UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
o | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR |
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 |
OR |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR |
o | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number 0-30224
CryptoLogic Limited
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Guernsey, Channel Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Marine House, Clanwilliam Place
Dublin 2, Ireland
(Address of principal executive offices)
Huw Spiers
Marine House, Clanwilliam Place
Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 234 0400 Fax: +353 1 661 9637
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class: | Name of each exchange on which registered: |
Common Shares | NASDAQ Global Select Market |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of December 31, 2010.
13,819,051 Common Shares (including 939,131 Exchangeable Shares)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No 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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-Accelerated Filer x
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
o U.S. GAAP
o International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
x Other
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 x
Item 18 o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION | 1 | |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION | 2 | |
PART I | 3 | |
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS | 3 | |
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE | 3 | |
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION | 3 | |
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA | 3 | |
RISK FACTORS | 4 | |
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY | 12 | |
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY | 12 | |
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW | 12 | |
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE | 18 | |
D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT | 19 | |
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS | 19 | |
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS | 19 | |
OVERVIEW | 19 | |
A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH | 20 | |
PRODUCT PERFORMANCE | 20 | |
NEW DEVELOPMENTS | 20 | |
RESTRUCTURING | 21 | |
OUTLOOK | 21 | |
A. OPERATING RESULTS | 21 | |
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES | 30 | |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES | 33 | |
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | 38 | |
D. TREND INFORMATION | 38 | |
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS | 38 | |
F. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS | 39 | |
G. SAFE HARBOR | 39 | |
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES | 39 | |
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT | 39 | |
B. COMPENSATION | 41 | |
C. BOARD PRACTICES | 44 | |
D. EMPLOYEES | 46 | |
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP | 46 | |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 48 | |
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS | 48 |
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B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 48 | |
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 49 | |
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 49 | |
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES | 49 | |
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING | 50 | |
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 51 | |
A. SHARE CAPITAL | 51 | |
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION | 51 | |
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS | 53 | |
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS | 53 | |
E. TAXATION | 53 | |
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS | 60 | |
G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS | 60 | |
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY | 60 | |
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION | 60 | |
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | 60 | |
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES | 62 | |
PART II | 63 | |
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES | 63 | |
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS | 63 | |
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | 63 | |
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT | 63 | |
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS | ||
64 | ||
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES | ||
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STNDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES | 64 | |
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS | 64 | |
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT | 64 | |
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 65 | |
PART III | 66 | |
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 66 | |
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 66 | |
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS | 66 |
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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
In this annual report, except as otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires, the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refers to CryptoLogic Limited and its operating subsidiaries.
Pursuant to a business reorganization implemented by way of an Ontario, Canada Superior Court of Justice court approved plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) and approved by the shareholders on May 24, 2007, CryptoLogic Limited acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., an Ontario company, which through the Arrangement became an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic Limited. As part of the Arrangement, the Company issued either an equivalent amount of CryptoLogic Limited common shares (“Common Shares”) or, in the case of taxable Canadian residents, exchangeable shares (“Exchangeable Shares”) of CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation (“CEC”), an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic Limited. The Exchangeable Shares are, as nearly as practicable, the economic equivalent of the Common Shares. The holders of Exchangeable Shares and Common Shares participate equally in voting and dividends. No additional shares of CEC have been or will be issued.
For accounting purposes, the Arrangement has been accounted for using the continuity of interest method, which recognizes CryptoLogic Limited as the successor entity to CryptoLogic Inc. Accordingly, financial information presented in the annual report reflects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as if CryptoLogic Limited has always carried on the business formerly carried on by CryptoLogic Inc., with all assets and liabilities recorded at the carrying values of CryptoLogic Inc. The interest held by CEC shareholders has been presented as a minority interest in the consolidated financial statements, as required under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”).
We have prepared our financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP, which are different from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and may not be comparable to financial statements of United States companies. Significant measurement differences in our financial information between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 are disclosed in Note 22 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
In this annual report, all currency refers to U.S. Dollars (US$) and all information is as of March 21, 2011 unless indicated otherwise.
Percentages and some amounts in this annual report have been rounded for ease of presentation. Any discrepancies between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.
Information contained in this annual report concerning the industry in which we operate has been obtained from publicly available information from third party sources (including Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, March 2009, or “GBGC”). Although we believe such information is reliable, we have not had such information verified by any independent source.
This annual report contains trade names, trademarks, registered marks, and service marks including DC Comics™, Superman™, Wonder Woman™, Marvel™, Jenga™, Batman™, Spider-Man™, The Hulk™, Paramount™, Braveheart™, and Forrest Gump™ belonging to us and other companies. All trademarks, trade names, registered marks, and service marks appearing in this annual report are the property of their respective holders.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, adopted pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not purely historical may be forward-looking, including statements regarding our expectations, objectives, anticipations, estimations, intentions, plans, hopes, beliefs, or strategies regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
● | the financial or business impact of new or amendments to legislation or regulation in individual countries or by multi-jurisdictional governmental organizations; |
● | the impact of the loss of key licensees; |
● | the success of our strategy and restructuring programs to reduce operating costs and return to profitability and positive cash flow; |
● | the success of Instant Click as a new platform enabling deployment of titles from our suite of games; |
● | the ability to reduce our recurring cost base; |
● | the ability to expand the network of licensees and channel partners; |
● | the ability to expand our offerings to platforms to include mobile, and government licensed in-hotel room systems; |
● | the ability to leverage existing partnerships for potential future growth based upon both the brand recognition and loyalty associated with these partners and their unique and distinctive intellectual property; |
● | expected revenue growth from Branded Games and Hosted Casino licensing in 2011; |
● | potential new revenue sources in 2011 from gaming sites and new product launches; |
● | the impact of potential legal proceedings upon our business; and |
● | statements that include the words “may”, “will”, “plans”, “estimates”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “intends” and other similar words. |
We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties, and potentially inaccurate assumptions. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, those discussed in “Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors” of this annual report, (including without limitation, risks associated with i) existing and potential future changes to government regulation, ii) the current global financial condition, iii) legal proceedings, iv) foreign exchange fluctuations, and v) competition) as well as our consolidated financial statements, related Notes, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this annual report and our other documents we file with or furni sh to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following financial information of our Company, expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated, is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited annual consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are included in this annual report. The selected historical financial data set forth below as of and for each of the years ended indicated has been derived from our consolidated financial statements.
For the Years Ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share disclosure) | |||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 25,988 | $ | 39,794 | $ | 61,526 | $ | 73,659 | $ | 104,022 | |||||
Net (loss)/earnings and comprehensive (loss)/income | $ | (20,387 | ) | $ | (35,510 | ) | $ | (32,738 | ) | $ | 5,528 | $ | 24,812 | ||
Basic (loss)/earnings per share | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (2.78 | ) | $ | (2.55 | ) | $ | 0.47 | $ | 1.83 | ||
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (2.78 | ) | $ | (2.55 | ) | $ | 0.47 | $ | 1.81 | ||
Basic weighted average number of shares | 13,820 | 13,820 | 13,888 | 13,891 | 13,558 | ||||||||||
Diluted weighted average number of shares | 13,820 | 13,820 | 13,888 | 13,907 | 13,731 | ||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 37,558 | $ | 63,370 | $ | 105,806 | $ | 170,633 | $ | 184,520 | |||||
Shareholders' equity | $ | 16,815 | $ | 36,796 | $ | 72,440 | $ | 109,306 | $ | 111,584 | |||||
Share capital | $ | 34,129 | $ | 33,916 | $ | 33,552 | $ | 33,407 | $ | 29,096 | |||||
Dividends per share | $ | – | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.43 |
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The significant measurement differences between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP are described in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements in respect of each of the years presented. If the Company had followed U.S. GAAP, certain items in the consolidated financial statements would have been reported as follow:
For the Years Ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share disclosure) | |||||||||||||||
Net (loss)/earnings | $ | (20,102 | ) | $ | (36,669 | ) | $ | (33,048 | ) | $ | 5,640 | $ | 25,636 | ||
Basic (loss)/earnings per Common Share | $ | (1.56 | ) | $ | (2.87 | ) | $ | (2.57 | ) | $ | 0.48 | $ | 1.89 | ||
Diluted (loss)/earnings per Common Share | $ | (1.56 | ) | $ | (2.87 | ) | $ | (2.57 | ) | $ | 0.48 | $ | 1.87 |
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in the Company involves significant risks. Accordingly, prospective investors should consider carefully the specific risk factors set out below in addition to the other information contained in this document before investing in the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to CryptoLogic, or that the Board currently considers immaterial, may also affect the business, financial condition, results or future operations of the Company and the trading price of the common shares. If any of the following risks materialize, the business, financial conditions, results or future operation could be materially and adversely affected. In such circumstances, the trading price of the common shares could decline and investors could lose part or all of their investment. Before making any investment decision, prospective investors are advised to consult an independent adviser who specializes in advising upon investments.
Current and future legislation and court decisions may have a material impact on our operations and financial results
The Company and our licensees are subject to applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which they operate. Our Hosted Casino licensees hold government licenses to operate Internet gaming sites hosted in Malta and our Branded Games licensees hold similar licenses issued by the jurisdictions in which their gaming servers are hosted. Some countries have introduced regulations attempting to restrict or prohibit Internet gaming, while others have taken the position that Internet gaming should be regulated and have adopted or are in the process of considering legislation to enable that regulation.
While the U.K. and other European countries such as Malta and Gibraltar have currently adopted a regime which permits its licensees to accept wagers from any jurisdiction, other countries, including Italy and France have, or are in the process of implementing regimes which only permit the targeting of the domestic market provided a local license is obtained and local taxes accounted for. Other European territories continue to defend a licensing regime that protects monopoly providers and have combined this with an attempt to outlaw all other supplies. Either of these restrictive approaches may yet be deemed to be in potential conflict (in any specific jurisdiction) with E.U. treaty law (governing the free movement of trade and services throughout the European Union) and case law rendered by the European Court of Jus tice (the “ECJ”), but recent ECJ decisions have given E.U. Member States wide latitude in regulating the on-line gaming markets. Over the past several years, the European Commission (the “EC”) has attempted to prompt the introduction of directives that would harmonize online gaming within the E.U., which is in line with the EC’s stated goal of encouraging a free and open cross-border market. In early 2011, the EC’s Internal Market Commissioner, Michel Barnier, began an E.U.-wide consultation and review process on on-line gaming regulation. Harmonization in the area of on-line gaming, however, has met with substantial opposition in the past, and there can be no certainty that the consultation and review will recommend such harmonization or that any recommendation of harmonization will be adopted. There is, therefore, no indication that any such harmonization will be achieved in the near term. Contemporaneous with its ef forts to harmonize European online gaming laws, the EC has initiated infringement proceedings against various member states in relation to perceived breaches of Article 56 of the Treaty on the Functionality of the European Union (which article enshrines the principle of freedom of movement of services), but in most cases these have not reached conclusion.
As companies and consumers involved in Internet gaming are located around the globe, including our licensees and their players, there is uncertainty regarding which government has authority to regulate or legislate the industry. The Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (“UIGEA”), which is designed to prohibit payments relating to Internet gaming was enacted on October 13, 2006 in the United States, and similar legislation may be adopted in other jurisdictions.
Future legislative and court decisions may have a material impact on our operations and financial results. There is a risk that governmental authorities may view us or our licensees as having violated their local laws, despite CryptoLogic’s contractual requirement that each of its licensees is licensed to operate an Internet gaming business by the governmental authority of the country in which the gaming servers associated with the licensees’ gaming operations are located. Therefore, there is a risk that civil and criminal proceedings, including class actions brought by or on behalf of prosecutors or public entities incumbent monopoly providers, or private individuals, could be initiated against us, our licensees, Internet service providers, credit card processors, advertisers and others involved in the Internet gaming industry. Such potential proceedings could involve substantial litigation expense, penalties, fines, seizure of assets, injunctions or other restrictions being imposed upon us or our licensees or other business partners, while diverting the attention of key executives. Such proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition as well as impact upon our reputation.
There can be no assurance that legally enforceable prohibiting legislation will not be proposed and passed in jurisdictions relevant or potentially relevant to our business to legislate or regulate various aspects of the Internet or the Internet gaming industry (or that existing laws in those jurisdictions will not be interpreted negatively). Compliance with any such legislation may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, either as a
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result of our determining that a jurisdiction should be blocked, or because a local license may be costly for us or our licensees to obtain and/or such licenses may contain other commercially undesirable conditions.
There have recently been a number of legal developments associated with the manner in which the business of gaming, and in particular, Internet gaming, is treated in the U.K. and Continental Europe. Some of these developments can be considered as positive and some as negative. In this regard a brief summary of the regulatory situation in the U.K., Europe, and the United States follows:
United Kingdom
In September 2007, the U.K. Gambling Act came into force, which regulated online gaming for the first time in that jurisdiction. Most of the underlying codes in relation to entities established in the U.K., or marketing into the U.K. have been enacted. However, there is no assurance that the U.K. regulatory regime as interpreted by the Gambling Commission, the Gambling Act’s independent regulator, will provide a commercially-viable market and may create restrictions that would have a material adverse effect on CryptoLogic’s customers, business, revenues, operating results and/or financial condition. Indeed, the Department of Culture Media and Sport (the “DCMS”) (the government body with responsibility for overseeing gambling), has recently announced that it may reconsider one of th e main tenets of the Gambling Act, namely that if an online gaming operator was regulated either in Europe or in a jurisdiction approved by the DCMS (the so called “white listed” jurisdictions) such an operator could fully target the UK gambling market. The DCMS is in the process of conducting a review of on-line gaming and is expected to publish the results of this review in the next few months. It seems likely that the DCMS will recommend that it will require entities not licensed in the UK to acquire some form of additional accreditation to access the UK market and/or pay taxes in the UK.
Continental Europe
France
The French law authorizing the licensing of online gaming operators came into effect in April 2010, and the first licenses were issued in June 2010. Licenses are currently available only in relation to poker games and sportsbook. The French authorities have adopted an aggressive enforcement stance against those operators that attempt to operate in France without a French license. Moreover, the licenses are subject to undesirable commercial terms, such as limits on maximum payouts and high levels of tax. Moreover, all poker play can only be amongst French customers, which severely impedes liquidity.
Germany
Online gambling was expressly prohibited in Germany by the State Gambling Treaty of 2008, under which an operator is liable to civil or administrative sanctions. Article 284 of the German Criminal Code which applies criminal sanctions to operators who provide online gambling services into Germany without a form of authorization has been the subject of legal debate over the purported breadth of its application.
Conflicting domestic court decisions on the legality of domestic law relating to online gambling (in light of the uncertainty of the application of Article 284 of the Criminal Code to online gambling businesses licensed outside of Germany, in particular by other EU member states, and the legality of the State Gambling Treaty under EU law) has led to uncoordinated enforcement action.
In September 2010, the ECJ handed down two judgments that call into question the enforceability of the State Gambling Treaty under EU law. Moreover, the State Gambling Treaty expires on 31 December 2011, requiring Germany to address the issue of online gambling prior to this date. Although Germany’s sixteen regional governments recently announced a consensus to regulate and license the sports betting market, opinions as to the appropriate form of regulation of on-line gambling differ among Germany's sixteen regional governments. There can be no certainty, therefore, as to what form this regulation will take, and whether it will continue to ban online gambling or provide a licensing of online gambling, nor can there be any certainty as to the terms of licensing (or commercial viability of any license ) in the event that licensing is implemented in Germany.
Italy
Italy introduced a licensing regime in 2010, which allows licenses for on-line casino games as well as sports betting and poker. The administrative, technical, tax and financial burdens, however, associated with these licenses are high. Moreover, there can be no guarantee that the Company's licensees will be successful in obtaining an Italian license, or that the Company's games will be approved under the Italian licensing regime. The Company and its licensees remain at risk that Italy may take aggressive action against parties whose operations at are not licensed pursuant to the regulatory regimes established by this country.
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Spain
Madrid’s and Basque’s regional governments have implemented legislation to regulate Internet gaming but it only permits services to be supplied by the licensed entity to Madrid residents. Therefore obtaining a license may be of little commercial value to any operator.
In February 2011, the Spanish parliament began consideration of nationwide regulation of on-line gambling, including the licensing of online operators. There can be no assurance, however, that the law will be approved by parliament or that casino games would be allowed under the proposed law or that the licensing requirements and taxation will be on a commercially viable basis. In the event of the law is passed, the Company and its licensees will remain at risk that Spain may take aggressive action against parties whose operations are not licensed in Spain.
The Netherlands
The Dutch government has consistently taken steps to support and protect its state-sponsored casino operator’s (Holland Casino) monopoly, including taking legal action against Internet gaming operators. In addition, an announcement in 2009 by the Dutch Minister of Justice to the effect that payment support by Dutch banks of online gaming was unlawful (and precluded by existing law) caused a number of operators to be blocked from the territory, and this cautious approach has been further exacerbated by the judgment of the ECJ in June 2010, following the negative opinion of Advocate General Bot and upholding the Dutch regulations as not inconsistent with EU law, in the case referred to the ECJ by Betfair and Ladbrokes. In the event that the Dutch courts implement the ECJ decision and the government seeks t o take further steps to protect the online business of Holland Casino by discouraging other operators from operating in the Dutch marketplace, either through changes in legislation or enforcement measures, the Company’s licensees (and CryptoLogic accordingly) could be adversely impacted. While there have been recent reports that the Dutch government is considering licensing online gaming as a revenue raising method, these proposals are in a preliminary stage and there can be no guarantee that the Dutch government would implement a licensing regime or that the terms of such licenses, including the tax and technical requirements thereof, would create commercially viable conditions for online operators.
Scandinavia
Governments in most Scandinavian countries have attempted to discourage their citizens from gambling with online operators by taxing their citizens’ winnings. Generally speaking, winnings realized through a state sponsored operator are not taxable, but winnings from other sources can be subject to inconsistent application of taxation law in relation to domestic and non-domestic products in the E.U. Until such time as the tax authorities in the various countries make an official pronouncement on the manner in which these tax laws will be applied, it is unclear as to what impact these tax policies will have on the business of the Company’s licensees. In Norway, the government has specifically banned payment support of online gambling which came into force in 2010. The ban means only p ayment support of state-owned gambling services will remain legal. Sweden prohibits advertising by foreign gaming operators, which is designed to protect. In Denmark, the Danish parliament has approved legislation on regulating the Danish gaming market, including a licensing regime for on-line gaming. Although this licensing regime was to come into effect on 1 January 2011, its implementation has been delayed due to a number of developments, including challenges to the regime at an EU level. Implementation of the new law may now be delayed by up to two years. Moreover, there can be no guarantee that the Company's licensees will be successful in obtaining a Danish license, or that the Company's games will be approved under the Danish licensing regime.
United States
Since the enactment of UIGEA in October 2006, the Company has prohibited its licensees from taking any wagers from U.S. residents. The UIGEA sought to clarify the illegality of processing or transferring any funds connected with unlawful Internet gaming, although some U.S. enforcement agencies claimed that previous existing legislation similarly outlawed these activities. Given that the Company had previously derived licensing revenue and provided payment processing solutions (through its e-cash services) on behalf of some licensees who took wagers from the U.S., there is no guarantee that the U.S. Department of Justice will not seek to prosecute the Company, its officers or directors for alleged historic transgressions or similarly prosecute its licensees or their directors or shareholders. Such proceedi ngs could result in criminal penalties, substantial fines, damages and sequestration of assets. They also could damage the reputation of the Company, divert the attention of the Company’s key executives and have a material adverse effect on the business, revenues, operating results and/or financial condition of the Company. Although recent developments at a state level have seen the State of New Jersey attempt to introduce an intra-state on-line gambling licensing regime, vetoed by the state governor, there are doubts as to the compatibility of such a regime with federal law. Moreover, such a limited market may not be commercially viable for operators. Moreover, these licenses would be limited to operators already holding land-based casino licenses within the State of New Jersey, and none of the Company’s current licenses hold such licenses.
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The loss of a major payment option could limit our ability to accept deposits.
With the enactment of the UIGEA, financial institutions in the United States ceased to accept online gaming transactions. There can be no assurance that other financial institutions or credit card issuers outside the United States will not enact additional restrictions. The loss of a major payment option would have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
There can be no assurance that the systems and protective measures we have in place will or can guarantee protection against fraudulent activities and unauthorized access from minors.
There can be no assurance that the systems and protective measures we have in place will or can guarantee protection against fraudulent activities and unauthorized access from minors, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, revenue, operating results and financial conditions. We attempt to mitigate these concerns with systematic controls and a dedicated fraud team.
In addition to regulations pertaining specifically to online gaming, we may become subject to any number of laws and regulations that may be adopted with respect to the Internet and electronic commerce.
In addition to regulations pertaining specifically to online gaming, we may become subject to any number of laws and regulations that may be adopted with respect to the Internet and electronic commerce. New laws and regulations that address issues such as user privacy, pricing, online content regulation, taxation, advertising, intellectual property, information security, and the characteristics and quality of online products and services may be enacted. As well, current laws, which predate or are incompatible with the Internet and electronic commerce, may be applied and enforced in a manner that restricts the electronic commerce market. The application of such pre-existing laws regulating communications or commerce in the context of the Internet and electronic commerce is uncertain. Moreover, i t may take years to determine the extent to which existing laws relating to issues such as intellectual property ownership and infringement, libel and personal privacy are applicable to the Internet.
The adoption of new laws or regulations relating to the Internet, or particular applications or interpretations of existing laws, could decrease the growth in the use of the Internet, decrease the demand for our products and services, increase our cost of doing business or could otherwise have a material adverse affect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Current global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility and several financial institutions have either gone into bankruptcy or have had to be rescued by governmental authorities. Access to public financing has been negatively impacted by both the rapid decline in the value of sub-prime mortgages and the liquidity crisis affecting the asset-backed commercial paper market.
Current global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility and several financial institutions have either gone into bankruptcy or have had to be assisted by governmental authorities. Access to public financing has been negatively impacted by both the rapid decline in value of sub-prime mortgages and the liquidity crisis affecting the asset-backed commercial paper market. As a result, several major economies have been in prolonged recessions, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, as well as Ireland, where the Company is headquartered. If these economies do not recover in a timely manner, future revenues may be adversely impacted. Secondly, the disruption to the global finance markets may impact the ability of the Company to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on terms favorable to the Company, if at all. If such increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, the Company’s operations could be adversely impacted and the trading price of the Common Shares may be adversely affected.
There can be no assurance that the Internet infrastructure or the Company’s own network systems will continue to be able to support the demands placed on it by the continued growth of the Internet, the overall online gaming industry or of our customers.
The growth of Internet usage has caused frequent interruptions and delays in processing and transmitting data over the Internet. There can be no assurance that the Internet infrastructure or the Company’s own network systems will continue to be able to support the demands placed on it by the continued growth of the Internet, the overall online gaming industry or of our customers.
The Internet’s viability could be affected if the necessary infrastructure is not sufficient, or if other technologies and technological devices eclipse the Internet as a viable channel.
End-users of our software depend on Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”), online service providers and our system infrastructure for access to the Internet gaming sites operated by our licensees. Many of these services have experienced service outages in the past and could experience service outages, delays and other difficulties due to system failures, stability
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or interruption. Our licensees may lose customers as a result of delays or interruption in service, including delays or interruptions relating to high volumes of traffic or technological problems. As a result, we may not be able to meet service levels that we have contracted for, putting us in breach of contractual commitments, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
The demand and acceptance for new products and services are subject to a level of uncertainty and growing competition.
The Internet gaming industry continues to evolve rapidly. The demand and acceptance for new products and services are subject to a level of uncertainty and growing competition, and if our services do not continue to receive market acceptance, our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our Internet gaming software and electronic commerce services are reliant on technologies and network systems to securely handle transactions and user information over the Internet, which may be vulnerable to system intrusions, unauthorized access or manipulation.
Our Internet gaming software and electronic commerce services are reliant on technologies and network systems to securely handle transactions and user information over the Internet, which may be vulnerable to system intrusions, unauthorized access or manipulation. As users become increasingly sophisticated and devise new ways to commit fraud, our security and network systems may be tested and subject to attack. We have experienced such system attacks in the past and implemented measures to protect against these intrusions. However, there is no assurance that all such intrusions or attacks will or can be prevented in the future, and any system intrusion/attack may cause a delay, interruption or financial loss, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenue, operating results and financ ial condition.
If ISPs experience service interruptions, communications over the Internet may be interrupted and impair our ability to carry on business.
Our electronic commerce product relies on ISPs to allow our licensees’ customers and servers to communicate with each other. If ISPs experience service interruptions, communications over the Internet may be interrupted and impair our ability to carry on business. In addition, our ability to process e-commerce transactions depends on bank processing and credit card systems. In order to prepare for system problems, we are strengthening and enhancing our current facilities and the capability of our system infrastructure and support. Nevertheless, any system failure as a result of reliance on third parties, including network, software or hardware failure, which causes a delay or interruption in our e-commerce services could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating r esults and financial condition.
Licensees of our software and services compete with existing and established recreational services and products, in addition to other forms of entertainment.
Licensees of our software and services compete with existing and established recreational services and products, in addition to other forms of entertainment. Our success will depend, in part, upon our ability to keep pace with technological developments, respond to evolving customer requirements and achieve continued market acceptance.
We compete with a number of public and private companies, which provide electronic commerce and/or Internet gaming software. In addition to known current competitors, traditional land-based casino operators and other entities, many of which have significant financial resources, an entrenched position in markets and name-brand recognition, may provide Internet gaming services in the future, and thus become our competitors. As well, such companies may be able to require that their own software, rather than the software of others, including our gaming software or our e-cash systems and support, be used in connection with their payment mechanisms.
The barriers to entry into most Internet markets are relatively low, making them accessible to a large number of entities and individuals. We believe the principal competitive factors in our industry that create certain barriers to entry include reputation, technology, financial stability and resources, a proven track record of successful operations, critical mass (particularly relating to online poker), regulatory compliance, independent oversight and transparency of business practices. While these barriers will limit those able to enter or compete effectively in the market, it is likely that new competitors will enter the market in the future.
Increased competition from current and future competitors has and may in the future result in price reductions and reduced margins, or may result in the loss of our market share, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
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In fiscal 2010, our top 7 licensees accounted for approximately 81% (2009: 78%) of our total revenue before amortization. In addition, all our key licensees operate from a limited number of licensing jurisdictions.
In fiscal 2010, our top 7 licensees accounted for approximately 81% (2009: 78%) of our total revenue before amortization. In addition, all our key licensees operate from a limited number of licensing jurisdictions. The loss of one or more of these key licensees, or the loss of their license to operate in the limited number of licensing jurisdictions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Contracts are subject to renewal, renegotiation and may be contingent on certain performance requirements. There can be no assurance that license agreements will be renewed or that there will not be a material change in the terms of the contracts, which could adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Licensing contracts generally have multi-year terms, are exclusive, and have renewal provisions, which provide us with a long-term ongoing revenue stream. Contracts are subject to renewal, renegotiation and may be contingent on certain performance requirements. There can be no assurance that license agreements will be renewed or that there will not be a material change in the terms of the contracts, which could adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Similar issues exist in respect of brand licensing agreements. Our Branded Games business is dependent on our ability to continue to incorporate into our premium Branded Games, the intellectual property licensed to us by brand licensors, such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros., and Paramount Digital Entertainment. There can be no assurance that key brand license agreements will be renewed or that there will not be a material change in the terms of the contracts, which could adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Disputes may also develop with respect to contracts with other parties, including licensees, brand licensors or games development companies, which, if resolved unfavorably to the Company, could adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial conditions.
We are subject to exposure in regard to chargebacks, which may also result in possible penalties and elimination of payment options.
We are subject to exposure in regard to chargebacks, which may also result in possible penalties and elimination of payment options. Chargebacks refer to any deposit transaction credited to a user’s account that is later reversed or repudiated. While the Company has various control measures which seek to minimize exposure to chargebacks, it is not possible to entirely eliminate or prevent chargebacks, and a material increased incidence of chargebacks could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial conditions.
There are certain difficulties and risks inherent in doing business internationally, including the burden of complying with multiple and conflicting regulatory requirements, foreign exchange controls, potential restrictions or tariffs on gaming activities that may be imposed.
There are certain difficulties and risks inherent in doing business internationally, including the burden of complying with multiple and conflicting regulatory requirements, foreign exchange controls, potential restrictions or tariffs on gaming activities that may be imposed, potentially adverse tax consequences and tax risks, and changes in the political and economic stability, regulatory and taxation structures, and the interpretation thereof, of jurisdictions in which we, our subsidiaries and our licensees operate, and in which our licensees’ customers are located, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to sustain or increase revenue derived from international operations or that we will be able to penetrate linguistic, cultural or other barriers to new foreign markets.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate of world currencies could have a negative effect on our reported results.
Our financial results are reported in U.S. currency, which is subject to fluctuations as against the value of the currencies of the countries in which we operate, including British pounds, euro, and Canadian dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rate of world currencies could have a positive effect on our reported results. We may utilize a hedging program from time to time and/or take advantage of the natural hedge in having operations in multiple currencies to mitigate a portion of our currency risks, but there can be no assurance that we will not experience currency losses in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
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Our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in tax laws.
We are subject to income taxes in Ireland, Canada, Cyprus, Malta and other jurisdictions. Our tax calculations involve estimates in several areas including, but not limited to, transfer pricing. Tax authorities may disagree with our estimates and assess additional taxes. We regularly review the likely outcomes of such assessments in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision. However, actual outcomes may differ and could have a material impact on our net income or financial condition. In addition, our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in tax laws. In particular, the carryin g value of future tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income in the jurisdiction where we have recognized the deferred tax assets.
We may be involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Moreover, from time to time, third parties have asserted and may continue to assert patent, trademark, copyright and other intellectual property rights to technologies or business methods that we consider important. There can be no assurance that the assertion of such claims will not result in litigation or that we would prevail in any such litigation or be able to obtain a license for the use of any infringed intellectual property from a third party or, if such a license is required, that it would be available on terms acceptable to us.
In December 2010, a significant supplier of games delivered to the Company a notice of arbitration relating to the agreement between the two companies. In February 2011, the Company delivered to the supplier a notice of termination of the agreement, to take effect from March 2011. Notwithstanding this termination, discussions are ongoing with the aim of reaching a commercially acceptable solution prior to the commencement of significant arbitration proceedings. In the absence of achieving such a solution, arbitration hearings are likely to proceed later in 2011.
In February 2011, a brand licensor delivered to the Company a notice purporting to terminate the brand license agreement between the two companies, claiming that the Company had breached such agreement. The Company believes there is no breach that warrants termination of the agreement and, accordingly, considers the agreement to remain in force.
Our competitive position is dependent in part upon our ability to protect our proprietary technology.
We rely on a combination of laws and contractual provisions to establish and protect our rights in our software and proprietary technology. We believe that our competitive position is dependent in part upon our ability to protect our proprietary technology. We generally enter into non-disclosure and invention agreements with employees, licensees, consultants and customers, and historically have restricted access to our software products’ source codes. We regard our source code as proprietary information, and attempt to protect the source code versions of our products as trade secrets and unpublished copyrighted works. Despite our precautions and measures implemented to protect against such attempts, unauthorized parties may have or could in the future copy or otherwise reverse engineer po rtions of our products or otherwise obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary.
Our Company has patents and trademarks in certain jurisdictions and is in the process of applying for further trademark registrations and patents, which may provide such protection in relevant jurisdictions. However, there can be no assurance that this will be sufficient to fully protect our proprietary technology. In addition, certain provisions of our license agreements, including provisions protecting against unauthorized use, transfer and disclosure, may be found to be unenforceable in certain jurisdictions.
We also have a proprietary interest in our name. The names “CryptoLogic” and “WagerLogic” have become known in the Internet gaming industry. Accordingly, our competitive position could be affected if our name was misappropriated and our reputation in any way compromised.
