

Unrealized losses

 
(84
)
 
(36
)
 
(2,885
)
 
(3,005
)
Balance at March 31, 2015
$
2,298

 
$
7,296

 
$
2,163

 
$
31,373

 
$
43,130

(a) Unrealized losses are recorded in Income (Loss) of associated companies, net of taxes in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(b) Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Income (Loss) from other investments-related party in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(c) Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Income (Loss) from investments held at fair value in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(d) Realized gains on sale are recorded in Other income, net in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        

22


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Long-Term Investments - Valuation Techniques

The Company primarily uses two valuation methods to estimate the fair value of its equity securities measured using Level 3 inputs. The Company estimates the value of one of its investments in an associated company primarily using a discounted cash flow method adjusted for additional information related to debt covenants, solvency issues, etc. The Company estimates the value of Other investments - related party, which represents its interest in the SPII Liquidating Trust, based on the net asset value of each series of the Trust. The ModusLink Warrants are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (for additional information see Note 4 - "Investments").
               
Marketable Securities and Other - Valuation Techniques
               
The Company uses the net asset value included in quarterly statements it receives in arrears from a venture capital fund to determine the fair value of such fund. The Company determines the fair value of certain corporate securities and corporate obligations by incorporating and reviewing prices provided by third-party pricing services based on the specific features of the underlying securities.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in 2015 and 2014 include the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions described in Note 2 – “Acquisitions.” Significant judgments and estimates are made to determine the acquisition date fair values which may include the use of appraisals, discounted cash flow techniques or other information the Company considers relevant to the fair value measurement.

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, WebBank has impaired loans of $455, of which $0 is guaranteed by the USDA or SBA and $458, of which $4 is guaranteed by the USDA or SBA, respectively. These loans are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. See the "Impaired Loans" section of Note 7 - "Trade, Other and Loans Receivable" for additional discussion of loan impairment measurements.

6. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 financial instrument liabilities and related restricted cash consists of $21,308 and $21,311, respectively, of short sales of corporate securities.

Activity is summarized below for financial instrument liabilities and related restricted cash:
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
21,311

 
$
25,090

Settlement of short sales of corporate securities
 
(353
)
 

Short sales of corporate securities
 
164

 

Net investment losses
 
186

 
160

Receipt of dividends, net of interest expense
 

 
35

Balance of financial instrument liabilities and related restricted cash, end of period
 
$
21,308

 
$
25,285


Short Sales of Corporate Securities
               
From time to time, Steel Excel enters into short sale transactions on certain corporate securities in which Steel Excel received proceeds from the sale of such securities and incurred obligations to deliver such securities at a later date. Upon initially entering into such short sale transactions Steel Excel recognizes a liability equal to the fair value of the obligation, with a comparable amount of cash and cash equivalents reclassified as restricted cash. Subsequent changes in the fair value of such obligations, determined based on the closing market price of the securities, are recognized currently as gains or losses, with a comparable adjustment made between unrestricted and restricted cash.


23


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Financial instrument activity in 2014 includes activity for amounts that were payable in foreign currencies which were subject to the risk of exchange rate changes. The liabilities were accounted for at fair value on the balance sheet date with changes in fair value reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations included in Net investment gains(losses). The liabilities were not designated as hedging instruments and were settled in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Precious Metal and Commodity Inventories

H&H's precious metal and commodity inventories are subject to market price fluctuations. H&H enters into commodity futures and forward contracts to migrate the impact of price fluctuations on its precious and certain non-precious metal inventories that are not subject to fixed-price contracts. HNH's hedging strategy is designed to protect it against normal volatility; therefore, abnormal price changes in these commodities or markets could negatively impact HNH's earnings. HNH does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

As of March 31, 2015, HNH had the following outstanding future contracts with settlement dates ranging from
April to June 2015. There were no forward contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2015.
Commodity
Amount
Notional Value
Silver
795,000 ounces
$
13,600

Gold
        900 ounces
$
1,100

Copper
350,000 pounds
$
1,000

Tin
60 metric tons
$
1,000


H&H accounts for these contracts as either fair value hedges or economic hedges under the guidance in ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging.

Fair Value Hedges. Of the total futures contracts outstanding, 655,000 ounces of silver and substantially all of the copper contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges under ASC 815. The fair values of these derivatives are recognized as derivative assets and liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net change in fair value of the derivative assets and liabilities, and the change in the fair value of the underlying hedged inventory, are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations, and such amounts principally offset each other due to the effectiveness of the hedges. The fair value hedges are associated primarily with HNH's precious metal inventory carried at fair value.

Economic Hedges. The remaining outstanding futures contracts for silver, and all of the contracts for gold and tin, are accounted for as economic hedges. As these derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges under ASC 815, they are accounted for as derivatives with no hedge designation. The derivatives are marked to market, and both realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in current period earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The economic hedges are associated primarily with HNH's precious metal inventory valued using the LIFO method.

The futures contracts are exchange traded contracts through a third party broker. Accordingly, HNH has determined that there is minimal credit risk of default. HNH estimates the fair value of its derivative contracts through the use of market quotes or broker valuations when market information is not available. HNH maintains collateral on account with the third-party broker. Such collateral consists of both cash that varies in amount depending on the value of open futures contracts, as well as ounces of precious metal held on account by the broker.

Debt Agreements

As discussed in Note 13 - "Debt and Capital Lease Obligations," Handy & Harman Group Ltd. ("H&H Group") has entered into two interest rate swap agreements to reduce its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. These derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges under U.S. GAAP; they are accounted for as derivatives with no hedge designation. HNH records the gains or losses both from the mark-to-market adjustments and net settlements in interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations as the hedges are intended to offset interest rate movements.
    


24


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Derivative
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commodity contracts (a), (b)
 
Prepaid and other current assets
 
$
409

 
$
667

Commodity contracts (a)
 
Prepaid and other current assets
 
$
139

 
$
97

Interest rate swap agreements (a)
 
Other current liabilities
 
$
(131
)
 
$
(138
)
(a) Carrying amount equals fair value.
(b) Designated as hedging instruments as of March 31, 2015.

Effect of derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
Derivative
 
Statement of Operations Location
 
Gain (loss)
 
Gain (loss)
Commodity contracts (a)
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
(914
)
 
$
(126
)
Commodity contracts
 
Cost of goods sold
 
147

 
(21
)
Commodity contracts
 
Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives
 
(207
)
 
140

Interest rate swap agreements
 
Interest expense
 
(45
)
 
(45
)
Total derivatives
 
 
 
$
(1,019
)
 
$
(52
)
(a) Designated as hedging instruments as of March 31, 2015.

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

WebBank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. In the normal course of business, these financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans as part of WebBank’s lending arrangements. Those instruments involve to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized on the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement WebBank has in particular classes of financial instruments.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, WebBank’s undisbursed loan commitments totaled $110,471 and $82,788, respectively. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a borrower who meets the lending criteria through one of the Bank’s lending agreements, provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract with the counterparty to the lending arrangement.

Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since certain of the commitments are expected to expire without the credit being extended, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. WebBank evaluates each prospective borrower’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by WebBank upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the borrower and WebBank’s counterparty.

WebBank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. WebBank uses the same credit policy in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

WebBank estimates an allowance for potential losses on off-balance sheet contingent credit exposures related to the guaranteed amount of its SBA and USDA loans and whether or not the SBA/USDA honors the guarantee. WebBank determines the allowance for these contingent credit exposures based on historical experience and portfolio analysis. The allowance is included with other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, with any related increases or decreases in the reserve included in the statement of income. The allowance was $188 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and is included within Other current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

25


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)


7. TRADE, OTHER AND LOANS RECEIVABLE

Trade and Other Receivables, Net
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $1,739 in 2015 and $2,149 in 2014
$
95,644

 
$
85,553

Other receivables
11,889

 
1,887

Total
$
107,533

 
$
87,440


Loans Receivable

    Major classification of WebBank’s loans receivable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
Total
 
Current
 
Non-current
 
March 31, 2015
 
%
 
December 31, 2014
 
%
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial – owner occupied
$
1,626

 
2
%
 
$
1,650

 
1
%
 
$
97

 
$
96

 
$
1,529

 
$
1,554

Commercial – other
265

 
%
 
264

 
%
 

 

 
265

 
264

Total real estate loans
1,891

 
2
%
 
1,914

 
1
%
 
97

 
96

 
1,794

 
1,818

Commercial and industrial
78,224

 
58
%
 
75,706

 
64
%
 
1,220

 
1,142

 
77,004

 
74,564

Loans held for sale
54,547

 
40
%
 
40,886

 
35
%
 
54,547

 
40,886

 

 

Total loans
134,662

 
100
%
 
118,506

 
100
%
 
55,864

 
42,124

 
78,798

 
76,382

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred fees and discounts
(19
)
 
 
 
(20
)
 
 
 
(19
)
 
(20
)
 

 

Allowance for loan losses
(638
)
 
 
 
(557
)
 
 
 
(638
)
 
(557
)
 

 

Total loans receivable, net (a)
$
134,005

 
 
 
$
117,929

 
 
 
$
55,207

 
$
41,547

 
$
78,798

 
$
76,382

(a) The carrying value is considered to be representative of fair value because the rates of interest are not significantly different from market interest rates for instruments with similar maturities. The fair value of loans receivable, net was $134,378 and $117,346 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALLL”) represents an estimate of probable and estimable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Losses are charged to the ALLL when incurred. Generally, commercial loans are charged off or charged down at the point at which they are determined to be uncollectible in whole or in part, or when 180 days past due unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. The amount of the ALLL is established by analyzing the portfolio at least quarterly and a provision for or reduction of loan losses is recorded so that the ALLL is at an appropriate level at the balance sheet date.

The methodologies used to estimate the ALLL depend upon the impairment status and portfolio segment of the loan. Loan groupings are created for each loan class, and are then graded against historical and industry loss rates.

After applying historic loss experience, the quantitatively derived level of ALLL is reviewed for each segment using qualitative criteria is performed. Various risk factors are tracked that influence judgment regarding the level of the ALLL across the portfolio segments. Primary qualitative factors that may be reflected in the quantitative models include:

Asset quality trends
Risk management and loan administration practices
Risk identification practices
Effect of changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio
Existence and effect of any portfolio concentrations
National economic and business conditions

26


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Regional and local economic and business conditions
Data availability and applicability

Changes in these factors are reviewed to ensure that changes in the level of the ALLL are consistent with changes in these factors. The magnitude of the impact of each of these factors on the qualitative assessment of the ALLL changes from quarter to quarter according to the extent these factors are already reflected in historic loss rates and according to the extent these factors diverge from one another. Also considered is the uncertainty inherent in the estimation process when evaluating the ALLL.

Changes in the allowance for loan losses are summarized as follows:
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
Commercial - Other
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Total
December 31, 2013
 
$
77

 
$
28

 
$
319

 
$
424

Charge-offs
 

 

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Recoveries
 
62

 
7

 
8

 
77

Provision
 
(104
)
 
(7
)
 
22

 
(89
)
March 31, 2014
 
$
35

 
$
28

 
346

 
$
409

December 31, 2014
 
$
64

 
$
12

 
$
481

 
$
557

Charge-offs
 

 

 

 

Recoveries
 
1

 
11

 
7

 
19

Provision
 
(5
)
 
(12
)
 
79

 
62

March 31, 2015
 
$
60

 
$
11

 
$
567

 
$
638


The ALLL and outstanding loan balances according to the Company’s impairment method are summarized as follows:

 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
Commercial - Other
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$
59

 
$
59

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
60

 
11

 
508

 
579

Total
 
$
60

 
$
11

 
$
567

 
$
638

Outstanding Loan balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
368

 
$

 
$
87

 
$
455

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
1,257

 
265

 
78,138

 
79,660

Total
 
$
1,625

 
$
265

 
$
78,225

 
$
80,115





27


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
Commercial - Other
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$
52

 
$
52

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
64

 
12

 
429

 
505

Total
 
$
64

 
$
12

 
$
481

 
$
557

Outstanding Loan balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment (1)
 
$
374

 
$

 
$
84

 
$
458

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
1,276

 
264

 
75,622

 
77,162

Total
 
$
1,650

 
$
264

 
$
75,706

 
$
77,620


(1) $4 is guaranteed by the USDA or SBA.

