1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------------------------------
FORM 10-K
[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [Fee Required]
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
(Commission File No.) 0-22498
--------------------------------------------------
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
NEVADA 88-0206560
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
--------------------------------------------------
815 NW NINTH STREET, CORVALLIS, OREGON 97330
(Address of principal executive offices)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:
(541) 753-7648
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
None
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant computed by reference to the price at which the
common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common
equity, as of August 31, 1998 was $24,756,000.
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, as of August 31, 1998 was 8,819,981 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates by reference the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed in
connection with the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
November 18, 1998.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS ................................................................. 1
General ................................................................ 1
The Market ............................................................. 1
Bonusing Products ...................................................... 1
Strategic Alliance with IGT ............................................ 5
Communication Protocol ................................................. 6
Research and Development ............................................... 6
Customers .............................................................. 6
Marketing .............................................................. 7
Production and Manufacturing ........................................... 7
Patents ................................................................ 8
Competition ............................................................ 8
Government Regulation .................................................. 9
Employees .............................................................. 13
Forward-Looking Statements ............................................. 13
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES ............................................................... 13
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ........................................................ 13
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS ...................... 14
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT ......................................... 15
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS ................. 16
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA .................................................. 17
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS ............................................................... 17
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS ................................... 20
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA .............................. 24
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE ............................................................... 37
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT ...................... 37
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION .................................................. 37
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT .......... 37
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS .......................... 37
PART IV
ITEM 14.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ................... 38
SIGNATURES ............................................................... 39
3
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company develops, manufactures and markets electronic game
promotions, equipment and games for the casino gaming industry. The Company's
principal products are based on its proprietary Acres Bonusing Technology(TM)
and are designed to enhance casino profitability by providing entertainment and
incentives to players of gaming machines. The bonusing technology improves the
efficiency of bonus and incentive programs currently offered by many casinos,
and makes possible bonus and incentive programs that have not previously been
offered.
THE MARKET
In the past few years, legalized gaming has significantly expanded in
the United States. As part of this expansion, casino-style gaming has become an
increasingly important component of the "leisure time" industry. The expansion
resulted from the introduction of riverboat-style gaming in the Midwestern
United States, the growth of Native American casino gaming and growth in the
established Nevada market.
Casino gaming has also grown rapidly worldwide, including in Australia,
Canada, Europe and Africa, as well as in parts of the former Soviet Union and
South America. The Company estimates that approximately 750,000 casino-style
gaming machines are currently in use throughout the world, including
approximately 400,000 in the United States.
The Company believes that increased competition among casinos will lead
to increased demand for game promotions and entertainment enhancements of the
type offered by the Company. New or expanding casinos represent a significant
part of the potential market for the Company's products. Existing casinos also
represent a significant potential market as casino managers seek to maintain or
improve casino profitability by employing bonusing and other promotional
programs for gaming machines.
BONUSING PRODUCTS
Casinos provide an opportunity to wager money on a variety of
propositions. This act of wagering, or gambling, provides entertainment for a
wide range of customers. For example, some of the casinos' customers are
entertained by the notion that one pull of a slot handle may change their life.
For others, entertainment is achieved by receiving an unexpected reward,
profiting from an act of skill or luck, receiving a reward for loyalty or by
simply winning some amount, regardless of the amount wagered. The Company's
bonusing products are designed to allow the casino to provide and facilitate
multiple entertainment aspects to meet their wide range of customers' needs.
1
4
The bonusing technology was conceived to provide the gaming industry
with a system to enable the design and delivery of bonuses and other promotions
directly to players at the point of play and at the time of play. The Company
currently offers bonusing products directly to casinos in the form of standard
and customized bonusing promotions that can be applied casino-wide or to a
limited number of gaming machines. The Company's bonusing products form a
modular system and may be purchased and installed individually or as components
of an integrated system. The Company offers bonusing products primarily in two
major categories:
1. Casino-wide bonusing systems
- Casino-wide, fully integrated applications offered as the
Acres Bonusing System(TM) ("ABS")
- ABS compatible component parts for International Game
Technology's ("IGT") Smart System(R) and new IGT Gaming
System(TM) ("IGS") slot accounting and player tracking systems
(See "Strategic Alliance with IGT").
2. Bonus games
- A linked group of traditional slot machines that activate a
secondary "bonus" game when certain milestones are reached on
the traditional games.
ACRES BONUSING SYSTEM
An ABS installation in a casino includes electronic hardware installed
in the gaming machines, microprocessor-based controllers for groups of gaming
machines and computers and software to operate bonuses and communicate with the
casino's back office system which analyzes data and generates reports to casino
management. ABS employs personal computer technology and is designed to take
advantage of future improvements in such technology. The Company's largest ABS
installation is currently running approximately 2,500 gaming machines and has
the capability to include over two times the approximately 4,000 gaming machines
at the world's largest casino.
The Company and IGT have developed a system which integrates the
Company's ABS components and bonusing software with IGT's back office system to
create a comprehensive slot accounting, player tracking and bonusing capable
business solution. (See "Slot Accounting and Player Tracking Products").
In fiscal 1998, the Company delivered ABS product to IGT for
installation in The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and in the
Star City casino in Sydney, Australia. These installations represent the first
installations of integrated ABS/IGS systems in the United States and Australia,
respectively. Mirage Resorts has ordered ABS for their newest casino in Las
Vegas, the Bellagio, for delivery in fiscal 1999. In fiscal 1997, the Company
sold ABS to Aristocrat Leisure Industries of Australia ("Aristocrat") for
installation at the Crown South Bank casino opened by Crown Ltd. (the "Crown
Casino") in Melbourne, Australia. Aristocrat is the leading manufacturer of
gaming machines in Australia and the second largest in the world.