There can be no assurance that the steps we have taken to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate to deter misappropriation of our technology or independent development by others of technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to our technology. Any misappropriation of our name, technology or development of competitive technologies could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
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We may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties.
Due to the complex, sophisticated and global nature of the business, there can be no assurance that there has been no breach of third parties’ intellectual property rights by the Company, and any adverse judgment in this regard could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Our future success is dependent on certain key management and technical personnel.
Our future success is dependent on certain key management and technical personnel. The loss of these individuals or the inability to attract and retain highly qualified employees and advisors could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
The challenges of our business and the increasing complexity of our product offerings, coupled with the rapid evolution of our markets, are expected to continue to place a significant strain on our management and operational resources and to increase demands on our internal systems, procedures and controls.
The challenges of our business and the increasing complexity of our product offerings, coupled with the rapid evolution of our markets, are expected to continue to place a significant strain on our management and operational resources and to increase demands on our internal systems, procedures and controls. Our future operating results will depend on management’s ability to develop and manage growth, enhance our products and services to respond to market demand, deal with competition and evolving customer requirements, manage our system infrastructure and requirements to meet the growing demands of our business, hire and retain significant numbers of qualified employees, accurately forecast revenues and control expenses. A continued decline in our revenues without a corresponding and timely slowdown in our exp enses, or our inability to manage or build future growth efficiently, could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
The market price of our common shares has experienced significant fluctuation and may continue to fluctuate significantly.
The market price of our common shares has experienced significant fluctuation and may continue to fluctuate significantly. The market price of our common shares may be adversely affected by various factors, such as proposed Internet gaming legislation or enforcement of existing laws, the loss of a customer, the announcement of new products or enhancements, innovation and technological changes, quarterly variations in revenue and results of operations, changes in earnings estimates by financial analysts, speculation in the press or analyst community and general market conditions or market conditions specific to particular industries, including the Internet and gaming.
In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. These company-specific or broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price for our common shares. Anti-online gaming legislation could also impact our ability to remain listed.
Although our common shares are listed and traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, this should not imply that there will always be a liquid market in our Common Shares. In addition, pursuant to a business reorganization completed in 2007 (see page 1) exchangeable shares of an indirect subsidiary of the Company, CEC were issued, and are listed and traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Because of separate listings, the trading prices of the Common Shares and CEC shares may not reflect equivalent values. Company-specific or broader market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the exchangeable shares, and there can be no assurance that there will continue to be an active market for these securities.
The Company is subject to listing requirements in respect of its listings on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange Main Market and, in the absence of compliance with all such listing requirements, may face delisting action with consequent reduction in markets available for its common shares to trade.
The Company is subject to listing requirements in respect of its listings on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange Main Market and, in the absence of compliance with all such listing requirements, may face delisting action with consequent reduction in markets available for its common shares to trade.
Under NASDAQ’s continued listing requirements, a security is considered deficient if it fails to achieve at least a $1.00 closing bid price for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Global Market issuers are provided one automatic 180-day period to regain compliance. An issuer can regain compliance by achieving a $1.00 closing bid price for a minimum of ten consecutive business days. The Company’s closing bid price on NASDAQ was below $1.00 between March 1, 2011 and March 18, 2011.
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Under NASDAQ’s continued listing requirements, an issuer is required to have an audit committee consisting of at least three independent directors. Upon Mr. Gavagan’s appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer, he was no longer considered independent and, accordingly, the Company does not have three independent directors. The Company has reported to NASDAQ that the audit committee currently comprises only two members. The Company, under NASDAQ continued listing requirements, has until the next Annual General Meeting to rectify this situation.
The Company has incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from operations for the last three years, which resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents in each year. A continuation of such operating losses, negative cash flows from operations and decreases in cash and cash equivalents may cast doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The consolidated financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis. The going concern basis assumes that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.
The Company has incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from operations for the last three years, which resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents in each year. A continuation of such operating losses, negative cash flows from operations and decreases in cash and cash equivalents may cast doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
During 2010, management determined that a material reduction in expenses was necessary in order to preserve cash and give the Company sufficient time to focus on increasing revenues. Accordingly, the Company made a significant restructuring effort resulting in a reduction in operating and general and administrative expense. However, the Company may incur further operating losses and negative cash flows in future periods and, if its cash resources and financing options are insufficient, its ability to operate would be adversely impacted.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
The Company originally was formed by articles of amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) effective March 7, 1996 pursuant to an amalgamation agreement dated January 19, 1996 between Inter.tain.net Inc., a private corporation, and Biroco Kirkland Mines Limited. Immediately prior to the amalgamation, Biroco Kirkland Mines Limited did not carry on active operations. On June 28, 1996, we changed our name from “Inter.tain.net Inc.” to “CryptoLogic Inc.” Currently, the Company operates under the name “CryptoLogic Limited”.
On June 1, 2007, in order to advance its global strategy, the Company moved its headquarters from Canada to the Republic of Ireland by forming a new parent company, CryptoLogic Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Guernsey with its place of business in Dublin, Ireland. This business reorganization was implemented by way of an Ontario, Canada Superior Court of Justice court approved plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) and approved by the shareholders on May 24, 2007. CryptoLogic Limited acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., which through the Arrangement, became an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic Limited.
On March 25, 2011, the Company announced that it had appointed Deloitte Corporate Finance as financial adviser to assist it with a strategic review of the Company. This review is at an early stage and will consider a number of strategic options, including the possibility of an offer being made for the Company or a disposal of part of the business. There can be no certainty, however, that any offer will be forthcoming.
Our registered office is located at 1 Le Marchant Street, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 4HP. Our head office is located at Marine House, Clanwilliam Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, and our telephone number is 353-(0)1-234-0400.
Our head office provides executive and administrative functions to our corporate group. Our subsidiaries, WagerLogic and Gaming Portals, through their offices in Ireland, Malta and the U.K., provide software, licensing, e-cash systems and support, customer support and marketing support services for our Internet gaming software to third-party gaming operators. Our Toronto, Canada office provides software development, upgrades and technical support for WagerLogic.
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The Company faced substantial challenges in 2010 as it continued its strategy aimed at returning to profitability and long-term growth against the backdrop of a global economic downturn, continuing disappointing returns from major Hosted Casino licensees and licensee-delays in the roll-out of Branded Games.
Founded in 1995, we launched the world’s first on-line casino games that year. With a resilient and scalable platform, a commitment to developing the best games in the marketplace and complemented with excellent customer support, the Company thereafter secured an excellent reputation for its product offering. However, changing market conditions in 2006 and 2007 meant that the model was no longer viable and had to change.
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During 2008, the management team announced a new business strategy for the Company and, in 2009 and 2010, we focused on the transition towards that goal. In essence, the new business model is centered on the Company evolving from being purely a developer and licensor of poker and casino software on its own network, to one which still develops and licenses an excellent casino product, but also delivers high-quality, branded and non-Branded Games to the industry at large. This effectively opens up a new market and revenue stream for the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, uncertain business conditions continued throughout 2010, reflected in our lower revenue and working capital as compared with 2009. Against this backdrop of a continuing decline in revenues and working capital, the Company made a significant restructuring effort, commencing midway through Q3 2010, and resulting in a reduction of almost 50% in operating and general and administrative expense to $6.2 million in Q4 2010 from $12.1 million in Q2 2010, the last full quarter before this restructuring.
MARKETING OPPORTUNITY
We currently market our technology and services through a select sales and marketing strategy whereby we identify key potential customers that meet our licensee profile, and then contact such prospects directly. We also attend industry trade shows around the world to generate new prospects, and respond to referrals from existing customers and other industry participants. CryptoLogic has generally sought licensees with an established brand, an audience with a propensity to gamble, and sufficient resources and commitment to successfully market the business.
In Hosted Casino, the key to success is differentiation through the combination of our new and innovative games, a robust e-wallet with multiple payment options and effective marketing to players by our licensees. CryptoLogic will continue to pursue new casino opportunities emphasizing brand name licensees with marketing commitment. In Branded Games, the key to success is the strategic partnerships established by CryptoLogic with trusted media brands such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros, and Paramount Digital Entertainment.
REVENUE SOURCES
CryptoLogic recorded revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $26.0 million, a decline of 34.7% (2009: $39.8 million).
Hosted Casino
Hosted Casino revenue decreased by $10.1 million or 31.6% to $22.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $32.1 million). Hosted Casino revenue represented 84.6% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 80.7%).
This decrease in revenue is due primarily to the contribution from a major licensee reducing by $4.0 million and the loss of a key customer in 2009 reducing revenue by $3.4 million. In addition, Hosted Casino revenue in 2009 benefited from a $0.8 million benefit from a revision of our estimate to discharge future jackpot payouts and a non-recurring $0.8 million benefit associated with the resolution of a commercial matter. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar negatively impacted Hosted Casino revenue by $0.4 million during 2010 when compared with the prior year. The Company is liable for funding the jackpot wins from the pool of funds collected and accrues the jackpot amount. The Company regularly performs analysis of the accumulation of jackpot funds and amounts required to address jackpot payouts.
Fees and licensing revenue from both our Hosted Casino and Branded Games businesses are calculated as a percentage of a licensee’s level of activity in its online casino site. This is affected by the number of active players on the licensee’s site and their related gaming activity. In addition, these results are influenced by a number of factors such as the entertainment value of the games developed by CryptoLogic, the frequency and success of new game offerings and the effectiveness of the licensee’s marketing programs. Hosted Casino and Branded Games revenue are also impacted by the relative strength of the U.S. dollar to both the euro and the British pound as our licensees provide online casinos in these currencies for which we earn a percentage that is translated into U.S. dollars, o ur functional currency.
Branded Games
Branded Games revenue increased 95.4% to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $2.8 million). Branded Games revenue represented 21.1% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 7.1%). During the year, the Company’s revenue producing games increased from 66 to 170 games at the end of the 2010. The increase in Branded Games revenue is primarily due to the increased number of revenue producing games through an increased number of licensees and games per licensee. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar negatively impacted Branded Games revenue by $0.1 million during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
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Poker
Poker revenue decreased 53.8% to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $3.5 million). Poker revenue represented 6.3% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 8.8%). The decrease in poker revenue is primarily due to a reduction in player numbers and the transition of our poker network to GTECH in March 2009, which reduced the number of the Company’s poker licensees and increased fees paid to GTECH. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar did not have a material impact on poker revenue during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
The Company offers a “virtual” poker room for its licensees using software and technology provided on GTECH Corporation’s International Poker Network. Fees from online poker are based on a percentage of the licensee’s “rake” per hand in regular or ring games (the “rake” is typically 5% of the pot, up to a maximum amount per hand), or fixed entry fees for entry into poker tournaments. Players prefer poker rooms with strong “liquidity”, which are rooms that offer a high availability of games at the desired stake levels, in the currency of choice, and on a 24/7 basis.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes fees for software customization, advertising and marketing services generated from our portal business and fees associated with our e-cash business. Other revenue decreased 67.7% to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $3.5 million). Other revenue represented 4.4% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 8.8%). The decrease in other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 was due to reduced commerce based transaction fees, partially offset by a one-time termination fee from a licensee generating an immaterial amount of revenue. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar did not have a material impact on other revenue during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
Amortization of Royalties
The Company licenses various royalty rights, generally on an exclusive basis, from several owners of intellectual property rights. These rights are used to produce games for use in Hosted Casino and also as Branded Games. Generally, the arrangements require material prepayments of minimum guaranteed amounts which have been recorded as prepaid expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These prepaid amounts are amortized over the life of the arrangement as gross revenue is generated or on a straight-line basis if the underlying games are expected to have an effective royalty rate greater than the agreed amount. The amortization of these amounts is recorded as a reduction in revenue.
Amortization of royalties increased 271.5% to $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $0.8 million). Amortization of royalties represented (11.9)% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: (2.1)%). The increase in royalty amortization for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as a result of the Company’s regular review of estimates of future revenue under its license arrangements which identified that it was appropriate to begin amortizing certain of these royalties on a straight-line basis, such that substantially all of these royalty payments are amortized on a straight-line basis. In 2010, the Company’s net royalty payments were $4.2 million (2009: $5.4 million). The Company is committed to make further royalty payments of $2.8 million.
Player Restrictions
No revenue is derived from U.S. based players.
Revenue Trends
The global economic downturn is impacting the Company’s business.
While the global online gaming market continues to promise growth potential, competition is intensifying for players and market position.
It is expected that increased regulation of online gaming in key markets will also impact the Company’s business in the future.
Recurring Revenue
CryptoLogic’s licensing fees reflect a revenue model based on building long-standing relationships with customers. In 2010, 96.2% (2009: 91.6%) of CryptoLogic’s fee revenue before amortization was generated from software licensing and services contracts that generate recurring revenue.
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Geographical analysis of revenue before amortization is made according to the jurisdiction of the gaming license of the licensee. This does not reflect the region of the end users of the Company’s licensees.
For the Years Ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||
Malta | 80 | % | 75 | % | 70 | % | |||
Gibraltar | 15 | % | 20 | % | 25 | % | |||
Alderney | 4 | % | 1 | % | – | ||||
Curaçao | 1 | % | – | 3 | % | ||||
Rest of the World | 1 | % | 4 | % | 2 | % | |||
Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % |
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Our Internet-based gaming and electronic commerce software products (i.e. Hosted Casino) are used by licensees to create virtual casinos. The downloadable software package transfers the “front-end” information (i.e., playing cards, roulette wheel, dice numbers) between users and remote servers. The software package utilizes each user’s computer to generate the graphics of the virtual gaming site, while the gaming servers perform the “dealer” function, generating the random numbers of playing cards, roulette numbers and dice numbers, as applicable. Many of our most popular casino games are also available on either the Flash platforms, which provide an entertaining gaming experience without having to wait for software to download.
Among other things, our software contains proprietary encryption features, which allows secure transmission of data, and permits our licensees to offer multi-player games, a panoramic virtual casino floor populated by real players, progressive jackpots, Internet browsing features and inter-player chatting.
As part of our commitment and obligation to safe and responsible gaming, our gaming solution provides personal options and security features including deposit and bet limits, temporary and permanent account locks, personal identification verification, and online tracking of a player’s gaming activity and financial transactions. We are also able to restrict registration and game play from residents of prohibited jurisdictions.
Our gaming solution is complemented by e-cash systems and support. We provide Internet-based electronic commerce support and technology to our licensees and their respective customers and maintain, through subsidiaries, electronic commerce accounts for both merchants of our electronic commerce software and their end-users.
For the majority of our licensees, we report and remit to them the net transaction revenues less licensing and support fees payable to the Company (as specified in the applicable licensing agreements). Some licensees have responsibility for their own e-cash systems and support to enable an integrated single player account for all their online offerings, and in such cases, the licensees report and remit licensing fees to us.
Using our e-cash software, players can use a wide range of payment options, including credit and debit card and various electronic wallets. Web cashier accounts can be opened in United States dollars, British pounds, and euro. These systems are complimented by electronic payment fraud prevention, detection and player verification software.
To assist our licensees in retaining players and re-activating lapsed accounts, we have invested significantly in our customer relationship management solution. We have a back-office offering with sophisticated business intelligence, data warehousing and marketing tools to assist licensees in understanding, servicing and building one-on-one relationships with their players.
We also provide multi language customer support for the enhanced convenience to our licensees’ global player base. Our customer support is available to help players with technical questions or assist with the gaming software and e-cash accounts.
We view our marketing support services as a key differentiator in our product and service offerings, as they form an integral part of the Company’s brand ownership and management strategy. For example, OIGE CG Limited, operator of the InterCasino brand, uses our marketing support services.
It is our objective to continue to introduce innovative software products, support tools and services that appeal to broad segments of gaming audiences worldwide.
● | Multi-currency jackpot video slot games featuring popular Marvel action characters such as The Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, X-Men, Thor, Elektra, Ghost Rider, Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, and Sub Mariner. Similar relationships with DC and Paramount have allowed CryptoLogic to deliver slot games with titles that include Batman, Superman, Braveheart and Forrest Gump. |
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● | Play-for-real slot versions of highly popular online casual games, such as Cubis, an award-winning, three-dimensional puzzle game, and Bejeweled, a gem-matching game –both among the most played games on AOL, MSN and other major portals – and most recently, Jewel Quest, a popular puzzle-match game; |
● | Our own patented games including the progressive jackpot slot, Millionaires Club, which awarded the two largest online jackpots in the Company’s history; and Multi-Hand Video Blackjack, which brings together blackjack and video poker; |
● | Our own Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, which is the first-ever online version of the widely popular land-based casino game and combines the huge popularity of poker with the excitement of a casino card game; and |
● | World-famous Street Fighter II arcade game. |
● | New games, introduced in 2010, based on world-famous characters and movies such as Green Lantern, Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and others. |
Having established generally exclusive relationships with major media companies such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros., and Paramount Digital Entertainment, we have created industry leading casino games, which are a key component of our Hosted Casino product. Through our Branded Games business, we are able to offer these games not only to our Hosted Casino customers, but to the entire industry at large.
We also operate a gaming portal business under two brands: Casino.co.uk and WinnerOnline.com. These portals earn advertising revenue from gaming operators, and direct traffic to operator sites and those sites owned by the Company’s licensees – providing a known-name marketing channel and a player acquisition tool for licensees.
PATENTS AND OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Our general policy has been to seek patent protection for gaming innovations where proprietary rights will improve our competitive position. We hold a series of patents including one related to our Millionaires Club slot game, which offers million-dollar-plus online jackpots, and one related to our Multi-Hand Video Blackjack game. We also have patents pending on various other gaming innovations.
We also license intellectual property, generally on an exclusive basis, from third parties for use in our games.
See Item 3.Key Information – Risk Factors
GLOBAL REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
While the United Kingdom and other European jurisdictions such as Malta have currently adopted a regime which permits its licensees to accept wagers from any jurisdiction differing approaches are developing in other parts of Europe. Italy and France have adopted regimes which only permit the targeting of the domestic market if a local license is obtained and local taxes accounted for. Many other European countries have, or are in the process of implementing regimes which only permit the targeting of the domestic market provided a local license is obtained and local taxes accounted for. Other European countries continue to defend a licensing regime that limits supplies of gambling to a local monopoly and have combined this with an attempt to outlaw all other supplies. Although there have been so me judgments of the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) that have been critical of anti gambling laws in certain territories, several recent decisions suggest that the restrictive approaches of either local licensing or protection of a local monopoly are defendable on the grounds of protection of the public. The European Union's Internal Markets Commissioner, Michel Barnier, has commenced a consultation process on Internet gambling regulation in the EU. He is expected to publish a green paper on the subject imminently. It is unclear at this stage, however, whether the green paper will recommend the introduction of directives that could harmonize the treatment and operation of online gaming throughout the EU. Even if the green paper does make such recommendation, there is no indication that any such directive will ever be introduced, as there remains a great deal of political opposition.
Since 1995, online gaming has grown into a large, multi-billion dollar industry, but with regulatory inconsistencies among countries and limited formal regulation. Laws around the world are often outdated, ambiguous and continue to develop on a country-by-country basis.
On October 13, 2006, the U.S. enacted the UIGEA, which effectively banned online gaming in that country by making it illegal to process related financial transactions. The industry-wide impact of UIGEA has negatively affected our business by significantly reducing our revenue and earnings.
At the time the UIGEA was enacted, the entire U.S. market was estimated to represent approximately 50% of the global online gaming market (source: GBGC). However, the online casino and online poker markets outside the U.S., the core areas of our business, are expected to continue to grow. Since 2002, we have focused on licensees that primarily target non-U.S. markets, most notably the U.K. and Continental Europe. After the UIGEA enactment, 100% of licensees’ revenue came from outside the U.S.
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In September 2007, the UK Gaming Act came into force, which Act regulates online gaming in that jurisdiction, and is generally viewed as a positive development for the industry, our customers and for CryptoLogic. However, there is no assurance that the UK regulatory regime as interpreted by the Gambling Commission, the Gambling Act’s independent regulator, will provide a commercially-viable market and may create restrictions that will have a material adverse effect on our customers, our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition. Indeed, the DCMS (the government body with responsibility for overseeing gambling), has recently announced that it may reconsider one of the main tenets of the Gambling Act, namely that if an online gaming operator was regulated either in Europe or in a jurisdiction approved by the DCMS (the so called “white listed” jurisdictions) such an operator could fully target the UK gambling market. It seems likely that instead that the DCMS will recommend (in a report to be published imminently) that it will require entities not licensed in the UK to acquire some form of additional accreditation, such as a local license, and/or the payment of taxes in the UK to access the UK market.
Elsewhere in Europe the legislative environment continues to evolve, with many countries showing signs of following the U.K.’s lead to implementing a licensing regime while others continue to protect state gambling monopolies. While many decisions rendered by the ECJ in the past were broadly favorable to the industry, recent decisions by the ECJ have been to uphold certain jurisdictions’ restrictive approaches, whether through local monopolies or licensing, as not contrary to EC treaty law, on public policy grounds.
CryptoLogic has long advocated a regulatory approach to foster a transparent, credible and growing online gaming industry. We believe that government plays an important role and is in the best position to regulate this industry to provide consumer protection, preserve the integrity of the online gaming industry, and build a credible and business-friendly marketplace. We have sought and achieved certification of our software in strictly regulated jurisdictions. It is through this process that we maintain our reputation as a trusted provider for licensees and their customers.
For more information regarding the global regulatory environment in which the Company and its licensees do business, refer to “Risks Related to the Industry” under “Item 3. Key Information.”
COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT
We compete with a number of public and private companies that provide electronic commerce and/or Internet gaming software. Given the stage of development of the industry and the number of private organizations operating in the industry, information about the nature of our competitors, their operations and their resources is difficult to compile. In addition to current known competitors, traditional land-based gaming operators and other entities, many of which have significant financial resources and name-brand recognition, may provide Internet gaming services in the future, and thus become our competitors. Increased competition from current and future competitors has and may continue to result in the reduction of our revenues, and may result in the continued loss of our market share.
Licensees of our software and Branded Games compete with existing and more established recreational services and products, in addition to other forms of entertainment. Our success will depend, in part, upon our ability to enhance our products and services, expand our system infrastructure and resiliency, keep pace with technological developments, respond to evolving customer requirements and achieve continued market acceptance.
While it is difficult to confirm the exact number of Internet gaming sites since most companies are private, in 2009 GBGC estimated that there are around 2,400 online gaming properties down from more than 2,800 several years ago. This decrease points to industry consolidation. As Internet gaming has developed and increased in sophistication, so have the players who can choose from a proliferation of sites. Competition for players’ attention and share of wallet is intensifying, and players are demanding more value, more games and an enhanced entertainment experience.
The global nature of the Internet makes most Internet markets, including the online gaming industry, relatively accessible to a wide number of entities and individuals. We believe the principal competitive factors in our industry that create certain barriers to entry include reputation, technology, financial stability and resources, proven track record of successful operations, critical mass, regulatory compliance, independent oversight and transparency of business practices. While these barriers will limit those able to enter or compete effectively in the market, it is likely that new competitors will be established in the future, in addition to known current competitors.
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C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The organizational structure of the Company as of December 31, 2010 is set out below. CryptoLogic Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Guernsey with its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, provides executive functions to our corporate group. Our subsidiary CryptoLogic Inc. is located in Canada, and provides software development, upgrades and technical support for our WagerLogic and Gaming Portals subsidiaries. With offices in Ireland, Malta and the U.K., the WagerLogic and Gaming Portals group of companies provides software licensing for our Internet gaming software, and support, customer support, marketing support and other services to third-party gaming operators or licensees. During 2010, the Company moved its operations previously performed in Cyprus to Malta and also co nsolidated the majority of its UK operations in Malta. Our Gaming Portals subsidiary provides e-cash systems and support that enables licensees’ players to deposit and withdraw funds through a wide range of payment options for use with the licensee. Our WagerLogic Malta Software subsidiary offers customer support and marketing services to our Hosted Casino licensees. Our CryptoLogic Malta subsidiary provides treasury services to the group. Our CryptoLogic Asia subsidiary holds our investments in Asia. CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation and CryptoLogic Callco ULC exist solely to facilitate the exchange of shares for CryptoLogic Limited in connection with the Arrangement (refer to page 1 of this annual report for further information regarding the Arrangement).
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-F/0000912282-11-000150/crypto_orgchart.jpg)
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D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
The following table sets forth the Company’s principal leased properties.
Company | Location | Principal Use | Approx. Area (sq. ft.) | Term of Lease | Current Rent (per annum) |
CryptoLogic Limited | Dublin, Ireland | Head office | 5,400 | 4 years 10 months | €182,758 |
CryptoLogic Limited | Dublin, Ireland | Head office | 1,440 | 3 years 6 months | €47,995 |
CryptoLogic Inc. | Toronto, Canada | Research and development | 10,225 | 5 years | C$168,713 |
CryptoLogic Inc. | Toronto, Canada | Research and development | 1,500 | 6 months | C$24,000 (1) |
AdsDotCom Limited | London, England | Marketing support | 4,880 | 3 years 5 months | £45,175 |
WagerLogic Malta Software Limited | Msida, Malta | Marketing and customer support | 12,917 | 10 years | €96,000 |
(1) This rent amount is for six months.
In December 2009, in accordance with the rental agreement, the Company exercised its right to exit the leasehold premises in Toronto and recorded termination costs of $1.8 million; this was paid on termination in July 2010.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The significant measurement differences between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are disclosed in Note 22 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 as set out in this annual report under “Item 17. Financial Statements.”
OVERVIEW
2010 was another difficult year for CryptoLogic as the Company continued its strategy aimed at returning the Company to profitability and long-term growth against the backdrop of a global economic downturn, continuing disappointing returns from major Hosted Casino licensees and licensee-delays in the roll-out of Branded Games.
Founded in 1995, we launched the world’s first on-line casino games that year. With a resilient and scalable platform, a commitment to developing the best games in the marketplace and complemented with excellent customer support, the Company thereafter secured an excellent reputation for its product offering. However, changing market conditions in 2006 and 2007 meant that the model was no longer viable and had to change.
During 2008, the management team announced a new business strategy for the Company and, in 2009 and 2010, we focused on the transition towards that goal. In essence, the new business model is centered on the Company evolving from being purely a developer and licensor of poker and casino software on its own network, to one which still develops and licenses an excellent casino product, but also delivers high-quality, branded and non-Branded Games to the industry at large. This effectively opens up a new market and revenue stream for the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, uncertain trading conditions continued throughout 2010, reflected in our lower revenue and working capital as compared with 2009. Against this backdrop of a continuing decline in revenues and working capital, the Company made a significant restructuring effort, commencing midway through Q3 2010, and resulting in a reduction of almost 50% in operating and general and administrative expense to $6.2 million in Q4 2010 from $12.1 million in Q2 2010, the last full quarter before this restructuring.
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A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Management remains focused on the development and support of the Hosted Casino business while continuing to build on the success of our Branded Games initiative by expanding our partnerships and broadening the types of games we offer. In addition, we continue to improve our games delivery model through the launch of Instant Click, a new gaming package that enables rapid deployment of a range of titles from our suite of games by online operators and technology providers on their own e-gaming infrastructure and electronic cashier systems. At the same time, we intend to maintain our downward pressure on our recurring cost base.
CryptoLogic’s strategy has two main elements:
● | Focusing on our core Internet Hosted Casino business. Our award-winning games are complemented by a widely acclaimed support services structure. |
● | Licensing our best Branded Games to others, and turning former competitors into collaborators. Through working with highly respected content providers and brand owners, we have successfully delivered the likes of Spiderman, The Hulk and Batman to both our own Hosted Casino licensees and to the market in general. |
For this strategy to be successful, it demands the establishment of an expanding network of licensees and channel partners. CryptoLogic has forged excellent relationships with many licensees including two of the largest and most successful in the industry: 888.com and PartyGaming – both of whom are deriving significant revenue and benefits from licensing a sample range of our products.
Among the new signings or launches in 2010 are such well known brands as:
● | Betsafe |
● | Betsson |
● | Bet365 |
● | CasinoEuro |
● | Sportingbet |
● | St. Minver |
● | Tain |
● | William Hill |
Additional product launches were achieved through our brand licensing agreements with companies such as DC Comics, Paramount, CapCom and Marvel. During 2010, we also settled our arbitration with Marvel, relating to the licensing of Marvel comic book characters, that:
● | Expanded the platforms to include mobile, and government licensed in-hotel room systems; |
● | Allowed for the creation of wagering games based on Marvel's top team of Super Heroes, The Avengers, in addition to Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and the other characters already included in the license; |
● | Extended the relationship by 12 months through January 2014; and |
● | Agreed to make the agreement non-exclusive at a reduced cost to the Company. |
We believe these partnerships offer the potential for significant future growth based upon both the brand recognition and loyalty associated with these partners and their unique and distinctive intellectual property.
PRODUCT PERFORMANCE
CryptoLogic maintains a close working relationship with our brand and content suppliers, our remote development centers, our business development group and, naturally, our licensees.
We began the year under review with 66 Branded Games live and ended with 170. This remains lower than originally planned and we continue to experience delays beyond our control in the roll out of these games by licensees.
Our goal is to continue to provide excellent game content supported by innovative game mechanics and bonuses and to improve on the speed of roll out of new games with our licensees.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
During the year, we unveiled our new lobby for our Internet casino software. Using the newest interactive technology, the lobby enables improved navigation and search, an updated jackpot counter, customized features that allow people to keep track of their favorite games, and a game suggestion engine to connect the player to other CryptoLogic games. In all, the look and feel and the ease of use should add to the “stickiness” of the offering - a key element on any online business.
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We also unveiled our newest offering, Instant Click, a new gaming package that enables rapid deployment of a range of titles from our suite of games by online operators and technology providers on their own e-gaming infrastructure and electronic cashier systems. The first implementations of Instant Click are expected to be live in 2011.
RESTRUCTURING
The Company has incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows for the last three years. A continuation of such operating losses and negative cash flows may cast doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
During 2010, management determined that a material reduction in expenses was necessary in order to preserve cash and give the Company sufficient time to focus on increasing revenues. Accordingly, the Company made a significant restructuring effort, commencing midway through Q3 2010, and resulting in a reduction in operating and general and administrative expense to $6.2 million in Q4 2010 from $12.1 million in Q2 2010, the last full quarter before this restructuring.
OUTLOOK
Management believes that the results of this restructuring have substantially mitigated doubts regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and believes the Company is much better positioned to respond to the opportunities available to grow again.
The global e-gaming industry continues to become ever more competitive, whilst subject to increasing regulation. CryptoLogic is well placed to enhance its position in the industry but only if we stay focused and lean, and capable of responding to changing market expectations and delivering products and service levels of the highest quality.
The European market offers scope for growth, tempered by the challenges faced by our licensees in an increased regulatory environment. Our goals for 2011 are:
● | Improved revenue from Hosted Casino as existing licensees benefit from new games and more efficient game delivery; |
● | Improved revenue from Branded Games as new and existing licensees roll out games; |
● | First revenue from Instant Click deployments; and |
● | Continuing tight control over costs with initiatives to improve efficiency where possible. |
Whilst the US market has effectively been closed since the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act in October 2006, there are some indications that the market may re-open. We continue to monitor the situation closely and the various options that would allow us re-entry at the appropriate time.
A. OPERATING RESULTS
Comparison of 2010 and 2009
Revenue
CryptoLogic recorded revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $26.0 million, a decline of 34.7% (2009: $39.8 million).
Hosted Casino
Hosted Casino revenue decreased by $10.1 million or 31.6% to $22.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $32.1 million). Hosted Casino revenue represented 84.6% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 80.7%).