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when payment in full of principal and interest is not expected, or the loan is 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection.

A nonaccrual loan may be returned to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal become current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement; and the loan, if secured, is well secured; the borrower has paid according to the contractual terms for a minimum of six months; and analysis of the borrower indicates a reasonable assurance of the ability to maintain payments. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding.

Loans are reported as past due when either principal or interest is due and unpaid for a period of 30 days or more. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $0 and $52 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Nonaccrual loans are summarized as follows:
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
$
368

 
$
374

Total Real Estate Loans
368

 
374

Commercial and Industrial
16

 
16

Total Loans
$
384

 
$
390


    

28


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Past due loans (accruing and nonaccruing) are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2015
 
Current
 
30-89 days
past due
 
90+ days
past due
 
Total
past due
 
Total
loans
 
Recorded
investment
in accruing
loans 90+
days past due
 
Nonaccrual
loans
that are
current (1)
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
$
1,239

 
$
18

 
$
368

 
$
386

 
$
1,625

 
$

 
$

Commercial - Other
 
265

 

 

 

 
265

 

 

Total Real Estate Loans
 
1,504

 
18

 
368

 
386

 
1,890

 

 

Commercial and Industrial
 
78,157

 
52

 
16

 
68

 
78,225

 

 

Total Loans
 
$
79,661

 
$
70

 
$
384

 
$
454

 
$
80,115

 
$

 
$


(1) Represents nonaccrual loans that are not past due more than 30 days; however, full payment of principal and interest is still not expected.

December 31, 2014
 
Current
 
30-89 days
past due
 
90+ days
past due
 
Total
past due (2)
 
Total
loans
 
Recorded
investment
in accruing
loans 90+
days past due
 
Nonaccrual
loans
that are
current (1)
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
$
1,228

 
$
49

 
$
373

 
$
422

 
$
1,650

 
$

 
$

Commercial - Other
 
264

 

 

 

 
264

 

 

Total Real Estate Loans
 
1,492

 
49

 
373

 
422

 
1,914

 

 

Commercial and Industrial
 
75,635

 
3

 
68

 
71

 
75,706

 
52

 

Total Loans
 
$
77,127

 
$
52

 
$
441

 
$
493

 
$
77,620

 
$
52

 
$


(1) Represents nonaccrual loans that are not past due more than 30 days; however, full payment of principal and interest is still not expected.
(2) $4 is guaranteed by the USDA or SBA.

Credit Quality Indicators

In addition to the past due and nonaccrual criteria, loans are analyzed using a loan grading system. Generally, internal grades are assigned to loans based on financial/statistical models and loan officer judgment. The Company reviews and grades all loans with unpaid principal balances of $100 or more once per year. Grades follow definitions of Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful. The definitions of Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful are summarized as follows:

Pass: A pass asset is a higher quality asset and does not fit any of the other categories described below. The likelihood of loss is considered remote.
Special Mention: A receivable in this category has a specific weakness or problem but does not currently present a significant risk of loss or default as to any material term of the loan or financing agreement.
Substandard: A substandard receivable has a developing or currently minor weakness or weaknesses that could result in loss or default if deficiencies are not corrected or adverse conditions arise.
Doubtful: A doubtful receivable has an existing weakness or weaknesses that have developed into a serious risk of significant loss or default with regard to a material term of the financing agreement.
    

29


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Outstanding loan balances (accruing and nonaccruing) categorized by these credit quality indicators are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2015
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Sub-
standard
 
Doubtful
 
Total loans
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
$
1,239

 
$
18

 
$
368

 
$

 
$
1,625

Commercial - Other
 
265

 

 

 

 
265

Total Real Estate Loans
 
1,504

 
18

 
368

 

 
1,890

Commercial and Industrial
 
76,957

 
1,181

 
87

 

 
78,225

Total Loans
 
$
78,461

 
$
1,199

 
$
455

 
$

 
$
80,115


December 31, 2014
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Sub-
standard (1)
 
Doubtful
 
Total loans
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
$
1,258

 
$
19

 
$
373

 
$

 
$
1,650

Commercial - Other
 
264

 

 

 

 
264

Total Real Estate Loans
 
1,522

 
19

 
373

 

 
1,914

Commercial and Industrial
 
74,439

 
1,183

 
84

 

 
75,706

Total Loans
 
$
75,961

 
$
1,202

 
$
457

 
$

 
$
77,620


(1) $4 is guaranteed by the USDA or SBA.

Impaired Loans

Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that WebBank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. When loans are impaired, an estimate of the amount of the balance that is impaired is made and a specific reserve is assigned to the loan based on the estimated present value of the loan’s future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the observable market price of the loan, or the fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral less the cost to sell. When the impairment is based on amount on the fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral, the portion of the balance that is impaired is charged off, such that these loans do not have a specific reserve in the ALLL. Payments received on impaired loans that are accruing are recognized in interest income, according to the contractual loan agreement. The Bank recognized $1 and $26 on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Payments received on impaired loans that are on nonaccrual are not recognized in interest income, but are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding. Payments are recognized when cash is received.




30


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Information on impaired loans is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
 
Recorded investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
Unpaid principle
balance
 
with no
allowance
 
with
allowance
 
Total recorded
investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average recorded
investment
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
$
425

 
$
368

 
$

 
$
368

 
$

 
$
139

Total Real Estate Loans
 
425

 
368

 

 
368

 

 
139

Commercial and Industrial
 
196

 
28

 
59

 
87

 
59

 
31

Total Loans
 
$
621

 
$
396

 
$
59

 
$
455

 
$
59

 
$
170


 
 
 
 
Recorded investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Unpaid principle
balance
 
with no
allowance
 
with
allowance
 
Total recorded
investment (1)
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average recorded
investment
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
$
430

 
$
374

 
$

 
$
374

 
$

 
$
750

Total Real Estate Loans
 
430

 
374

 

 
374

 

 
750

Commercial and Industrial
 
193

 
28

 
56

 
84

 
52

 
131

Total Loans
 
$
623

 
$
402

 
$
56

 
$
458

 
$
52

 
$
881


(1)$4 is guaranteed by the USDA or SBA.

8. INVENTORIES, NET

A summary of Inventories, net is as follows:
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Finished products
$
28,224

 
$
24,424

In-process
11,845

 
10,310

Raw materials
14,008

 
12,346

Fine and fabricated precious metal in various stages of completion
20,084

 
17,094

 
74,161

 
64,174

LIFO reserve
(346
)
 
(90
)
   Total
$
73,815

 
$
64,084


Fine and Fabricated Precious Metal Inventory

In order to produce certain of its products, HNH purchases, maintains and utilizes precious metal inventory. HNH records certain precious metal inventory at the lower of last-in, first-out ("LIFO") cost or market, with any adjustments recorded through cost of goods sold. Remaining precious metal inventory is accounted for primarily at fair value.

Certain customers and suppliers of HNH choose to do business on a “pool” basis, and furnish precious metal to HNH for return in fabricated form (“customer metal”) or for purchase from or return to the supplier. When the customer metal is returned in fabricated form, the customer is charged a fabrication charge. The value of this customer metal is not included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent HNH is able to utilize customer precious metal in its production process, such customer metals replaces the need for HNH to purchase its own inventory.


31


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

As of March 31, 2015, H&H’s customer metal consisted of 175,164 ounces of silver, 534 ounces of gold, and 1,392 ounces of palladium. As of December 31, 2014, H&H’s customer metal consisted of 191,217 ounces of silver, 518 ounces of gold, and 1,392 ounces of palladium.
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Supplemental inventory information:
 
 
 
Precious metals stated at LIFO cost
$
6,565

 
$
4,839

Precious metals stated under non-LIFO cost methods, primarily at fair value
13,173

 
12,165

Market value per ounce:
 
 
 
Silver
17.06

 
15.75

Gold
1,195.75

 
1,199.25

Palladium
748.00

 
798.00



9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

A summary of property, plant and equipment, net is as follows:
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Land
$
9,435

 
$
9,523

Buildings and improvements
53,669

 
53,742

Machinery, equipment and other
197,191

 
194,356

Construction in progress
6,130

 
4,738

 
266,425

 
262,359

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(84,180
)
 
(78,045
)
Net property, plant and equipment
$
182,245

 
$
184,314


Depreciation expense was $6,325 and $6,092 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.



32


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

10. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:
 
March 31, 2015
 
Diversified
 
Energy
 
Corporate
 
Total
Balance at beginning of year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Goodwill
$
26,299

 
$
64,790

 
$
81

 
$
91,170

Accumulated impairments

 
(45,219
)
 

 
(45,219
)
Net Goodwill
26,299

 
19,571

 
81

 
45,951

Acquisitions (a)
20,921

 

 
8,295

 
29,216

Impairment

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment
(29
)
 

 

 
(29
)
Other adjustments

 

 

 

Balance at end of period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Goodwill
47,191

 
64,790

 
8,376

 
120,357

Accumulated impairments

 
(45,219
)
 

 
(45,219
)
Net Goodwill
$
47,191

 
$
19,571

 
$
8,376

 
$
75,138

(a) Goodwill from acquisitions relates to HNH's acquisition of ITW and the Company's acquisition of CoSine, both of which were in the first quarter of 2015. These balances are subject to adjustment during the finalization of the purchase price allocation for these acquisitions. For additional information, see Note 2 - "Acquisitions"

 
December 31, 2014
 
Diversified
 
Energy
 
Corporate
 
Total
Balance at beginning of year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Goodwill
$
26,260

 
$
64,790

 
$
81

 
$
91,131

Accumulated impairments

 
(3,769
)
 

 
(3,769
)
Net Goodwill
26,260

 
61,021

 
81

 
87,362

Acquisitions

 

 

 

Impairment

 
(41,450
)
 

 
(41,450
)
Currency translation adjustment
(37
)
 

 

 
(37
)
Other adjustments (a)
76

 

 

 
76

Balance at end of period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Goodwill
26,299

 
64,790

 
81

 
91,170

Accumulated impairments

 
(45,219
)
 

 
(45,219
)
Net Goodwill
$
26,299

 
$
19,571

 
$
81

 
$
45,951

(a) Represents final purchase price allocation adjustments, including a final working capital adjustment, associated with the HNH acquisition of Hickman.


33


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

A summary of Other intangible assets, net is as follows:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
Product and customer relationships
$
113,952

 
$
32,125

 
$
81,827

 
$
113,952

 
$
29,726

 
$
84,226

Trademarks
28,803

 
6,363

 
22,440

 
28,803

 
5,856

 
22,947

Patents and technology
16,816

 
6,368

 
10,448

 
16,773

 
6,023

 
10,750

Other
6,819

 
1,862

 
4,957

 
2,426

 
1,799

 
627

 
$
166,390

 
$
46,718

 
$
119,672

 
$
161,954

 
$
43,404

 
$
118,550


Trademarks with indefinite lives as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $8,020. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $3,347 and $3,494 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 also include $4,400 in intangible assets, primarily unpatented technology, associated with HNH's ITW acquisition. This balance is subject to adjustment during the finalization of the purchase price allocation for the ITW acquisition.

11. BANK DEPOSITS

A summary of WebBank deposits is as follows:
Time deposits year of maturity:
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
2015
$
26,757

 
$
27,001

2016
54,735

 
50,386

2017
34,689

 
26,671

2018
6,973

 

Total time deposits
123,154

 
104,058

Money market deposits
55,032

 
60,802

Total deposits (a)
$
178,186

 
$
164,860

Current
$
81,295

 
$
87,804

Long-term
96,891

 
77,056

Total deposits
$
178,186

 
$
164,860

 
 
 
 
Time deposit accounts under $100
$
101,242

 
$
86,274

Time deposit accounts $100 and over
21,912

 
17,784

Total time deposits
$
123,154

 
$
104,058

(a) The carrying value is considered to be representative of fair value because the rates of interest are not significantly different from market interest rates for instruments with similar maturities. The fair value of deposits was $178,978 and $165,381 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Management Agreement with SP General Services LLC

The Manager receives a fee, pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated management agreement, (the “Management Agreement”) at an annual rate of 1.5% of total SPLP Partners' capital ("Management Fee"), payable on the first day of each quarter and subject to quarterly adjustment. In addition, SPLP issued to the Manager partnership profits interests in the form of incentive units, which will be classified as Class C common units of SPLP upon the attainment of certain specified performance goals by SPLP which are determined as of the last day of each fiscal year (see Note 15 - "Capital and Accumulated other Comprehensive Income" for additional information on the incentive units).