This decrease in revenue is due primarily to the contribution from a major licensee reducing by $4.0 million and the loss of a key customer in 2009 reducing revenue by $3.4 million. In addition, Hosted Casino revenue in 2009 benefited from a $0.8 million benefit from a revision of our estimate to discharge future jackpot payouts and a non-recurring $0.8 million benefit associated with the resolution of a commercial matter. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar negatively impacted Hosted Casino revenue by $0.4 million during 2010 when compared with the prior year. The Company is liable for funding the jackpot wins from the pool of funds collected and accrues the jackpot amount. The Company regularly performs analysis of the accumulation of jackpot funds and amounts required to address jackpot payouts.
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Fees and licensing revenue from both our Hosted Casino and Branded Games businesses are calculated as a percentage of a licensee’s level of activity in its online casino site. This is affected by the number of active players on the licensee’s site and their related gaming activity. In addition, these results are influenced by a number of factors such as the entertainment value of the games developed by CryptoLogic, the frequency and success of new game offerings and the effectiveness of the licensee’s marketing programs. Hosted Casino and Branded Games revenue are also impacted by the relative strength of the U.S. dollar to both the euro and the British pound as our licensees provide online casinos in these currencies for which we earn a percentage that is translated into U.S. dollars, o ur functional currency.
Branded Games
Branded Games revenue increased 95.4% to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $2.8 million). Branded Games revenue represented 21.1% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 7.1%). During the year, the Company’s revenue producing games increased from 66 to 170 games at the end of the 2010. The increase in Branded Games revenue is primarily due to the increased number of revenue producing games through an increased number of licensees and games per licensee. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar negatively impacted Branded Games revenue by $0.1 million during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
Poker
Poker revenue decreased 53.8% to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $3.5 million). Poker revenue represented 6.3% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 8.8%). The decrease in poker revenue is primarily due to a reduction in player numbers and the transition of our poker network to GTECH in March 2009, which reduced the number of the Company’s poker licensees and increased fees paid to GTECH. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar did not have a material impact on poker revenue during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
The Company offers a “virtual” poker room for its licensees using software and technology provided on GTECH Corporation’s International Poker Network. Fees from online poker are based on a percentage of the licensee’s “rake” per hand in regular or ring games (the “rake” is typically 5% of the pot, up to a maximum amount per hand), or fixed entry fees for entry into poker tournaments. Players prefer poker rooms with strong “liquidity”, which are rooms that offer a high availability of games at the desired stake levels, in the currency of choice, and on a 24/7 basis.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes fees for software customization, advertising and marketing services generated from our portal business and fees associated with our e-cash business. Other revenue decreased 67.7% to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $3.5 million). Other revenue represented 4.4% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 8.8%). The decrease in other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 was due to reduced commerce based transaction fees, partially offset by a one-time termination fee from a licensee generating an immaterial amount of revenue. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar did not have a material impact on other revenue during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
Amortization of Royalties
The Company licenses various royalty rights, generally on an exclusive basis, from several owners of intellectual property rights. These rights are used to produce games for use in Hosted Casino and also as Branded Games. Generally, the arrangements require material prepayments of minimum guaranteed amounts which have been recorded as prepaid expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These prepaid amounts are amortized over the life of the arrangement as gross revenue is generated or on a straight-line basis if the underlying games are expected to have an effective royalty rate greater than the agreed amount. The amortization of these amounts is recorded as a reduction in revenue.
Amortization of royalties increased 271.5% to $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $0.8 million). Amortization of royalties represented (11.9)% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: (2.1)%). The increase in royalty amortization for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as a result of the Company’s regular review of estimates of future revenue under its license arrangements which identified that it was appropriate to begin amortizing certain of these royalties on a straight-line basis, such that substantially all of these royalty payments are amortized on a straight-line basis. In 2010, the Company’s net royalty payments were $4.2 million (2009: $5.4 million). The Company is committed to make further royalty payments of $2.8 million.
Player Restrictions
No revenue is derived from U.S. based players.
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Revenue Trends
The global economic downturn is impacting the Company’s business.
While the global online gaming market continues to promise growth potential, competition is intensifying for players and market position.
It is expected that increased regulation of online gaming in key markets will also impact the Company’s business in the future.
Recurring Revenue
CryptoLogic’s licensing fees reflect a revenue model based on building long-standing relationships with customers. In 2010, 96.2% (2009: 91.6%) of CryptoLogic’s fee revenue before amortization was generated from software licensing and services contracts that generate recurring revenue.
Expenses
Consistent with prior years, during 2010 we incurred expenses in five categories: operating, general and administrative, reorganization charges, finance and amortization. Additionally, due to several factors, including the Company’s revised estimates of future revenues and macro-economic factors, the Company has recorded impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and impairment of capital assets.
In November 2008, the Company announced a plan for reorganization of its business after completing a comprehensive review. As a result of that review, the Company decided to reduce costs by outsourcing non-core activities, including integrating its poker network with GTECH Corporation’s International Poker Network, transitioning certain functions to lower cost jurisdictions and eliminating certain redundant functions. In December 2009, the Company expanded its previously announced reorganization plan due to continued unfavorable macroeconomic conditions and outsourced additional technology infrastructure activities, consolidated more of its data center operations and migrated additional functions to lower cost jurisdictions resulting in further reduction in headcount and a reduction of its leased office space in both Canada and Cyprus.
In June 2010, the Company commenced an additional reorganization plan consolidating into a new location in Malta its Cyprus and the majority of its UK activities, together with headcount reductions across all locations.
Total expenses decreased 38.8% to $47.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $77.6 million) primarily due to the impact of our reorganization plans which reduced operating and general and administrative expense, reduced amortization as a result of less amortization on infrastructure assets as they become fully depreciated and reduced amortization on assets impaired and lower reorganization costs as the Company completed its reorganization plans. In 2010, the Company also recorded approximately $5.3 million in impairment charges associated with intangible assets and certain capital assets. (2009: $15.5 million impairment associated with goodwill, capital assets and long-term investments).
Operating Expense
CryptoLogic’s operating expense comprises development and support expense, which includes all personnel costs, equity compensation costs for employee stock options, licensee support, marketing, e-cash systems and support costs, customer service expense and expenses related to regulatory compliance.
Costs associated with software development are expensed as incurred unless costs meet the criteria for deferral and amortization under Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“Canadian GAAP”).
Operating expense decreased by 24.2% to $30.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $39.9 million). Operating expenses represented 116.3% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 100.2%). The decrease in operating expense was primarily due to the Company’s reorganization plans, which included consolidating into a new location in Malta its Cyprus and the majority of its UK activities, together with headcount reductions across all locations. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar when compared with the euro, British pound and Canadian dollar, negatively impacted operating expense by $0.3 million during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
At December 31, 2010, CryptoLogic had 111 employees, down from 211 a year earlier.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative (G&A) expense includes overhead and administrative expense, travel expense and professional fees relating to our business development, infrastructure and public company listings.
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G&A expense decreased by 25.7% to $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $10.2 million). G&A expense represented 29.1% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 25.6%). The decrease in G&A expense is a result of the Company’s reorganization plans, decreased rent, decreased finance costs and the reversal of a provision no longer required, together with high legal expenses incurred in Q1 2009. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar when compared with the euro, British pound and Canadian dollar, negatively impacted G&A expense by $0.1 million during 2010 when compared with the prior year.
Reorganization Charges
In December 2009, the Company expanded its previously announced reorganization plan due to continued unfavorable macroeconomic conditions and outsourced additional technology infrastructure activities, consolidated more of its data center operations and migrated additional functions to lower cost jurisdictions resulting in further reduction in headcount and a reduction of its leased office space in both Canada and Cyprus. In June 2010, the Company commenced an additional reorganization plan consolidating into a new location in Malta its Cyprus and the majority of its UK activities, together with headcount reductions across all locations. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar when compared with the euro, British pound and Canadian dollar, did not have a material impact on reorganization charges during 2010 when co mpared with the prior year.
Impairment of Capital Assets
The Company regularly reviews its assets for impairment. During 2010, the Company performed an impairment review of certain software development projects as a result of the Company’s revised estimate of future revenues. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.8 million, the amount by which the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value.
In 2009 the Company reviewed certain software development projects as a result of difficult macro-economic conditions and a decline in expected future revenues, which resulted in an impairment charge of $2.7 million
Impairment of Long-Term Investments
During 2009, as part of the Company’s regular reviews of its assets for impairment, the Company noted various indicators of impairment including significant financial difficulty, restructuring activities and limited ability to operate a profitable business in the short and medium term. Furthermore, our book value was significantly in excess of our market capitalization, which was a further indication that our long-term investments may be impaired. Consequently, the Company determined that the carrying value of its long-term investments in Mobilebus Inc., Mikoishi Pte Ltd., Jingle Prize, Inc. and 568 Network Inc. were greater than their respective fair values, resulting in an impairment charge of $6.3 million. The fair value of the investments was determined by discounting expected net future cash fl ows.
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
During 2010, the Company reviewed the results and future expectations of the Parbet brand and its Casino.co.uk business. The Company determined that the carrying amounts of these intangible assets exceeded their value and recorded an impairment charge of $2.0 million for Parbet, or the entire carrying value of the intangible assets, and $1.6 million for the Casino.co.uk business. At December 31, 2010, the carrying value of the Casino.co.uk business was $0.1 million.
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. During 2009, the results of the portals business were below expectations and the Company’s book value was significantly in excess of its market capitalization, which were both indications that the value of its goodwill was impaired. The fair value of the goodwill was determined by discounting expected net future cash flows of the portals business. As a result, the Company decided that the carrying value of the goodwill exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $6.5 million.
Amortization
Amortization expense is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and includes the amortization of our investments in computer equipment, leasehold improvements, software licenses, and intangible assets to support our business activities.
Amortization expense decreased 51.2% to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $4.9 million). Amortization expense represented 9.1% of total revenue in 2010 (2009: 12.2%). This decrease in amortization expense is as a result of less amortization on infrastructure assets as they become fully depreciated and reduced amortization on assets impaired.
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Interest Income
Interest income, comprising interest earned on cash and short-term investment balances, decreased 82.1% to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $0.4 million). The decrease was as a result of lower interest rates and lower cash balances due primarily to cash used in operating activities.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income taxes were an expense of $0.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $1.1 million). The Company is subject to tax in many jurisdictions. This results in a tax charge on transfer pricing of costs between group companies even in periods of overall losses. The Company is actively working to reduce the number of its subsidiaries, which should reduce the overall tax burden. The consolidated net operating loss comprises operating losses in some jurisdictions and operating profits in others, which results in a tax expense despite material consolidated losses. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the income tax expense was further increased as the impairments of capital assets and intangible assets are not immediately deductible for tax purposes and, in some cases, may ne ver be deductible.
Minority Interest
Pursuant to a business reorganization implemented by way of an Ontario Superior Court of Justice court approved plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) and approved by the shareholders on May 24, 2007, CryptoLogic Limited acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., an Ontario company, which through the Arrangement became an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic Limited. As part of the Arrangement, the Company issued either an equivalent amount of CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares or, in the case of taxable Canadian residents, exchangeable shares of CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation (“CEC”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The CEC shares are, as nearly as practicable, the economic equivalent of CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares. Thes e CEC shares participate equally in voting and dividends with the shareholders of the Company. No additional shares of CEC have been or will be issued. For more information, see the Management Information Circular dated April 23, 2007 available on www.sedar.com.
For accounting purposes, the Arrangement has been accounted for using the continuity of interest method, which recognizes the Company as the successor entity to CryptoLogic Inc. Accordingly, financial information presented in the MD&A reflects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as if the Company has always carried on the business formerly carried on by CryptoLogic Inc., with all assets and liabilities recorded at the carrying values of CryptoLogic Inc. The interest held by CEC shareholders has been presented as a minority interest in the consolidated financial statements, as required under GAAP.
At the time of the reorganization, a total of 12.6 million CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares and 1.3 million CEC shares were outstanding, respectively. Since then, a total of 393,437 shares of CEC have been exchanged, with the remaining 939,131 shares of CEC being reflected as minority interest as at December 31, 2010. Minority interest will continue until all CEC shares have been exchanged into CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares or until June 1, 2014, when we will redeem all of the then outstanding CEC shares in return for CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares.
Net Loss
Net loss decreased 42.6% to $20.4 million or $(1.58) per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the prior year (2009: $35.5 million or $(2.78) per diluted share). The decrease in the loss was as a result of decreased operating expense, G&A expense, reorganization costs as the Company completed its reorganization plans, impairment charges associated with capital assets, long-term investments and goodwill and intangible assets, amortization as a result of less amortization on infrastructure assets as they become fully depreciated, amortization on assets impaired and increased Branded Games revenue. Partially offsetting these movements were decreases in Hosted Casino, poker and other revenue and increased royalty amortization.
Comparison of 2009 and 2008
Revenue
CryptoLogic recorded revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 of $39.8 million, a decline of 35.3% (2008: $61.5 million).
Licensing fees and services from our casino licensees, both Hosted Casinos and Branded Games, are calculated as a percentage of a licensee’s level of activity in its online casino site. Fees from online poker are based on a percentage of the licensee’s “rake” per hand in regular or ring games (the rake is typically 5% of the pot, up to a maximum amount per hand) or fixed fees for entry into poker tournaments.
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Hosted Casino
Hosted Casino revenue decreased to $30.0 million or 28.4% for the year ended December 31, 2009 (2008: $41.8 million).
Fees or licensing revenue from our casino business is calculated as a percentage of a licensee’s level of activity in its online casino site. This is affected by the number of active players on the licensee’s site and their related gaming activity. In turn, these results are influenced by a number of factors such as the entertainment value of the CryptoLogic developed games, the frequency and success of new offerings and the effectiveness of the licensee’s marketing programs. Hosted Casino revenue is also impacted by the relative strength of the U.S. dollar to both the euro and the British pound as our licensees provide online casinos in these currencies for which we earn a percentage that is translated into U.S. dollars, our functional currency.
This decrease in revenue is due to the stronger U.S. dollar in relation to both the euro and the British pound, general macro-economic conditions and poor performance of two of the Company’s major licensees as well as a non recurring $1.0 million benefit recorded in 2008 associated with a reduction in expected royalty payments. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar negatively impacted revenue by $3.1 million. After normalizing for the impact of the strength of the U.S. dollar, Hosted Casino revenue decreased by approximately 21.0% in 2009. Partially offsetting these decreases was $0.8 million benefit from a revision of our estimate to discharge future jackpot payouts and a non recurring $0.8 million benefit associated with the resolution of a commercial matter. The Company is liable fo r funding the jackpot wins from the pool of funds collected and accrues the jackpot amount. The Company regularly performs analysis of the accumulation of jackpot funds and amounts required to address jackpot payouts.
Hosted Casino licensing and associated support fees constitute our core revenue base, representing 75.3% of our total revenue in 2009 (2008: 68.0%). While casino fees declined in absolute dollars they have increased as a percentage of total revenue because of the success of new games and the decline in poker.
Branded Games
Branded Games revenue was $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 (2008: $0.3 million). Branded Games revenue accounted for 7.1% of total revenue in 2009 (2008: 0.5%). During the year, the Company’s revenue producing games increased from 3 to 66 games at the end of the 2009. The majority of the games delivered were in the second half of the year including 20 games in the third calendar quarter and 33 games in the fourth quarter. The Company expects branded game revenue to increase in 2010 as it benefits from a full year of revenue on games delivered in 2009 and from increases in the number of revenue producing games.
Once delivered, licensing revenue is calculated as a percentage of a licensee’s level of activity in their online casino sites. Branded Games revenue is affected by the number of active players on the licensee’s site and their related gaming activity.
Poker
Internet poker licensing fees declined 74.4% to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 (2008: $13.8 million). The decrease in Internet poker revenue is primarily due to the transition of our poker network to GTECH, which reduced the number of the Company’s poker licensees and increased fees paid to GTECH, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar and a decline in the overall poker industry. In March 2009, the Company completed its outsourcing of its hosted poker business to GTECH, which gives CryptoLogic’s poker licensees and players access to a larger network at significantly lower cost to CryptoLogic. As expected, poker revenue declined as a small number of significant poker licensees did not migrate to GTECH and the fees that we earned were reduced by amounts paid to GTECH. & #160;The migration to the GTECH poker room has resulted in larger declines in poker revenue than expected. In 2009, the U.S. dollar was significantly stronger when compared to the euro and British pound when compared to the same period in 2008, negatively impacting poker revenue by approximately $0.6 million. Poker fees were 8.8% of total 2009 revenue (2008: 22.4%).
Other Revenue
Other revenue, which includes fees for software customization, advertising and marketing services generated from our portal business and fees associated with our e-cash business, decreased to $3.5 million or 37.4% (2008: $5.6 million). The decrease in other revenue is primarily due to a decrease in software customization due to timing of completion of certain projects and decreased advertising services associated with our portals business. Offsetting this decrease was an increase in e-cash recoveries. Other revenues accounted for 8.8% of total revenue (2008: 9.1%).
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Recurring Revenue
CryptoLogic’s licensing fees reflect a revenue model based on building long-standing relationships with customers. In 2009, 91.2% (2008: 90.9%) of CryptoLogic’s fee revenue was generated from software licensing and services contracts that generate recurring revenue.
Expenses
Consistent with prior years, during 2009 we incurred expenses in five categories: operating, general and administrative, reorganization charges, finance and amortization. Additionally, due to several factors including the decision to merge its poker room and macro-economic factors, the Company has recorded poker room integration costs, asset impairments and impairment of goodwill.
In 2009, total expenses decreased 22.1% to $77.6 million (2008: $99.6 million) primarily due to the impact of our cost reduction program which reduced operating and general and administrative expense. Offsetting these decreases were impairments of assets and impairment of goodwill. In 2009, the Company recorded approximately $24.8 million in non-recurring charges, of which approximately $3.0 million represents future cash outlays primarily on lease termination costs in Toronto and employee severance.
We continue to focus on maintaining close control over all discretionary expenditures as we align to the new market environment.
Operating Expense
CryptoLogic’s operating expense comprises development and support expense, which includes all personnel costs, equity compensation costs for employee stock options, licensee support, marketing, e-cash systems and support costs, customer service expense, and expenses related to regulatory compliance.
Costs associated with software development are expensed as incurred unless costs meet the criteria for deferral and amortization under Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“Canadian GAAP”).
In 2009, operating expense decreased by 28.4% or $15.8 million to $39.9 million (2008: $55.6 million). In 2009, operating expenses were 100.2% of revenue (2008: 90.4%). The decrease in operating expense was primarily due to the Company’s cost reduction program executed in connection with its reorganization plan, which included outsourcing the poker room to GTECH, reduced headcount and related costs, consulting costs and IT infrastructure costs. Operating expense also benefited from decreased e-cash processing fees resulting from renegotiation of its contract terms and lower deposit levels due primarily to the migration of poker to GTECH as well as reduced marketing program related costs that we share with certain licensees. Operating costs have also benefited by the strengthening of the U .S. dollar, which reduced operating expenses by $3.3 million in 2009. A strong U.S. dollar is generally favorable on expenses as they are generally denominated in Canadian dollars, euro and British pounds. Operating expense in 2009 also benefited from more active management of risks associated with foreign exchange movements. In 2008, the Company recorded a $6.1 million loss on foreign exchange and there was no similar loss recorded in 2009. Offsetting these decreases were increased investment in software development capability in lower cost jurisdictions.
At December 31, 2009, CryptoLogic had 211 employees, down from 276 a year earlier.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative (G&A) expense includes overhead and administrative expense, travel expense and professional fees relating to our business development, infrastructure and public company listings.
In 2009, G&A expense was $10.2 million or 25.6% of revenue (2008: $13.7 million or 22.2%).
The decrease in G&A expense in 2009 as compared with 2008 is a result of decreased professional fees associated with our annual audit and compliance with Sarbanes Oxley, reduced expenses for tax planning, and decreased consulting fees associated with the protection of our intellectual property. G&A expense was also positively impacted by decreased occupancy costs due to subleasing certain vacant office space.
Reorganization Charges
In November 2008, we announced a plan for reorganization of our business focused on reducing costs by outsourcing non core activities, including integrating its poker network with one of the world’s leading gaming technology and services companies, transitioning certain functions to lower cost jurisdictions and eliminating certain redundant functions. Due to continued unfavorable macro-economic conditions and lower revenue than expected, we expanded our
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reorganization plan and will outsource additional technology infrastructure activities, consolidate additional data center operations, and migrate additional functions to lower cost jurisdictions. This reorganization plan will result in further reductions in headcount related costs, lease termination costs due to a reduction of our leased office space in both Canada and Cyprus, and associated asset impairments. Reorganization expense recorded in 2009 was $7.1 million and comprises professional fees required to execute the plan of $1.1 million, severance of $1.1 million, lease termination costs associated with the office space in Canada of $1.8 million and associated asset impairments of $3.1 million.
Amortization
Amortization expense is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and includes the amortization of our investments in computer equipment, leasehold improvements, software licenses, and intangible assets to support our business activities.
Amortization expense was $4.9 million, or 12.2% of revenue (2008: $5.9 million or 9.6%). The decrease in amortization reflects lower investments in computer equipment, and software licenses and the impact of asset write downs completed in Q4 2008.
Poker-Room Integration Costs
During 2008, the Company announced its plans to integrate our poker operations with a third party poker network. Accordingly the Company identified certain assets including software development projects and certain program costs where their carrying value exceeded the fair value of these assets. Poker room integration costs include poker related program costs of $2.5 million as well as the write off of in process software development projects of $0.4 million and other costs of $0.2 million.
Asset Impairments
The Company regularly reviews its assets for impairment. During 2009, the Company reviewed its long term investments and noted various indicators of impairment including significant financial difficulty, restructuring activities and limited ability to operate a profitable business in the short and medium term. Furthermore, our book value was significantly in excess of our market capitalization, which was a further indication that our long-term investments may be impaired. Consequently, the Company determined that the carrying value of its long term investments in Mobilebus, Mikoishi, Jingle and 568 Inc. were greater than their respective fair values resulting in an impairment charge of $6.3 million. The fair value of the investments was determined by discounting expected net future cash flows.& #160; The Company also reviewed certain software development projects as a result of difficult macro-economic conditions and a decline in expected future revenues, which resulted in an impairment charge of $2.7 million.
During 2008, the Company determined that the carrying values of certain software development projects and intangible assets exceeded their fair value and recorded a charge of approximately $6.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively. Furthermore, the Company determined that the carrying value of its investment in Mikoishi, a game developer located in Singapore, was greater than its fair value and recorded a $2.2 million charge.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. During the year, the results of the portals business were below expectations and the book value of the Company was significantly in excess of its market capitalization, which were both indications that the value of its goodwill was impaired. The fair value of the goodwill was determined by discounting expected net future cash flows of the portals business. As a result, the Company decided that the carrying value of the goodwill exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $6.5 million.
Departure Costs of Former CEO
In February 2008 the former President and CEO departed the Company. The Company recorded an associated charge of approximately $3.4 million which included departure payments of approximately $2.9 million and related professional fees of $0.5 million.
Interest Income
Interest income, comprising interest earned on cash and short term investment balances, declined to $0.4 million in 2009 (2008: $2.1 million). The decrease was as a result of lower cash balances due primarily to cash used in operating activities and lower interest rates earned on cash deposits.
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Provision for Income Taxes
In 2009, despite large operating losses, we recorded an income tax expense of $1.1 million (2008: net benefit of $0.5 million) as the impairments of our long term assets, goodwill and certain asset impairments associated with our restructuring are not immediately deductible for tax purposes and in some cases may never be deductible. The tax expense recorded in 2009 is also impacted by a $2.2 million impairment of future tax assets accumulated in jurisdictions where recoverability is no longer probable. The recoverability of the future tax assets is no longer considered probable due to expected changes in the corporate structure which will reduce operations in certain jurisdictions where losses had accumulated. Offsetting this tax expense is a benefit of $1.7 million recorded in the first quarter of 2009.
The tax benefit of $1.7 million recorded in the first quarter of 2009 is primarily a result of recent amendments to Section 261 of the Income Tax Act in Canada that permit certain corporations resident in Canada to elect to determine their Canadian tax amounts in the corporation's "functional currency" as opposed to the general requirement that all amounts that are relevant to the computation of tax under the Canadian Income Tax Act be in Canadian dollars. This change resulted in a benefit to income tax of approximately $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2009. The Company recorded an additional benefit of approximately $0.3 million based on the actual tax return filed.
CryptoLogic is subject to tax in many jurisdictions. The Company is actively working to reduce the number of its subsidiaries, which will reduce the overall tax burden. The consolidated net operating loss is composed of operating losses in some jurisdictions and operating profits in others which results in a tax expense despite material consolidated net losses. Subject to significant changes in the tax rates of those jurisdictions or significant changes in our corporate structure, we generally expect a blended tax rate of approximately 15%, once we return to profitability.
Minority Interest
Pursuant to a business reorganization completed in 2007 (the “Arrangement”), CryptoLogic acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., an Ontario company, which through the Arrangement became an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic. As part of the Arrangement, the Company issued to shareholders of CryptoLogic Inc. either an equivalent amount of common shares of the Company or, in the case of taxable Canadian residents, exchangeable shares (“Exchangeable Shares”) of CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation (“CEC”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The Exchangeable Shares are, as nearly as practicable, the economic equivalent of CryptoLogic’s common shares. The Exchangeable Shares participate equally in voting and dividends w ith the shareholders of the Company. No additional Exchangeable Shares have been or will be issued. For more information, see the Management Information Circular dated April 23, 2007 available on www.sedar.com. For accounting purposes, the Arrangement has been accounted for using the continuity of interest method, which recognizes the Company as the successor entity to CryptoLogic Inc. Accordingly, financial information reflects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as if the Company has always carried on the business formerly carried on by CryptoLogic Inc., with all assets and liabilities recorded at the carrying values of CryptoLogic Inc. The interest held by CEC shareholders has been presented as a minority interest in the consolidated financial statements, as required under Canadian GAAP.
The common shares of the Company owned by CEC are considered a non-controlling interest of the Company for accounting purposes only and consequently, a proportional amount of the net earnings before minority interest is recorded as minority interest.
Minority interest will continue until all Exchangeable Shares have been exchanged into common shares of the Company or until June 1, 2014 when CEC will redeem all outstanding Exchangeable Shares in return for common shares of the Company.
Net Loss
CryptoLogic recorded a net loss of $35.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 as compared with net loss of $32.7 million for the same period in 2008. The net loss was primarily due to decreased poker and casino revenues, and $24.8 million in non-recurring charges consisting of impairments of long term investments, reorganization costs including severance costs, costs to exit lease obligations and the write off of associated capital assets, impairment of future tax assets, and the impairment of goodwill. The non-recurring charges include approximately $3.0 million representing future cash outlays primarily on lease termination costs in Toronto and employee severance. Offsetting these amounts were increased revenue from Branded Games and decreased operating and G&A expenses.
Foreign Exchange
Our financial results are reported in U.S. currency, which is subject to fluctuations in respect of the currencies of the countries in which we operate, including British Pounds, euro, and Canadian Dollars. Accordingly, fluctuations in the
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exchange rate of world currencies could have a positive or negative effect on our reported results. We may utilize a hedging program from time to time and/or take advantage of the natural hedge in having operations in multiple currencies to mitigate a portion of our currency risks, but there can be no assurance that we will not experience currency losses in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
In 2009, the Company recognized a total foreign exchange loss of $0.3 million (2008: $6.2 million, 2007: foreign exchange gain of $0.68 million), which is recorded as an operating expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
Government Regulation
On October 13, 2006, the U.S. enacted the UIGEA, which effectively banned online gaming in that country by making it illegal to process related financial transactions. The industry-wide impact of UIGEA has negatively affected our business by significantly reducing our revenue and earnings. Similar prohibition legislation may be adopted in other jurisdictions.
While the U.K. and other European countries such as Malta and Gibraltar have currently adopted a regime which permits its licensees to accept wagers from any jurisdiction, other countries, including Italy and France have, or are in the process of implementing regimes which only permit the targeting of the domestic market provided a local license is obtained and local taxes accounted for. Other European territories continue to defend a licensing regime that protects monopoly providers and have combined this with an attempt to outlaw all other supplies. Either of these restrictive approaches may yet be deemed to be in potential conflict (in any specific jurisdiction) with E.U. treaty law (governing the free movement of trade and services throughout the European Union) and case law rendered by the European Court of Jus tice (the “ECJ”), but recent ECJ decisions have given E.U. Member States wide latitude in regulating the on-line gaming markets.
There can be no assurance that legislation prohibiting Internet gaming or regulating various aspects of Internet gaming or the Internet gaming industry will not be proposed and passed in potentially relevant jurisdictions. The burden of compliance with any such legislation may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The consolidated financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis. The going concern basis assumes that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.
The Company has incurred significant operating losses of $21.5 million, $37.8 million and $38.1 million and negative cash flows from operations of $11.7 million, $17.8 million and $18.6 million for the three years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents to $10.6 million, $23.4 million and $36.3 million as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. A continuation of such operating losses, negative cash flows from operations and decreases in cash and cash equivalents may cast doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
During 2010, management determined that a material reduction in expenses was necessary in order to preserve cash and give the Company sufficient time to focus on increasing revenues. Accordingly, the Company made a significant restructuring effort, commencing midway through Q3 2010, and resulting in a reduction in operating and general and administrative expense to $6.2 million in Q4 2010 from $12.1 million in Q2 2010, the last full quarter before this restructuring. Management believes that the results of this restructuring have substantially mitigated doubts regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Management has considered expectations for future revenues and reduced operating and general and administrative expense and, on that basis, believes that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business and, accordingly, it is appropriate to prepare the consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis.
Furthermore, having regard to expectations for future revenues, reduced operating and general and administrative expense, the completion of the Company’s reorganization plan and lower levels of future purchase commitments, management expects cash needs to be funded through existing cash resources and operating cash flow.
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Comparison of 2010 and 2009
Net Cash Position
CryptoLogic remained debt-free in 2010. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2010 were $10.6 million (2009: $23.4 million). The decrease in net cash of $12.9 million is primarily due to the cash impact of operating losses of $13.5 million, decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $0.1 million, comprising primarily a $2.9 million decrease in the reorganization cost accrual as the Company completed its reorganization plan, partially offset by a $2.3 million increase in jackpot provision, decrease in income taxes receivable and payable of $1.6 million and purchase of capital assets of $1.1 million, offset by decreased accounts receivable and other of $2.9 million and decreased prepayments of $0.5 million, primarily consisting of royalty and game amortization of $4.2 million offset by $4.2 million of net royalty payments.
Operating Activities
Cash flow used in operating activities was $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $17.8 million). The use of cash in operating activities is due to the cash impact of operating losses of $13.5 million, decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $0.1 million, comprising primarily a $2.9 million decrease in the reorganization cost accrual as the Company completed its reorganization plan, partially offset by a $2.3 million increase in jackpot provision and decrease in income taxes receivable and payable of $1.6 million, offset by decreased accounts receivable and other of $2.9 million and decreased prepayments of $0.5 million, primarily consisting of royalty and game amortization of $4.2 million offset by $4.2 million of net royalty payments.
Financing Activities
Cash flow used in financing activities was $nil for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $1.4 million). Cash flow used in financing activities in 2009 was due to dividends paid of $1.4 million. CryptoLogic did not declare a dividend for any quarter in 2010.
Investing Activities
Cash flow used in investing activities was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: cash flow provided by investing activities $6.3 million). Cash flow used in investing activities in 2010 was due to purchase of capital assets of $1.1 million and an increase in security deposits of $0.3 million due to the Company appointing a second bank to provide payment processing facilities to process deposits and credit card transactions, partially offset by $0.2 million cash received from a long-term investment. Cash flow provided by investing activities in 2009 was due to a reduction in restricted cash of $7.2 million as the Company reduced the amount required to support a letter of credit to the Lottery Gaming Authority of Malta to support user funds, offset by capital expenditure of $0.4 million primarily as sociated with infrastructure improvement and investments in Jingle Prize, Inc. and Mikoishi Pte Ltd. of $0.5 million.