34


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)


The Management Agreement is automatically renewed each December 31 for successive one-year terms unless otherwise determined at least 60 days prior to each renewal date by a majority of the independent directors. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Manager earned a Management Fee of $1,856 and $2,312, respectively. The Management Fee is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no unpaid amounts for management fees at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

SPLP will bear (or reimburse the Manager with respect to) all its reasonable costs and expenses of the managed entities, the Manager, SPH GP or their affiliates, including but not limited to: legal, tax, accounting, auditing, consulting, administrative, compliance, investor relations costs related to being a public entity rendered for SPLP or SPH GP as well as expenses incurred by the Manager and SPH GP which are reasonably necessary for the performance by the Manager of its duties and functions under the Management Agreement and certain other expenses incurred by managers, officers, employees and agents of the Manager or its affiliates on behalf of SPLP. The Manager incurred approximately $721 and $1,019 of reimbursable expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in connection with its provision of services under the Management Agreement. Unpaid amounts for reimbursable expenses were approximately $608 and $1,504 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are included in Payable to related parties.

In the first quarter of 2015, SPLP issued units to WGL Capital Corp. (the "Investment Manager") an affiliate of the Manager. The units issued were for the final settlement of the additional liability due to the Investment Manager of approximately $1,800 (see Note 15 - Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.")

Corporate Services
SPH Services, a subsidiary of SPLP, was created to consolidate the executive and corporate functions of SPLP and certain of its affiliates, and to provide such services to other portfolio companies. SP Corporate Services LLC ("SP Corporate"), through Management Services Agreements with these companies, provides services which include assignment of C-Level management personnel, as well as a variety of services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury, consulting, auditing, administrative, compliance, environmental health and safety, human resources, marketing, investor relations and other similar services. The fees payable under these agreements are initially based on the level of services expected to be provided. They are subject to annual review and adjustment and are approved by the respective company's board of directors. The agreements automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless and until terminated in accordance with the agreement. Under certain circumstances, the termination may result in payment of a termination fee to SP Corporate.
Consolidated subsidiaries that have agreements with SP Corporate include HNH, Steel Excel, SPLP, Web Financial Holdings, DGT,WebBank, BNS and CoSine. Annual amounts to be billed to these companies are $8,885, $8,150, $6,000, $2,000, $476, $250, $204 and $204, respectively, and are eliminated in consolidation.
In addition to its servicing agreements with SPLP and its consolidated subsidiaries, SP Corporate has management services agreements with other companies considered to be related parties, including NOVT, Ore Holdings, Inc., J. Howard Inc., SL Industries, Inc., Steel Partners, Ltd., iGo and MLNK. In total, SP Corporate will charge approximately $3,900 annually to these companies.

SPII Liquidating Trust

SPLP holds interests in the SPII Liquidating Trust, an entity that holds certain investments which it acquired in connection with the Exchange Transaction, which the Manager and its affiliate serve as the manager and liquidating trustee, respectively, without compensation other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. The SPII Liquidating Trust currently has an investment in Steel Partners China Access I L.P. See Note 4 - "Investments" for additional information.

Mutual Securities

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager was responsible for selecting executing brokers. Securities transactions for SPLP are allocated to brokers on the basis of reliability and best price and execution. The Manager has selected Mutual Securities as an introducing broker and may direct a substantial portion of the managed entities’ trades to such firm among others. An officer of the Manager and SPH GP is affiliated with Mutual Securities. The Manager only uses Mutual Securities when such use would not compromise the Manager’s obligation to seek best price and execution. SPLP has the right to pay commissions to Mutual Securities, which are higher than those that can be obtained elsewhere, provided that the Manager believes that the rates paid are competitive institutional rates. Mutual Securities also served as an introducing broker

35


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

for SPLP’s trades. The Commissions paid by SPLP to Mutual securities were approximately $47 and $130 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Such commissions are included in Net investment gains (losses) in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The portion of the commission paid to Mutual Securities ultimately received by such officer is net of clearing and other charges.

Other

SPLP has an arrangement whereby it holds an asset on behalf of a related party in which it has an investment. The asset had a fair value of $37,134 and $34,280 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Under the terms of this arrangement, the related party is the sole beneficiary and SPLP does not have an economic interest in the asset and SPLP has no capital at risk with respect to such asset, other than indirectly through its indirect investment in such related party. No amounts related to this arrangement are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, SPLP was indirectly compensated for providing this arrangement by the payment of a fee. The fees were not material.

The Company’s non-management directors receive an annual retainer of $150, of which $75 is paid in cash and $75 is paid in restricted common units of SPLP. The restricted units vest over a three year period. These directors are also paid fees of $1 for each board committee meeting attended. The chairmen of the Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee are paid an additional fee of $60 (effective May 1, 2013), $5 and $5 annually, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 non-management directors’ fees expensed were $237 and $210, respectively. Unpaid non-management directors’ fees are included in Payable to related parties and were $42 and $46 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, several related parties and consolidated subsidiaries had deposits totaling $11,952 and $14,875, respectively, in WebBank. $9,396 and $12,391 of these deposits have been eliminated in consolidation as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These deposits held at WebBank earned $20 and $27 in interest for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. $16 and $23 of this interest has been eliminated in consolidation for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

SPLP has an estimated liability of $116 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included in other current liabilities which, pursuant to the Amended Exchange Agreement, is indemnified by Steel Partners II (Onshore) LP (“SPII Onshore”). As a result, the Company recorded an amount receivable from SPII Onshore reported in Receivable from related parties in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.    


36


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

13. DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Debt and capital lease obligations consists of the following:
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Short term debt:
 
 
 
Foreign
$
868

 
$
602

Short-term debt
868

 
602

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
Steel Excel Term Loan
75,982

 
79,285

HNH Revolving Facilities
89,705

 
193,375

SPLP Revolving Facility
66,603

 
33,788

Other debt - domestic
7,926

 
8,014

Foreign loan facilities
1,328

 
1,412

Subtotal
241,544

 
315,874

Less portion due within one year
19,528

 
19,592

Long-term debt
222,016

 
296,282

Total debt
$
242,412

 
$
316,476

Capital lease facility
 
 
 
Current portion of capital lease
$
483

 
$
486

Long-term portion of capital lease
173

 
288

 
$
656

 
$
774


SPLP Revolving Credit Facility

On March 27, 2015 the Company amended its Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Facility”) with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”), as administrative agent for the lenders thereunder. The Amended Credit Facility provides for a revolving credit facility with borrowing availability of up to $75,000 and the additional flexibility to allow one or more new lenders to join and become a party to the Amended Credit Facility with a minimum revolving credit commitment amount of not less than $10,000, and not to exceed a total commitment of $100,000. Amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at SPLP's option at either the Base Rate, as defined, plus 0.50% or LIBOR plus the applicable margin under the loan agreement of 1.50%, and are collateralized by first priority security interests of certain of the Company's deposit accounts and publicly traded securities. The average interest rate on the Amended Credit Facility was 1.74% as of March 31, 2015. The Amended Credit Facility requires a commitment fee to be paid on unused borrowings and also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a minimum cash balance covenant, restrictions against the payment of dividends and customary events of default. Any amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility are due and payable in full on October 23, 2017. The Amended Credit Facility also includes provisions for the issuance of letters of credit up to $10,000, with any such issuances reducing total borrowing availability. There were no letters of credit outstanding at March 31, 2015.

In April 2014, the Company borrowed approximately $47,500 under the Amended Credit Facility in connection with a tender offer for its common units (see Note 15 - "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" for additional information) and in the first quarter of 2015, the Company borrowed an additional $37,000 to fund CoSine's tender offer for API (see Note 2 - "Acquisitions" for additional information).

HNH Debt

Senior Credit Facility

On August 29, 2014, H&H Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of HNH, entered into amended and restated senior credit facility ("Senior Credit Facility") which provides for an up to $365,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, including a $20,000 sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit and a $20,000 sublimit for the issuance of swing loans. On November 24, 2014, H&H Group, entered into an amendment to its Senior Credit Facility, solely for the purpose of modifying and clarifying the definition

37


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

of the term "Guarantee." Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility bear interest at H&H Group's option, at either LIBOR or the Base Rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin as set forth in a the loan agreement (2.25% and 1.25%, respectively, for LIBOR and Base Rate borrowings at March 31, 2015), and the revolving facility provides for a commitment fee to be paid on unused borrowings. The weighted average interest rate on the revolving facility was 3.16% at March 31, 2015. H&H Group's availability under the Senior Credit Facility was $157,400 as of March 31, 2015.

On January 22, 2015, H&H Group, and certain subsidiaries of H&H Group, entered into an amendment to its Senior Credit Facility to, among other things, provide for the consent of the administrative agent and the lenders, subject to compliance with certain conditions, for the tender offer by HNH Group Acquisition LLC, a newly formed subsidiary of H&H Group, for the shares of JPS, including the use of up to $71,000 under the Senior Credit Facility to purchase such shares, and certain transactions related thereto. In addition, HNH Group Acquisition LLC and HNH Acquisition LLC, another newly formed subsidiary of H&H Group, will become guarantors under the Senior Credit Facility pursuant to the amendment. See further discussion regarding the JPS transaction in Note 21 - "Subsequent Events."

The Senior Credit Facility will expire, with all amounts outstanding balances due and payable, on August 29, 2019. The Senior Credit Facility is guaranteed by substantially all existing and thereafter acquired or created domestic and Canadian wholly-owned subsidiaries of H&H Group, and obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are collateralized by first priority security interests in and liens upon present and future assets of H&H Group and these subsidiaries, which approximated $362,000 at March 31, 2015. The Senior Credit Facility restricts H&H Group's ability to transfer cash or other assets to HNH, subject to certain exceptions including required pension payments to the WHX Corporation Pension Plan ("WHX Pension Plan"). The Senior Credit Facility is subject to certain mandatory prepayment provisions and restrictive and financial covenants, which include a maximum ratio limit on Total Leverage and a minimum ratio limit on Fixed Charge Coverage, as defined, as well as a minimum liquidity level. HNH was in compliance with all debt covenants at March 31, 2015.

HNH's prior senior credit facility, as amended, consisted of a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $110,000 and a senior term loan. On August 5, 2014, this agreement was further amended to, among other things, permit a new $40,000 term loan and permit H&H Group to make a distribution to HNH of up to $80,000.The revolving facility provided for a commitment fee to be paid on unused borrowings. Borrowings under the prior senior credit facility bore interest, at H&H Group's option, at a rate based on LIBOR or the Base Rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin as set forth in the loan agreement. On August 29, 2014, all amounts outstanding under this agreement were repaid

    Interest Rate Swap Agreements

H&H Group entered into an interest rate swap agreement in February 2013 to reduce its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Under the interest rate swap, HNH receives one-month LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 0.569% over the life of the agreement on an initial $56,400 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $1,100, $1,800 and $2,200 per quarter in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The agreement expires in February 2016. H&H Group entered into a second interest rate swap agreement in June 2013 to reduce its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Under the interest rate swap, HNH receives one-month LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 0.598% over the life of the agreement on an initial $5,000 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $100, $200 and $200 per quarter in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The agreement expires in February 2016.

Steel Excel Term Loan

Steel Excel's energy business has a credit agreement, as amended (the "Amended Credit Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank National Association, RBS Citizens, N.A., and Comerica Bank that provides for a borrowing capacity of $105,000 consisting of a $95,000 secured term loan (the “Term Loan”) and up to $10,000 in revolving loans (the “Revolving Loans”) subject to a borrowing base of 85% of the eligible accounts receivable.    
    
Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are collateralized by substantially all the assets of Steel Energy Ltd. ("Steel Energy") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Sun Well Service, Inc. ("Sun Well") and Rogue Pressure Services, LLC ("Rogue"), and Black Hawk Energy Services Ltd ("Black Hawk Ltd."), and a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Sun Well, Rogue and Black Hawk Ltd. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are fully guaranteed by Sun Well, Rogue and Black Hawk Ltd. The carrying value as of March 31, 2015 of the assets pledged as collateral by Steel Energy and its subsidiaries under the Amended Credit Agreement was approximately $186,900.
    