Working Capital
Working capital at December 31, 2010 was $12.4 million (2009: $26.5 million).
User Funds Held on Deposit
User funds held on deposit at December 31, 2010 was $6.1 million (2009: $7.9 million). The decrease in user funds is due primarily to the reduced number of active players at a major licensee and a reduction in our poker business.
Capitalization
Since inception, CryptoLogic has had neither debt nor unutilized credit facilities. At December 31, 2010, CryptoLogic had 12,879,920 common shares outstanding (2009: 12,794,020) and 223,500 stock options outstanding (2009: 563,521). The 12,879,920 outstanding common shares excludes 939,131 (2009: 1,025,031) exchangeable shares (“Exchangeable Shares”) in CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation (“CEC”) which are entitled to be exchanged on a one-for-one basis for common shares of the Company. Including the Exchangeable Shares of CEC, the outstanding common shares of the Company would be 13,819,051 (2009: 13,819,051). As of March 21, 2011 there were 12,907,120 Common Shares of CryptoLogic outstanding and 911,931 Exchangeable Shares in CEC outstanding.
As part of the 2007 reorganization, Canadian residents received Exchangeable Shares of CEC, an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic. The Exchangeable Shares are, as nearly as practicable, the economic equivalent of common shares of CryptoLogic. For accounting purposes, the acquisition is accounted for using the continuity of interest method, which recognizes CryptoLogic as the successor entity to CryptoLogic Inc. The Exchangeable Shares can be exchanged for an equivalent amount of common shares of the Company at anytime and are accounted for as a minority interest. On June 1,
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2014, CryptoLogic through its subsidiaries will redeem not less than all of the then outstanding Exchangeable Shares for an amount per share equal to the redemption price. The redemption price will be satisfied through the issuance and delivery of one common share of CryptoLogic for each Exchangeable Share. CryptoLogic has issued a special voting share to a third party trustee, the purpose of which is to provide holders of Exchangeable Shares with the right to vote on matters to be voted on by CryptoLogic shareholders. All outstanding options of CryptoLogic Inc. as of the date of the Arrangement were fully assumed by CryptoLogic under the same terms and conditions as originally granted by CryptoLogic Inc. The Exchangeable Shares provide those shareholders with the same voting and dividend r ights as the common shares of CryptoLogic. No additional Exchangeable Shares will be issued and all stock options will give rise to the issue of additional common shares of CryptoLogic.
From December 3, 2008 to December 2, 2009, CryptoLogic had, through its Normal Course Issuer Bid, authorization to repurchase up to 1,267,871 common shares, under which the Company did not buy back any common shares.
Comparison of 2009 and 2008
Net Cash Position
At December 31, 2009, CryptoLogic ended the year with $23.4 million cash and cash equivalents (2008: $36.3 million). The decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $12.9 million is primarily due to cash impact of operating losses ($10.2 million), dividends paid ($1.4 million), increase in prepaid assets ($2.6 million) due primarily to payments to royalty providers including DC Comics, Marvel and Paramount offset by amortization, increase in accounts receivable ($1.8 million) due primarily to the outsourcing of the poker network and the increase in Branded Games which each have a one month delay in cash settlement, a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities ($5.2 million) due to decrease in activity consistent with a cost reduction plan, capital expenditures ($0.4 million), and investments in Asia ($0.5 million). ; These decreases are offset by decrease in restricted cash of $7.2 million and net tax refunds of $2.0m. CryptoLogic continues to be debt free.
We are no longer required to maintain a deposit to support a letter of credit to the Lottery Gaming Authority of Malta to support user funds on deposit (2008: $5.0 million).
At December 31, 2008, we were required to maintain a deposit of $2.2 million that would have been paid to the Company’s former CEO if there had there been a change in control of the Company prior to April 30, 2009. There were no such amounts at December 31, 2009.
We pledge $0.3 million in a security deposit at year end (2008: $0.3 million). We maintain security on deposits as collateral granted to banks and payment processors that process deposit transactions on our behalf.
Operating Activities
Cash flow used in operating activities was $17.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 (2008: $18.6 million). Several factors contributed to the decrease in cash flow from operating activities from the prior year including, but not limited to:
● | losses from operations primarily due to reduced revenues impacting cash by $10.2 million; and |
● | working capital movements of $7.6 million associated with increase in accounts receivable, payments to royalty providers, payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities including amounts for reorganization of our business, offset in part by net tax refunds. |
Financing Activities
In 2009, $1.4 million was used for financing activities (2008: $6.7 million) due to dividends paid of $1.4 million.
CryptoLogic did not declare a dividend for the fourth quarter 2009 and does not expect to declare any dividends for the foreseeable future.
Investing Activities
Investing activities provided $6.3 million in 2009 (2008: $6.2 million). The cash provided by investing activities was due to a reduction in restricted cash of $7.2 as the Company reduced the amount to be maintained to support a letter of credit to the Lottery Gaming Authority of Malta to support user funds, offset by capital expenditure of $0.4 million primarily associated with infrastructure improvement and investments in Jingle Inc. and Mikoishi of $0.5 million.
Working Capital
CryptoLogic’s working capital at December 31, 2009 was $26.5 million (December 31, 2008: $41.2 million).
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User Funds Held on Deposit
User funds held on deposit decreased 26.8% to $7.9 million at December 31, 2009 (2008: $10.8 million). The decrease in user funds is due primarily to the reduction in our poker business.
Capitalization
Since inception, CryptoLogic has had neither debt nor unutilized credit facilities. At December 31, 2009, CryptoLogic had 12,794,020 common shares outstanding and 563,521 stock options outstanding. The 12,794,020 outstanding common shares excludes 1,025,031 (2008: 1,090,974) exchangeable shares in CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation (“CEC”) which are entitled to be exchanged on a one-for-one basis for common shares of the Company. Including the exchangeable shares of CEC, the outstanding common shares of the Company would be 13,819,051 (2008: 13,819,051).
As part of the 2007 reorganization, Canadian residents received Exchangeable Shares of CEC, an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic. The Exchangeable Shares are, as nearly as practicable, the economic equivalent of common shares of CryptoLogic. For accounting purposes, the acquisition is accounted for using the continuity of interest method, which recognizes CryptoLogic as the successor entity to CryptoLogic Inc. The Exchangeable Shares can be exchanged for an equivalent amount of common shares of the Company at anytime and are accounted for as a minority interest. On June 1, 2014, CryptoLogic through its subsidiaries will redeem not less than all of the then outstanding Exchangeable Shares for an amount per share equal to the redemption price. The redemption price will be satisfied th rough the issuance and delivery of one common share of CryptoLogic for each Exchangeable Share. CryptoLogic has issued a special voting share to a third party trustee, the purpose of which is to provide holders of Exchangeable Shares with the right to vote on matters to be voted on by CryptoLogic shareholders. All outstanding options of CryptoLogic Inc. as of the date of the Arrangement were fully assumed by CryptoLogic under the same terms and conditions as originally granted by CryptoLogic Inc. The Exchangeable Shares provide those shareholders with the same voting and dividend rights as the common shares of CryptoLogic. No additional Exchangeable Shares will be issued and all stock options will give rise to the issue of additional common shares of CryptoLogic.
From December 3, 2008 to December 2, 2009, CryptoLogic has, through its Normal Course Issuer Bid, authorization to repurchase up to 1,267,871 common shares, under which we did not buy back any common shares. Under the 2007 Normal Course Issuer Bid, we repurchased and cancelled 124,905 common shares during 2008 for a total cost of $1.4 million.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
CryptoLogic’s accounting policies are specified in the notes to our financial statements, in particular note 1. The accounting estimates discussed below are considered particularly important as they require judgments by management. Management has instituted policies that are intended to ensure these judgments are well controlled and consistently applied from period to period.
The Company licenses various royalty rights, generally on an exclusive basis, from several owners of intellectual property rights. These rights are used to produce games for use in the Hosted Casino and also as Branded Games. Generally the arrangements require material prepayments of minimum guaranteed amounts which have been recorded as prepaid expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These prepaid amounts are amortized over the life of the arrangement as gross revenue is generated or on a straight-line basis if the underlying games are expected to have an effective royalty rate greater than the agreed amount. The amortization of these amounts is recorded as a reduction in the revenue.
The Company regularly reviews its estimates of future revenues under its license arrangements and, during the second quarter of 2010, the review identified that it was appropriate to begin amortizing certain of these royalties on a straight-line basis, such that substantially all of these royalties are amortized on a straight-line basis. For the year ended December 31, 2010 amortization of $3.1 million (2009: $0.8 million; 2008 $1.1 million) was recorded as a reduction of revenue.
Several of the Company's licensees participate in progressive jackpot games. Each time a progressive jackpot game is played, a preset amount is added to a cumulative jackpot for that specific game. Once a jackpot is won, the progressive jackpot game is reset with a predetermined amount. The Company is liable for funding the jackpot wins as well as amounts required to reset the progressive jackpot game from the pool of funds collected and accrues the jackpot amount for all games on a monthly basis. The reset amount is accrued, up to the predetermined amount, as wagering occurs. The accrual for the jackpot at the consolidated balance sheet dates is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
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The Company regularly performs an analysis of the accumulation of jackpot funds and amounts required to address jackpot payouts. During Q4 2009, as part of the statistical analysis of the amounts required for jackpot resets, the Company revised its estimated liability arising from the cumulative jackpot. The change in accounting estimate resulted in the reduction of the liability for jackpot accrual and a corresponding increase in revenue of $0.8 million.
At December 31, 2010, accounts payable and accrued liabilities include $5.4 million in jackpot provisions (2009: $3.0 million). This amount is sufficient to cover the full amount of any required pay-out.
During 2009, the Company reviewed its e-cash operations and determined that certain provisions associated with its commerce based transactions should not be recorded, and further that, based on new facts and circumstances, certain estimates should be revised. Accordingly, approximately $1.7 million that was recorded as a liability for future payments was no longer required. These changes were recorded in revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
The Company may receive from time to time claims and enter into litigation arising out of the ordinary course and conduct of business including intellectual property matters. Management assesses such claims, and if considered likely to result in material exposure and where the amount of the claim is quantifiable, provisions for loss are made based on management’s assessment of the likely outcome. Management does not make provisions for claims that are considered unlikely to result in a significant loss, claims for which the outcome is not determinable or claims where the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated. Any settlements or awards under such claims are provided for when reasonably determinable. Adjustments will be made to the accrual for such amounts as new information is obtained or the claim settled. During 2009, the Company reviewed its accounting for certain contingencies and determined $0.8 million was no longer required, which increased revenue by a corresponding amount.
The Company regularly reviews its long-term assets, comprising capital assets, intangible assets and long-term investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability generally requires the Company to estimate the fair value of the long-term asset, which requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments on several items including, but not limited to, the future cash flows that will be generated by these assets and the appropriate discount rate to apply to those cash flows. Measurement of any impairment loss for long-lived assets is based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. During 2010, the Company recorded impairment charges of $5.6 associa ted with intangible assets and certain capital assets. (2009: $15.5 million impairment associated with goodwill, capital assets and long-term investments).
Accounting for both current and future tax requires the Company to make assumptions, judgments and estimates about current tax laws, which require certain interpretations of tax laws in several jurisdictions around the world as well as possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by the respective tax authorities. The Company has established reserves for income taxes to address potential exposures involving tax positions that could be challenged by tax authorities. Although the Company believes our assumptions, judgments and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of the current and any future tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in its consolidated financial statements.
The Company’s assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the value of a deferred tax asset take into account predictions of the amount and category of future taxable income, such as income from operations or capital gains income. Actual operating results and the underlying amount and category of income in future years could render our current assumptions, judgments and estimates of recoverable net deferred taxes inaccurate. Any of the assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above could cause the Company’s actual income tax obligations to differ from its estimates, thus materially impacting its financial position and results of operations.
The Company has a stock option plan where the amount of compensation expensed is determined using an option pricing model. In addition, the Company provided a long-term incentive program where the amount of the compensation expensed is determined based on estimated performance criteria and the Company’s stock price. Calculations for these plans with the necessary assumptions inherently mean judgments are required by management.
Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
In February 2008, the Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) confirmed that the use of IFRS will be required in 2011 for publicly accountable enterprises in Canada. In April 2008, the AcSB issued an IFRS Omnibus Exposure Draft proposing that publicly accountable enterprises be required to apply IFRS, in full and without modification, on January 1, 2011.
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The adoption of IFRS will require the restatement of amounts reported by the Company for its previous year end, and of the opening balance sheet as at the date of adoption.
The IFRS conversion project consists of three phases which have been substantially completed by the Company. However, management has not yet finalized the determination of the impact of these differences on the consolidated financial statements.
Phase One: Scoping and Diagnostics, which involved project planning and staffing and identification of differences between current Canadian GAAP and IFRS.
Phase Two: Analysis and Development, involved detailed diagnostics and evaluation of the financial impacts of various options and alternative methodologies provided for under IFRS; identification and design of operational and financial business processes; initial staff and audit committee training; analysis of IFRS 1 optional exemptions and mandatory exceptions to the general requirement for full retrospective application upon transition to IFRS; summarization of 2011 IFRS disclosure requirements; and development of required solutions to address identified issues.
Phase Three: Implementation and Review involved the execution of changes to information systems and business processes; completion of formal authorization processes to approve recommended accounting policy changes; and further training programs across the Company’s finance and other affected areas, as necessary, culminating in the collection of financial information necessary to compile IFRS-compliant financial statements and reconciliations; embedding of IFRS in business processes; and audit committee approval of IFRS-compliant financial statements.
Impact on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company has completed an assessment of its internal controls over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures. There were no matters identified that materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Changes in Accounting Policies
The Company has identified the following key areas where changes in accounting policies are expected to impact our consolidated financial statements. The individual amounts disclosed, which are estimates based on current expectations, are on a pre-tax basis and the tax impact of all changes discussed is presented on an overall basis. The list and comments should not be regarded as a complete list of estimated changes that will result from transition to IFRS and are intended to highlight those areas the Company believes are most significant.
The information set out below is provided to allow users of the financial statements to obtain a better understanding of the Company’s IFRS changeover plan and the resulting possible effects on, for example, the financial statements and operating performance measures. These are estimates based on the Company’s current understandings, and readers are cautioned that it may not be appropriate to use such information for any other purpose. This information also reflects the Company’s most recent assumptions and expectations; circumstances may arise such as changes in IFRS, regulations or economic conditions, which could change the assumptions or expectations.
The following unaudited consolidated financial statements show the expected impacts of the noted differences between IFRS and Canadian GAAP as at the date of transition (January 1, 2010) and as at and for the year ended December 31, 2010.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Previous GAAP | Effect of transition to IFRS | IFRS | Previous GAAP | Effect of transition to IFRS | IFRS | |||||||||||||||
Notes | January 1, 2010 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets | $ | 1,549 | $ | – | $ | 1,549 | $ | 864 | $ | – | $ | 864 | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | D | 7,774 | (4,948 | ) | 2,826 | 4,713 | (2,128 | ) | 2,585 | |||||||||||
Intangible assets | B, D | 4,342 | 4,564 | 8,906 | 95 | 2,115 | 2,210 | |||||||||||||
Total non-current assets | 13,665 | (384 | ) | 13,281 | 5,672 | (13 | ) | 5,659 | ||||||||||||
Total current assets | 49,705 | – | 49,705 | 31,886 | – | 31,886 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 63,370 | $ | (384 | ) | $ | 62,986 | $ | 37,558 | $ | (13 | ) | $ | 37,545 | ||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share capital | $ | 33,916 | $ | – | $ | 33,916 | $ | 34,129 | $ | – | $ | 34,129 | ||||||||
Stock options | A | 7,633 | (1,987 | ) | 5,646 | 7,826 | (2,262 | ) | 5,564 | |||||||||||
Deficit | A | (4,753 | ) | 1,987 | (2,766 | ) | (25,140 | ) | 2,262 | (22,878 | ) | |||||||||
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company | 36,796 | – | 36,796 | 16,815 | – | 16,815 | ||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest | C | 2,948 | – | 2,948 | 1,226 | – | 1,226 | |||||||||||||
Total equity | 39,744 | – | 39,744 | 18,041 | – | 18,041 | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | B | 384 | (384 | ) | – | 29 | (13 | ) | 16 | |||||||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 384 | (384 | ) | – | 29 | (13 | ) | 16 | ||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 23,242 | – | 23,242 | 19,488 | – | 19,488 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 23,626 | (384 | ) | 23,242 | 19,517 | (13 | ) | 19,504 | ||||||||||||
Total equity and liabilities | $ | 63,370 | $ | (384 | ) | $ | 62,986 | $ | 37,558 | $ | (13 | ) | $ | 37,545 |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Previous GAAP | Effect of transition to IFRA | IFRS | |||||||||||
Note | December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||
Continuing operations: | |||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 25,988 | $ | – | $ | 25,988 | |||||||
Operating expenses: | A | 30,230 | (275 | ) | 29,955 | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 7,561 | – | 7,561 | ||||||||||
Reorganization expenses | 1,935 | – | 1,935 | ||||||||||
Impairment of property, plant and equipment | 1,763 | – | 1,763 | ||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets | 3,566 | – | 3,566 | ||||||||||
Depreciation | 2,047 | – | 2,047 | ||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 325 | – | 325 | ||||||||||
47,427 | (275 | ) | 47,152 | ||||||||||
Results from operating activities | (21,439 | ) | 275 | (21,164 | ) | ||||||||
Finance income | 80 | – | 80 | ||||||||||
Finance costs | (65 | ) | – | (65 | ) | ||||||||
Net finance costs | 15 | – | 15 | ||||||||||
Other income | 185 | – | 185 | ||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (21,239 | ) | 275 | (20,964 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 657 | – | 657 | ||||||||||
Loss for the period | (21,896 | ) | 275 | (21,621 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income | – | – | – | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the period net of income tax | – | – | – | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the period | $ | (21,896 | ) | $ | 275 | $ | (21,621 | ) | |||||
Loss attributable to: | |||||||||||||
Shareholders of the Company | (20,387 | ) | 275 | (20,112 | ) | ||||||||
Non-controlling interests | (1,509 | ) | – | (1,509 | ) | ||||||||
Loss for the period | $ | (21,896 | ) | $ | 275 | $ | (21,621 | ) | |||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to: | |||||||||||||
Shareholders of the Company | – | – | – | ||||||||||
Non-controlling interests | – | – | – | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the period | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | |||||||
Loss per share: | |||||||||||||
Basic loss per share | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (1.57 | ) | |||||||
Diluted loss per share | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (1.57 | ) |
A. | Share-Based Payments |
The Company has a stock option plan for directors, officers and other key employees. Under Canadian GAAP, stock option grants are accounted for as capital transactions at the time of the grant and are reflected as stock options in the total equity attributable to the equity holders of the Company. The fair value of the options is measured at grant date using the Black-Scholes pricing model, and is recognized over the period that the employee earns the options. The fair value is recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss with a corresponding increase in equity. The amount recognized as expense is adjusted to reflect the number of share options expected to vest. The Company does not estimate forfeitures in determining the expense to be recognized over the service period and forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
Under IFRS, stock options for directors, officers and other key employees are measured initially, based on the fair value of the options, using an option-pricing model. Each vesting installment over the vesting period of the options is accounted for as a separate arrangement and the Company estimates the number of options for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered.
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Expected Impact:
In accordance with IFRS 1, the adjustment will be recorded in opening deficit upon transition to IFRS. We expect the change at January 1, 2010 will be a decrease in deficit of $2.0 million with a corresponding decrease in stock options reserve. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 is expected to increase by $0.3 million.
B. | Deferred Tax |
In January 2007, the Company acquired the poker brand and the customer list of Parbet and the assets and operations of Casino.co.uk, a gaming portal. Included in the allocation of the purchase price, the Company recorded future income tax liabilities.
Under IFRS, a deferred tax liability is not recognized if it arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit.
Expected Impact:
In accordance with IFRS 1, an adjustment will be recorded as a decrease in intangible assets in the consolidated balance sheets and a corresponding decrease in deferred tax liabilities. We expect the change at January 1, 2010 will be a decrease in intangible assets in the consolidated balance sheets of $0.4 million with a corresponding decrease in deferred taxes. The Company does not expect any impact to net income for the year ended December 31, 2010.
C. | Non-Controlling Interest |
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company classifies non-controlling interest (minority interest) as a separate component between liabilities and equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
Under IFRS, non-controlling interest is classified as a component of equity separately disclosed from the parent shareholders’ equity.
In addition, the Company has elected to avail of the exemption under IFRS 1, not to retrospectively restate any business combinations under IFRS 3 Revised.
Expected Impact:
In accordance with IFRS 1, the adjustment will be recorded as a reduction in non-controlling interest recorded as a separate component between liabilities and equity of $3.0 million and a corresponding increase in equity.
D. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company classifies computer software licenses and capitalized software development costs as property, plant and equipment.
Under IFRS, computer software licenses and capitalized software development costs are classified as intangible assets.
Expected impact:
In accordance with IFRS 1, the adjustment will be recorded as a reduction in property, plant and equipment and a corresponding increase in intangible assets of $4.9 million at January 1, 2010 and $2.1 million at December 31, 2010.
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
CryptoLogic makes significant investments in research and development to remain competitive with technology advancements and product evolution in the global online gaming market. Research and development personnel comprised 18% of our workforce at December 31, 2010 (2009: 34%; 2008: 34%).
D. TREND INFORMATION
Refer to the Overview at the beginning of this “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” above.
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As of March 21, 2011, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
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F. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes our known contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010:
Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||
(In thousands of U.S. dollars) | |||||||||||||||
Facility leases | $ | 4,688 | $ | 1,161 | $ | 2,033 | $ | 932 | $ | 562 | |||||
Minimum royalty payments and purchase commitments | 3,344 | 2,590 | 529 | 225 | – | ||||||||||
Total outstanding cash commitments | $ | 8,032 | $ | 3,751 | $ | 2,562 | $ | 1,157 | $ | 562 |
Total cash commitments at December 31, 2010 were $8.0 million (2009: $14.6 million). The Company has entered into lease agreements for premises expiring at various periods up to May 2020.
G. SAFE HARBOR
Refer to “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” on page 2 of this annual report.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table and the narrative that follows set forth the name, age, residence, position, date of first election of each director and member of senior management for CryptoLogic as at March 21, 2011.
Name and Municipality of Residence | Age | Principal Occupation | Served as a Director (5)/ Officer Since |
Thomas Byrne (1)(2)(3)(4) Dublin, Ireland | 61 | ● Director ● Self-employed Chartered Accountant | April 13, 2007 |
David M.J. Gavagan (2)(3)(4) Dublin, Ireland | 59 | ● Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director ● Self-employed Chartered Accountant | June 17, 2008 |
James Wallace (1)(2)(4) Cheshire, England | 67 | ● Director ● Self-employed Chartered Accountant | June 3, 2009 |
Huw Spiers Dublin, Ireland | 47 | ● Group Head of Operations and Chief Financial Officer | August 15, 2010 |
John Loughrey Dublin, Ireland | 49 | ● General Counsel and Company Secretary | August 11, 2010 |
Ian Price West Sussex, England | 49 | ● Group Head of Business Development | October 1, 2010 |
(1) | Member of Audit Committee at December 31, 2010 and up to March 21, 2011. |
(2) | Member of Remuneration Committee at December 31, 2010 and up to March 21, 2011. |
(3) | Member of Nominating Committee at December 31, 2010 and up to March 21, 2011. |
(4) | Member of Compliance and Governance Committee at December 31, 2010 and up to March 21, 2011. |
(5) | Each director is elected annually to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders. |
Biographies of each of the directors and officers set out in the above table and their respective positions held for the last five years are noted below.
Thomas Byrne is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Director. He was a partner in a global accounting firm before joining Ireland’s largest brokerage firm where he was head of Corporate Finance. He set up his own corporate advisory company in 2001. He served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of EcoSecurities Group Plc until it was privatized in late 2009. In addition to serving on the boards of SWIP 11 PLC, the Irish Takeover Panel, and the Institute of Directors in Ireland, he is also a non-executive director of a number of Irish private companies.
David M.J. Gavagan was the co-founder and managing/senior partner of Hibernia Capital Partners, where he served in this capacity from 1996 until the fund closed in 2006. Hibernia Capital Partners was a private equity fund manager. At present, Mr. Gavagan is a self-employed Chartered Accountant and serves as a non-executive director on a number of private companies. Mr. Gavagan was appointed Chairman of the Board at the annual shareholder’s meeting on June 3, 2009. Mr. Gavagan was appointed Interim CEO on August 12, 2010.
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James Wallace, FCA is a professional public company director who currently sits on the boards of two public companies in the United Kingdom. He is currently Chairman of Scapa Group plc, and a non-executive director of the Manchester Airport Group. Previously Mr. Wallace served as senior independent non-executive director and Audit Committee Chairman of NCC Group plc until 2010, Chairman of Bodycote International plc until 2008, and senior independent non-executive director of Holidaybreak plc until 2008. Mr. Wallace also served as Chairman of Sigma Capital Group plc until 2008 and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Sanctuary Group plc until 2007. Mr. Wallace is also a chartered accountant by profession.
Huw Spiers, FCA is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. From 2009 to 2010, Mr. Spiers was CFO at dotMobi, a leading domain registry and mobile technology company based in Dublin. Mr. Spiers prior posts include nine years at PolarLake, a provider of data distribution and integration solutions primarily for financial services and government markets, five years as director and CFO of London & Overseas Freighters, a NASDAQ and LSE-listed tanker shipping group headquartered in Bermuda, and Senior Manager with KPMG Peat Marwick.
John Loughrey was appointed General Counsel and Company Secretary in August 2010. He previously held senior positions in the legal department for Vodafone Group Plc, and was an attorney for AirTouch Communications, Inc., and an associate with the law firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey.
Ian Price has over twenty years experience in senior management and operational roles in the betting and gaming industry and now leads CryptoLogic’s business development, product management and sales teams. Mr. Price’s previous roles include Chief Operating Officer at LVS, a betting and gaming software development company, Head of UK Retail Operations at Paddy Power, Managing Director of Victor Chandler International, Operations Director at Victor Chandler International, and Regional Director at William Hill.
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B. COMPENSATION
The following table presents all compensation in respect of senior management for the financial year ended December 31, 2010.
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary (1) | Share-Based Awards | Option-Based Awards | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | Pension Value | All Other Compensation | Total Compensation | |
Annual Incentive Plans | Long-Term Incentive Plans | ||||||||
David Gavagan Chairman, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director | 2010 | 111,549 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 76,263 (2) | 187,812 |
Huw Spiers Group Head of Operations and Chief Financial Officer | 2010 | 98,139 | NIL | NIL | 37,144 | NIL | 9,336 | 6,078 (3) | 150,697 |
Ian Price Group Head of Business Development | 2010 | 255,041 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 29,368 | 10,820 (3) | 295,229 |
Brian Hadfield Former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | 2010 | 413,181 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 337,684 (4) | 750,865 |
Stephen Taylor Former Chief Financial Officer and Director | 2010 | 212,276 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 10,146 | 370,806 (5) | 593,228 |
Tom McInnes Former Managing Director of AdsDotCom | 2010 | 184,071 | NIL | NIL | 20,857 | NIL | 7,701 | 87,989 (4) | 300,618 |
Barry Townsend Former Head of Development and Operations | 2010 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 280,098 (6) | 280,098 |
(1) | All amounts in this Table are expressed in US dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, where actual compensation was paid in a currency other than US dollars, the amounts in this Table are calculated based on the average effective local currency to US dollar exchange rate for fiscal year 2010. |
(2) | This is the amount paid for being Chairman of the Board and a Director. |
(3) | This amount consists of a car allowance. |
(4) | These amounts are made up of (i) separation agreement payments and (ii) a car allowance. |
(5) | These amounts are made up of (i) amounts earned by Mr. Taylor while working away from Ireland, (ii) allowances for ongoing expenses provided to Mr. Taylor associated with his relocation and the relocation of his family to Dublin, Ireland including car allowance, cost of living adjustments, housing allowances and tuition reimbursements for the educational requirements of his family, (iii) a retention bonus due on each anniversary date of the date of his employment agreement with the Company up to February 14, 2010 and (iv) a payout for unused vacation days in Ireland. Mr. Taylor’s duties required him to spend approximately one-third of his time away from Ireland. With respect to the portion of his compensation associated with his time away from Ireland, Mr. Taylor was paid through a consulting arrangement between a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and a corporation wholly-owned by M r. Taylor. |
(6) | Mr. Townsend was a consultant to the Company. His primary role was to oversee the functions of our Development and Operations Groups. These amounts represent the fees paid to Townsend Squared Limited for the services of Mr. Townsend. |
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Incentive Plan Awards
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table presents information relating to all share-based and option-based awards outstanding as at December 31, 2010 in respect of senior management.
Option-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards | |||||
Name | Number Of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options | Option Exercise Price | Option Expiration Date | Value Of Unexercised In-The- Money Options | Number Of Shares Or Units Of Shares That Have Not Vested | Market Or Payout Value Of Share-Based Awards That Have Not Vested |
(#) | ($) (1) | ($) | (#) | ($) | ||
Huw Spiers | 45,000 | 1.18 | September 9, 2015 | 10,350 | NIL | NIL |
Ian Price | 10,000 | C$3.30 | July 12, 2014 | NIL | NIL | NIL |
(1) | All amounts in this Table are expressed in US dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned During the Year
Name | Option-Based Awards - Value Vested During The Year (1) | Share-Based Awards - Value Vested During The Year | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation - Value Earned During The Year |
David Gavagan | NIL | NIL | NIL |
Huw Spiers | NIL | NIL | 37,144 |
Ian Price | NIL | NIL | NIL |
Brian Hadfield | NIL | NIL | NIL |
Stephen Taylor | NIL | NIL | NIL |
Tom McInnes | NIL | NIL | 20,857 |
Barry Townsend | NIL | NIL | NIL |
(1) | All amounts in this Table are expressed in US dollars. |
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) was adopted by the Board of Directors with effect as of January 1, 2005. The LTIP is intended to enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain high quality individuals to serve as officers and executives of the Company and to align the interests of officers and executives with those of shareholders of the Company. The LTIP provides performance-based incentives, payable in cash, Shares or a combination of both. Any payments in Shares are made through acquisitions of those Shares by the Company in the secondary market, which avoids any dilutive effect to shareholders’ interests. The LTIP provides for the granting of performance share units (“PSUs”) on a discretionary basis to reward participants for growth in the Comp any’s earnings per share and share price, with vesting occurring over a 3 year period (generally referred to as a “performance cycle”). In the LTIP’s inaugural year, 50% of the initial grant of PSUs was structured to vest at the end of year 2, and the remaining 50% at the end of year 3. In subsequent years, grants are generally structured to vest 100% at the end of year 3. Vesting may also be accelerated under certain circumstances, such as a change of control of the Company as defined in the LTIP, or a participant’s death. The Chief Executive Officer, the President, each Vice President, each Director or Director-level executive, each other officer of the Company and certain consultants are eligible to participate in the LTIP, on a discretionary basis. Non-employee members of the Board of Directors are not eligible participants. Generally, PSUs granted under the LTIP are not transferable. PSU grants and the financial and performance objectives required for PSUs to vest are subject to review and approval of the Remuneration Committee.
The LTIP has been designed to reward participants for growth in earnings per share and share price through overlapping three-year performance cycles. The LTIP payout is generally based upon the product of three factors: (i) the number of PSUs awarded; (ii) the share price at the end of the performance cycle; and (iii) a “performance modifier” that is
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based upon cumulative earnings per share actually achieved by the Company during the performance cycle. Generally, if cumulative targeted earnings per share are not satisfied, no payouts are made. Grants were made under the LTIP from 2005 to 2007 with final maturity on December 31, 2009. No amounts were earned in fiscal year 2009, the final year of maturity. No PSUs have been granted since fiscal 2007.