38


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

The Amended Credit Agreement has a term that runs through July 2018, with the Term Loan amortizing in quarterly installments of $3,300 and a balloon payment due on the maturity date. At March 31, 2015, $76,000 was outstanding under the Term Loan and no amount was outstanding under the Revolving Loans. Principal payments under the Amended Credit Agreement for the remainder of 2015 and subsequent years are $9,911, $13,214, $13,214, and $39,643 for the remainder of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The interest rate on the borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement was 2.8% at March 31, 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 Steel Excel incurred interest expense of $600 and $800, respectively, in connection with the Amended Credit Agreement. Steel Excel was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Amended Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2015.    

14. PENSION BENEFIT PLANS

The following table presents the components of pension expense and components of other post-retirement benefit income (expense) for the HNH pension plans included the following:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Interest cost
$
4,760

 
$
5,248

Expected return on plan assets
(5,517
)
 
(6,050
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
1,595

 
577

Total
$
838

 
$
(225
)
    
HNH expects to have required minimum contributions to the WHX Pension Plan of $13,300 for the remainder of 2015, $14,300, $15,300, $17,000, $18,300 and $56,400 in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and for the five years thereafter, respectively. Required future contributions are determined based upon assumptions such as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes. Pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentence, as well as other changes such as any plan termination.

In addition to its pension plans, which are included in the table above, HNH also maintains several other post-retirement benefit plans covering certain of its employees and retirees. The approximate aggregate expense for these plans was $500 and $400 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

15. CAPITAL AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

As of March 31, 2015 the Company has two classes of common units which include 27,533,451 Class A units and 130,264 Class B units. The Class B units were issued in the first quarter of 2015 to WGL Capital Corp. (the "Investment Manager") an affiliate of the Manager. The units issued were for the final settlement of the additional liability due to the Investment Manager of approximately $1,800. Instead of receiving the amount in cash, the Investment Manager elected for the total amount to be paid in common units of the Company. The Class B Common Units are identical to the regular Common Units in all respects except that net tax losses are not allocated to a holder of Class B Common Units, liquidating distributions made by the Company to such holder may not exceed the amount of its capital account allocable to such Common Units, and such holder may not sell such Common Units in the public market. At such time that that the amount of the capital account allocable to a Class B Common Unit is equal to the amount of the capital account allocable to a regular Common Unit, such Class B Common Unit convert automatically into a regular Common Unit. 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had one class of units outstanding totaling 27,566,200.  

Common Unit Repurchase Program

On December 24, 2013, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the Company, approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $5,000 of the Company's common units (the “Repurchase Program”). Any purchases made under the Repurchase Program will be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In connection with the Repurchase Program,

39


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

the Company has entered into a Stock Purchase Plan which expired on March 26, 2014. The Repurchase Program has no termination date. In total, the Company has purchased 154,073 units for a total purchase price of approximately $2,571 under the repurchase program.
    
Common Units Issuance - Directors

The Company's non-management directors receive annual equity compensation in the amount of $75 in the form of restricted common units of the Company. The restrictions vest over a three year period, with one-third of the units vesting on the anniversary date of the grants. The total value of the unvested restricted units granted was $490 as of March 31, 2015. Total expense for the restricted units issued was approximately $94 and $94 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Changes, net of tax, in Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
Change in net pension and other benefit obligations
 
Total
Balance at beginning of period
$
83,137

 
$
(4,691
)
 
$
(75,641
)
 
$
2,805

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax - before reclassifications (a)
24,622

 
(1,121
)
 
1,076

 
24,577

Reclassification adjustments, net of tax (b)
(22,478
)
 

 

 
(22,478
)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unit holders (c)
2,144

 
(1,121
)
 
1,076

 
2,099

Balance at end of period
$
85,281

 
$
(5,812
)
 
$
(74,565
)
 
$
4,904

(a) Net of a tax benefit of approximately $1,458.
(b) Net of a tax benefit of approximately $53.
(c) Amounts do not include net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities of $2,254, cumulative translation adjustment losses of $513 and income from the change in pension and other post-retirement obligations of $551, which are attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 represent the interests held by the noncontrolling shareholders of HNH, Steel Excel, CoSine, DGT and the BNS Liquidating Trust.

Incentive Unit Expense

Effective January 1, 2012, SPLP issued to the Manager partnership profits interests in the form of incentive units, a portion of which will be classified as Class C common units of SPLP upon the attainment of certain specified performance goals by SPLP which are determined as of the last day of each fiscal year.  If the performance goals are not met for a fiscal year, no portion of the incentive units will be classified as Class C common units for that year. The number of outstanding incentive units is equal to 100% of the common units outstanding, including common units held by non-wholly owned subsidiaries. The performance goals and expense related to the classification of a portion of the incentive units as Class C units is measured on an annual basis, but is accrued on a quarterly basis. Accordingly, the expense accrued is adjusted to reflect the fair value of the Class C common units on each interim calculation date.  In the event the cumulative incentive unit expense calculated quarterly or for the full year is an amount less than the total previously accrued, the Company would record a negative incentive unit expense in the quarter when such over accrual is determined. The expense is recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Incentive unit expense of approximately $7,393 and $544, was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Subsidiary Purchases of the Company's Common Units
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, a subsidiary of the Company purchased 32,749, of the Company's common units at a total cost of $563. The purchases of these units are reflected as treasury unit purchases in the Company's consolidated financial statements.


40


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

16. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON UNIT

The following data was used in computing net income (loss) per common unit shown in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
18,807

 
$
(14,357
)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
3,584

 
70

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common unit holders
22,391

 
(14,287
)
Income from discontinued operations
86,971

 
2,811

Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
(30,931
)
 
(1,230
)
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to common unit holders
56,040

 
1,581

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
78,431

 
$
(12,706
)
Net income (loss) per common unit - basic:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
0.81

 
$
(0.46
)
Net income from discontinued operations
2.03

 
0.05

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
2.84

 
$
(0.41
)
Net income (loss) per common unit – diluted:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
0.80

 
$
(0.46
)
Net income from discontinued operations
2.00

 
0.05

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
2.80

 
$
(0.41
)
Weighted average common units outstanding - basic
27,658,494

 
30,803,229

 Incentive units
389,321

 

Unvested restricted units
22,073

 

Denominator for net income per common unit - diluted (a)
28,069,888

 
30,803,229


(a) For the three months ended March 31, 2014 the diluted per unit calculation was based on the basic weighted average units only since the impact of 32,063 incentive units and 22,423 unvested restricted stock units would have been anti-dilutive.


41


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following table presents the composition of our segments, which include the operations of our consolidated subsidiaries, as well as income or loss from equity method investments and other investments. Our segments are managed separately and offer different products and services.

Diversified Industrial
Energy
Financial Services
Corporate and Other
Handy & Harman Ltd. ("HNH") (1)
Steel Excel Inc. ("Steel Excel") (1)
WebBank (1) 
SPH Services, Inc. ("SPH Services") (1)
SL Industries, Inc. ("SLI") (2)
 
 
CoSine Communications, Inc. ("CoSine")(1)
JPS Industries, Inc. ("JPS") (2)
 
 
DGT Holdings Corp. ("DGT") (1)
 
 
 
BNS Holdings Liquidating Trust ("BNS Liquidating Trust") (1)
 
 
 
Modus Link Global Solutions, Inc. (2)
 
 
 
SPII Liquidating Trust (2)
 
 
 
Other Investments (3)
(1)
Consolidated subsidiary
(2)
Equity method investment
(3) Other investments classified in Corporate and Other include various investments in available-for-sale securities in the Aerospace/Defense, Restaurant and Manufacturing industries.
    
Diversified Industrial

HNH is a diversified holding company that owns a variety of manufacturing operations encompassing joining materials, tubing, engineered materials and cutting replacement products and services businesses. See Note 4 - "Investments" for additional information on the equity method investments classified within this segment.
    
Energy
    
Steel Excel's Energy business provides drilling and production services to the oil and gas industry. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Steel Sports Inc., Steel Excel focuses on providing event-based sports and entertainment services and other health-related services, including baseball facility services, baseball and soccer camps and leagues, and strength and conditioning services. Steel Excel also continues to identify other new business acquisition opportunities. The operations of Steel Sports are not considered material and are included in the Energy segment.
    
Financial Services

The Financial Services segment primarily consists of our wholly owned subsidiary WebFinancial Holding Corporation, which conducts financial operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WebBank. WebBank operates in niche banking markets and provides commercial and consumer loans and services. WebBank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to current limits, and the bank is examined and regulated by the FDIC and Utah Department of Financial Institutions.

Corporate and Other

Corporate assets, revenues and overhead expenses are not allocated to the segments. Corporate revenues primarily consist of investment and other income, investment gains and losses and rental income. See Note 4 - "Investments" for additional information on the equity method investments and other investments classified within this segment.
SPH services provides legal, tax, accounting, treasury, consulting, auditing, administration, compliance, environmental health and safety, human resources, marketing, investor relations and similar services, to other affiliated companies. SPH Services charged the Diversified Industrial, Energy and Financial Services segments approximately $2,200, $2,000, and $560,

42


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and approximately $2,200, $2,000 and $63, for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
CoSine was acquired in the first quarter of 2015 (see Note 2 - "Acquisitions") and had no operations other than payment of expenses and investment gains on sales of available-for-sale securities.
    
DGT's operations currently consist of a real estate business from the rental of a building retained from the sale of its Medical Systems Group on November 3, 2011. Continuing operations consist of the real estate business, investments, and general and administrative expenses.
    
Segment information is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
 
 
 
Diversified industrial
$
137,982

 
$
135,487

Energy
38,885

 
45,159

Financial services
12,176

 
6,966

Corporate and other
25,538

 
245

Total
$
214,581

 
$
187,857

Income (Loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:
 
 
 
Diversified industrial
$
9,569

 
$
4,774

Energy
(7,092
)
 
3,393

Financial services
7,344

 
4,078

Corporate and other
16,906

 
(25,434
)
Income (Loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
26,727

 
(13,189
)
Income tax provision
7,920

 
1,168

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
18,807

 
$
(14,357
)
Income (loss) from equity method investments:
 
 
 
Diversified industrial
$
5,500

 
$
690

Energy
(2,110
)
 
(1,433
)
Corporate and other
1,658

 
(17,517
)
Total
$
5,048

 
$
(18,260
)


18. INCOME TAXES

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded a tax provision of $7,920 and $1,168, respectively. The Company’s tax provision represents the income tax expense or benefit of its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company's consolidated subsidiaries have recorded deferred tax valuation allowances to the extent that they believe it is more likely than not that the benefits of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods.

During 2015, one of the Company's subsidiaries, Steel Excel, identified an error related to the manner in which the provision for income taxes had reflected the tax effects related to unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities during 2014 and 2013. As a result, the Company recorded an adjustment to its tax provision of approximately $3,500 in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to correct the error.






43


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

19. REGULATORY MATTERS

WebBank

WebBank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on WebBank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, WebBank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. WebBank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

In July 2013, the FDIC approved the final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's capital guidelines for U.S. banks ("Basel III"). Under the final rules, which began for WebBank on January 1, 2015 and are subject to a phase-in period through January 1, 2019, minimum requirements will increase for both the quantity and quality of capital held by WebBank. The rules include a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio ("CET1 Ratio") of 4.5% and a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, which when fully phased-in, effectively results in a minimum CET1 Ratio of 7.0%. Basel III raises the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% (which, with the capital conservation buffer, effectively results in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% when fully phased-in), effectively results in a minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 10.5% (with the capital conservation buffer fully phased-in), and requires a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. Basel III also makes changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. WebBank expects that its capital ratios under Basel III will continue to exceed the well capitalized minimum capital requirements.

SPLP

The Company historically has conducted its business, and continues to conduct its business and operations, in such a manner so as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”).

Under the Act, the Company is required to meet certain qualitative tests related to the Company’s assets and/or income, and to refrain from trading for short-term speculative purposes. The Company has taken actions, including liquidating certain of our assets and acquiring additional interests in existing or new subsidiaries or controlled companies, to comply with these tests, or a relevant exception. Also, since the Company operates as a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of operating businesses, we do not believe we are primarily engaged in an investment company type business, nor do we propose to primarily engage in such a business.

If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may need to further adjust our business strategy and assets, including divesting certain desirable assets immediately to fall outside of the definition or within an exemption, to register as an investment company or to cease operations.

20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Matters

As discussed in more detail below, HNH and BNS have been designated as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") by federal and state agencies with respect to certain sites with which they may have had direct or indirect involvement. These claims are in various stages of administrative or judicial proceedings and include demands for recovery of past governmental costs and for future investigations and remedial actions. In many cases, the dollar amounts of the claims have not been specified and, with respect to a number of the PRP claims, have been asserted against a number of other entities for the same cost recovery or other relief as was asserted against the HNH and BNS. The Company accrues costs associated with environmental matters, on an undiscounted basis, when they become probable and reasonably estimable. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, on a consolidated basis, the Company has accrued $2,922 and $3,822, respectively, which represents its current estimate of the probable cleanup liabilities, including remediation and legal costs. In addition, the Company has insurance coverage available for several of these matters and believes that excess insurance coverage may be available as well. 


44


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

Estimates of the Company's liability for remediation of a particular site and the method and ultimate cost of remediation require a number of assumptions that are inherently difficult to make, and the ultimate outcome may be materially different from current estimates.

HNH Environmental Matters

Certain H&H Group subsidiaries have existing and contingent liabilities relating to environmental matters, including capital expenditures, costs of remediation and potential fines and penalties relating to possible violations of national and state environmental laws. Those subsidiaries have remediation expenses on an ongoing basis, although such costs are continually being readjusted based upon the emergence of new techniques and alternative methods. HNH had approximately $1,500 accrued related to estimated environmental remediation costs as of March 31, 2015. HNH also has insurance coverage available for several of these matters and believes that excess insurance coverage may be available as well. During the year ended December 31, 2014, HNH recorded insurance reimbursements of $3,100 for previously incurred remediation costs. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, HNH recorded an insurance reimbursement of $1,200 for previously incurred remediation costs.

In addition, certain H&H Group subsidiaries have been identified as PRPs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") or similar state statutes at sites and are parties to administrative consent orders in connection with certain properties. Those subsidiaries may be subject to joint and several liabilities imposed by CERCLA on PRPs. Due to the technical and regulatory complexity of remedial activities and the difficulties attendant in identifying PRPs and allocating or determining liability among them, the subsidiaries are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate cost of compliance with such laws.
    
Based upon information currently available, however, the H&H Group subsidiaries do not expect that their respective environmental costs, including the incurrence of additional fines and penalties, if any, will have a material adverse effect on them or that the resolution of these environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of such subsidiaries or HNH, but there can be no such assurances. HNH anticipates that the H&H Group subsidiaries will pay any such amounts out of their respective working capital, although there is no assurance that they will have sufficient funds to pay them. In the event that the H&H Group subsidiaries are unable to fund their liabilities, claims could be made against their respective parent companies, including H&H Group and/or HNH, for payment of such liabilities.

Among the sites where certain H&H Group subsidiaries may have more substantial environmental liabilities are the following:

H&H has been working with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection ("CTDEEP") with respect to its obligations under a 1989 consent order that applies to a property in Connecticut that H&H sold in 2003 ("Sold Parcel") and an adjacent parcel ("Adjacent Parcel") that together with the Sold Parcel comprises the site of a former H&H manufacturing facility. Remediation of all soil conditions on the Sold Parcel was completed on April 6, 2007. On September 11, 2008, the CTDEEP advised H&H that it had approved H&H's December 28, 2007 Soil Remediation Action Report, as amended, thereby concluding the active remediation of the Sold Parcel. The remaining remediation, monitoring and regulatory administrative costs for the Sold Parcel are expected to approximate $100. With respect to the Adjacent Parcel, an ecological risk assessment has been completed and the results, along with proposed clean up goals will be submitted to the CTDEEP for their review and approval. The total remediation costs for the Adjacent Parcel cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of H&H or HNH.

In 1986, Handy & Harman Electronic Materials Corporation ("HHEM"), a subsidiary of H&H, entered into an administrative consent order ("ACO") with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") with regard to certain property that it purchased in 1984 in New Jersey. The ACO involves investigation and remediation activities to be performed with regard to soil and groundwater contamination. Thereafter, in 1998, HHEM and H&H settled a case brought by the local municipality in regard to this site and also settled with certain of its insurance carriers. HHEM is actively remediating the property and continuing to investigate effective methods for achieving compliance with the ACO. A remedial investigation report was filed with the NJDEP in December 2007. By letter dated December 12, 2008, the NJDEP issued its approval with respect to additional investigation and remediation activities discussed in the December 2007 remedial investigation report. HHEM anticipates entering into discussions with the NJDEP to address that agency's potential natural resource damage claims, the ultimate scope and cost of which cannot be estimated at this time. Pursuant to a settlement agreement with the former owner/operator of the site, the responsibility for site investigation and remediation costs, as well as any other costs, as defined

45


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

in the settlement agreement, related to or arising from environmental contamination on the property (collectively, "Costs") are contractually allocated 75% to the former owner/operator (with separate guaranties by the two joint venture partners of the former owner/operator for 37.5% each) and 25% jointly to HHEM and H&H after the first $1,000. The $1,000 was paid solely by the former owner/operator. As of March 31, 2015, over and above the $1,000, total investigation and remediation costs of approximately $4,600 and $1,500 have been expended by the former owner/operator and HHEM, respectively, in accordance with the settlement agreement. Additionally, HHEM is currently being reimbursed indirectly through insurance coverage for a portion of the Costs for which HHEM is responsible. HHEM believes that there is additional excess insurance coverage, which it intends to pursue as necessary. HHEM anticipates that there will be additional remediation expenses to be incurred once a final remediation plan is agreed upon. There is no assurance that the former owner/operator or guarantors will continue to timely reimburse HHEM for expenditures and/or will be financially capable of fulfilling their obligations under the settlement agreement and the guaranties. The final Costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, and accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of HHEM or HNH.

HHEM is continuing to comply with a 1987 consent order from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ("MADEP") to investigate and remediate the soil and groundwater conditions at a commercial/industrial property in Massachusetts. On June 30, 2010, HHEM filed a Response Action Outcome report to close the site since HHEM's licensed site professional concluded that groundwater monitoring demonstrated that the groundwater conditions have stabilized or continue to improve at the site. On June 20, 2013, HHEM received the MADEP's Notice of Audit Findings and Notice of Noncompliance ("Notice"). HHEM and its consultant held meetings with the MADEP to resolve differences identified in the Notice. As a result of those meetings and subsequent discussions, HHEM initiated additional sampling, testing, and well installations. The additional work is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2015, with a follow-up response report submitted to the MADEP in the third quarter of 2015. The cost of this additional work is estimated at $200. Additional costs could result from these testing activities and final acceptance of the remediation plan by the MADEP, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

BNS Sub Environmental Matters

On June 4, 2013 BNS LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BNS Liquidating Trust, was identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) as a PRP as an alleged waste generator that disposed of wastes at the Operable Unit Two of the Peterson/Puritan, Inc. Superfund Site which includes the J.M. Mills Landfill in Cumberland, RI.

On August 12, 2008, a then-subsidiary of BNS (“BNS Sub”) was identified as a PRP by the EPA as an alleged drum reconditioning customer of New England Container Corp. (“NECC”). BNS Sub is presently investigating the matter and has joined a group of other alleged NECC drum reconditioning customers, The group have agreed with the EPA to perform test sampling and analysis of a targeted portion of the site per agreement with the EPA in accordance with a Record of Decision and an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent. The NECC drum reconditioning PRP group has incurred and will continue to incur costs in the investigation and each PRP has been assessed a fee for its pro-rata share of the costs of performing the assessment. The liability accrual is part of the BNS Liquidating Trust.

Based upon information currently available, BNS Liquidating Trust and and BNS Sub do not expect that their respective environmental costs or that the resolution of these environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company, but there can be no such assurances to this effect.

Litigation Matters

HNH Litigation Matters

In the ordinary course of business, HNH is subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes, employment, environmental, health and safety matters, as well as claims associated with HNH's historical acquisitions and divestitures. There is insurance coverage available for many of the foregoing actions. Although HNH cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings asserted against it, they do not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which they are a party will have a material adverse effect on their business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.



46


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

BNS Litigation Matters

BNS Sub has been named as a defendant in 1,333 and 1,326 alleged asbestos-related toxic-tort claims as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The claims were filed over a period beginning 1994 through March 31, 2015. In many cases these claims involved more than 100 defendants. Of the claims filed, 1,150 and 1,108 were dismissed, settled or granted summary judgment and closed as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Of the claims settled, the average settlement was less than $3. There remained 184 and 218 pending asbestos claims as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. There can be no assurance that the number of future claims and the related costs of defense, settlements or judgments will be consistent with the experience to date of existing claims.

BNS Sub has insurance policies covering asbestos-related claims for years beginning 1974 through 1988 with estimated aggregate coverage limits of $183,000, with $2,102 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 in estimated remaining self insurance retention (deductible). There is secondary evidence of coverage from 1970 to 1973 although there is no assurance that the insurers will recognize that the coverage was in place. Policies issued for BNS Sub beginning in 1989 contained exclusions related to asbestos. Under certain circumstances, some of the settled claims may be reopened. Also, there may be a significant delay in receipt of notification by BNS Sub of the entry of a dismissal or settlement of a claim or the filing of a new claim. BNS Sub believes it has significant defenses to any liability for toxic-tort claims on the merits. None of these toxic-tort claims has gone to trial and, therefore, there can be no assurance that these defenses will prevail. In addition, there can be no assurance that the number of future claims and the related costs of defense, settlements or judgments will be consistent with the experience to date of existing claims, and that BNS Sub will not need to increase significantly its estimated liability for the costs to settle these claims to an amount that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
    
BNS Sub annually receives retroactive billings or credits from its insurance carriers for any increase or decrease in claims accruals as claims are filed, settled or dismissed, or as estimates of the ultimate settlement and defense costs for the then-existing claims are revised. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, BNS Sub has accrued $1,422 relating to the open and active claims against BNS Sub. This accrual represents the Company’s best estimate of the likely costs to defend against or settle these claims by BNS Sub beyond the amounts accrued by the insurance carriers and previously funded, through the retroactive billings by BNS Sub. However, there can be no assurance that BNS Sub will not need to take additional charges in connection with the defense, settlement or judgment of these existing claims or that the costs of future claims and the related costs of defense, settlements or judgments will be consistent with the experience to date relating to existing claims. These claims are now being managed by the BNS Liquidating Trust.


21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
CoSine Acquisition of API

As disclosed in Note - 2 "Acquisitions", CoSine became a majority-owned controlled subsidiary as the first step in a plan for BidCo's Offer, which commenced on February 4, 2015, to acquire all of the issued and to be issued shares in API for 60 pence in cash per API share not already owned by CoSine or its subsidiaries. As a result of the Offer, BidCo owned approximately 98% of API as of March 31, 2015, however CoSine did not obtain control over the operations of API until April 17, 2015, at which time API became a majority-owned subsidiary of CoSine. As a result, CoSine will account for the acquisition of API in the second quarter of 2015.
    
API is a manufacturer and distributor of foils, films and laminates used to enhance the visual appeal of products and packaging. API is headquartered in Cheshire, England. The total consideration paid for CoSine's controlling interest in API was approximately $69,000. Due to the significant limitations on access to information prior to the acquisition date, and the limited time since the acquisition date, the initial accounting for the business combination in incomplete at this time. As a result, we have not included the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired and the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity. We will include this information with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015.





47


STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands except common unit and per common unit data)

HNH Tender Offer for JPS    

On January 26, 2015, HNH issued a press release announcing that HNH Group Acquisition LLC has commenced a tender offer to purchase up to 10,028,724 shares, or approximately 96.5% of the outstanding shares, of common stock of JPS at a price of $10.00 per share in cash to all stockholders other than SPH Group Holdings LLC ("SPHG Holdings"), a subsidiary of SPLP, and with respect to the 4,021,580 JPS shares owned by SPHG Holdings, in exchange for common stock of the Company.
If all shares are tendered, HNH would exchange approximately $60,100 in cash and 863,946 shares of its common stock. On April 29, 2015, HNH announced that it was extending the expiration of the tender offer to May 15, 2015. The extension of the tender offer is intended to facilitate the discussions between the HNH and JPS regarding a potential negotiated transaction.
There is no assurance that HNH and JPS will enter into a definitive agreement.