Pension Plan Benefits
The Company provides pension benefits to certain members of the senior management: Mr. Spiers in respect of whom the Company was contractually obligated to contribute $9,336 in 2010 and Mr. Taylor, in respect of whom the Company was contractually obligated to contribute $10,146 in 2010 to the pension plan provided by the Company for all of its Ireland-based employees; Mr. Price, in respect of whom the Company was contractually obligated to contribute $29,368 in 2010 to a pension plan; and Mr. McInnes, in respect of whom the Company was contractually obligated to contribute $7,701 to a pension plan. Certain other managers receive pension benefits which were not material in 2010.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
The following is a summary of termination and change of control payments or benefits accruing to senior management.
Huw Spiers – Group Head of Operations and Chief Financial Officer
The Company and Mr. Spiers entered into an employment agreement dated May 6, 2010. Pursuant to Mr. Spiers’ employment agreement he is entitled to receive a fixed base salary, a bonus, a car allowance, and a contribution to his pension. Any incremental payments that would be triggered under various termination circumstances are summarized below:
Termination by the Company Other Than For Cause
The Company may terminate Mr. Spiers’ employment by giving notice. In such case, Mr. Spiers will be entitled to a lump sum payment made up of the following sums: (a) 12 months’ base salary; and (b) any unpaid bonus in respect of the previous year of employment.
Termination With Respect to a Change of Control
(The contracts of various members of senior management contain a definition of “change of control” and such definitions are not necessarily identical in all cases.)
In the event Mr. Spiers’ employment is terminated in connection with or following a change of control of the Company, Mr. Spiers will be entitled to a termination payment as set out above, and in addition, he will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to three months’ base salary.
Voluntary Termination by Mr. Spiers
Mr. Spiers must provide the Company with a minimum of three months’ written notice should he wish to voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company.
Ian Price – Group Head of Business Development
The Company and Mr. Price entered into an employment agreement dated December 6, 2009. Pursuant to Mr. Price’s employment agreement he is entitled to receive a fixed base salary, a bonus, a car allowance, and a contribution to his pension. Any incremental payments that would be triggered under various termination circumstances are summarized below:
Termination by the Company Other Than For Cause
The Company may terminate Mr. Price’s employment by giving a minimum of nine months’ written notice. The Company may elect to pay Mr. Price in lieu of his period of notice.
Voluntary Termination by Mr. Price
Mr. Price must provide the Company with a minimum of nine months’ written notice should he wish to voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company.
Brian Hadfield – Former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Brian Hadfield resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Director in August 2010. Under the terms of an agreement entered into with Mr. Hadfield at the time of his resignation, Mr. Hadfield received a payment of €250,000. Mr. Hadfield also agreed to certain non-compete and non-solicitation obligations.
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Stephen Taylor – Former Chief Financial Officer and Director
Stephen Taylor resigned as Chief Financial Officer in August 2010. Mr. Taylor is the owner of Westbury Marketing Limited (“Westbury”), which is a party to a Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”), dated June 1, 2007 with Game Pack, a joint venture made up of three companies owned by the Company. Under the terms of an agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by the Company with Mr. Taylor at the time of his resignation, the Consulting Agreement was terminated and Westbury is to receive a cancellation fee of €22,000. The Agreement also provided that CryptoLogic Inc., the Company’s subsidiary, and Mr. Taylor enter into a one year employment contract pursuant to which Mr. Taylor will receive a base salary of $260,000.
Tom McInnes – Former Managing Director of AdsDotCom
Tom McInnes resigned as Managing Director of AdsDotCom in September 2010. Under the terms of an agreement entered into with Mr. McInnes at the time of his departure, Mr. McInnes received a payment of GB£48,150.
Director Compensation
Director Compensation Table
The following table presents all amounts of compensation provided to the directors for the year ended December 31, 2010:
Name | Fees Earned (1) | Share-Based Awards | Option-Based Awards | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | Pension Value | All Other Compensation | Total |
Thomas Byrne | 59,508 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 59,508 |
Geoffrey Finlay (2) | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL |
Stephen Freedhoff (3) | 19,857 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 19,857 |
David Gavagan | 76,263 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 76,263 |
Robert Stikeman(4) | 19,857 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 19,857 |
James Wallace | 59,508 | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 59,508 |
(1) | All amounts are in US dollars. |
(2) | Geoffrey Finlay was appointed on May 17, 2010 and resigned on July 14, 2010. |
(3) | Stephen Freedhoff did not stand for re-election and ceased to be a director on May 17, 2010. |
(4) | Robert Stikeman did not stand for re-election and ceased to be a director on May 17, 2010. |
Narrative Discussion
Director compensation consists of a retainer fee for non-executive directors and additional fees in connection with service as Board Chairman or committee chairs. For the most recently completed financial year, director fees were set at €40,000 per annum ($52,920 per annum, based on the average effective euro to US dollar exchange rate for fiscal year 2010), with an additional €4,000 ($5,292, based on the average effective euro to US dollar exchange rate for fiscal year 2010) payable in connection with serving as a committee chair, and an additional €66,000 ($90,116 based on the average effective euro to US dollar exchange rate for fiscal year 2010) payable in connection with serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
There were no share-based or option-based awards outstanding as at December 31, 2010 in respect of the directors.
All Directors are elected annually by the Company’s shareholders and hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Directors' service contracts do not provide for benefits upon termination of service.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the general supervision of the management of the business. The Board will meet regularly to review the business operations, corporate governance and financial results of the Company.
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The Board will discharge its responsibilities directly or through its committees, which consist of the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee, the Compliance and Governance Committee and the Nominating Committee. Copies of the Terms of Reference for each committee are available on our website at www.cryptologic.com.
For information concerning the period during which the current directors have served as director of the Company, see “Item 6.A. – Directors and Senior Management”.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are Thomas Byrne and James Wallace. Mr. Byrne serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Each member is “independent” as that term is defined by the NASDAQ listing standards applicable to the Company. The Audit Committee normally meets a minimum of four times per year.
The overall purpose of the Audit Committee is to monitor the Company’s system of internal financial controls and procedures, to evaluate and report on the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, to enhance the independence of the Company’s external auditors and to oversee the financial reporting process of the Company.
Remuneration Committee
The members of the Remuneration Committee are James Wallace and Thomas Byrne, both of whom are independent directors, and David Gavagan. Mr. Wallace serves as the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. The Remuneration Committee normally meets a minimum of two times per year.
The duties of the Remuneration Committee include recommending to the Board appropriate human resource and compensation policies for the Company. The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for reviewing compensation for the directors and officers. The committee periodically reviews the adequacy and form of the compensation of the directors of the Company with a view to ensuring that such compensation realistically reflects the responsibilities and risks of being a director.
Compliance and Governance Committee
The members of the Compliance and Governance Committee are David Gavagan, Thomas Byrne and James Wallace. Mr. Gavagan serves as Chairman of the Compliance and Governance Committee. The Compliance and Governance Committee normally meets not less than once per year.
The Compliance and Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company’s corporate governance (committees, mandates and composition) on an annual basis to ensure: (i) adherence to best practices based on evolving industry standards; and (ii) legal compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations pertaining to, among other things, financial reporting, internal controls, disclosure of a non-financial nature, as well as the evolution of fiduciary standards, and prescribed by statute, regulation and as it evolves in common law.
The Compliance and Governance Committee also reviews the Company’s compliance practice relating to the license and certification of its subsidiary’s gaming software to the Internet gaming industry, reviewing all probity reports requested respecting its subsidiaries’ licensees, and assessing global legislative developments as they may affect the Company’s business around the world.
Nominating Committee
The Board of Directors considers its size each year when it considers the number of Director nominees to recommend to the shareholders for election at the annual meeting of shareholders, taking into account the number required to carry out the Board’s duties effectively and to maintain a diversity of views and experience.
The members of the Nominating Committee are David Gavagan and Thomas Byrne. Mr. Gavagan serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee normally meets when appropriate, but at least once per year. The Nominating Committee reviews the skills of the prospective directors, identifies any deficiencies and directs interviewing of suitable candidates. In order to encourage an independent nominating process, once a candidate is identified, such candidate meets with the Directors on an individual basis and as a group to discuss the Company’s business and regulatory activities. The Directors then receive a recommendation from the Nominating Committee on any candidate, who must be approved by the Board as a whole.
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D. EMPLOYEES
The following table sets forth information detailing the total number of employees at the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, which excluded an average of 14 consultants or independent contractors during the most recent financial year.
2010 | % Total | 2009 | % Total | 2008 | % Total | |||||||||||||
Total number of employees | 111 | 100 | % | 211 | 100 | % | 276 | 100 | % | |||||||||
By country: | ||||||||||||||||||
Malta | 47 | 43 | % | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||
Canada | 39 | 35 | % | 94 | 45 | % | 151 | 55 | % | |||||||||
Ireland | 18 | 16 | % | 25 | 12 | % | 17 | 6 | % | |||||||||
United Kingdom | 7 | 6 | % | 43 | 20 | % | 35 | 13 | % | |||||||||
Cyprus | – | – | 41 | 19 | % | 65 | 23 | % | ||||||||||
Other | – | – | 8 | 4 | % | 8 | 3 | % |
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth, as of March 21, 2011, the number of the Company’s Common Shares (including Exchangeable Shares) beneficially owned by the then serving senior management and Directors of the Company, individually, and as a group, and the percentage of ownership of the outstanding Common Shares (including Exchangeable Shares) represented by such shares.
The Common Share (including Exchangeable Shares) held by senior management and Directors listed below have voting rights no different than the voting rights associated with Common Shares generally.
Name of Beneficial Owner | Common Shares Held | Percent of Class |
Thomas Byrne | 8,000 | * |
James Wallace | NIL | * |
David Gavagan | 3,000 | * |
Ian Price | 40,000 | * |
Huw Spiers | 95,000 | * |
Senior Management and Directors of the Company as a group (6 persons) | 146,000 (1) |
* Less than 1%
(1) Includes the following options to purchase Common Shares
Name | Number of Options (#) | Exercise Price ($) | Date of Expiration |
Ian Price | 10,000 30,000 | C$3.30 US$1.45 | December 7, 2014 January 7, 2016 |
Huw Spiers | 45,000 50,000 | US$1.18 US$1.45 | September 9, 2015 January 7, 2016 |
Stock Option Plan
The Company maintains a Stock Option Plan for its directors, officers and employees. The principal features of the Stock Option Plan are as follows:
● | The Stock Option Plan authorizes the issuance of 3,900,000 options. As of December 31, 2010, there were 1,256,712 options are available for issuance under the Stock Option Plan. |
● | Options have a term of five years or less and will be subject to earlier termination in certain circumstances. An option will only become exercisable after the following vesting periods: |
● | one-third of the options granted to Directors will vest at the date of grant, one additional third one year thereafter, and the remaining third one year after that; |
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● | unless otherwise permitted by the Remuneration Committee, all other options granted will vest at a rate of one-quarter of the total amount granted per year, the first vesting date to follow one year after the date of grant. Vesting dates will follow annually on the anniversary date of the original grant, provided that in the event of a public takeover bid all options will immediately vest. |
● | Any option granted under the Option Plan, to the extent that such option has not been validly exercised, will terminate on the earlier of the following dates: (i) the date of expiration specified in the option agreement; (ii) 30 days after the date of the termination or expiration of the optionee’s employment, directorship or service agreement other than by cause and other than by retirement, permanent disability or death; (iii) six (6) months after the date of the optionee’s death; and (iv) three (3) months after termination of the optionee’s employment by permanent disability or retirement under any retirement plan of the Company. |
● | No one person may receive or hold options entitling the purchase of 5% or more the outstanding Common Shares of the Company. |
● | The exercise price is fixed by the directors but is not less than the market value of the Common Shares at the date of the grant (the closing price on the day of the grant or the average between highest and lowest prices on such day). |
● | Stock options are not assignable by the holder. |
● | The CEO may issue up to 5,000 options to non-executive staff members without approval from the remuneration committee. However the CEO must report any issuances immediately. |
● | No financial assistance will be provided by the Company to option holders in connection with the exercise of stock options granted under the Stock Option Plan. |
● | The Stock Option Plan is administered by the Board of Directors on the advice of the Remuneration Committee. |
● | Amendments to the Stock Option Plan require the approval of the directors and those shareholders not otherwise eligible to receive a benefit under the plan. |
The following table sets forth the number of Common Shares authorized for issuance under the Stock Option Plan as at December 31, 2010.
Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
(a) | (b) | (c) | |
Stock Option Plan C$ | 153,500 | C$20.63 | – (1) |
Stock Option Plan US$ | 70,000 | US$1.61 | 1,256,712 (1) |
(1) | Stock Options can be issued in either C$ or US$. For simplification purposes, the amount disclosed here has been classified as US$. |
Employee Share Purchase Plan
In 2005, the Company established an Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP) to provide employees with an opportunity to purchase Shares, further participants’ alignment with the interests of shareholders and allow them to participate in the growth of the Company. Participation is limited to eligible employees and independent consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. Employees become eligible after six months of employment with the Company. There are four (4) offering periods (each, an “Offering Period”) per year (once a quarter), as determined by the Board of Directors. Shares will be purchased, through an agent, at market value on the open market of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Employees may elect to purchase shares through a cash transaction at the beginning of the Offering Period, or through payroll deductions over a 12 month period. Employees can contribute up to 10% of their salary (excluding bonuses). The Company will match 50% of the employee’s contribution, subject to a C$2,500 annual limit. Shares purchased with Company match funds will have a 12 month hold period (from the date of purchase).
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No Common Shares were purchased as part of the ESPP in 2010. As at December 31, 2010 there were 1,812 Shares held under the Employee Share Purchase Plan.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
As of March 21, 2011 there were 12,907,120 Common Shares of CryptoLogic outstanding and 911,931 Exchangeable Shares in CEC outstanding. Including Exchangeable Shares, the Common Shares outstanding would be 13,819,051. The holders of Exchangeable Shares are entitled to one vote per Exchangeable Share. CryptoLogic Limited has issued a special voting share to a third party trustee, the purpose of which is to provide holders of Exchangeable Shares with the right to vote on CryptoLogic matters. For the purposes of the table below, the number of Common Shares and Exchangeable Shares are added together to determine the percentage of votes held.
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Shares as of March 21, 2011 by each person or organization that is known to us to own beneficially or exercise control or direction over shares carrying more than 5% of our outstanding Common Shares.
Name and Location of Beneficial Owner | Number of Common Shares | Percent of Common Shares Outstanding (excluding Exchangeable Shares) | Percent of Common Shares Outstanding (including Exchangeable Shares) (5) |
Thousand Hills Limited Isle of Man | 1,375,144 (1) | 10.65% | 9.95% |
Royce & Associates, LLC New York, U.S.A. | 1,233,875 (2) | 9.56% | 8.93% |
DAS Capital Distressed Assets and Special Situations Fund Cayman Islands. | 959,911 (3) | 7.44% | 6.95% |
Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation New York, U.S.A. | 826,500 (4) | 6.40% | 5.98% |
(1) | Based upon information reported by Thousand Hills Limited in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on March 18, 2011 with respect to its beneficial ownership as of March 17, 2011. |
(2) | Based upon information reported by Royce & Associates, LLC in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 4, 2011 with respect to its beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2010. |
(3) | Based upon information reported by DAS Capital Distressed Assets and Special Situations Fund in a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on January 31, 2011 with respect to its beneficial ownership as of January 18, 2011. |
(4) | Based upon information reported by Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 11, 2011 with respect to its beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2010. |
(5) | Based upon 13,819,051 shares outstanding (including Exchangeable Shares) as of March 21, 2011 and presuming the listed beneficial owners’ position remained unchanged. |
The Common Shares held by the major shareholders listed above have voting rights no different than the voting rights associated with Common Shares generally.
As at March 21, 2011, we believe there were eight record holders of our Common Shares in the U.S., holding 99.2% of the outstanding Common Shares (excluding Exchangeable Shares). However, we believe the number of beneficial shareholders is much higher, as the bulk of the shares held by these eight registered holders are held in trust for others. To our knowledge, the Company’s Exchangeable Shares are only held by Canadian residents.
As far as is known to the Company, CryptoLogic is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by another foreign government or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has engaged the services of Stikeman Keeley Spiegel Pasternack LLP, a law firm in which Robert Stikeman (former Chairman of the Board of Directors) is a partner. Fees paid to this firm were $0.01 million in 2010 (2009:
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$0.06 million; 2008: $0.4 million). In fiscal 2009, the Company determined that Stikeman Keeley Spiegel Pasternack LLP would no longer act as primary outside counsel and its services have been transitioned to another law firm.
The Company incurred no fees in 2010 (2009: $0.03 million; 2008: $0.01 million) to Stamford Law Corporation, a law firm in which Wai Ming Yap (a former member of the Board of Directors) is a partner.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Refer to “Item 17. Financial Statements” for a list of financial statements filed with this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Moreover, from time to time, third parties have asserted and may continue to assert patent, trademark, copyright and other intellectual property rights to technologies or business methods that we consider important. There can be no assurance that the assertion of such claims will not result in litigation or that we would prevail in any such litigation or be able to obtain a license for the use of any infringed intellectual property from a third party or, if such a license is required, that it would be available on terms acceptable to us.
In December 2010, a significant supplier of games delivered to the Company a notice of arbitration relating to the agreement between the two companies. In February 2011, the Company delivered to the supplier a notice of termination of the agreement, to take effect from March 2011. Notwithstanding this termination, discussions are ongoing with the aim of reaching a commercially acceptable solution prior to the commencement of significant arbitration proceedings. In the absence of achieving such a solution, arbitration hearings are likely to proceed later in 2011.
In February 2011, a brand licensor delivered to the Company a notice purporting to terminate the brand license agreement between the two companies, claiming that the Company had breached such agreement. The Company believes there is no breach that warrants termination of the agreement and, accordingly, considers the agreement to remain in force.
Dividend Policy
The holders of Exchangeable Shares and Common Shares participate equally in voting and dividends. On February 14, 2007, a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per Common Share was announced, the same rate as the prior four quarters and for the remaining quarters of 2007. On November 12, 2008, we announced the Board’s decision to decrease the dividend to $0.03 per common share (annual rate of $0.12), commencing with the quarterly dividend paid on December 15, 2008. On March 13, 2009, a dividend of $0.03 per common share was announced. On November 13, 2009, we announced the Board’s decision to decrease the dividend to $0.01 per common share (annual rate of $0.04), commencing with the quarterly dividend paid on December 15, 200 9. CryptoLogic did not declare a dividend for the fourth quarter 2009 and does not expect to declare any further dividends for the foreseeable future. However the decision as to whether or not to declare a quarterly dividend in the future will be duly considered by the Board, having regard to the Company’s financial results.
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
There have been no significant changes to the Company’s financial information since December 31, 2010.
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ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of the high and low prices of our Common Shares as reported by the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: CRY), NASDAQ Global Select Market (symbol: CRYP) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (symbol: CRP):
Period | Toronto Stock Exchange (C$) | NASDAQ (US$) | London Stock Exchange (British pence) | |||
High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 | 4.73 | 1.10 | 4.69 | 1.06 | 255.00 | 55.00 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009 | 10.19 | 3.01 | 8.60 | 2.35 | 547.50 | 185.00 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008 | 22.20 | 2.06 | 21.77 | 2.08 | 1,120.00 | 150.00 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007 | 34.81 | 17.00 | 31.20 | 17.26 | 1,520.00 | 893.50 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006 | 33.09 | 17.06 | 29.20 | 15.24 | 1,625.00 | 872.50 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter | 1.90 | 1.16 | 1.96 | 1.12 | 105.00 | 55.00 |
Third Quarter | 2.30 | 1.10 | 2.26 | 1.06 | 165.00 | 85.00 |
Second Quarter | 4.73 | 1.93 | 4.69 | 1.80 | 245.00 | 165.00 |
First Quarter | 4.05 | 2.76 | 3.90 | 2.66 | 255.00 | 205.00 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter | 6.61 | 3.01 | 6.42 | 2.90 | 400.00 | 185.00 |
Third Quarter | 8.05 | 6.32 | 7.44 | 5.87 | 443.00 | 370.00 |
Second Quarter | 10.19 | 5.68 | 8.60 | 4.59 | 547.50 | 337.50 |
First Quarter | 7.40 | 3.03 | 6.01 | 2.35 | 403.75 | 205.00 |
February 2011 | 1.42 | 1.01 | 1.45 | 1.02 | 100.00 | 70.00 |
January 2011 | 1.58 | 1.34 | 1.58 | 1.33 | 110.00 | 105.00 |
December 2010 | 1.90 | 1.17 | 1.96 | 1.17 | 105.00 | 85.00 |
November 2010 | 1.36 | 1.21 | 1.40 | 1.20 | 85.00 | 55.00 |
October 2010 | 1.49 | 1.16 | 1.40 | 1.12 | 85.00 | 55.00 |
September 2010 | 1.60 | 1.10 | 1.47 | 1.06 | 105.00 | 85.00 |
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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of the high and low prices of our Exchangeable Shares as reported by the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: CXY):
Period | Toronto Stock Exchange (C$) | |
High | Low | |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 | 4.53 | 1.10 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009 | 10.00 | 2.76 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008 | 22.90 | 2.75 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||
Fourth Quarter | 1.68 | 1.10 |
Third Quarter | 2.07 | 1.10 |
Second Quarter | 4.53 | 2.20 |
First Quarter | 4.00 | 2.75 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009 | ||
Fourth Quarter | 1.90 | 1.16 |
Third Quarter | 2.30 | 1.10 |
Second Quarter | 4.73 | 1.93 |
First Quarter | 4.05 | 2.76 |
February 2011 | 1.37 | 1.00 |
January 2011 | 1.45 | 1.32 |
December 2010 | 1.68 | 1.15 |
November 2010 | 1.35 | 1.10 |
October 2010 | 1.34 | 1.16 |
September 2010 | 1.69 | 1.10 |
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The following information is a summary and is subject to the detailed provisions of our Memorandum of Association (the “Memorandum”) and Articles of Association (the “Articles”). A copy of the Company’s Memorandum and Articles are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 1.1 and 1.2 to this annual report.
Objects and Purpose
On April 13, 2007, CryptoLogic Limited was incorporated under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46770, but with its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland where it operates and is resident for tax purposes. The Company’s registered office is located at 1 Le Marchant Street, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 4HP. The Company’s head office is located at Marine House, Clanwilliam Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
The Memorandum provides that the Company’s objects are, inter alia, to carry on business as a general commercial company. The objects of the Company are set out in full in clause 3 of the Memorandum.
Directors and Powers
The Company’s Articles specify a maximum number of ten directors. A director shall continue in office until his or her successor is elected at the next shareholders’ meeting. Incumbent directors, if qualified, shall be eligible for re-election.
Subject to the Articles or any unanimous shareholders agreement, the board may fix the remuneration of the directors. Such remuneration shall be in addition to any salary or professional fees payable to a director who services the Company in any other capacity. In addition, directors shall be paid sums in respect of their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending board, committee or shareholders’ meetings or otherwise in respect of the performance by them of their duties as the board may from time to time determine.
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Every director of the Company who is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract with the Company, or is a director or has a material interest in any corporation which is party to a material contract or proposed material contract with the Company shall disclose to the Board the nature and extent of his interest. A director may vote in respect of any contract or arrangement in which he has a material interest.
Directors of the Company do not have to retire under an age limit requirement and are not required to own shares of the company in order to serve as directors. Directors’ borrowing powers are not generally restricted where the borrowing is in the Company’s best interests.
Rights and Privileges of Common Shares
Our Articles provide that our authorized share capital is an unlimited number of Common Shares at no par value and one special voting share. Every shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to shareholder meetings, including the election and removal of directors. The Board may from time to time declare, and the Company may pay a dividend to shareholders on its outstanding shares according to their respective rights in the Company. All dividends unclaimed for a period of six years after having been declared shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company. All questions proposed for the consideration of the shareholders at a meeting, including all elections for directors, shall be decided by majority vote, except as otherwise required by the Act. 0;Holders of Exchangeable Shares are entitled to vote through the special voting share, a voting trust arrangement established under the Arrangement as described on page 1 of this annual report.
A special resolution (requiring a three-fourth majority) is required to amend our Articles in such circumstances as to change any maximum number of shares that we are authorized to issue, to create new classes of shares, to change the designation of all or any of our shares and add, change or remove any rights privileges, restrictions and conditions including rights to accrued dividends, in respect of all or any of our shares, whether issued or unissued.
The conditions governing the manner in which annual general meetings and special meetings of shareholders are convoked are contained in Articles 15-19:
Annual Shareholders' Meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders of the Company shall be held at such time and on such day each year as the board may from time to time determine, for the purpose of receiving the reports and statements to be laid before the annual meeting, electing directors, appointing auditors, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
Special Shareholders' Meeting
The board may at any time call a special meeting of shareholders for the transaction of any business, which may properly be brought before such meeting of shareholders. The board also shall call a special meeting upon the valid and appropriate requisition in writing of one or more shareholders representing not less than 10% of the shares in issue.
All business transacted at an annual meeting of shareholders, except consideration of financial statements, auditor's report, election of directors and reappointment of the incumbent auditor, is deemed to be special business.
Quorum
The holders of not less than 25% of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders present in person or by proxy constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of shareholders.
Votes of Shareholders
At any meeting of shareholders, unless the Articles otherwise provide, each share of the Company entitles the holder thereof to one vote at a meeting of shareholders, and the special voting share authorizes additional votes on the basis of one additional vote for each Exchangeable Share held other than by the Company or its affiliates.
Proxies
Every shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may by means of a proxy appoint a proxy holder or one or more alternate proxy holders who are not required to be shareholders to attend and act at the meeting in the manner and to the extent authorized by the proxy and with the authority conferred by the proxy.
A proxy shall be in writing and executed by the shareholder or by his attorney authorized in writing.
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Notice of Meeting
Notice of the time and place of each meeting of shareholders shall be sent not less than 10 days and not more than 50 days before the date of the meeting to the auditor of the Company (if any), to each director, and to each person whose name appears on the records of the Company at the close of business on the day next preceding the giving of the notice as a shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting.
There are no limitations on the rights to own our securities, including the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our securities imposed by foreign law or under the Company’s Articles.
There are no provisions in the Company’s Articles that would have an effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of the Company.
There are no provisions in the Company’s Articles governing an ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Not applicable.
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Not applicable.
E. TAXATION
The following is a general discussion of certain possible U.S. federal income tax consequences, under current law, generally applicable to a U.S. Holder of shares of the Company. This discussion is of a general nature only and does not take into account the particular facts and circumstances, with respect to U.S. federal income tax issues, of any particular U.S. Holder. In addition, this discussion does not cover any state, local or foreign tax consequences.
This discussion is for general information only and it is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any U.S. Holder or prospective U.S. Holder of shares of the Company, and no opinion or representation with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences to any such U.S. Holder or prospective U.S. Holder is made. Accordingly, U.S. Holders and prospective U.S. Holders of shares of the Company should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of the Company.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Ownership of CryptoLogic Shares
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of CryptoLogic shares.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), published administrative positions of the IRS, the Convention Between the Government of the United States and the Government of Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains, signed at Dublin on July 28, 1997 as amended ("the Convention"), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this annual report. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of CryptoLogic shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S., (b) a corporation, or any other entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any state in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, (c) an estate if the income of such estate is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of such income, or (d) a trust if (i) such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S.
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person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust.
Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a “non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of CryptoLogic shares other than a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares to non-U.S. Holders. Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal income, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences (including the potential application of and operation of any tax treaties) of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including the following U.S. Holders: (a) U.S. Holders that are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) U.S. Holders that are financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) U.S. Holders that are dealers in securities or currencies or U.S. Holders that are traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that are liable for the alternative minimum tax under the Code; (f) U.S. Holders that own CryptoLogic Shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (g) U.S. Holders that acquired CryptoLogic shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (h) U.S. Holders that hold CryptoLogic shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, (i) U.S. Holders that own (directly, indirectly, or by a attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of the outstanding shares of CryptoLogic or (j) U.S. Holders that are expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal income, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares.
If an entity that is classified as a partnership (or “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds CryptoLogic shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership (or “pass-through” entity) and the partners of such partnership (or owners of such “pass-through” entity) generally will depend on the activities of the partnership (or “pass-through” entity) and the status of such partners (or owners). Partners of entities that are classified as partnerships (or owners of “pass-through” entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares.
Tax Consequences Other than U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, or foreign tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares.
Distributions on CryptoLogic Shares, Tax Consequences of Distributions in General
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to the CryptoLogic shares will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Irish income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current or accumulated “earnings and profits” of CryptoLogic, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated “earnings and profits” of CryptoLogic, such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the CryptoLogic shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such CryptoLogic shares. 160;(See “Disposition of CryptoLogic Shares” below). Dividends received on the CryptoLogic shares generally will not be eligible for the “dividends received deductions.”
Reduced Tax Rates for Certain Dividends
For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, a dividend paid by CryptoLogic generally will be taxed at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains if (a) CryptoLogic is a “qualified foreign corporation” (as defined below); (b) the U.S. Holder receiving such dividend is an individual, estate, or trust; and (c) such dividend is paid on CryptoLogic shares that have been held by such U.S. Holder for at least 61 days during the one hundred and twenty-one (121) day period beginning sixty (60) days before the ex-dividend date.
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CryptoLogic generally will be a “qualified foreign corporation” under Section 1(h)(11) of the U.S. Code (a “QFC”) if CryptoLogic is eligible for the benefits of the U.S.-Ireland Income Tax Treaty or, if not, the CryptoLogic shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. CryptoLogic believes that it was a QFC for the previous taxable year and expects that it will be a QFC for the current taxable year. However, even if CryptoLogic satisfies one or more of the QFC requirements, CryptoLogic will not be treated as a QFC if CryptoLogic is a PFIC for the taxable year during which CryptoLogic pays a dividend or for the preceding taxable year.
As discussed below, CryptoLogic does not believe that it was a PFIC for the previous taxable year. (See “Passive Foreign Investment Company” below). However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the determination made by CryptoLogic concerning its PFIC status or that CryptoLogic will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year.
If CryptoLogic is not a QFC, a dividend paid by CryptoLogic to a U.S. Holder generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates (and not at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains).
Distributions Paid in Foreign Currency
The taxable amount of a distribution received on the CryptoLogic shares in foreign currency generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such distribution based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt. A U.S. Holder that does not convert foreign currency received as a distribution into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt generally will have a tax basis in such foreign currency equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency on the date of receipt. Such a U.S. Holder generally will recognize ordinary income or loss on any subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of such foreign currency (including an exchange for U.S. dollars).
Disposition of CryptoLogic Shares
A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of CryptoLogic shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received; and (b) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the CryptoLogic shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if the CryptoLogic shares are held for more than one year.
Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the U.S. Code.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Irish income tax with respect to dividends received on the CryptoLogic shares generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Irish income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder’s income subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a taxable year.
Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holder’s “foreign source” taxable income bears to such U.S. Holder’s worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder’s various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either “foreign source” or “U.S. source”. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to “passive category income” and “general category income”. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other taxable disposition of CryptoLogic shares generally will be treated as “U.S. source” for purposes of applying the foreign tax credit rules unless the gain is subject to tax in Ireland and is resourced as “foreign source” under the Convention and such U.S. Person elects to treat such gain or loss as “foreign source”. Dividends received on the CryptoLogic shares generally will be treated as “foreign source” and generally will be categorized as “passive category income”. Income or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of foreign currency will be U.S. source. The foreign tax credit rules are complicated, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
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Passive Foreign Investment Company
The foregoing discussion assumes that CryptoLogic was not a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held CryptoLogic shares.