48


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

As used in this Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise requires the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “SPLP” and the “Company” refer to Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our present business and the results of operations together with our present financial condition. This section should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

All monetary amounts used in this discussion are in thousands except common unit and share amounts.
OVERVIEW
Steel Partners Holdings L.P. ("SPLP" or the "Company") is a global diversified holding company that engages in multiple businesses, including diversified industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics, banking and youth sports.
The following table presents the composition of our segments, which include the operations of our consolidated subsidiaries, as well as income or loss from equity method investments and other investments. Our segments are managed separately and offer different products and services.
Diversified Industrial
Energy
Financial Services
Corporate and Other
Handy & Harman Ltd. ("HNH") (1)
Steel Excel Inc. ("Steel Excel") (1)
WebBank (1) 
SPH Services, Inc. ("SPH Services") (1)
SL Industries, Inc. ("SLI") (2)
 
 
CoSine Communications, Inc. ("CoSine")(1)
JPS Industries, Inc. ("JPS") (2)
 
 
DGT Holdings Corp. ("DGT") (1)
 
 
 
BNS Holdings Liquidating Trust ("BNS Liquidating Trust") (1), (3)
 
 
 
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. ("MLNK") (2)
 
 
 
SPII Liquidating Trust (2)
 
 
 
Other Investments (3)
(1)
Consolidated subsidiary
(2)
Equity method investment
(3) Other investments classified in Corporate and Other include various investments in available-for-sale securities in the Aerospace/Defense, Restaurant and Manufacturing industries.

Recent Events

On January 20, 2015 ("CoSine Acquisition Date"), the Company entered into a contribution agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with CoSine. Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, the Company contributed (i) 24,807,203 ordinary shares of API Group plc ("API") and (ii) 445,456 shares of common stock of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. ("Nathan's") to CoSine in exchange for 16,500,000 shares of newly issued CoSine common stock and 12,761 shares of newly issued 7.5% series B non-voting preferred stock, which increased our ownership of CoSine to approximately 80%. Prior to obtaining a controlling interest, SPLP owned approximately 48% of the outstanding shares of CoSine, and its investment was accounted for under the traditional equity method. As a result of the above transaction, CoSine became a majority-owned controlled subsidiary and is consolidated with SPLP from the CoSine Acquisition Date and included in the Corporate and Other segment.

The Contribution Agreement was the first step in a plan for a wholly owned UK subsidiary of CoSine ("BidCo") to make an offer (the “Offer”), which commenced on February 4, 2015, to acquire all of the issued and to be issued shares in API for 60 pence in cash per API share not already owned by BidCo. As a result of the Offer, BidCo owned approximately 98% of API as of March 31, 2015, however CoSine did not obtain control over the operations of API until April 17, 2015. As a result, CoSine will account for the acquisition of API in the second quarter of 2015.

For additional information on the acquisition of CoSine, see Note 2 - "Acquisitions" and Note 21 - "Subsequent Events" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

49


During 2015, one of the Company's subsidiaries, Steel Excel, identified an error related to the manner in which the provision for income taxes had reflected the tax effects related to unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities during 2014 and 2013. As a result, the Company recorded an adjustment to its tax provision of approximately $3,500 in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to correct the error.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
$
214,581

 
$
187,857

Cost of goods sold
131,694

 
133,331

Selling, general and administrative expenses
59,911

 
49,056

All other expenses (income)
5,710

 
(2,047
)
Total costs and expenses
197,315

 
180,340

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
and equity method income (loss)
17,266

 
7,517

Income tax provision
7,920

 
1,168

Income (Loss) from equity method investments and investments held at fair value:
 
 
 
Income (Loss) of associated companies, net of taxes
4,649

 
(18,258
)
Income (Loss) from other investments - related party
399

 
(2
)
Income (Loss) from investments held at fair value
4,413

 
(2,446
)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
18,807

 
(14,357
)
Income from discontinued operations
86,971

 
2,811

Net income (loss)
105,778

 
(11,546
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
(27,347
)
 
(1,160
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
78,431

 
$
(12,706
)

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $26,724, or 14.2%, as compared to the same period last year due to core growth of 2.7% from improvements in the Diversified Industrial and Financial Services segments, and growth of 11.5% due to other factors, primarily investment gains recorded in the Corporate and Other segment.

Costs and Expenses

Costs and expenses increased $16,975, or 9.4%, as compared to the same period last year. Cost of goods sold decreased $1,637, or 1.2% primarily due to lower revenues in the Energy segment. Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") expenses increased $10,855, or 22.1%, primarily due to increases in the Corporate and Other segment due to higher incentive unit expense of approximately $7,400 as well as increases across all other segments. All other expenses (income) increased $7,757 in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period last year, primarily from higher asset impairment charges of approximately $5,500 due to the impairment of an available-for-sale security in the Corporate and Other segment.

Income (Loss) of Associated Companies

Income (Loss) of associated companies includes income or loss recognized on investments where we own between 20% and 50% of the outstanding equity and have the ability to exercise influence, but not control, over the investee. The majority of these investments are recorded at fair value with changes in value recorded in Loss of associated companies in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The loss decreased by $22,907 in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to higher income of $19,000 and $6,200 recorded for MLNK and SLI, respectively, partially offset by lower income recorded in JPS of $ approximately $2,000 when compared to the first quarter of 2014 (see Note 4 - "Investments" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for additional information).

50


SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a summary of SPLP’s consolidated operating results, classified by segment:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
 
 
 
Diversified industrial
$
137,982

 
$
135,487

Energy
38,885

 
45,159

Financial services
12,176

 
6,966

Corporate
25,538

 
245

Total Revenue
$
214,581

 
$
187,857

Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:
 
 
 
Diversified industrial
$
9,569

 
$
4,774

Energy
(7,092
)
 
3,393

Financial services
7,344

 
4,078

Corporate
16,906

 
(25,434
)
Total
26,727

 
(13,189
)
Income tax provision
7,920

 
1,168

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
18,807

 
(14,357
)
Income from discontinued operations
86,971

 
2,811

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
(27,347
)
 
(1,160
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
78,431

 
(12,706
)
Other comprehensive income
2,100

 
2,574

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unitholders
$
80,531

 
$
(10,132
)


Diversified Industrial Segment

Our Diversified Industrial segment consists of the operations of HNH, a diversified holding company that owns a variety of manufacturing operations encompassing joining materials, tubing, engineered materials, electronic materials and cutting replacement products and services businesses. In addition, the segment results include income or loss from equity method investments held by SPLP (JPS and SLI).


51


The following presents a summary of the Diversified Industrial segment operating results as reported in our consolidated financial statements:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Sales
$
137,982

 
$
135,487

Cost of sales
99,725

 
98,458

Gross profit
38,257

 
37,029

Selling, general and administrative expenses
32,721

 
31,472

Interest expense
1,167

 
1,546

Derivative activity loss (income)
207

 
(140
)
Other expense, net
93

 
67

Net income from continuing operations before income taxes
4,069

 
4,084

Income (loss) from associated companies:
 
 
 
JPS
1,769

 
3,217

SLI
3,731

 
(2,527
)
Total Segment Income
$
9,569

 
$
4,774


Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $2,495, or 1.8% when compared to the same period in 2014. The change in net sales reflects a net increase from core growth of approximately $6,700, which were partially offset by a reduction of approximately $4,200 in net sales due to lower average silver prices. Value added sales, defined as net sales less revenue from the direct purchase and resale of precious metals, increased by approximately $6,700 on higher volume, primarily from the Building Materials group. The average silver market price was approximately $16.74 per troy ounce in the first quarter of 2015, as compared to $20.14 per troy ounce in the same period in 2014.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $1,228, or 3.3%, when compared to the same period of 2014, and, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 27.7% as compared to 27.3% in 2014. The change in gross profit reflects a net increase from core growth of approximately $1,800, which was partially offset by a reduction of approximately $500 in gross profit due to lower average silver prices. Higher sales volume from the Building Materials group lead to the increase in gross profit from HNH's core business. The gross profit margin improvement was principally due to favorable product mix in the Joining Materials group and favorable labor and manufacturing overhead costs in the Tubing group.

SG&A expenses increased by $1,249, or 4.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period of 2014. The higher SG&A in the first quarter of 2015 was driven by higher compensation costs during the three months ended March 31, 2015, which were partially offset by lower employee benefit costs and the recording of an insurance reimbursement of $1,200 for previously incurred environmental remediation costs.

Interest expense decreased by $379, or 24.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period of 2014. The lower interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to lower borrowing levels by HNH in the first quarter of 2015.

Derivative activity loss was $207 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to income of $140 in the same period of 2014. The amounts in both periods were attributable to HNH's commodity contracts. HNH utilizes commodity forward and futures contracts to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on its precious metal and certain non-precious metal inventories. The factors that affect the gain or loss on these derivative instruments are changes in the price of the associated metals and the amount of ounces hedged.

Income (Loss) of Associated Companies

Income (Loss) of associated companies includes income or loss recognized on investments where we own between 20% and 50% of the outstanding equity and have the ability to exercise influence, but not control, over the investee. JPS and SLI are both accounted for at fair value with changes recorded in Income (Loss) of associated companies in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    

52


Energy Segment

SPLP's Energy segment consists of its consolidated subsidiary Steel Excel. Steel Excel provides drilling and production services to the oil and gas industry. In addition, Steel Excel has a sports business ("Steel Sports"). The operations of Steel Sports are not considered material and are included in our Energy segment. The following presents a summary of the Energy segment operating results:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net revenues
$
38,885

 
$
45,159

Cost of sales
31,911

 
34,814

Gross profit
6,974

 
10,345

Selling, general & administrative expenses
9,569

 
9,146

Interest expense
641

 
867

Other expense (income), net
1,746

 
(4,494
)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
(4,982
)
 
4,826

Loss from associated companies
(2,110
)
 
(1,433
)
Total segment (loss) income
$
(7,092
)
 
$
3,393

    
Recent developments in the oil services industry will have had an adverse effect on the results of operations of the
Company's Energy segment in the first quarter of 2015. The decline in energy prices, particularly the significant decline in oil
prices, has resulted in the Energy segment's customers, the oil and gas exploration and production companies (the "E&P
Companies"), cutting back on their capital expenditures, which resulted in reduced drilling activity. In addition, the E&P
Companies have sought price concessions from their service providers to offset their drop in revenue. Such actions on the part
of the E&P Customers had an adverse effect on the operations of the Energy segment in the first quarter of 2015 and will
continue to adversely impact its operations throughout 2015. The Energy segment has experienced a decline in rig
utilization in all of its operations and prices for its services have declined. Steel Excel has taken certain actions and
instituted cost-reduction measures in an effort to mitigate these adverse effects. The Energy segment's results of operations
going forward will be dependent on the price of oil in the future, the resulting drilling rig count in the basins in which it
operates, and Steel Excel's ability to return to the pricing and service levels of the past as oil prices increase. Although the
impact on the Energy segment's results of operations in 2015 remains uncertain, the drilling rig count in North America has
declined significantly and continues to decline, which has directly impacted the segment's rig utilization, and the pricing for the
segment's services has declined. As a result, the Company expects the Energy segment to continue to experience a decline in operating income in 2015 as compared to the 2014 results.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, net revenues decreased $6,274, or 13.9% when compared to the same period of 2014. This was due to a decrease in the energy businesses of $6,800, or 15.4%, primarily from the decline in rig utilization and the decline in prices that resulted from the adverse effects the decline in energy prices had on the oil services industry. Net revenues in the sports businesses increased by $500 from an increase in revenues from UK Elite primarily as a result of operating the business acquired during the 2014 period for the full period in 2015.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2015, decreased by $3,371, or 32.6% as compared to the same period of 2014, and as a percentage of revenue declined to 17.9% from 22.9%. Gross profit from energy businesses decreased by $3,400 and as a percentage of revenue declined to 17.3% in the first quarter of 2015 from 22.5% in the comparable 2014 period. The gross profit decrease in the energy businesses was as a result of the decline in revenues. Gross profit in from the sports businesses in the 2015 period increased by $100.

SG&A expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $423 as compared to the same period of 2014 primarily as a result of additional costs incurred at UK Elite associated with the business acquired in the 2014 period.

Interest expense of $641 in the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased by $226 as compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of the repayment of long-term debt.

Other expense (income), net in the three months ended March 31, 2015 primarily represented a realized loss of $2,800 recognized upon initially accounting for an investment under the equity method of accounting at fair value and a foreign

53


exchange loss of $300, partially offset by investment income of $1,600. Other expense (income), net in the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily represented realized gains on sales of marketable securities of $3,000 and investment income of $1,600.

Financial Services Segment

The Financial Services segment primarily consists of our wholly owned subsidiary, WebFinancial Holding Corporation, which conducts financial operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WebBank and WF Asset Corp. WebBank operates in niche banking markets and provides commercial and consumer loans and services. WF Asset Corp. owns a portfolio of investments. WebBank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to the current limits, and the bank is examined and regulated by the FDIC and State of Utah Department of Financial Institutions.

The following presents a summary of the Financial Services segment operating results as reported in our consolidated financial statements:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
 
 
 
Interest income (including fees)
$
10,206

 
$
3,771

Non-interest income
1,970

 
3,195

 
12,176

 
6,966

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
4,506

 
2,842

Interest
264

 
136

Provision for (Recovery of) loan losses
62

 
(90
)
 
4,832

 
2,888

Net income from continuing operations before income taxes
$
7,344

 
$
4,078


Interest Income

Interest income increased by $6,435, or 170.6%, in the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to the addition of a new lending program, increased volume in the existing lending programs, and the restructuring of a program which both increased revenue and changed the classification of the revenue from noninterest income to interest income.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income decreased $1,225, or 38.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to restructuring of a program which changed the classification of the revenue from noninterest income to interest income.

Selling General and Administrative Expenses

The increase in SG&A expenses of $385, or 15.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period last year, was due primarily to higher personnel expenses commensurate with the increase in income discussed above.
Interest Expense
Interest expense represents interest accrued on WebBank depositor accounts. Interest expense increased $128, or 94.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period last year primarily due to a larger deposit balance to support loan growth.
Recovery of Loan Losses

At March 31, 2015, WebBank had an estimated $455 of impaired loans and an allowance for loan losses of $639.


54


WebBank routinely obtains appraisals on underlying collateral of nonperforming loans and records a provision for losses if the value of the collateral declines below the value of the loans. WebBank recorded a provision for loan losses of $62 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to a reduction in the provision for loan losses of $90 for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
    
Corporate and Other

The Corporate and Other segment consists of several consolidated subsidiaries as well as various investments and cash and cash equivalents. Corporate assets, revenues and overhead expenses are not allocated to the segments. Corporate revenues primarily consist of investment and other income, investment gains and losses and rental income. See Note 4 - "Investments" to the SPLP financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for additional information on the equity method investments and other investments classified within this segment.
The following presents a summary of Corporate and Other segment operating results as reported in our consolidated financial statements:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
 
 
 
Investment and other income
$
400

 
$
405

Net investment gains (losses)
25,138

 
(160
)
 
25,538

 
245

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
13,115

 
5,597

Interest expense
225

 
62

Impairment charges
5,598

 

Other (income) expenses, net
(4,235
)
 
57

Total costs and expenses
14,703

 
5,716

Income (Loss) from continuing operations before loss from equity method investments and investments held at fair value
10,835

 
(5,471
)
Equity Method Investments:
 
 
 
Associated Companies:
 
 
 
      MLNK
1,726

 
(17,278
)
      CoSine (1)
(602
)
 
(126
)
      Other
135

 
(111
)
Income (Loss) from other investments - related party
399

 
(2
)
         Total income (loss) from equity method investments
1,658

 
(17,517
)
Income (Loss) from investments held at fair value
4,413

 
(2,446
)
Total segment income (loss)
$
16,906

 
$
(25,434
)
(1) CoSine became a consolidated subsidiary in the first quarter of 2015 (see Note 2 "Acquisitions" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q).

Revenue

Investment and other income is often based on a limited number of transactions, the timing and amounts of which are not always predictable. Net investment gains include realized gains and losses on sales of securities. The Company’s decision to sell securities and realize gains or losses generally includes its evaluation of strategic considerations, an individual security’s value at the time and the prospect for changes in its value in the future. The timing of realized investment gains or losses is not predictable and does not follow any pattern from year to year. Interest and dividend income will vary depending on the type and amount of securities held from year to year.

Investment and other income was relatively flat in the three months ended March 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014.

Net investment gains for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $25,138, which were primarily due to gains on sales of available-for-sale securities of approximately $18,200 and a gain on our investment in CoSine of approximately $6,900 resulting from the re-measurement of our investment upon the acquisition of a majority interest in CoSine in January 2015 (see

55


Note 2 - "Acquisitions" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q). The net investment losses of $160 in the first quarter of 2014 were due to changes in value of foreign currency instruments.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses consist primarily of payroll, legal, accounting, audit, tax, management fee and other professional fees. SG&A expenses increased by $7,518 or 134.3% in the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to higher non-cash incentive unit expense recorded in the first quarter of 2015 (see Note 15 - "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q).

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to borrowings under the credit agreement with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) (the “Amended Credit Facility”). The Company began borrowing under the Amended Credit Facility in April 2014 and increased its borrowings again in January 2015 in order to fund CoSine's tender offer for API (see Note 2 - "Acquisitions" and Note 13 - "Debt and Capital Lease Obligations" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q).

Impairment Charges

In the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $5,500 related to an other-than-temporary decline in an available-for-sale security (see Note 4 - "Investments" in the SPLP financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q).

Other income, net

Other income, net includes a special dividend of approximately $5,500 received by CoSine from its investment Nathan's.

Equity Method Investments

Associated Companies

We record income or loss on investments where we own between 20% and 50% of the outstanding equity and have the ability to exercise influence, but not control, over the investee. As noted in the table above, the change within the Corporate and Other segment was primarily due to higher income recorded in the first quarter of 2015 related to the investment in MLNK (see Note 4 - "Investments" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for additional information).

Income (Loss) From Other Investments - Related Party

Income (Loss) from other investments - related party represents the change in fair value that we recognize on our 43.75% investment in each series of the SPII Liquidating Trust (for additional information see Note 4 - “Investments” to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q).
Income (Loss) From Investments Held at Fair Value
Income (Loss) from investments held at fair value for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 includes income or loss that the Company recognizes on its investment in API, an available-for-sale security for which it had previously elected the fair value option, and on the MLNK warrants. For additional information on both of these investments, see Note 4 - "Investments" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.
Income Taxes
As a limited partnership, we are generally not responsible for federal and state income taxes and our profits and losses are passed directly to our limited partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. Provision has been made for federal, state, local or foreign income taxes on the results of operations generated by our corporate subsidiaries and these are reflected within continuing and discontinued operations. The difference between the effective tax rate and statutory federal rate

56


of 35% is principally due to changes in the valuation allowances, various permanent differences included in the provisions of our subsidiaries, and partnership income not subject to taxation.
A tax provision of $7,920 and $1,168 was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

We rely on our available liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs, and to make acquisitions of new businesses and additional investments in existing businesses. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, our operating businesses do not generally require material funds from us to support their operating activities, and we do not depend on positive cash flow from our operating segments to meet our liquidity needs. The components of our consolidated businesses and investments may change frequently as a result of acquisitions or divestitures, the timing of which is impossible to predict, but which often have a material impact on our consolidated statements of cash flows in any one period. Further, the timing and amounts of distributions from certain of our investments accounted for under the equity method are generally outside our control. As a result, reported cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities do not generally follow any particular pattern or trend, and reported results in the most recent period should not be expected to recur in any subsequent period.
Cash Flow Summary
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash used in operating activities
$
(25,731
)
 
$
(19,261
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
98,335

 
(25,033
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(60,415
)
 
11,245

Change for the period
$
12,189

 
$
(33,049
)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $25,731. Net income from continuing operations of of $18,807 was impacted by certain non-cash items, primarily a decrease of $44,563 relating to changes in certain operating assets and liabilities. Of this working capital decrease, $19,035 was from an increase in accounts receivable, $8,367 was from an increase in inventories, $1,921 was from an increase in prepaid and other assets and $13,661 was from an increase on loans held for sale. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to HNH which had higher net sales in the first quarter of 2015, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 due to year-end plant shutdowns. These working capital decreases were partially offset by an increase of $961 in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities. Net cash used in operating activities was also impacted by $2,264 in cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations.

Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $19,261. Net loss from continuing operations of $14,357 was partially offset by a decrease of $33,397 relating to changes in certain operating assets and liabilities. Of this working capital decrease, $17,317 was from an increase in accounts receivable, $9,345 was from an increase in inventories, $1,166 was from an increase in in prepaid and other assets and $3,242 was from an increase on loans held for sale. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to HNH which had higher net sales in the first quarter of 2014, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 due to year-end plant shutdowns. Net cash used in operating activities was also impacted by $1,315 in cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $98,335. Significant items included proceeds received from HNH's sale of Arlon of $152,889, partially offset by net purchases of investments of $26,187. The net purchases of investments were primarily due to CoSine's purchases of API shares of approximately $46,000, partially offset by sales of shares of Nathan's of approximately $16,000. In addition, cash flows from investing activities were impacted by purchases of property plant and equipment of $5,204, acquisitions of $9,385 and additional investments in associated companies, primarily MLNK, of $7,368.


57


Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $25,033. Significant items included et proceeds from investment sales and maturities of $10,946, purchases of property plant and equipment of $6,544, purchases of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests of 3,045 and other activity of $3,000.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $60,415. This was due primarily to net revolver payments of of $71,202, repayments of term loans of $3,391 and subsidiary's purchases of the Company's common units of $573, partially offset by proceeds from term loans of $266, net change in overdrafts of $1,555 and a net increase in deposits of $13,326.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $11,245. This was due primarily to proceeds received from revolver borrowings of $19,800, proceeds from term loans of $1,720, net change in overdrafts of $2,672 and a net increase in deposits held by WebBank of $1,497. These cash inflows were partially offset by repayments of term loans of $6,509, subsidiary's purchases of the Company's common units of $5,252, subsidiary repurchases of their common stock of $1,410 and the Company's purchases of its treasury units of $470.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Holding Company

SPLP (excluding its operating subsidiaries, the “Holding Company”) is a global diversified holding company whose assets principally consist of the stock of its direct subsidiaries, cash and cash equivalents and other non-controlling investments in equity securities. Its principal potential sources of funds are available cash resources, investments, borrowings, public and private capital market transactions, distributions or dividends from subsidiaries, as well as dispositions of existing businesses and investments. The Holding Company’s investments are subject to changes that may result in amounts realized from any future sales that are at times significantly different from the value we are reporting at March 31, 2015. These investments, including those accounted for under the equity method, can be impacted by market conditions, changes in the specific business environments of our investees or by the underlying performance of these businesses.

In addition to cash and cash equivalents, the Holding Company considers investments at fair value included in its consolidated balance sheet as being generally available to meet its liquidity needs. Investments at fair value are not as liquid as cash and cash equivalents, but they are generally convertible into cash within a reasonable period of time. As of March 31, 2015, the Holding Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $4,300 and investments of approximately $223,000.

The Holding Company generally does not have access to the cash flow generated by the Company’s operating businesses for its needs, and the operating businesses generally do not rely on the Holding Company to support their operating activities. The Holding Company’s available liquidity, and the investment income realized from the Holding Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities is used to meet the Holding Company’s recurring cash requirements, which are principally the payment of its overhead expenses (see Note 12 - "Related Party Transactions" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q).

The Holding Company and its operating businesses may use their available liquidity to make acquisitions of new businesses and other investments, but the timing and cost of any future investments cannot be predicted. The Company may seek external debt or equity financing and will rely on its existing liquidity to fund corporate overhead expenses and new acquisition opportunities. It may also dispose of existing businesses and investments. At March 31, 2015, the Holding Company and its consolidated subsidiaries had, in the aggregate, cash and cash equivalents of $199,313 available for operations in the ordinary course of business and for the acquisition of interests in businesses.