A non-U.S. corporation is classified as a PFIC for each taxable year in which (a) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes); or (b) on average for such taxable year, 50% or more (by value) of its assets either produce or are held for the production of passive income. In addition, if a corporation is classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder has held shares of such corporation, such corporation may continue to be classified as a PFIC for any subsequent taxable year in which the U.S. Holder continues to hold the shares even if the corporation’s income and costs are no longer passive in nature in that subsequent taxable year. For purposes of the PFIC provisions, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, re nts, and gains from commodities or securities transactions, including certain transactions involving oil and gas. In determining whether or not it is classified as a PFIC, a non-U.S. corporation is required to take into account its pro rata portion of the income and assets of each corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the stock.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, if a corporation owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another foreign corporation, it will be treated as if it (a) holds a proportionate share of the assets of such other foreign corporation and (b) receives directly a proportionate share of the income of such other foreign corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, "passive income" does not include any interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are received or accrued by a corporation from a "related person" (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code), to the extent such items are properly allocable to the income of such related person that is not passive income.
Additionally, if a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC and if one or more of its non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries were treated as a PFIC ("lower-tier PFICs"), U.S. Holders of shares of such corporation would be considered to own, and also would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on (i) a distribution on the shares of a lower-tier PFIC and (ii) a disposition of shares of a lower-tier PFIC, both as if the holder directly held the shares of such lower-tier PFIC regardless of the percentage of their ownership in the corporation. In such circumstances a U.S. Holder of common shares could elect an alternative taxation regime in respect of its indirect ownership interest in a lower-tier PFIC, subject to certain conditions as discussed below.
Consequences if CryptoLogic Classified as a PFIC
CryptoLogic believes that it was not a PFIC for its taxable year ending December 31, 2010. Whether CryptoLogic will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year will depend on the assets and income of CryptoLogic over the course of such taxable year. PFIC classification is fundamentally factual in nature, generally cannot be determined until the close of the taxable year in question, and is determined annually. The determination of whether CryptoLogic will be a PFIC for a taxable year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. Consequently, there can be no assurance that CryptoLogic has not been and will not become a PFIC during any taxable year in which U.S. Holders held CryptoLogic shares. Each U.S. Ho lder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the status of CryptoLogic under the PFIC rules.
Whether CryptoLogic will be considered a PFIC for its current taxable year or for any subsequent taxable year, will depend on the assets and income of CryptoLogic over the course of each such taxable year and, as a result, cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date of this annual report. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that CryptoLogic will not be considered a PFIC for the taxable year that includes the day after this publication or for any subsequent taxable year.
If CryptoLogic is or has been classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds or has held CryptoLogic shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares will depend on whether such U.S. Holder makes an election to treat CryptoLogic as a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF” under Section 1295 of the Code (a “QEF Election”) or a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a “Mark-to-Market Election”). A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a “Non-Electing U.S. Holder.”
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of CryptoLogic shares, and any “excess distribution” (as defined in Section 1291(b) of the Code) paid on the CryptoLogic shares, must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the CryptoLogic shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to prior years of such Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the CryptoLogic shares generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax applicable to ordinary income in each such prior
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year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be required to pay interest on the resulting tax liability for each such prior year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such prior year.
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of (a) the “net capital gain” of CryptoLogic, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) the “ordinary earnings” of CryptoLogic, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts for each taxable year in which CryptoLogic is a PFIC, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by CryptoLogic.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election only if the CryptoLogic shares are “marketable stock” (as defined in Section 1296(e) of the Code). A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in gross income, for each taxable year in which CryptoLogic is a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the CryptoLogic shares as of the close of such taxable year over (b) such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such CryptoLogic shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will, subject to certain limitations, be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the CryptoLogic shares over (b) the fair market value of such CryptoLogic shares as of the close of such taxable year.
U.S. Holders should be aware that, in the event that CryptoLogic is or becomes a PFIC, there can be no assurance that CryptoLogic will supply U.S. Holders with the information and statements that such U.S. Holders require to make a the QEF election discussed above.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares.
Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements
Unless the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient, payments to certain U.S. Holders of dividends made on CryptoLogic shares, or the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the CryptoLogic shares or the CryptoLogic shares that are made within the U.S. or through certain U.S. related financial intermediaries may be subject to information reporting and U.S. federal backup withholding tax at the current rate of twenty-eight percent (28%) (subject to periodic adjustment) if the U.S. Holder fails to supply a correct taxpayer identification number (generally on a Form W-9) or otherwise fails to comply with applicable U.S. information reporting or certification requirements. Any amount withheld from a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against the U.S. Holder’ ;s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Legislative Developments
Newly-enacted legislation requires certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts to pay up to an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. In addition, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, newly-enacted legislation requires certain U.S. Holders who are individuals to report to the IRS certain interests owned by such U.S. Holders in stock or securities issued by a non-U.S. person (such as CryptoLogic) if the aggregate value of all such interests exceeds US$50,000. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their acquisition, ownership, and disposition of CryptoLogic shares.
IRISH INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
General
The following summary, which is intended as a general guide only, outlines certain aspects of legislation and Revenue practice in Ireland regarding the Irish taxation of dividends as applicable to U.S. and Canadian residents. It is based on existing Irish tax legislation, court decisions, the current practice of the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland and the respective double taxation agreements between Ireland and the U.S. and Ireland and Canada. This summary is not exhaustive and does not purport to deal with the Irish taxation of dividends for all categories of U.S. and Canadian resident investors, some of which may be subject to special rules such as dealers in securities.
All shareholders should seek independent advice on the tax implications arising in their own particular situations as to the taxation consequences relevant to them. Each shareholder should also understand that future legislative, administrative and judicial changes could modify the tax consequences described below, possibly with retroactive effect.
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The following summary is also prepared on the basis that CryptoLogic, which is Guernsey incorporated, is tax resident in Ireland by virtue of its central management and control being situated in Ireland. However, this summary does not constitute confirmation that CryptoLogic will be solely tax resident in Ireland.
This discussion is for general information only and it is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be legal or tax advice to any Irish Holder or prospective Irish Holder of shares of the Company, and no opinion or representation with respect to the Irish income tax consequences to any such Irish Holder or prospective Irish Holder is made. Accordingly, Irish Holders and prospective Irish Holders of shares of the Company should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the Irish tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of the Company.
Irish Taxation of Dividends for U.S. and Canadian Residents
The following summary, which is intended as a general guide only, outlines certain aspects of legislation and Revenue practice in Ireland regarding the Irish taxation of dividends as applicable to U.S. and Canadian residents. It is based on existing Irish tax legislation, court decisions, the current practice of the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland and the respective double taxation agreements between Ireland and the U.S. and Ireland and Canada. This summary is not exhaustive and does not purport to deal with the Irish taxation of dividends for all categories of U.S. and Canadian resident investors, some of which may be subject to special rules such as dealers in securities.
All shareholders should seek independent advice on the tax implications arising in their own particular situations as to the taxation consequences relevant to them. Each shareholder should also understand that future legislative, administrative and judicial changes could modify the tax consequences described below, possibly with retroactive effect.
The following summary is also prepared on the basis that CryptoLogic, which is Guernsey incorporated, is tax resident in Ireland by virtue of its central management and control being situated in Ireland. However, this summary does not constitute confirmation that CryptoLogic will be solely tax resident in Ireland.
Withholding Tax
All dividends paid by CryptoLogic, other than dividends paid entirely out of exempt patent income (this exemption is subject to specific conditions), will be subject to Irish withholding tax at the standard rate of income tax in force at the time the dividend is paid, currently 20%. An individual shareholder who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident for tax purposes in Ireland, but is resident in a country with which Ireland has a double tax treaty, which includes the U.S. and Canada, or in a member state of the EU, other than Ireland (together a “Relevant Territory”), will be exempt from withholding tax provided he or she makes the requisite declaration.
Non-Irish resident corporate shareholders that:
● | are ultimately controlled by residents of a Relevant Territory; |
● | are resident in a Relevant Territory and are not controlled by Irish residents; |
● | have the principal class of their shares, or shares of a 75% parent, substantially and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges in a “relevant territory or territories”; or |
● | are wholly owned by two or more companies, each of whose principal class of shares is substantially and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges in a “relevant territory or territories”; |
will be exempt from withholding tax on the production of the appropriate certificates and declarations except in those circumstances where the shares are held in bare trust on behalf of the beneficial owner. In these latter circumstances, it may be possible to avoid the withholding tax with the prior approval of the Irish tax authorities if the beneficial owner is resident in a Relevant Territory and not under the control of Irish residents.
A declaration in the prescribed form and any other evidence required must be provided to establish entitlement to the exemption. The documentation requirements for non-resident companies changed in 2010 which streamlines the process for claiming the dividend withholding tax exemption, in respect of dividends made on or after 3 April 2010.
U.S. or Canadian Shareholders that do not currently fulfill the documentation requirements or otherwise do not qualify for the withholding tax exemption may be able to claim treaty benefits under the relevant treaty.
Income Tax
Under certain circumstances, non-Irish resident shareholders will be subject to Irish income tax on dividend income. This liability is limited to tax at the standard rate and therefore, where dividend withholding tax has been deducted, this will satisfy the tax liability.
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However, a non-Irish resident shareholder will not have an Irish income tax liability on dividends from the company if the holder is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland and the holder is:
● | an individual resident in the U.S. or Canada (or any other country with which Ireland has concluded a double taxation treaty); or |
● | a corporation that is ultimately controlled by persons resident in the U.S. or Canada (or any other country with which Ireland has concluded a double taxation treaty); or |
● | a corporation whose principal class of shares (or its 75% or greater parent’s principal class of shares) is substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange in an EU country or a country with which Ireland has concluded a double taxation treaty; or |
● | a corporation resident in another EU member state or in a country with which Ireland has concluded a double taxation treaty, which is not controlled directly or indirectly by Irish residents; or |
● | a corporation that is wholly owned by two or more corporations each of whose principal class of shares is substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange in an EU country or a country with which Ireland has concluded a double taxation treaty. |
Irish Capital Gains Tax for U.S. and Canadian Residents
CryptoLogic shares constitute chargeable assets for Irish capital gains tax purposes and, accordingly, Shareholders who are resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland, depending on their circumstances, may be liable to Irish tax on capital gains on a disposal of CryptoLogic shares. A Shareholder who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in Ireland should not be liable to Irish capital gains tax on a disposal of CryptoLogic shares unless the CryptoLogic shares (i) are or were held for the purposes of a trade carried on by the shareholder in Ireland; or (ii) derive the greater part of their value from Irish land or exploration rights and are unquoted.
There are provisions to subject a person who disposes of an interest in a company while temporarily being non-Irish resident, to Irish capital gains tax. This treatment will apply to Irish domiciled individuals:
● | who cease to be Irish resident; |
● | who own the shares when they cease to be resident; |
● | if there are not more than 5 years of assessment between the last year of Irish tax residence prior to becoming temporarily non-resident and the tax year that he/she resumes Irish tax residency; |
● | who dispose of an interest in a company during this temporary non-residence; and |
● | the interest disposed of represents 5% or greater of the share capital of the company or exceeds €500,000 in value. |
In these circumstances the person will be deemed, for Irish capital gains tax purposes, to have sold and immediately reacquired the interest in the company on the date of his or her departure and will be subject to tax at 25% of the taxable gain (the 25% rate applies to disposals made on or after April 8, 2009 while the rate is 22% for disposals made between October 15, 2008 and April 7, 2009).
Irish Stamp Duty for U.S. and Canadian Residents
On the basis that CryptoLogic, which is a Guernsey incorporated company, also has its registered office and maintains its share register in Guernsey, the ordinary shares of CryptoLogic should not be considered Irish property and therefore no Irish stamp duty should apply on their transfer unless:
● | the transfer of such shares is executed in Ireland; or |
● | the transfer relates to a matter or thing done or to be done in Ireland. |
Even if the above circumstances i) and ii) apply, there is an exemption currently applied in practice by the Irish Revenue Commissioners to the effect that no Irish stamp duty should arise on the transfer of shares in non-Irish registered companies provided the transfer of shares is not related to immoveable property in Ireland or related to shares of a company which is registered in Ireland.
Irish stamp duty is payable on transfers of ordinary shares of Irish registered companies (other than between spouses, transfers made between 90% associated companies subject to satisfying certain conditions and other exempt transfers) wherever a document of transfer is executed. Where such transfers are attributable to a sale, stamp duty will be charged at a rate of 1%, rounded to the nearest euro. The stamp duty is calculated on the amount or value of the consideration (i.e. purchase price) or, if the transfer is by way of a gift (subject to certain exceptions) or for consideration less than the market value, on the market value of the shares. Where the consideration for the sale is expressed in a currency
59
other than euro, the duty will be charged on the euro equivalent calculated at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the transfer.
The person accountable for payment of stamp duty is the transferee or, in the case of a transfer by way of gift or for a consideration less than the market value, all parties to the transfer. Stamp duty is normally payable within 30 days after the date of execution of the transfer. Late or inadequate payment of stamp duty will result in liability for interest, penalties and surcharges.
Irish Capital Acquisitions Tax for U.S. and Canadian Residents
Irish capital acquisitions tax (‘‘CAT’’) comprises principally of gift tax and inheritance tax.
CryptoLogic shares should not be regarded as property situated in Ireland for CAT purposes on the basis the share register of CryptoLogic is not is held in Ireland. However, CAT could apply to a gift or inheritance of Ordinary Shares if the donor or person who receives the gift or inheritance is resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland at the date of the gift or inheritance. The person who receives the gift or inheritance is liable for CAT.
CAT is levied at a rate of 25% above certain tax-free thresholds (this rate is effective for valuation dates from April 8, 2009 and a rate of 22% applies to gifts and inheritances taken where the valuation date is between November 20, 2008 and April 7, 2009). The appropriate tax-free threshold is dependent upon: (1) the relationship between the donor and the donee; and (2) the aggregation of the values of previous gifts and inheritances received by the donee from persons within the same group threshold. Gifts and inheritances passing between spouses are exempt from CAT.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
Any documents referred to in this annual report may be inspected at the Company’s head office located at Marine House, Clanwilliam Place, Dublin 2, Ireland during normal business hours.
In addition, various documents referenced in this annual report are included as exhibits to this annual report in accordance with Item 19 of this Form 20-F. You may read and copy any materials we file with or furnish to the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC further maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information about issuers who submit documents electronically with the SEC.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
(a) | Overview |
The Company has exposure to credit risk and market risk from its use of financial instruments.
The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits.
Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Company’s activities.
(b) | Credit Risk |
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its obligations. The carrying amount of the Company’s financial assets represents its maximum credit exposure.
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Accounts Receivable
The Company manages its credit risk associated with accounts receivable by maintaining reserves for potential credit losses. Historically the Company has not experienced any significant credit losses associated with its online poker, Hosted Casino and Branded Games businesses. The growth of the Branded Games business and the outsourcing of poker has increased accounts receivable further as revenue from Branded Games and settlement of player funds between the Company and its poker room operator are collected at least fifteen days in arrears. Consequently, the Company has at least one month of Branded Games revenue included in accounts receivable at any balance sheet date. The amount of player funds to be settled between the Company and its poker room operator fluctuates depending on various f actors including poker activity and respective skill of players.
The Company has trade accounts receivable and other receivables of $5.0 million (2009: $8.0 million). The Company does not have any material accounts receivable balances greater than 90 days outstanding. As a result, the Company believes that its accounts receivable represent a low credit risk and has never recorded a material expense associated with a credit risk exposure.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company holds investments, according to Company investment policy, only in banks carrying an S&P rating of BBB+/A-3+ and higher or government guaranteed banks with a similar rating.
(c) | Market Risk |
Market risk is the risk that changes in the market prices such as fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Company’s net earnings or the value of its financial instruments.
Currency Risk
The Company operates internationally giving rise to exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates. The currency risk is derived from revenues denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, its functional currency, primarily the British pound and the euro, and expenses associated with its multinational operations (primarily the Canadian dollar, the British pound and the euro) as well as the respective receivable and payable balances. The Company believes that it is, to a degree, naturally hedged. The Company is also exposed to currency risk on cash and cash equivalents and other current assets denominated in foreign currencies. As at December 31, 2010, approximately 66% of the Company’s financial assets were denominated in its functional currency (2009: 78%).
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk principally on its cash and cash equivalents which generally have maturity dates of less than 90 days. The Company has no interest bearing debt.
The weighted average effective interest rate on its cash and cash equivalents as at December 31, 2010 was 0.53% (2009: 1.24%).
(d) | Quantification of Risk Exposure: Foreign Currency Risk |
At December 31, 2010, the Company’s gross balance sheet exposure to foreign currency risk was substantially as follows:
USD | EUR | GBP | Others | Total | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and user funds | $ | 11.6 | $ | 3.5 | $ | 1.3 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 16.7 | ||||||
Accounts receivable and other | $ | 1.1 | $ | 2.6 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 5.0 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | (3.1 | ) | $ | (3.2 | ) | $ | (6.2 | ) | $ | (0.6 | ) | $ | (13.1 | ) | |
User funds | $ | (2.2 | ) | $ | (3.4 | ) | $ | (0.4 | ) | $ | – | $ | (6.1 | ) | ||
Net balance sheet exposure | $ | 7.4 | $ | (0.5 | ) | $ | (4.5 | ) | $ | 0.4 | $ | 2.5 |
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The Company’s revenue and expense exposure for revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies was substantially as follows:
USD | EUR | GBO | CAD | Others | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | $ | 7.0 | $ | 8.7 | $ | 10.3 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 26.0 | ||||||||||||
2009 | $ | 13.7 | $ | 10.4 | $ | 15.7 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 39.8 | ||||||||||||
2008 | $ | 19.0 | $ | 12.4 | $ | 30.1 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 61.5 | ||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | $ | 8.4 | $ | 15.1 | $ | 11.7 | $ | 11.6 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 47.5 | ||||||||||||
2009 | $ | 23.3 | $ | 17.6 | $ | 14.8 | $ | 21.3 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 77.6 | ||||||||||||
2008 | $ | 24.5 | $ | 27.6 | $ | 18.3 | $ | 28.3 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 99.6 |
Foreign Exchange Sensitivity Analysis
Gross Balance Sheet Exposure: A 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in the above table (gross balance sheet exposure) at December 31, 2010 would have decreased the loss by approximately $0.5 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant and represents the Company’s gross balance sheet exposure at December 31, 2010. A 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the same would have had an equal but opposite effect.
Net Revenue Exposure: A 10% strengthening on average of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have decreased revenue, and correspondingly increased losses, by approximately $1.9 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remained constant during the quarter, and represents the exposure of the Company’s revenues denominated in foreign currencies, to the relative strength of its functional currency. A 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the same would have had an equal but opposite effect.
Expense Exposure: A 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have decreased expense, and correspondingly decreased losses, by approximately $3.9 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remained constant during the quarter, and represents the exposure of the Company’s expenses denominated in foreign currencies to the relative strength of its functional currency. A 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the same would have had an equal but opposite effect.
Foreign Exchange: In the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recognized a total foreign exchange gain of $0.2 million (2009: $(0.3 million), 2008: $(6.2 million)), which is recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
(e) | Quantification of Risk Exposure: Interest Rate Risk |
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk principally on its cash deposits and short-term money market investments of generally less than 90 days. The Company is exposed to both an overall decrease in interest rates as well as the interest rates associated with the currency or location it invests in.
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
Interest Income Exposure: A 100 basis point increase in interest rates on average for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have increased interest income by approximately $0.2 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables remained constant during the quarter. A 100 basis point decrease in interest rates on average would have had an equal but opposite effect.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the issuer’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer and effected by the issuers’ board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian GAAP. It includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the issuer, prov ide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP and that receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorization of management and the board of directors, and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements of the issuer.
It should be noted that internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to an exemption for smaller reporting companies under Section 989G of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Thomas Byrne and James Wallace are members of the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, who each qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” based on their education and experience. Messrs. Byrne and Wallace are independent, as that term is defined by the NASDAQ listing standards applicable to our Company.
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ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our directors, officers (including our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, and our principal accounting officer), employees, contractors, and other representatives. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics summarizes the legal, ethical, and regulatory standards applicable to our Company. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our web site at www.cryptologic.com.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Fees billed for audit and non-audit services by Grant Thornton in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are outlined in the following table (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
2010 | 2009 | |||||
Audit Fees | $ | 825 | $ | 1,262 | ||
Tax Fees | $ | 183 | $ | 126 | ||
Total | $ | 1,008 | $ | 1,388 |
Audit Fees
Audit fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and subsidiary companies, the review of interim financial statements, the review of accounting disclosure requirements regarding other business activities and review of documents filed with U.S., Canadian and U.K. securities regulatory authorities as well as advisory services related to Sarbanes-Oxley.
Tax Fees
Tax fees were for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services included the preparation and review of corporate tax returns, assistance with tax audits and transfer pricing matters, expatriate advisory services as well as advisory services relating to the Company’s reorganization to Ireland, federal, provincial and international tax compliance for customs and duties, and regarding common forms of domestic and international taxation (i.e., income tax, VAT, GST and excise taxes).
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Company’s Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of services other than audit services is compatible with maintaining auditor independence. The Audit Committee monitors audit functions and the preparation of financial statements, and meets with external auditors independent of management. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding its pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. The policy gives guidance to the Company’s management as to the specific types of services that have been pre-approved. The Company’s senior management periodically provides the Audit Committee with a summary of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with the pre-approval policy. For the year end ed December 31, 2010, none of the audit-related and tax fees described above were an exception to the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Under NASDAQ’s continued listing requirements, an issuer is required to have an audit committee consisting of at least three independent directors. Upon Mr. Gavagan’s appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer, he was no longer considered independent and, accordingly, the Company does not have three independent directors. The Company has reported to NASDAQ that the audit committee currently comprises only two members. The Company, under NASDAQ continued listing requirements, has until the next Annual General Meeting to rectify this situation.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not Applicable
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable
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ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(a)(3) permits foreign private issuers such as us to follow home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain NASDAQ requirements. A significant way in which our governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies listed on NASDAQ relates to the shareholder meeting quorum requirement. Under our Articles, the holders of not less than 25 percent of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders present in person or by proxy constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of shareholders. By contrast, under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5620(c), the minimum quorum requirement should not be less than 33 1/3 percent of the outstanding shares of a listed company’s common voting stock.
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PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements and schedule, together with the report of Grant Thornton thereon, are filed as part of this annual report:
Management's Responsibility For Financial Reporting | F-2 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-3 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss | F-5 | |
Consolidated Statements of (Deficit)/Retained Earnings | F-6 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-7 | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-8 | |
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | S-1 |
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed or furnished as part of this annual report:
1.1 | Memorandum of Association of CryptoLogic Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
1.2 | Articles of Association of CryptoLogic Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
3.1 | Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement dated April 20, 2007 among CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation, CryptoLogic Limited, and Equity Trust & Transfer Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed June 30, 2009) |
4.1 | Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2008 between CryptoLogic Limited and Brian Hadfield (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
4.2 | Amending Agreement dated November 11, 2008 to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2008 between CryptoLogic Limited and Brian Hadfield (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed June 30, 2009) |
4.3 | Second Amending Agreement dated January 13, 2009 to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2008 between CryptoLogic Limited and Brian Hadfield (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed June 30, 2009) |
4.4 | Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between CryptoLogic Limited and Stephen Taylor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
4.5 | Consulting Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between Westbury Marketing Ltd. and Stephen Taylor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
4.6 | Consulting Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between CryptoLogic Limited and Westbury Marketing Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
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4.7 | Consulting Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between Game Pack and Westbury Marketing Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
4.8 | Long-Term Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed May 20, 2008) |
4.9 | Employment Agreement dated May 6, 2010 between CryptoLogic Limited and Huw Spiers |
4.10 | Employment Agreement dated September 18, 2009 between WagerLogic (UK) Limited and Ian Price |
4.11 | Consulting Agreement dated August 12, 2010 between CryptoLogic Limited and David Gavagan |
4.12 | Amendment dated November 8, 2010 to the Consulting Agreement dated August 12, 2010 between CryptoLogic Limited and David Gavagan |
4.13 | Second Amendment dated February 12, 2011 to the Consulting Agreement dated August 12, 2010 between CryptoLogic Limited and David Gavagan |
8.1 | List of Subsidiaries of CryptoLogic Limited |
12.1 | Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of CryptoLogic Limited filed pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
12.2 | Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of CryptoLogic Limited filed pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
13.1 | Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of CryptoLogic Limited furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
13.2 | Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of CryptoLogic Limited furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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SIGNATURES
The Registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED | |
Date: March 25, 2011 | By: /s/ David Gavagan |
David Gavagan | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
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CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
F-1
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of CryptoLogic Limited and its subsidiaries and all the information in Management's Discussion and Analysis are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of Directors.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. These statements include some amounts that are based on best estimates and judgement. Management has determined such amounts on a reasonable basis in order to ensure that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects. Management has prepared the financial information presented elsewhere in Management's Discussion and Analysis and has ensured that it is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.
The Company policy is to maintain systems of internal accounting and administrative controls of high quality consistent with reasonable cost. Such systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information including the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes is relevant, accurate and reliable and that the Company's assets are appropriately accounted for and adequately safeguarded.
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and is ultimately responsible for approving the consolidated financial statements. The Board carries out this responsibility through its Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board and is comprised of a majority of outside Directors. The Committee meets periodically with management and the external auditors to discuss internal controls over the financial reporting process, auditing matters and financial reporting issues to satisfy itself that each party is properly discharging its responsibilities. The Audit Committee reviews the Company's annual consolidated financial statements, the external auditors' report and other information in the Annual Report. The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board for consideration by the Board when it approves the consolidated financial statements for issuance to the shareholders. The Committee also considers, for review by the Board of Directors and approval by the shareholders, t he engagement or re-appointment of the external auditors.
On behalf of the shareholders, the 2010 consolidated financial statements have been audited by Grant Thornton, the external auditors, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Grant Thornton has full and free access to the Audit Committee.
/s/ David Gavagan | /s/ Huw Spiers |
Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer |
F-2
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CryptoLogic Limited as at December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, (deficit)/retained earnings, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CryptoLogic Limited as at December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles vary in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States of America. Information related to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 22 to the consolidated financial statements.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-F/0000912282-11-000150/grantthorntonlogo.jpg)
Chartered Accountants
Dublin, Ireland
March 21, 2011
F-3
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
December 31, 2010 and 2009
December 31, 2010 and 2009
As at December 31, 2010 | As at December 31, 2009 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 10,584 | $ | 23,447 | ||||
Security deposits (note 2) | 515 | 250 | ||||||
Accounts receivable and other | 5,046 | 7,972 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable | 730 | 681 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 8,942 | 9,426 | ||||||
25,817 | 41,776 | |||||||
User funds held on deposit (note 3) | 6,069 | 7,929 | ||||||
Future income taxes (note 17) | 864 | 1,549 | ||||||
Capital assets (note 4) | 4,713 | 7,774 | ||||||
Intangible assets (note 6) | 95 | 4,342 | ||||||
$ | 37,558 | $ | 63,370 | |||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 13,060 | $ | 13,156 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 359 | 2,157 | ||||||
13,419 | 15,313 | |||||||
User funds held on deposit (note 3) | 6,069 | 7,929 | ||||||
Future income taxes (note 17) | 29 | 384 | ||||||
19,517 | 23,626 | |||||||
Minority interest (note 8) | 1,226 | 2,948 | ||||||
Shareholders' equity | ||||||||
Share capital (note 10) | 34,129 | 33,916 | ||||||
Stock options (note 11) | 7,826 | 7,633 | ||||||
Deficit | (25,140 | ) | (4,753 | ) | ||||
16,815 | 36,796 | |||||||
$ | 37,558 | $ | 63,370 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
/s/ David Gavagan Director, Chairman
/s/ Thomas Byrne Director
/s/ Thomas Byrne Director
F-4
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Revenue (note 20) | $ | 25,988 | $ | 39,794 | $ | 61,526 | ||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||
Operating | 30,230 | 39,867 | 55,645 | |||||||||
General and administrative | 7,561 | 10,181 | 13,660 | |||||||||
Reorganization (note 14) | 1,935 | 7,111 | 1,390 | |||||||||
Impairment of capital assets (note 4) | 1,763 | 2,689 | 6,680 | |||||||||
Impairment of long–term investments (note 5) | – | 6,298 | 2,200 | |||||||||
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (notes 6, 7) | 3,566 | 6,545 | 7,214 | |||||||||
Departure costs for former CEO (note 15) | – | – | 3,400 | |||||||||
Poker room integration costs (note 16) | – | – | 3,124 | |||||||||
Finance | 65 | 83 | 359 | |||||||||
Amortization | 2,372 | 4,856 | 5,931 | |||||||||
47,492 | 77,630 | 99,603 | ||||||||||
Loss before undernoted | (21,504 | ) | (37,836 | ) | (38,077 | ) | ||||||
Interest income | 80 | 446 | 2,077 | |||||||||
Non-operating income (note 21) | 185 | – | 102 | |||||||||
Loss before income taxes and minority interest | (21,239 | ) | (37,390 | ) | (35,898 | ) | ||||||
Income taxes (recovery)/charge (note 17) | ||||||||||||
Current | (27 | ) | 664 | 542 | ||||||||
Future | 684 | 419 | (1,026 | ) | ||||||||
657 | 1,083 | (484 | ) | |||||||||
Loss before minority interest | (21,896 | ) | (38,473 | ) | (35,414 | ) | ||||||
Minority interest (note 8) | (1,509 | ) | (2,963 | ) | (2,676 | ) | ||||||
Loss and comprehensive loss | $ | (20,387 | ) | $ | (35,510 | ) | $ | (32,738 | ) | |||
Loss per common share (note 13) | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (2.78 | ) | $ | (2.55 | ) | |||
Diluted | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (2.78 | ) | $ | (2.55 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (DEFICIT)/RETAINED EARNINGS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
(Deficit)/Retained earnings, beginning of period | $ | (4,753 | ) | $ | 32,032 | $ | 70,855 | |||||
Loss | (20,387 | ) | (35,510 | ) | (32,738 | ) | ||||||
Dividends paid, excluding those paid to CEC shareholders | – | (1,275 | ) | (4,992 | ) | |||||||
Excess of purchase price of treasury shares over stated value | – | – | (1,093 | ) | ||||||||
(Deficit)/Retained earnings, end of period | $ | (25,140 | ) | $ | (4,753 | ) | $ | 32,032 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Cash flows (used in)/from Operating activities | ||||||||||||
Loss | $ | (20,387 | ) | $ | (35,510 | ) | $ | (32,738 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile loss to cash provided by/(used in) operating activities | ||||||||||||
Amortization | 2,372 | 4,856 | 5,931 | |||||||||
Unrealized (gain)/loss on forward contract | – | (252 | ) | 536 | ||||||||
Impairment of capital assets | 1,763 | 6,709 | 6,680 | |||||||||
Impairment of long–term investments | – | 6,298 | 2,200 | |||||||||
Gain on long-term investments | (185 | ) | – | – | ||||||||
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | 3,566 | 6,545 | 7,214 | |||||||||
Poker room integration costs | – | – | 3,124 | |||||||||
Future income taxes | 684 | 419 | (1,026 | ) | ||||||||
Minority interest | (1,509 | ) | (2,963 | ) | (2,676 | ) | ||||||
Stock options | 193 | 777 | 1,895 | |||||||||
(13,503 | ) | (13,121 | ) | (8,860 | ) | |||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable and other | 2,926 | (1,766 | ) | 2,821 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 484 | (2,610 | ) | 1,212 | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (96 | ) | (2,287 | ) | (8,776 | ) | ||||||
Income taxes receivable/payable | (1,550 | ) | 2,011 | (4,988 | ) | |||||||
(11,739 | ) | (17,773 | ) | (18,591 | ) | |||||||
Financing activities | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid including those paid to CEC shareholders | – | (1,381 | ) | (5,426 | ) | |||||||
Issue of capital stock | – | – | 189 | |||||||||
Repurchase of capital stock | – | – | (1,419 | ) | ||||||||
– | (1,381 | ) | (6,656 | ) | ||||||||
Investing activities | ||||||||||||
Purchase of capital assets | (1,065 | ) | (445 | ) | (4,535 | ) | ||||||
(Increase)/decrease in security deposits | (265 | ) | – | 1,250 | ||||||||
Disposal of capital assets | 21 | – | – | |||||||||
Purchase of long-term investments | – | (477 | ) | (2,695 | ) | |||||||
Cash received from long-term investments | 185 | – | – | |||||||||
Cash paid for Casino.co.uk | – | – | (1,254 | ) | ||||||||
Decrease in restricted cash | – | 7,175 | 13,401 | |||||||||
(1,124 | ) | 6,253 | 6,167 | |||||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (12,863 | ) | (12,901 | ) | (19,080 | ) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 23,447 | 36,348 | 55,428 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 10,584 | $ | 23,447 | $ | 36,348 | ||||||
Supplemental cash flow information | ||||||||||||
Income taxes paid/(refunds received), net | $ | 2,060 | $ | (1,051 | ) | $ | 4,763 | |||||
Interest received | 83 | 388 | 1,637 | |||||||||
Non-cash portion of options exercised | – | – | 83 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
CryptoLogic Limited and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is a provider of commerce-enabling technology, permitting secure, reliable, high-speed and private financial transactions over the Internet. The Company provides a comprehensive solution including software, network operations, administrative and marketing consulting services to licensed gaming operators (“Hosted Casino”). The Company also licenses individual games, generally with branded content, to licensed gaming operators (“Branded Games”). The Company earns substantially all of its revenue from the hosting and service arrangements for the operation of online casino and poker games on behalf of licensed casinos and licensing Branded Games to licensed operators. Substantially all of the Company's revenue is ear ned in U.S. dollars, British pounds and euro from licensees located outside of the United States. The Company's functional currency is the U.S. dollar and, consequently, it measures and reports its results in U.S. dollars.