The Holding Company's Amended Credit Facility provides for a revolving credit facility with borrowing availability of up to $75,000 and additional flexibility to allow one or more new lenders to join and become a party to the Amended Credit Facility with a minimum revolving credit commitment amount of not less than $10,000, and not to exceed a total commitment of $100,000. Amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at SPLP's option at either the Base Rate, as defined, plus 0.50% or LIBOR plus the applicable margin under the loan agreement of 1.50%, and are collateralized by first priority security interests of certain of the Company's deposit accounts and publicly traded securities. The average interest rate on the Amended Credit Facility was 1.74% as of March 31, 2015. The Amended Credit Facility requires a commitment fee to be paid on unused borrowings and also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a minimum cash balance covenant, restrictions against the payment of dividends and customary events of default. Any amounts outstanding under the

58


Amended Credit Facility are due and payable in full on October 23, 2017. The Amended Credit Facility also includes provisions for the issuance of letters of credit up to $10,000, with any such issuances reducing total borrowing availability. There were no letters of credit outstanding at March 31, 2015.
    
In April 2014, the Company borrowed $47,500 under the Amended Credit Facility in connection with a tender offer for its common units (see Note 16 - "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for additional information) and in the first quarter of 2015, the Company borrowed an additional $37,000 to fund CoSine's tender offer for API (see Note 2 - "Acquisitions" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for additional information). The amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility were $66,603 and $33,788 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Discussion of Segment Liquidity and Capital Resources

HNH

As of March 31, 2015, HNH’s current assets totaled $195,032, its current liabilities totaled $70,210, and its working capital was $124,822, as compared to working capital of $181,083 as of December 31, 2014. HNH's cash used in in operations was $25,143 in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $18,673 in the 2014 period. SPLP's consolidated financial statements reflect pre-tax income from continuing operations of $4,069 relating to HNH for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

HNH's debt is principally held by H&H Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HNH. HNH's subsidiaries borrow funds in order to finance capital expansion programs and for working capital needs. The terms of certain of those financing arrangements place restrictions on distributions of funds to HNH, the parent company, subject to certain exceptions including required pension payments to the WHX Pension Plan. HNH does not expect these restrictions to have an impact on its ability to meet its cash obligations. HNH's ongoing operating cash flow requirements consist primarily of arranging for the funding of the minimum requirements of the WHX Pension Plan and paying HNH's administrative costs. HNH expects to have required minimum contributions to the WHX Pension Plan of $13,300 for the remainder of 2015, and $14,300, $15,300, $17,000, $18,300 and $56,400 in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and for the five years thereafter, respectively. Required future contributions are estimated based upon assumptions regarding such matters as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes. Actual future pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentence, as well as other changes such as any plan termination or other acceleration events.

HNH believes it has access to adequate resources to meet its needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditures, mandatory debt redemptions and working capital for its existing business. These resources include cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities and unused lines of credit. On August 29, 2014, H&H Group entered into an amended and restated senior credit agreement, which provides for an up to $365,000 senior secured revolving credit facility. As of March 31, 2015, H&H Group's availability under its senior secured revolving credit facility was $157,400. HNH's ability to satisfy its debt service obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures and required pension payments, and to make acquisitions will depend upon its future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the markets in which it operates, as well as financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond its control. In addition, HNH's senior secured revolving credit facility is subject to certain mandatory prepayment provisions and restrictive and financial covenants. There can be no assurances that H&H Group will continue to have access to its lines of credit if its financial performance does not satisfy the financial covenants set forth in the financing agreements. If H&H Group does not meet certain of its financial covenants, and if it is unable to secure necessary waivers or other amendments from the respective lenders on terms acceptable to management, its ability to access available lines of credit could be limited, its debt obligations could be accelerated by the respective lenders and liquidity could be adversely affected.

HNH's management is utilizing the following strategies to continue to enhance liquidity: (1) continuing to implement improvements, using the HNH Business System, throughout all of HNH's operations to increase sales and operating efficiencies, (2) supporting profitable sales growth both internally and potentially through acquisitions and (3) evaluating from time to time and as appropriate, strategic alternatives with respect to its businesses and/or assets. HNH continues to examine all of its options and strategies, including acquisitions, divestitures and other corporate transactions, to increase cash flow and stockholder value.
    
Consistent with this philosophy, HNH has commenced a tender offer to purchase up to 10,028,724 shares, or approximately 96.5% of the outstanding shares, of JPS. If all shares are tendered, HNH would exchange approximately $60,100 in cash and 863,946 shares of its common stock. On April 29, 2015, HNH announced that it was extending the expiration of the

59


tender offer to May 15, 2015. The extension of the tender offer is intended to facilitate the discussions between HNH and JPS regarding a potential negotiated transaction. There is no assurance that HNH and JPS will enter into a definitive agreement.

Steel Excel

As of March 31, 2015, Steel Excel's working capital was approximately $180,308. Steel Excel's principal source of liquidity is cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on hand. At March 31, 2015, Steel Excel had approximately $188,461 in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. The marketable securities included short-term deposits, corporate debt and equity instruments, and mutual funds. In the future, Steel Excel may make additional acquisitions of businesses, and may use a significant portion of its available cash balances for such acquisitions or for working capital needs thereafter.

Steel Excel's credit agreement, entered into in July 2013 and amended in December 2013 (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), with Wells Fargo Bank National Association, RBS Citizens, N.A., and Comerica Bank provided for a borrowing capacity of $105,000 consisting of a $95,000 secured term loan (the “Term Loan”) and up to $10,000 in revolving loans (the “Revolving Loans”) subject to a borrowing base of 85% of the eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement, which totaled approximately $76,000 at March 31, 2015, are collateralized by substantially all the assets of Steel Energy Services Ltd. ("Steel Energy") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Sun Well Service, Inc. (“Sun Well”), Rogue Pressure Services, LLC (“Rogue”), and Black Hawk Energy Services Ltd. (Black Hawk Ltd.), and a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Sun Well, Rogue, and Black Hawk Ltd. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are fully guaranteed by Sun Well, Rogue, and Black Hawk Ltd. Steel Excel was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Amended Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2015.
    
Steel Excel believes that its cash balances will be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. Steel Excel anticipates making additional acquisitions and investments, and it may be required to use a significant portion of its available cash balances for such acquisitions and investments or for working capital needs thereafter. The consummation of additional acquisitions, prevailing economic conditions, and financial, business and other factors beyond its control could adversely affect Steel Excel's estimates of its future cash requirements. As such, Steel Excel could be required to fund our cash requirements by alternative financing. In these instances, Steel Excel may seek to raise such additional funds through public or private equity or debt financings or from other sources. As a result, Steel Excel may not be able to obtain adequate or favorable equity financing, if needed, due in part to its shares of common stock currently trading on the OTCQB Market. Any equity financing we obtain may dilute existing ownership interests, and any debt financing could contain covenants that impose limitations on the conduct of Steel Excel's business. There can be no assurance that additional financing, if needed, would be available on terms acceptable to Steel Excel or at all.

CoSine
At March 31, 2015, CoSine's working capital was approximately $3,600 and it had cash and cash equivalents and investments of approximately $20,248 and $78,812, respectively. Prior to CoSine's acquisition of API in the second quarter of 2015, CoSine was a company with with operating expenses looking to deploy its capital. For additional information on SPLP's acquisition of CoSine and CoSine's subsequent acquisition of API, see Note - 2 "Acquisitions" and Note 21- "Subsequent Events" to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in the Form 10-Q.
WebBank
WebBank manages its liquidity to provide adequate funds to meet anticipated financial obligations such as certificate of deposit maturities and to fund customer credit needs. WebBank had $98,324 and $96,829 in cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. WebBank had $17,400 in lines of credit from its correspondent banks at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and had $46,880 and $42,011 available from the Federal Reserve discount window at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. WebBank had a total of $162,604 and $156,240 in cash, lines of credit, and access to the Federal Reserve Bank discount window at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which represents approximately 68% and 69%, respectively, of WebBank's total assets.
DGT

At January 31, 2015, its most recent fiscal period, DGT had approximately $1,500 in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $53,000 of investments. DGT's operations currently consist of a real estate business from a rental building retained from the sale of its Medical Systems Group on November 3, 2011. Continuing operations consist of the real estate business, investments, and general and administrative expenses.

60



Contractual Commitments and Contingencies

There were no material changes in the Company's contractual obligations at March 31, 2015, as compared to those reported in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

We have off-balance sheet risk related to certain financial instruments, including futures and undisbursed loan commitments. For additional information regarding these arrangements, refer to Note 6 - “Financial Instruments,” to the SPLP consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There were no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to those reported in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Special Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including, in particular, forward-looking statements under the headings “Item 7- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief or current expectations with respect to (i) its financing plans, (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations, and (iii) the impact of competition. The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements; however, this report also contains other forward-looking statements in addition to historical information.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act the Company conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2015 the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


61


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business.  For further information regarding our legal proceedings, see our Legal Proceedings set forth in Note 20 - “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the SPLP consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this Report.

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

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On December 24, 2013, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the Company approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $5,000 of the Company's common units (the “Repurchase Program”). Any purchases made under the Repurchase Program will be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In connection with the Repurchase Program, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Plan which expired on March 26, 2014. The Repurchase Program has no termination date.
 
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Period
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2015 through January 31, 2015
19,341

$
17.12


$
2,430

February 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015
12,171

$
17.63


$
2,430

March 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015

$


$
2,430

 
31,512

 



(1) All units were purchased by DGT, an affiliate of the Company, in open market transactions for its own account.


62


Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
Exhibit 2.1
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 18, 2014, by and among Handy & Harman Group Ltd., Bairnco Corporation and Rogers Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Steel Partners Holdings L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2015).

 
 
 
Exhibit 2.2
 
Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 22, 2015, by and among Handy & Harman Group Ltd., Bairnco, LLC and Rogers Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Steel Partners Holdings L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2015).

 
 
 
Exhibit 4.1
 
Second Amendment, dated as of March 27, 2015, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2013, by and among SPH Group Holdings LLC, Steel Partners Holdings L.P., the lenders thereunder and PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the lenders thereunder. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Steel Partners Holdings L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 30, 2015).

 
 
 
Exhibit 10.1
 
Sixth Amended and Restated Management Agreement by and between SP Corporate Services LLC and SP General Services LLC, effective as of January 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Steel Partners Holdings L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 13, 2015).
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.2
 
Incentive Unit Agreement by and between Steel Partners Holdings L.P. and SPH SPV-I LLC, effective as of May 11, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Steel Partners Holdings L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 13, 2015).

 
 
 
Exhibit 10.3
 
Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., dated as of July 14, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Steel Partners Holdings L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 13, 2015).

 
 
 
Exhibit 10.4
 
Management Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2015, by and between SP Corporate Services LLC and ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Steel Partners Holdings L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-k, filed December 31, 2014). 

 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) and Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) and Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.INS    
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.SCH    
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.CAL        
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.DEF      
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.LAB         
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.PRE         
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
 
 


63


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated:
May 11, 2015
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.
 
 
 
Its General Partner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ James F. McCabe, Jr.
 
 
 
James F. McCabe, Jr.
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)






64
EX 31.1 SPLP 3.31.15 10-Q


EXHIBIT 31.1
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION
I, Warren G. Lichtenstein, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 of Steel Partners Holdings L.P.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date:
 
 
 
 
May 11, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein
 
 
 
 
Warren G. Lichtenstein
Executive Chairman
of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.



EX 31.2 SPLP 3.31.15 10Q


EXHIBIT 31.2

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION
I, James F. McCabe, Jr., certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 of Steel Partners Holdings L.P.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 
Date:
 
 
 
 
May 11, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ James F. McCabe, Jr.
 
 
 
 
James F. McCabe, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.


EX 32.1 SPLP 3.31.15 10Q


EXHIBIT 32.1


Certification of the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Steel Partners Holdings L.P.(the “Partnership”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Warren G. Lichtenstein, Executive Chairman of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the general partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date:
 
 
 
 
May 11, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein
 
 
 
 
Warren G. Lichtenstein
Executive Chairman
of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.
 
* The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.






EX 32.2 SPLP 3.31.15 10Q


EXHIBIT 32.2


Certification of the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Steel Partners Holdings L.P.(the “Partnership”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James F. McCabe, Jr., Chief Financial Officer of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the general partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Date:
 
  
  
 
May 11, 2015
 
 
  
/s/ James F. McCabe, Jr.
 
 
 
  
James F. McCabe, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.

*The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed
as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.