Pursuant to a business reorganization implemented by way of an Ontario, Canada Superior Court of Justice court approved plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") and approved by the shareholders on May 24, 2007, CryptoLogic Limited acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., an Ontario company, which through the Arrangement, became an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic Limited. As part of the Arrangement, CryptoLogic Limited issued either an equivalent amount of its Common Shares or, in the case of taxable Canadian residents, exchangeable shares of CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation ("CEC"), an indirect subsidiary of CryptoLogic Limited. The CEC shares are, as nearly as practicable, the economic equivalent of CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares. These CEC shares participate equally in voting and dividends with the shareholders of the Company. No additional shares of CEC will be issued after June 1, 2007.
For accounting purposes, the Arrangement has been accounted for using the continuity of interest method, which recognizes CryptoLogic Limited as the successor entity to CryptoLogic Inc. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as if the Company has always carried on the business formerly carried on by CryptoLogic Inc. and its subsidiaries, with all assets and liabilities recorded at the carrying values of CryptoLogic Inc. The interest held by CEC shareholders has been presented as a minority interest in these consolidated financial statements, as required under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Canadian GAAP") (note 8).
F-8
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies |
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Note 22 describes and reconciles the significant measurement differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP affecting the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Certain amounts included in the comparative consolidated financial statements have been reclassified from statements previously presented to conform to the presentation of the current year consolidated financial statements. A summary of significant accounting policies is set out below:
(a) | Basis of presentation and going concern preparation |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
The consolidated financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis. The going concern basis assumes that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.
The Company has incurred significant operating losses of $21,504, $37,836 and $38,077 and negative cash flows from operations of $11,739, $17,773 and $18,591 for the three years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents to $10,584, $23,447 and $36,348 as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. A continuation of such operating losses, negative cash flows from operations and decreases in cash and cash equivalents may cast doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
During 2010, management determined that a material reduction in expenses was necessary in order to preserve cash and give the Company sufficient time to focus on increasing revenues. Accordingly, the Company made a significant restructuring effort, commencing midway through Q3 2010, and resulting in a material reduction in operating and general and administrative expense by Q4 2010. Management believes that the results of this restructuring have substantially mitigated doubts regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Management has considered expectations for future revenues and reduced operating and general and administrative expense and, on that basis, believes that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business and, accordingly, it is appropriate to prepare the consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis.
(b) | Revenue recognition |
The Company earns its revenue primarily from:
● | hosting and services arrangements related to the design and operation of casino and poker sites on the internet on behalf of licensed operators; |
● | licensing individual games, generally with branded content to licensed operators; |
● | advertising revenue generated on websites operated by the company; and |
● | customizing its software for specific licensees and commerce-based transactions. |
Revenues from Hosted Casino and Branded Games are recognized as the services are performed, on a daily basis, at the time of the gaming transactions, pursuant to the agreements with the licensees in which the Company participates in a pro rata share of the daily gaming profits, net of certain shared expenses (e.g. promotion costs). In addition, the Company generally receives a standard monthly fee for the provision of hosting and related services from Hosted Casino licensees.
F-9
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
Advertising revenues, which are included in other revenue, are generated by display advertising on Casino.co.uk and winneronline.com. Revenue is earned and recognized as “impressions” are delivered, “click-throughs” occur or “affiliate revenue” is generated. An “impression” is delivered when an advertisement appears in pages viewed by users. A “click-through” occurs when a user clicks on an advertiser’s listing. “Affiliate revenue” is generated when a player is referred from one of the company’s advertising portals to a separate online gaming site and earns a percentage of the revenue generated by that player.
Revenue from the initial customization of the software graphics, sound and texts to the specifications of the licensees, or other services contemplated at the date the contract was executed is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the hosting and services agreements. Revenue from customizations ordered subsequent to and not contemplated at the contract date are generally considered as a separate unit of accounting and recognized as the work is performed.
Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis.
(c) | Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash that generally have maturity dates of 90 days or less. As described in note 1 (e), cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value as at December 31, 2010 and 2009.
(d) | Royalties |
The Company licenses various royalty rights, generally on an exclusive basis, from several owners of intellectual property rights. These rights are used to produce games for use in Hosted Casino and also as Branded Games. Generally the arrangements require material prepayments of minimum guaranteed amounts which have been recorded as prepaid expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These prepaid amounts are amortized over the life of the arrangement as gross revenue is generated or on a straight-line basis if the underlying games are expected to have an effective royalty rate greater than the agreed amount. The amortization of these amounts is recorded as a reduction in the revenue.
The Company regularly reviews its estimates of future revenues under its license arrangements and, during 2010, the review identified that it was appropriate to begin amortizing certain of these royalties on a straight-line basis, such that substantially all of these royalties are amortized on a straight-line basis. For the year ended December 31, 2010 amortization of $3,080 (2009: $829, 2008: $1,052) was recorded as a reduction of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company paid net royalties of $4,219 (2009: $5,412, 2008: $2,795). The company is committed to make further royalty payments of $2,774. See note 12.
(e) | Financial instruments |
On January 1, 2008 the Company adopted CICA Handbook Section 3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosures (“Section 3862”); Section 3863, Financial Instruments – Presentation (“Section 3863”) and Section 1535, Capital Disclosures (“Section 1535”).
Section 3862 requires disclosure in the financial statements that enables users to evaluate the significance of financial instruments for a company's financial position and performance, the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments to which a company is exposed during the period and at the balance sheet date, and how the Company manages those risks. The adoption of Section 3862 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements in either the current or prior periods.
F-10
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
In June 2009, the CICA amended Section 3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosures, to include additional disclosure requirements over fair value measurement for financial instruments and liquidity risk disclosures including the introduction of a three-level hierarchy that reflects information inputs used in making the fair value measurements. Level 1 is reserved for quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 is reserved for information other than quoted prices observed in an active market and Level 3 is for informational inputs that are not based on observable market data. Fair value measurements that relied on Level 3 data also require the disclosure of the valuation technique used. The Company has recorded fair value measurements on its long-term investments. 60; See note 5 for the required disclosures.
Section 3863 establishes standards for presentation of financial instruments and non-financial derivatives. The adoption of Section 3863 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements in either the current or prior periods.
Section 1535 establishes standards for disclosing information about an entity's capital and how it is managed. See note 9 for the required disclosure.
In January 2009, the Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) issued Emerging Issues Committee 173, Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“EIC-173”) that provided guidance on the recognition and measurement of certain financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value in accordance with Section 3855, Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement (“Section 3855”). EIC-173 concluded that the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivative instruments, must take into account the Company’s credit risk as well as the counterparty. EIC-173 must be applied retroactively without restatement of prior periods. The adoption of EIC-173 did not have a material impact on the Company 8217;s financial statements in either the current or prior periods.
Financial assets held-for-trading |
The Company classifies all cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and user funds on deposit as held-for-trading assets, which are measured at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. Transaction costs related to financial assets and financial liabilities that are designated as held-for-trading are expensed as incurred.
Loans and receivables |
Accounts receivable and other are classified as loans and receivables and are recorded at amortized cost. The Company has determined that the carrying value represents fair value as at December 31, 2010 and 2009.
Financial liabilities recorded at amortized cost |
All accounts payable, accrued liabilities and liabilities for user funds held on deposit are recorded at their amortized cost. The Company has determined that the carrying value represents fair value as at December 31, 2010 and 2009.
Financial assets available-for-sale |
Long-term investments are classified as available-for-sale assets which are measured at fair value. Temporary changes in fair value of long-term investments are recognized in comprehensive income. Changes in fair value of long-term investments deemed to be other than temporary are recorded in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. Transaction costs related to available-for-sale assets are included in the carrying value of the asset.
F-11
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
Section 3855 requires the Company to identify derivative instruments embedded in non-derivative contracts ("Embedded Derivatives") that require separation from the host contract and measure those Embedded Derivatives at fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value of Embedded Derivatives are recognized in earnings in the year the change occurs.
(f) | Capital assets |
Capital assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Once an asset is put into use, amortization is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets using the following methods and annual rates:
Asset | Basis | Rate |
Computer equipment | Diminishing balance | 40% |
Office furniture and equipment | Diminishing balance | 25% |
Computer software and licenses | Straight-line | 3 - 5 years |
Capitalized software development | Straight-line | 7 years |
Leasehold improvements | Straight-line | Term of lease |
(g) | Software development |
Costs related to the development of software are expensed as incurred unless such costs meet the criteria for capitalization under Canadian GAAP. The Company capitalizes certain computer software development costs incurred for products designed for internal use. Capitalized software development costs are included in capital assets.
(h) | Provision for jackpots |
Several of the Company's licensees participate in progressive jackpot games. Each time a progressive jackpot game is played, a preset amount is added to a cumulative jackpot for that specific game. Once a jackpot is won, the progressive jackpot game is reset with a predetermined amount. The Company is liable for funding the jackpot wins as well as amounts required to reset the progressive jackpot game from the pool of funds collected and accrues the jackpot amount for all games on a monthly basis. The reset amount is accrued, up to the predetermined amount, as wagering occurs. The accrual for the jackpot at the consolidated balance sheet dates is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
The Company regularly performs an analysis of the accumulation of jackpot funds and amounts required to address jackpot payouts. During 2009, as part of the statistical analysis of the amounts required for jackpot resets, the Company revised its estimated liability arising from the cumulative jackpot. The change in accounting estimate resulted in the reduction of the liability for jackpot accrual and a corresponding increase in revenue in 2009 of $841.
At December 31, 2010, accounts payable and accrued liabilities include $5,353 in jackpot provisions (2009: $3,020). This amount is sufficient to cover the full amount of any required pay-out.
F-12
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
(i) | Income taxes |
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating losses carried forward. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the year that includes the enactment or substantive enactment date.
(j) | Stock-based compensation |
(i) Stock options
The Company has a stock option plan for directors, officers and other key employees. The Company applies the fair value method to all grants of stock options. Stock option grants are accounted for as capital transactions at the time of the grant and are reflected as stock options in shareholders' equity. The fair value of options granted is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model incorporating assumptions regarding risk-free interest rates, dividend yield, volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company's stock and the expected life of the options. The estimated fair value of the options is recorded in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss as stock compensation expense over the options' vesting periods. Upon ex ercise of stock options, the accumulated stock compensation expense recorded and the consideration paid are credited to share capital.
(ii) Long-term incentive plan
From January 1, 2005 to January 31, 2007, the Company offered long-term incentive plans for its officers and directors (the "Plans"). The Plans provide for the granting of performance share units to retain certain individuals and reward participants for achieving various targets including, but not limited to, the growth in the Company's earnings per share, and share price, with vesting generally over a three-year performance period.
When the performance and vesting criteria are met, the awards are settled in cash. The liability for these awards is recognized if the Company determines that it is probable that the targets of the Plans will be achieved and are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Changes in this liability, which arise from fluctuations in the Company's stock price and estimated future diluted earnings per share, are recorded in operating costs over the vesting period.
(k) | Employee benefits |
The company contributes to a defined contribution pension plan on behalf of certain employees. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss when they are due.
F-13
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
(l) | Foreign currency translation |
Monetary items denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and non-monetary items and related amortization are translated at rates of exchange in effect when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred. Revenue and expenses other than amortization are translated at rates in effect at the time of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
(m) | Goodwill and intangible assets |
The Company adopted CICA Handbook Section 3064, Goodwill and Intangible Assets (“Section 3064”), effective from January 1, 2009, which converges accounting for goodwill and intangible assets under Canadian GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standard provides more comprehensive guidance on intangible assets, particularly for internally developed intangible assets. The adoption of Section 3064 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements in either the current or prior periods.
Intangible assets consist of customer lists, brand names and domain names acquired and are initially carried at cost. The carrying value of intangible assets is reviewed if indications of impairment exist. See note 6 for further discussion. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the respective assets as follows:
Customer lists | 3 - 7 years |
Brand names | 12 years |
Domain names | 12 years |
Goodwill is the residual amount that results when the purchase price of an acquired business exceeds the sum of the amounts allocated to the assets acquired, less assumed liabilities, based on their fair values.
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test is carried out in two steps. In the first step, the carrying amount of the reporting unit is compared with its fair value. When the fair value exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is considered not to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. The second step is carried out when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case, the implied fair value of the goodwill is compared with its carrying amount to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the value of goo dwill is determined in a business combination described in the preceding paragraph, using the fair value of the reporting unit as if it were the purchase price. When the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess and is presented as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
During 2009, the Company assessed impairment of goodwill and determined that it was impaired by $6,545. See note 7 for discussion.
F-14
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
(n) | Earnings per common share |
Shares of the Company and of CEC are participating securities and, accordingly, earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method determines earnings per share for the Company's Common Shares and CEC shares according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings, which in the case of the Company are equal. The Company uses the treasury stock method in computing diluted earnings per common share. The treasury stock method is a method of recognizing the use of proceeds that could be obtained upon the exercise of options and warrants in computing diluted earnings per common share. It assumes that any proceeds would be used to purchase the Company's Common Shares at the average market price.
(o) | Variable interest entities |
Variable interest entities ("VIEs") include entities in which holders of the equity investment at risk lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support by other parties. Entities meeting these criteria are consolidated by the primary beneficiary.
Management assessed the Company's operations and relationships and concluded that there are no VIEs in respect of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, no VIEs are consolidated.
(p) | Use of estimates |
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, including, but not limited to, the jackpot provision, the estimated useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, stock-based compensation, recoverability of future tax assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.
The Company regularly reviews its estimates of future revenues under its license arrangements and, during 2010, the review identified that it was appropriate to begin amortizing royalty prepayments on a straight-line basis, such that substantially all of these royalties are amortized on a straight-line basis. For the year ended December 31, 2010, amortization of $3,080 (2009: $829, 2008: $1,052) was recorded as a reduction of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
During 2009 and 2008, the Company reviewed its e-cash operations and determined that certain provisions associated with its commerce based transactions should not be recorded, and further that, based on new facts and circumstances, certain estimates should be revised. Accordingly, in 2009, $1,700 that was recorded as a liability for future payments was no longer required (2008: $1,200). These changes were recorded in revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
The Company regularly performs analyses of the accumulation of jackpot funds and amounts required to address jackpot payouts and resets. During 2009, as part of the statistical analysis of the amounts required for jackpot resets, the Company revised its estimated liability arising from the cumulative jackpot. The change in accounting estimate resulted in the reduction of the liability for jackpot accrual and a corresponding increase in revenue in 2009 of $841.
During 2009 and 2008, the Company revised its estimate for liabilities in respect of intellectual property matters based on new facts and circumstances, including negotiations and changes to the relevant case law, resulting in a reduction in accrued liabilities and a corresponding increase in revenue in 2009 of $750 (2008: $1,000).
F-15
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
1. | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
(q) | Long-lived assets |
Long-lived assets comprise capital assets and intangible assets and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset or groups of assets and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for long-lived assets is based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. See notes 4, 5, 6 and 7 for discussions of the impairments.
(r) | Recent accounting pronouncements |
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
In February 2008, the Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) confirmed that the use of IFRS will be required in 2011 for publicly accountable enterprises in Canada. In April 2008, the AcSB issued an IFRS Omnibus Exposure Draft proposing that publicly accountable enterprises be required to apply IFRS, in full and without modification, on January 1, 2011.
The adoption of IFRS will require the restatement of amounts reported by the Company for its previous year end and of the opening balance sheet as at the date of adoption.
The IFRS conversion project consists of three phases which have been substantially completed by the Company. However, management has not yet finalized the determination of the impact of these differences on the consolidated financial statements.
Phase One: Scoping and Diagnostics, which involved project planning and staffing and identification of differences between current Canadian GAAP and IFRS.
Phase Two: Analysis and Development, involved detailed diagnostics and evaluation of the financial impacts of various options and alternative methodologies provided for under IFRS; identification and design of operational and financial business processes; initial staff and audit committee training; analysis of IFRS 1 optional exemptions and mandatory exceptions to the general requirement for full retrospective application upon transition to IFRS; summarization of 2011 IFRS disclosure requirements; and development of required solutions to address identified issues.
Phase Three: Implementation and Review involved the execution of changes to information systems and business processes; completion of formal authorization processes to approve recommended accounting policy changes; and further training programs across the Company’s finance and other affected areas, as necessary, culminating in the collection of financial information necessary to compile IFRS-compliant financial statements and reconciliations; embedding of IFRS in business processes; and audit committee approval of IFRS-compliant financial statements.
2. | Security deposits |
Security deposits are amounts held by the Company's banks as collateral provided to payment processors that process deposits and credit card transactions.
3. | User funds held on deposit |
User funds held on deposit represent amounts deposited by end users of licensees for playing online games. These funds are treated as deposits of the end users until such games are played.
F-16
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
4. | Capital assets |
Computer equipment | Office furniture and equipment | Computer software licensese | Capitalized software development | Leasehold improvements | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | $ | 5,373 | $ | 1,013 | $ | 10,319 | $ | 4,300 | $ | 2,564 | $ | 23,569 | ||||||||||||
Additions | 349 | 161 | 243 | – | 312 | 1,065 | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals | (12 | ) | (48 | ) | – | – | – | (60 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Impairments | – | – | – | (2,105 | ) | – | (2,105 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
SRED rebate | – | – | – | (295 | ) | – | (295 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | 5,710 | 1,126 | 10,562 | 1,900 | 2,876 | 22,174 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | (4,500 | ) | (595 | ) | (9,671 | ) | – | (1,029 | ) | (15,795 | ) | |||||||||||||
Charge for the year | (402 | ) | (188 | ) | (482 | ) | (523 | ) | (452 | ) | (2,047 | ) | ||||||||||||
Disposals | 10 | 29 | – | – | – | 39 | ||||||||||||||||||
Impairments | – | – | – | 342 | – | 342 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | (4,892 | ) | (754 | ) | (10,153 | ) | (181 | ) | (1,481 | ) | (17,461 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net book value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | $ | 818 | $ | 372 | $ | 409 | $ | 1,719 | $ | 1,395 | $ | 4,713 | ||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | $ | 873 | $ | 418 | $ | 648 | $ | 4,300 | $ | 1,535 | $ | 7,774 |
Amortization expense of capital assets during the year was $2,047 (2009: $4,216; 2008: $4,306). During 2010 and 2009, there were no changes in the estimated useful lives of computer equipment and office furniture and equipment.
During 2010, the Company disposed of office furniture and equipment and computer equipment associated with the consolidation of its operations into Malta. The Company recorded a gain on disposal of these assets of $34, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
During 2010, the Company performed an impairment review of software development projects associated with the software gaming platform (“Agile”) designed to support multiple gaming methods. The Company completed a valuation of these capitalized software development costs using the relief-from-royalty method which includes estimating the net cash flows expected from these projects and discounting cash flows to present value at a discount rate that considers the degree of risk or uncertainty associated with the realization of the estimated net cash flows.
Using this approach the Company determined that the carrying amounts of these assets exceeded their fair value. Consequently, in 2010, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,763, the amount by which the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value. This impairment charge is included in impairment of capital assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years.
During 2009, as a result of difficult macroeconomic conditions and a decline in expected future revenues, the Company performed an impairment review on Agile using a similar relief-from-royalty method. Using this approach, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of these assets exceeded their fair value. Consequently, in 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,689, the amount by which the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value. This impairment charge is included in impairment of capital assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
F-17
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
4. | Capital assets (continued) |
During 2008, the Company completed a valuation of Agile using a similar relief-from-royalty method as the project was taking longer and costing more to complete than expected. As a result, in 2008, the company recorded an impairment charge of $6,680, the amount by which the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value. This impairment charge was included in impairment of capital assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss.
During 2009, the Company determined that certain assets were impaired and accordingly, in 2009, recorded an impairment charge to computer equipment of $1,224 and office equipment of $299. In addition, in December 2009, the Company opted to exercise its right to early termination of one of its leased properties. The Company determined that the leasehold improvements associated with the property were impaired and accordingly, in 2009, recorded an impairment charge of $2,497. These impairment charges were included in Reorganization expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss.
The Company benefits from a Canada scientific research and experimental development tax incentive program (“SRED”) designed to encourage businesses operating within Canada developing advanced technological products and processes. The tax credit was based on work capitalized as part of the Agile software development project; therefore, the Company reduced the cost basis of Agile by $295 (2009: $448), the net amount to be paid to the Company.
In 2008, the Company also recorded a loss of $427 in relation to software development projects associated with integration of certain poker operations. See note 16 for details.
5. | Long-term investments |
In June 2007, the Company acquired a 19.4% ownership interest in 568 Network Inc. ("568"), a privately held company, for $1,068. 568 is a developer and distributor of online casual games to the Chinese market. During 2008, the Company made a further investment by way of a $350 loan. This loan is convertible into preference shares at the option of the Company. The investment and the loan are classified as available-for-sale. The Company has determined that the convertible feature of this loan is an embedded derivative, which is immaterial.
During 2009, various indicators of impairment were identified including significant financial difficulty and continued operating losses. The Company reviewed this investment for impairment by performing a discounted net cash flow on data not readily available in the market including, but not limited to, future expected net cash flows from this business. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that the carrying value exceeded the fair value and these declines in value were other than temporary. Accordingly, in 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,418 or the entire carrying value of the investment, which is included in impairment of long-term investments in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
In November 2007, the Company acquired a 12.7% ownership interest in Mikoishi Pte Ltd. ("Mikoishi"), a privately held company, for cash consideration of $4,258. Mikoishi is a developer and marketer of gaming products for the mobile computing markets and is located in Singapore. The investment in Mikoishi is designated as available-for-sale which is measured at fair value. In June 2009, the Company made a further investment by way of a $277 loan. This loan is convertible into preference shares at the option of the Company. The investment and the loan are classified as available-for-sale. The Company has determined that the convertible feature of this loan is an embedded derivative, which is immaterial.
F-18
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
5. | Long-term investments (continued) |
During 2010, the Company exchanged its 12.7% ownership interest in and loan to Mikoishi for (i) a non-diluting call option to subscribe for 8% of all classes of shares in Mikoishi, (ii) SGD250 in cash and (iii) SGD200 to be received in cash in 2011. The call option is designated as available-for-sale which is measured at fair value. Cash consideration received is included in non-operating income when received in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. See note 21 for details.
During 2009, various indicators of impairment were identified including significant financial difficulty, restructuring activities and continued operating losses. The Company reviewed this investment for impairment by performing a discounted net cash flow on data not readily available in the market including, but not limited to, future expected net cash flows from this business. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that the carrying value exceeded the fair value and these declines in value were other than temporary. Accordingly, in 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,335 or the entire remaining carrying value of the investment, which is included in impairment of long-term investments in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. ;In 2008, the Company received evidence of Mikoishi’s current fair value and as a result, the Company recorded a write down in the value of the investment of $2,200, which is included in impairment of long-term investments in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
In March 2008, the Company acquired a 15.0% ownership interest in Mobilebus Inc. (“Mobilebus”), a privately held Korean company specializing in game development, for cash consideration of $645. The investment is classified as available-for-sale.
During 2009, various indicators of impairment were identified including significant financial difficulty, declining revenues and difficult macroeconomic conditions. The Company reviewed this investment for impairment by performing a discounted net cash flow on data not readily available in the market including, but not limited to, future expected net cash flows from this business. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that the carrying value exceeded the fair value and these declines in value were other than temporary. Accordingly, in 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $645 or the entire carrying value of the investment, which is included in impairment of long-term investments in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
In May 2008, the Company acquired an 11.1% interest in Jingle Prize Inc. (“Jingle”), a leading supplier of online mahjong games, for cash consideration of $1,000. The terms of this agreement required the Company to make additional investments in Jingle if certain performance criteria were met. In December 2008, the first performance criteria were met, resulting in an additional investment of $700, increasing the Company’s ownership interest in Jingle to 18.9%. During 2009, the Company made a further investment by way of a $200 loan. This loan is convertible into preference shares at the option of the Company. The investment and the loan are classified as available-for-sale. The Company has determined that the convertible feature of this loan is an embe dded derivative, which is immaterial.
During 2009, various indicators of impairment were identified including significant financial difficulty, continued operating losses and significantly reduced operations. The Company reviewed this investment for impairment by performing a discounted net cash flow on data not readily available in the market including, but not limited to, future expected net cash flows from this business. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that the carrying value exceeded the fair value and these declines in value were other than temporary. Accordingly, in 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,900 or the entire carrying value of the investment, which is included in impairment of long-term investments in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
F-19
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
5. | Long-term investments (continued) |
The fair value measurements recorded above were computed using data that is not observable in the market and therefore classified as Level 3 under Section 3862. A summary of the fair value measurements follows:
Balance, December 31, 2008 | $ | 5,821 | ||
Purchase of long-term investments | 477 | |||
Impairments | (6,298 | ) | ||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | – | |||
Cash received on long-term investments | (185 | ) | ||
Gain on long-term investments | 185 | |||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | $ | – |
6. | Intangible assets |
Parbet | Casino.co.uk | Total intangible assets | Future income tax liability | Total net of future income tax | ||||||||||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | $ | 2,487 | $ | 2,952 | $ | 5,439 | $ | (491 | ) | $ | 4,948 | |||||||||
Impairments | (2,487 | ) | (2,852 | ) | (5,339 | ) | 478 | (4,861 | ) | |||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | – | 100 | 100 | (13 | ) | 87 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | (297 | ) | (800 | ) | (1,097 | ) | 107 | (990 | ) | |||||||||||
Charge for the year | (148 | ) | (177 | ) | (325 | ) | 15 | (310 | ) | |||||||||||
Impairments | 445 | 972 | 1,417 | (122 | ) | 1,295 | ||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | – | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | – | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net book value | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | $ | – | $ | 95 | $ | 95 | $ | (13 | ) | $ | 82 | |||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | $ | 2,190 | $ | 2,152 | $ | 4,342 | $ | (384 | ) | $ | 3,958 | |||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
For the year ended December 31, 2010 | $ | (2,042 | ) | $ | (1,880 | ) | $ | (3,922 | ) | $ | 356 | $ | (3,566 | ) | ||||||
For the year ended December 31, 2009 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||||||
For the year ended December 31, 2008 | $ | (8,153 | ) | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 939 | $ | (7,214 | ) |
The impairment charges are included in the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss.
a) | In January 2007, the Company acquired the poker brand and the customer list of Parbet. The total cash consideration paid was $11,770, with $11,746 allocated to the brand and $1,332 allocated to the customer list. The Company also recorded a future income tax liability of $1,308. In 2008, due to decreasing poker revenues and reduced expectations of the Parbet.com brand, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of the intangible assets exceeded their fair value and accordingly, in 2008, recorded an impairment charge of approximately $7,214, which is included in impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. |
F-20
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
6. | Intangible assets (continued) |
During 2010, as a result of reduced expectations of the Parbet brand, the Company reviewed the intangible assets for impairment. The Company completed a valuation of the intangible assets, using probability weighted net cash flows expected from the Parbet brand and discounting these cash flows to present value at a discount rate that considers the degree of risk or uncertainty associated with the realization of the estimated net revenues. Using this approach, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of the intangible assets exceeded their fair value and accordingly, in 2010, recorded an impairment charge of $2,042 (2009: $nil), or the entire carrying value of the intangible assets, which is included in impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. |
b) | In August 2007, the Company acquired the assets and operations of Casino.co.uk, a gaming portal, for a purchase price of $6,098, including $182 related to the costs of acquisition. The Company has included the results of these operations in its consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination using the purchase method of accounting. During 2008, the Company paid $1,254 of additional consideration to the seller as a result of Casino.co.uk meeting certain performance criteria. This additional consideration was recorded as an increase to goodwill. |
During 2010, as a result of reduced expectations of the Casino.co.uk portal, the Company reviewed the intangible assets for impairment. The Company completed a valuation of the intangible assets, using probability weighted net cash flows expected from the Casino.co.uk portal and discounting these cash flows to present value at a discount rate that considers the degree of risk or uncertainty associated with the realization of the estimated net revenues. Using this approach, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of the intangible assets exceeded their fair value and accordingly, in 2010, recorded an impairment charge of $1,880 (2009: $nil), which is included in impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. At December 31, 2010, the net book value of the intangible assets related to Casino.co.uk po rtal was $95. The brand name is being amortized over 12 years. |
7. | Goodwill |
In August 2007, the Company acquired Casino.co.uk, see note 6, and allocated $6,545 of the purchase price to goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
During 2009, the results of the portals business were below expectations and the market capitalization of the Company was significantly lower than the Company’s net assets, which were both indications that the value of the goodwill associated with the portal business was impaired. The implied fair value of the goodwill was determined by discounting expected net future cash flows of the portals business. As a result, the Company decided that the carrying value of the goodwill exceeded its fair value and accordingly, in 2009, recorded an impairment charge of $6,545, its entire value, which is included in impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
F-21
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
8. | Minority interest |
Pursuant to a business reorganization implemented by way of a Superior Court of Ontario, Canada court approved plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) and approved by the shareholders on May 24, 2007, the Company acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., an Ontario company, which through the Arrangement became an indirect subsidiary of the Company. As part of the Arrangement, the Company issued either an equivalent amount of CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares or, in the case of taxable Canadian residents, exchangeable shares of CryptoLogic Exchange Corporation (“CEC”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The CEC shares are, as nearly as practicable, the economic equivalent of CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares. These CEC shares p articipate equally in voting and dividends with the shareholders of the Company. As a result of the Arrangement, a total of 12.6 million CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares and 1.3 million CEC shares were issued. No additional shares of CEC will be issued.
For accounting purposes, the Arrangement has been accounted for using the continuity of interest method, which recognizes the Company as the successor entity to CryptoLogic Inc. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as if the Company has always carried on the business formerly carried on by CryptoLogic Inc. and its subsidiaries, with all assets and liabilities recorded at the carrying values of CryptoLogic Inc. The interest held by CEC shareholders has been presented as a minority interest in these consolidated financial statements, as required under GAAP.
The shares issued by CEC are considered a non-controlling interest of the Company for accounting purposes and, consequently, a proportional amount of the Company's shareholders' equity was recorded separately as minority interest on the consolidated balance sheets. For accounting purposes, when CEC shares are exchanged, the proportional share of the minority interest recorded on the consolidated balance sheet is reduced and share capital increased based on the pro-rata number of CEC shares exchanged to the total number of CEC shares outstanding. Since June 1, 2007, 393,437 CEC shares have been exchanged for the Company's Common Shares. At December 31, 2010, 939,131 CEC shares were issued and outstanding.
9. | Capital risk management |
The Company defines capital as its shareholders’ equity and has a policy to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business. The Company is listed on three major exchanges, the Toronto Stock Exchange, NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange. The Company monitors both the demographic spread of shareholders, as well as the return on equity.
At December 31, 2010, the Company had $16,815 (2009: $36,796) shareholders’ equity.
The Company offers stock options to key employees and directors. At December 31, 2010, employees and directors held options to purchase 223,500 Common Shares of the Company.
The Company has not declared any dividends during the year. The Company does not expect to declare any dividends for the foreseeable future.
There were no changes in the Company’s policy for managing capital during 2010. Neither the Company, nor any of its subsidiaries, is subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
F-22
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
10. | Share capital |
Authorized
Unlimited Common Shares
Issued and outstanding
Issued | ||||||||||||||||
Common Shares | Amount | Contributed surplus | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | 12,793 | $ | 33,848 | $ | 68 | $ | 33,916 | |||||||||
CEC shares exchanged (1) | 86 | 213 | – | 213 | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2010 | 12,879 | $ | 34,061 | $ | 68 | $ | 34,129 |
(1) | The Company acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., an Ontario company, which through the Arrangement became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. As consideration for the acquisition, the Company issued either an equivalent amount of its Common Shares or, in the case of taxable Canadian residents, exchangeable shares of CEC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The CEC shares can be exchanged by the holders for an equal number of CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares at any time. |
As a result of the reorganization, a total of 12.6 million CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares and 1.3 million CEC shares were issued. Since June 1, 2007, 393,437 CEC shares have been exchanged, with the remaining shares of CEC being reflected as minority interest as at December 31, 2010. On June 1, 2014, the Company will redeem all of the then outstanding CEC shares in return for CryptoLogic Limited Common Shares.
Normal course issuer bid |
During 2009 and 2008 under normal course issuer bids, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase and cancellation of up to the following number of Common Shares, representing 10% of the outstanding Common Shares at that time:
Repurchased and cancelled Common Shares
Normal course issuer bid | Authorized Common Shares | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
November 14, 2007 to November 13, 2008 | 1,281,000 | – | – | 124,905 |
December 3, 2008 to December 2, 2009 | 1,267,871 | – | – |
In November 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase and cancel up to 1,281,000 of the Company's outstanding Common Shares for the period commencing November 14, 2007 and ending November 13, 2008. CryptoLogic Limited repurchased and cancelled 124,905 Common Shares during 2008 for a total cost of $1,420 of which $1,093, representing the excess of purchase price over stated value, was charged to retained earnings.
In November 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 1,267,871 of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares for the period commencing December 3, 2008 and ending December 2, 2009. In 2009, the Company did not purchase any Common Shares under the Normal Course Issuer Bid.
F-23
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
11. | Stock-based compensation and employee benefits |
(a) | Stock option plan |
Under the stock option plan, the Company may grant options to directors, officers and other key employees to purchase Common Shares. All outstanding options of CryptoLogic Inc. as of the date of Arrangement were fully assumed by CryptoLogic Limited under the same terms and conditions as originally granted by CryptoLogic Inc. Under the plan, a maximum of 3,900,000 Common Shares may be issued. The exercise price of the options may not be less than the market value of the underlying Common Shares on the date of grant. The Company generally grants stock options with an exercise price at the closing price on the date of grant. As at December 31, 2010, there are 1,256,712 (2009: 916,691; 2008: 385,001) Common Shares available to be issued under the stock option plan. Options typically vest over a period of three or four years, as determined at the date of grant, and the term of the options may not exceed five years.
Historically, the Company has granted options with an exercise price at the closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Since the Company’s Common Shares are now more actively traded on NASDAQ, during the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company granted options with an exercise price at the closing price on NASDAQ on the date of grant.
Details of stock option transactions are as follows:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of options | Weighted average exercise price of options | Weighted average exercise price of options | Number of options | Weighted average exercise price of options | Number of options | Weighted average exercise price of options | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cdn$ | US$ | Cdn$ | Cdn$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding beginning of year | 563,521 | $ | 21.89 | $ | – | 1,095,211 | $ | 23.88 | 1,392,525 | $ | 24.65 | |||||||||||||||||
Granted | 5,000 | 3.08 | – | 25,000 | 4.46 | 145,000 | 18.68 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Granted | 70,000 | – | 1.61 | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercised | – | – | – | – | – | (15,725 | ) | 12.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited | (415,021 | ) | 10.90 | – | (556,690 | ) | 25.02 | (425,589 | ) | 26.62 | ||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding end of year | 153,500 | 20.63 | – | 563,521 | 21.89 | 1,095,211 | 23.88 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding end of year | 70,000 | – | 1.61 | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||
223,500 | 563,521 | – | 563,521 | 1,095,211 | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Options exercisable end of year | 110,808 | $ | 22.61 | $ | – | 326,452 | $ | 23.59 | 566,189 | $ | 25.45 |
2010 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Number outstanding | Weighted average remaining life ( years) | Weighted average exercise price | Number exercisable | Weighted average exercise price | ||||||||||||||||||
Cdn.$ | Cdn.$ | Cdn.$ | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 0.01 - $5.00 | 15,000 | 4.10 | $ | 3.23 | 2,500 | $ | 3.30 | ||||||||||||||
$ | 5.01 - $15.00 | 1,250 | 3.25 | 5.68 | 1,250 | 5.68 | ||||||||||||||||
$ | 15.01 - $20.00 | 71,000 | 2.08 | 18.75 | 45,750 | 18.70 | ||||||||||||||||
$ | 20.01 - $25.00 | 21,500 | 0.09 | 24.40 | 21,500 | 24.40 | ||||||||||||||||
$ | 25.01 - $30.00 | 44,750 | 0.75 | 28.07 | 39,808 | 27.87 | ||||||||||||||||
153,500 | 1.62 | $ | 20.63 | 110,808 | $ | 22.61 |
F-24
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
11. | Stock-based compensation and employee benefits (continued) |
2010 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding | Options exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||
Range of exercise price | Number outstanding | Weighted average remaining life (years) | Weighted average exercise price | Number exercisable | Weighted average exercise price | |||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 0.01 - $5.00 | 70,000 | 4.63 | $ | 1.61 | – | $ | – | ||||||||||||||
70,000 | 4.63 | $ | 1.61 | – | $ | – |
The Company expenses the cost of all stock option grants, determined using the fair value method. The estimated fair value of the options is recorded over the periods that the options vest. The fair value of options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |
Dividend yield | 0.0% | 6.2% | 2.1% |
Risk-free interest rate | 0.3% | 1.3% | 2.8% |
Expected volatility | 73% | 65% | 46% |
Expected life of options in years | 3 | 3 | 3 |
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2010 was $0.76 (2009: $1.54; 2008: $5.37).
Included in operating costs is the cost of stock options in the amount of $193 (2009: $777; 2008: $1,895).
(b) | Long-term incentive plan |
During the year, the Company recorded an expense of $nil (2009: $26) associated with its long-term incentive plans. In 2008, the Company recorded a net benefit of $452 in operating expense as the Company determined that the probability of achieving the targets of the 2007 plan was remote.
(c) | Defined contribution pension scheme |
The Company contributes to a defined contribution pension plan for a limited number of employees. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the amount charged to the statements of loss and comprehensive loss and the amount outstanding at year end were immaterial.
12. | Commitments and contingencies |
The Company has operating lease agreements for premises expiring at various periods up to May 2020. The future minimum annual rentals on the operating leases are as follows:
2011 | $ 1,161 |
2012 | 1,168 |
2013 | 865 |
2014 | 554 |
2015 | 378 |
Thereafter | 562 |
F-25
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
12. | Commitments and contingencies (continued) |
The Company has guaranteed minimum payments and purchase commitments for certain intellectual property rights up to 2013 as follows:
2011 | $ 2,221 |
2012 | 528 |
2013 | 25 |
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in certain claims and litigation arising out of the ordinary course and conduct of business, including intellectual property matters. Management assesses such claims and, if considered likely to result in material exposure and where the amount of the claim is quantifiable, provisions for loss are made based on management's assessment of the likely outcome. Management does not provide for claims that are considered unlikely to result in a significant loss, claims for which the outcome is not determinable or claims where the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated. Any settlement or awards under such claims are provided for when reasonably determinable. During 2010, the Company entered into a dispute with a significant supplier of games o n the interpretation of the terms of a contract, which may lead to binding arbitration. In respect of this dispute, no amounts have been provided, as the outcome is not determinable.
During 2009 and 2008, the Company reviewed its e-cash operations and determined that certain provisions associated with its commerce based transactions should not be recorded, and further that, based on new facts and circumstances, certain estimates should be revised. Accordingly, in 2009, $1,700 that was recorded as a liability for future payments was no longer required (2008: $1,200). These changes were recorded in revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. During 2009, the Company determined its accrual of $750 for certain contingencies was no longer required, increasing revenue by a corresponding amount (2008: $1,000).
During 2009, the Company performed an analysis of the accumulation of the funds in the jackpot provision and a statistical analysis of the amounts required to address jackpot payouts and resets. The Company revised its estimated liability based on this analysis. This change of estimate resulted in the reduction of the liability for jackpot accrual and a corresponding increase in revenue in 2009 of $841. The accrual for the jackpot at the consolidated balance sheet dates is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. At December 31, 2010, accounts payable and accrued liabilities include $5,353 in jackpot provisions (2009: $3,020, 2008: $3,152). This amount is sufficient to cover the full amount of any required pay-out.
In December 2009, the Company opted to exercise its right to early termination of one of its leased properties and recorded termination costs of $1,764 which were subsequently paid on termination in July 2010. The termination costs are included in reorganization costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
F-26
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
13. | Loss per Common Share |
Loss per share is calculated using the two-class method, whereby Common Shares of the Company and the fully participating exchangeable common shares of CEC are used to determine the weighted average number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted loss per share.
The loss attributable to the Common Shares in calculating the basic and diluted loss per share is as follows:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Loss attributable to Common Shares | $ | (20,387 | ) | $ | (35,510 | ) | $ | (32,738 | ) | |||
Loss attributable to CEC shares | (1,509 | ) | (2,963 | ) | (2,676 | ) | ||||||
Loss before minority interest | $ | (21,896 | ) | $ | (38,473 | ) | $ | (35,414 | ) |
The denominator used in calculating basic and diluted loss per Common Share is calculated as follows:
All share amounts below are in thousands of shares (‘000s) | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
Weighted average number of | ||||||||||||
Common Shares outstanding – basic | 12,846 | 12,749 | 12,780 | |||||||||
Add weighted average impact of CEC shares | 974 | 1,071 | 1,108 | |||||||||
Total weighted average number | ||||||||||||
Common Shares outstanding – basic | 13,820 | 13,820 | 13,888 | |||||||||
Add dilutive options | – | – | – | |||||||||
Total weighted average number of | ||||||||||||
Common Shares outstanding –diluted (1) | 13,820 | 13,820 | 13,888 |
Basic and diluted loss per Common Share is as follows:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Net Loss per Common Share: | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (2.78 | ) | $ | (2.55 | ) | |||
Diluted (1) | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (2.78 | ) | $ | (2.55 | ) |
(1) | For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, basic and diluted net loss per share has been computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. For the year ended December 31, 2010, diluted net loss per share does not include the effect of the 223,500 (2009: 563,521, 2008: 1,095,211) options to purchase Common Shares, as their impact would be anti-dilutive. |
14. | Reorganization |
In November 2008, the Company announced a plan for reorganization of its business after completing a comprehensive review. As a result of that review, the Company decided to reduce costs by outsourcing non-core activities, including integrating its poker network with one of the world’s leading gaming technology and services companies, transitioning certain functions to lower cost jurisdictions and eliminating certain redundant functions. In December 2009, the Company expanded its previously announced reorganization plan due to continued unfavourable macroeconomic conditions and outsourced additional technology infrastructure activities, consolidated more of its data centre operations and migrated additional functions to lower cost jurisdictions resulting in further reduction in headcount and a reduction of its leased office space in both Canada and Cyprus.
In June 2010, the Company commenced an additional reorganization plan, consolidating its Cyprus and the majority of its UK activities at a new location in Malta, together with headcount reductions across all locations.
F-27
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
14. | Reorganization (continued) |
The following is a summary of the reorganization accrual:
Total reorganization charges incurred in the year ended December 31, 2008 | $ | 1,390 | ||
Total reorganization payments for the year ended December 31, 2008 | (732 | ) | ||
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2008 | $ | 658 | ||
Total reorganization charges incurred in the year ended December 31, 2009 | $ | 7,111 | ||
Total reorganization payments for the year ended December 31, 2009 | (1,697 | ) | ||
Asset impairments in the year ended December 31, 2009 | (3,148 | ) | ||
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2009 | $ | 2,924 | ||
Total reorganization charges incurred in the year ended December 31, 2010 | $ | 1,935 | ||
Total reorganization payments for the year ended December 31, 2010 | (4,805 | ) | ||
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2010 | $ | 54 |
During 2010, the Company made total reorganization payments of $4,805 (2009: $1,697, 2008: $732), consisting of $2,431 of employee severance (2009: $596, 2008: $233), $610 of costs associated with the relocation of operations from Cyprus and the UK to Malta and $1,764 lease termination costs (2009: $nil, 2008: $nil). During 2010, the Company also made reorganization payments in respect of consultant fees of $nil (2009: $1,101, 2008: $499).
The plan requires an additional cash outlay of $54 consisting primarily of employee severance.
15. | Departure costs for former CEO |
In February 2008, the Company replaced its former President and CEO. As a result of this change, the Company incurred and paid in 2008 the following costs in relation to the departure:
Departure costs | $ | 2,877 | ||
Professional fees | 523 | |||
$ | 3,400 |
In addition to the above and as part of the arrangements agreed, the former CEO would have been entitled to a further payment of $2,175 in the event of a change of control of the Company before April 30, 2009. This amount was never paid and the entitlement has expired.
F-28
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
16. | Poker room integration costs |
During 2008, the Company announced its plans to migrate certain poker operations to a third party poker network. Accordingly, the Company identified certain assets including software development projects and certain program costs where the integration of the poker room would indicate that the carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable. Measurement of any impairment loss for these assets is based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. With the exception of the Parbet intangible assets discussed in note 6, the fair value of these assets was generally zero. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss equal to the amount that their respective carrying values exceeded their market values including:
Poker-related program costs | $ | 2,534 | ||
Poker development projects | 427 | |||
Other | 163 | |||
$ | 3,124 |
17. | Income taxes |
As described in the preamble to the notes, pursuant to a business reorganization implemented by way of the Arrangement and approved by the shareholders on May 24, 2007, the Company acquired control over all of the issued and outstanding common shares of CryptoLogic Inc., an Ontario company, which through the Arrangement became an indirect subsidiary of the Company, a Guernsey company with tax residence in the Republic of Ireland.
The income tax provision differs from the amount which would be obtained by applying the Irish statutory income tax rate to the loss before income taxes. The following explains the major differences:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | $ | (21,239 | ) | $ | (37,390 | ) | $ | (35,898 | ) | |||
Income tax benefit at statutory rate of 12.5% | (2,655 | ) | (4,674 | ) | (4,487 | ) | ||||||
Increase/(decrease) in income taxes resulting from: | ||||||||||||
Differences in effective income tax rates in foreign jurisdictions | 1,616 | 1,340 | (196 | ) | ||||||||
Permanent differences: | ||||||||||||
Net (benefit)/cost of foreign exchange gains not subject to tax | (15 | ) | (1,421 | ) | 2,150 | |||||||
Non-deductible items | 90 | 2,041 | 2,043 | |||||||||
Net cost/(benefit) of matters resolved in the year | 74 | (836 | ) | (275 | ) | |||||||
Increase/(decrease) in valuation allowance | 1,603 | 4,470 | (153 | ) | ||||||||
Other items | (56 | ) | 163 | 434 | ||||||||
Income tax expense/(recovery) | $ | 657 | $ | 1,083 | $ | (484 | ) |
F-29
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
17. | Income taxes (continued) |
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the future income tax assets and future income tax liabilities at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
Future income tax assets | |||||||
Non-capital income tax loss carryforwards | $ | 6,117 | $ | 4,844 | |||
Long-term incentive plan | – | 3 | |||||
Capital items | 610 | 939 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | – | 210 | |||||
Other items | 626 | 41 | |||||
6,953 | 6,037 | ||||||
Valuation allowance | (6,089 | ) | (4,488 | ) | |||
Amounts classified as future tax assets | 864 | 1,549 | |||||
Future tax liabilities | |||||||
Intangible assets | $ | (13 | ) | $ | (384 | ) | |
Capital assets | (16 | ) | – | ||||
Amounts classified as future tax liabilities | (29 | ) | (384 | ) | |||
Net future income tax assets | $ | 835 | $ | 1,165 |
The tax losses of the subsidiaries of the Company that carry forward indefinitely are $67,544. Although trading losses of these companies can be carried forward indefinitely, a valuation allowance has been recognized against these losses, as sufficient profits may not arise in the future to utilize the assets. The tax losses of a Canadian subsidiary are $494 and carry forward for 20 years.
The Company's federal income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 are under examination by the Canadian Revenue Agency.
The Company has a valuation allowance of $6,089 as of December 31, 2010 to reduce future income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future periods. In evaluating the Company's ability to recover its future income tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including operating results, ongoing tax planning and forecasts of future taxable income on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company benefited from foreign exchange gains not subject to tax of $1,421 as a result of amendments to Section 261 of the Income Tax Act in Canada that permitted certain corporations resident in Canada to elect to determine their Canadian tax amounts in the corporation's functional currency as opposed to the general requirement that all amounts that are relevant to the computation of tax under the Canadian Income Tax Act be in Canadian dollars.
F-30
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
18. | Related party transactions |
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages the services of a law firm in which a former member of the Board of Directors is a partner. Fees paid to this firm for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $14 (2009: $62, 2008: $420) and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. At December 31, 2010, there was $1 outstanding (2009: $nil, 2008: $27)
In the year ended December 31, 2009 the Company paid $26 (2008: $15) to a second law firm in which a former member of its Board of Directors is a partner. At December 31, 2009, there were no amounts outstanding (2008: $nil). No amounts were paid or were outstanding in respect of the year ended December 31, 2010.
19. | Financial risk management |
(a) | Overview |
The Company has exposure to credit risk and market risk from its use of financial instruments.
The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits.
Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Company’s activities.
(b) | Credit risk |
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its obligations. The carrying amount of the Company’s financial assets represents its maximum credit exposure.
Accounts receivable
The Company manages its credit risk associated with accounts receivable by maintaining reserves for potential credit losses. Historically the Company has not experienced any significant credit losses associated with its online poker, Hosted Casino and Branded Games businesses. The growth of the Branded Games business and the outsourcing of poker has increased accounts receivable further as revenue from Branded Games and settlement of player funds between the Company and its poker room operator are collected at least fifteen days in arrears. Consequently, the Company has at least one month of Branded Games revenue included in accounts receivable at any balance sheet date. The amount of player funds to be settled between the Company and its poker room operator fluctuates depending on various f actors including poker activity and respective skill of players.
The Company has trade accounts receivable and other receivables of $5,046 (2009: $7,972). The Company does not have any material accounts receivable balances greater than 90 days outstanding. As a result, the Company believes that its accounts receivable represent a low credit risk and has never recorded a material expense associated with a credit risk exposure.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company holds investments, according to Company investment policy, only in banks carrying an S&P rating of BBB+/A-3+ and higher or government guaranteed banks with a similar rating.
F-31
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
19. | Financial risk management (continued) |
(c) | Market risk |
Market risk is the risk that changes in the market prices such as fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Company’s net earnings or the value of its financial instruments.
Currency risk
The Company operates internationally giving rise to exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates. The currency risk is derived from revenues denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, its functional currency, primarily the British pound and the euro, and expenses associated with its multinational operations (primarily the Canadian dollar, the British pound and the euro) as well as the respective receivable and payable balances. The Company believes that it is, to a degree, naturally hedged. The Company is also exposed to currency risk on cash and cash equivalents and other current assets denominated in foreign currencies. As at December 31, 2010, approximately 66% of the Company’s financial assets were denominated in its functional currency (2009: 78%).
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk principally on its cash and cash equivalents which generally have maturity dates of less than 90 days. The Company has no interest bearing debt.
The weighted average effective interest rate on its cash and cash equivalents as at December 31, 2010 was 0.53% (2009: 1.24%).
(d) | Quantification of risk exposure: foreign currency risk |
At December 31, 2010, the Company’s gross balance sheet exposure to foreign currency risk was substantially as follows:
USD | EUR | GBP | Others | Total | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and user funds | $ | 11,599 | $ | 3,450 | $ | 1,254 | $ | 350 | $ | 16,653 | |||||
Accounts receivable and other | $ | 1,080 | $ | 2,563 | $ | 803 | $ | 600 | $ | 5,046 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | (3,069 | ) | $ | (3,226 | ) | $ | (6,170 | ) | $ | (595 | ) | $ | (13,060 | ) |
User funds | $ | (2,229 | ) | $ | (3,422 | ) | $ | (418 | ) | $ | – | $ | (6,069 | ) | |
Net balance sheet exposure | $ | 7,381 | $ | (635 | ) | $ | (4,531 | ) | $ | 355 | $ | 2,570 |
The Company’s revenue and expense exposure for revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies was substantially as follows:
USD | EUR | GBP | CAD | Others | Total | |||||||||||||
Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||
2010 | $ | 6,985 | $ | 8,690 | $ | 10,313 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 25,988 | ||||||
2009 | $ | 13,664 | $ | 10,400 | $ | 15,730 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 39,794 | ||||||
2008 | $ | 19,042 | $ | 12,404 | $ | 30,080 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 61,526 | ||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||
2010 | $ | 8,439 | $ | 15,083 | $ | 11,737 | $ | 11,630 | $ | 603 | $ | 47,492 | ||||||
2009 | $ | 23,289 | $ | 17,648 | $ | 14,801 | $ | 21,287 | $ | 605 | $ | 77,630 | ||||||
2008 | $ | 24,536 | $ | 27,644 | $ | 18,250 | $ | 28,344 | $ | 829 | $ | 99,603 |
F-32
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
19. | Financial risk management (continued) |
Foreign exchange sensitivity analysis
Gross balance sheet exposure: A 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in the above table (gross balance sheet exposure) at December 31, 2010 would have decreased the loss by approximately $481. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant and represents the Company’s gross balance sheet exposure at December 31, 2010. A 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the same would have had an equal but opposite effect.
Net revenue exposure: A 10% strengthening on average of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have decreased revenue, and correspondingly increased losses, by approximately $1,900. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remained constant during the quarter, and represents the exposure of the Company’s revenues denominated in foreign currencies, to the relative strength of its functional currency. A 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the same would have had an equal but opposite effect.
Expense exposure: A 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have decreased expense, and correspondingly decreased losses, by approximately $3,905. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remained constant during the quarter, and represents the exposure of the Company’s expenses denominated in foreign currencies to the relative strength of its functional currency. A 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the same would have had an equal but opposite effect.
Foreign exchange: In the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recognized a total foreign exchange gain of $175 (2009: $(284), 2008: $(6,151)), which is recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
(e) | Quantification of risk exposure: interest rate risk |
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk principally on its cash deposits and short-term money market investments of generally less than 90 days. The Company is exposed to both an overall decrease in interest rates as well as the interest rates associated with the currency or location it invests in.
Interest rate sensitivity analysis
Interest income exposure: A 100 basis point increase in interest rates on average for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have increased interest income by approximately $151. This analysis assumes that all other variables remained constant during the quarter. A 100 basis point decrease in interest rates on average would have had an equal but opposite effect.
F-33
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
20. | Segment reporting |
The Company provides a comprehensive solution including software, network operations administrative and marketing consulting services to licensed gaming operators that allows licensees to provide online casino and poker games as well as licensees of Branded Games and considers these to be one operating and reporting segment.
The Company reviews performance by reference to group wide reporting measures and the revenues derived from the following products:
● | Hosted Casino |
● | Branded Games |
● | Poker |
● | Other |
The Company licenses various royalty rights, generally on an exclusive basis, from several owners of intellectual property rights. These rights are used to produce games for use in Hosted Casino and also as Branded Games. Generally the arrangements require material prepayments of minimum guaranteed amounts which have been recorded as prepaid expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These prepaid amounts are amortized over the life of the arrangement as gross revenue is generated or on a straight-line basis if the underlying games are expected to have an effective royalty rate greater than the agreed amount. The amortization of these amounts is recorded as a reduction in revenue.
The Company does not allocate operating expenses, general and administrative expenses, profit measures, assets and liabilities to individual product groupings. Accordingly the disclosures below are provided on a group wide basis:
Revenue by product:
For the years ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||
Hosted Casino | $ | 21,976 | $ | 32,122 | $ | 43,531 | |||
Branded Games | 5,495 | 2,813 | 324 | ||||||
Poker | 1,625 | 3,516 | 13,759 | ||||||
Other | 1,136 | 3,514 | 5,615 | ||||||
Revenue before amortization | 30,232 | 41,965 | 63,229 | ||||||
Amortization of royalties | (3,080 | ) | (829 | ) | (1,052 | ) | |||
Amortization of games | (1,164 | ) | (1,342 | ) | (651 | ) | |||
Revenue | $ | 25,988 | $ | 39,794 | $ | 61,526 |
Revenue from the top seven licensees constituted 81% (2009: 78%; 2008: 79%) of revenue before amortization.
Geographical analysis of revenue before amortization is made according to the jurisdiction of the gaming license of the licensee. This does not reflect the region of the end users of the Company’s licensees.
Geographical analysis of revenue before amortization:
For the years ended December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||
Malta | $ | 24,173 | $ | 31,302 | $ | 44,445 | ||
Gibraltar | 4,520 | 8,335 | 15,745 | |||||
Alderney | 1,013 | 406 | – | |||||
Curaçao | 146 | 153 | 1,701 | |||||
Rest of the World | 380 | 1,769 | 1,338 | |||||
$ | 30,232 | $ | 41,965 | $ | 63,229 |
F-34
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
20. | Segment reporting (continued) |
Geographical analysis of capital assets:
Net book value at December 31, | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||
Malta | $ | 2,514 | $ | 35 | ||||
Ireland | 1,644 | 2,162 | ||||||
United Kingdom | 307 | 164 | ||||||
Canada | 248 | 375 | ||||||
Cyprus | – | 5,037 | ||||||
Rest of the World | – | 1 | ||||||
$ | 4,713 | $ | 7,774 |
21. | Non-operating income |
As described in note 5, in 2010, the Company exchanged its ownership interest in and loans to Mikoishi for a call option, SGD250 in cash and SGD200 to be paid in 2011. Cash consideration received is included in non-operating income when received.
For 2008, non-operating income comprises gains recorded on the sale of common shares acquired and sold in a specific business endeavour as well as certain foreign exchange gains recorded on cash deposits earmarked for additional share purchases. These gains are offset, in part, by related expenses.
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Gain on long-term investments | $ | 185 | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||
Gain on temporary holding in shares | – | – | 801 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain and interest on temporary cash deposits | – | – | 544 | |||||||||
Expenses related to gain on temporary holding in shares | – | – | (1,243 | ) | ||||||||
Non-operating income | $ | 185 | $ | – | $ | 102 |
22. | Differences between Canadian and United States generally accepted accounting principles |
The significant measurement differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP affecting the consolidated financial statements, as noted above, are as follows:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Loss based on Canadian GAAP | $ | (20,387 | ) | $ | (35,510 | ) | $ | (32,738 | ) | |||
Adjustment for stock-based compensation (a) | 275 | (1,159 | ) | (310 | ) | |||||||
Loss based on U.S. GAAP | $ | (20,102 | ) | $ | (36,669 | ) | $ | (33,048 | ) | |||
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Loss per Common Share based on U.S. GAAP | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (1.56 | ) | $ | (2.87 | ) | $ | (2.57 | ) | |||
Diluted | $ | (1.56 | ) | $ | (2.87 | ) | $ | (2.57 | ) |
F-35
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
22. | Differences between Canadian and United States generally accepted accounting principles (continued) |
(a) | Share based payments |
(i) Stock options
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company does not estimate forfeitures in determining the expense to be recognized over the service period and forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. U.S. GAAP requires an entity to estimate the number of options for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered.
As a result of the Company’s expanded reorganization plan in December 2009 and additional reorganization plan commencing in June 2010, the Company reviewed the basis for granting options to directors, officers and other key employees of the Company. As a result of this review, the estimated weighted average forfeiture rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased to 25%, resulting in a reduction in stock-based compensation under U.S. GAAP of $275 compared with forfeiture rates of 79% and 53% and increases in stock-based compensation of $1,159 and $310 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively.
(ii) Long-term incentive plan
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company uses an intrinsic value-based method to record compensation expense for liability-classified awards. U.S. GAAP requires the use of a fair value-based method, rather than an intrinsic value-based method, to measure and record compensation expense for these awards. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, there were no material expenses associated with long-term incentive plans. The Company has determined there is no material difference to the financial position, cash flows or results of operations between the intrinsic value and the fair value of the units awarded under its long-term incentive plan.
(b) | Income taxes |
U.S. GAAP requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company has determined that there is no material impact to the financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
(c) | Financial instruments |
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company has classified all cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and user funds on deposit as held-for-trading assets, which are measured at fair value. Under U.S. GAAP, cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and user funds on deposit would not be classified as held-for-trading assets. Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments are measured at cost plus accrued interest and user funds on deposit are measured at the redemption amount. The Company has determined that there is no material difference between the fair value and the cost plus accrued interest or redemption amounts for these financial assets under U.S. GAAP.
Furthermore, under Canadian GAAP the Company has classified long-term investments as available-for-sale, which are measured at fair value. These long-term investments do not satisfy the requirements under U.S. GAAP to be classified as available-for-sale, and therefore, these long-term investments are measured at cost under U.S. GAAP. However, the carrying value of long-term investments would be reviewed under U.S. GAAP for declines in value that are other than temporary by considering factors such as current economic and market conditions and the operating performance of the companies and reductions in carrying values would be recorded when necessary.
F-36
CRYPTOLOGIC LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share disclosure and where indicated otherwise)
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
22. | Differences between Canadian and United States generally accepted accounting principles (continued) |
Adjustments to the fair value of long-term investments are recorded where the market value is readily available. As discussed in note 5, there were various indicators of impairment associated with its long-term investments which initiated a comprehensive review of their respective fair values. In 2009, the Company recorded an impairment of $6,298 (2008: $2,200). The Company has determined there is no material difference on its financial position, cash flows or results of operations between recording its long-term investments at fair value or at cost, adjusted for other than temporary declines in fair value.
(d) | Minority interest |
Under U.S. GAAP, minority interests of $1,509 and $2,948 for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, would be combined with shareholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
F-37
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | ||||
Years ended December 31 (In US$) | Balance at Beginning of Year | Charged to Expenses | Write-Offs Net of Recoveries | Balance at End of Year |
2008 | 10,999 | (70,162) | 81,161 | – |
2009 | – | (16,422) | 16,422 | – |
2010 | – | – | – | – |
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