The Company is in negotiations to provide casino-wide ABS bonusing
applications, audio-visual products and an integrated slot accounting system for
a large, new Nevada casino (the "Pending Sales Agreement"). Although the
negotiations are not yet complete and a written contract has not been executed,
the Company expects the final contract will result in approximately $10 million
in revenue and installation will occur in the second half of fiscal 1999. The
Company expects that the contract will include new bonusing applications and its
own proprietary slot accounting system that have not yet been approved by the
Nevada Gaming Authorities. (See "Factors That May Affect Future Results").
ABS and the software in many popular gaming machines that support ABS
have been approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and regulatory authorities
for several other states and for two states in Australia. (See "Government
Regulation" and "Communication Protocol").
ABS is designed to facilitate many types of bonuses, several of which
increase player loyalty by requiring the use of a player tracking card to
qualify for bonuses. (See "Slot Accounting and Player Tracking Products").
Utilizing bonusing technology in conjunction with the casino's player tracking
capabilities creates a
2
5
powerful marketing tool. The following bonuses are available in the ABS and can
be individually configured to customize the bonus to fit a casino's needs and
optimize the promotions' effectiveness:
XtraCredit(TM). This patent pending feature is used to award special
incentive bonuses to slot club members. With just a few keystrokes, casino
personnel can establish XtraCredit bonuses to provide incentives for slot club
members to attend the casino's special events or to celebrate the player's
special events such as birthdays or anniversaries at the casino. XtraCredit
bonus awards dramatically reduce the casino's existing cash voucher mailing and
redemption costs and provide a wide variety of marketing opportunities for the
casino to retain customers.
XtraCredit may also be used by other bonus applications as an award
mechanism to allow the players, with a push of a "Bonus Button," to redeem their
points earned or bonus awards won for free games on the gaming machines. Nevada
gaming regulators have ruled that amounts won by the player through the use of
XtraCredit wagering are deductible expenses for gaming tax purposes rather than
non-deductible promotion expenses. This ruling results in a savings from using
XtraCredit of nearly seven percent of the cost of slot club awards. In addition
to the tax savings, players' time at the gaming machine can be increased as
players no longer have to visit the slot club booth to collect their rewards.
Finally, by offering the XtraCredit redemption, the casino reduces the amount of
slot club points that are exchanged for cash awards that can be spent outside of
their casino.
PointPlay(TM). This feature allows casino players to earn points for
slot play in a manner consistent with a standard player tracking system where
the casino can configure the rates at which points are earned and values at
which they are redeemed. PointPlay uses XtraCredit to allow players to redeem
their points for free games simply by pushing the Bonus Button on the gaming
machine.
ReturnPlay(TM). To encourage players to return to the casino at a later
date, the ReturnPlay feature awards a bonus to players that earn a predetermined
number of slot club points. The ReturnPlay bonus is automatically redeemed,
using the XtraCredit award mechanism, when the player returns to the casino at a
future date and inserts their slot club card into the game.
Personal Progressive(R). Because the vast majority of gaming machine
players never experience the excitement of winning a progressive jackpot, the
Personal Progressive bonus creates an individual progressive jackpot for each
slot club member. The Personal Progressive jackpot grows as the customer plays,
which adds excitement and provides an incentive to continue to visit the casino.
Personal Progressive jackpots can be paid directly to the gaming machine's
credit meter or can be redeemed as tax-deductible XtraCredit rewards.
Appreciation Time(TM). Casino personnel may reward players with
multiple jackpots anywhere from two to nine times the normal payout for winning
combinations. This promotion can be used to reward casino's best customers or
can be used to improve play in certain areas or at slow times of the day.
Appreciation Time can be applied to the whole casino or only to a specific bank
of gaming machines. This bonus provides greater control over appreciation gifts
by insuring the gifts go to customers who are actually playing the games.
Random Riches(TM) and Lucky Coin(TM). These progressive jackpot bonuses
are granted to the player inserting the "nth coin" where the frequency of "n"
and the funding parameters of the bonus are established by the casino. Awards
can be created that vary between small jackpots every few minutes and
life-changing jackpots every few weeks. These bonuses can be applied to any
number of gaming machines (from one machine to every machine in the casino) and
any one gaming machine may be tied to multiple bonuses. These promotions also
have the ability to alert players with custom audio sequences just before the
bonus is awarded. The casino may elect to award smaller Celebration Prizes(TM)
or Near Winner(TM) prizes to some or all of the players in the casino at the
time the Lucky Coin bonus is awarded. Celebration Prizes may be awarded to slot
club members only or in varying amounts to slot club VIPs, regular slot club
members and non-members. These awards can be paid directly to the gaming
machine's credit meter or can be redeemed as tax-deductible XtraCredit rewards.
The Company continues to develop additional bonusing applications for
the ABS utilizing the Company's bonusing technology.
3
6
BONUS GAMES
The Company develops proprietary bonus games that it expects to operate
on a revenue-sharing basis. Two of the gaming industry's most successful
recently introduced games, Anchor Gaming's ("Anchor") Wheel of Gold(TM) and
IGT's Wheel of Fortune(TM), were introduced primarily under such revenue-sharing
arrangements. Although the Company is not a party to these revenue-sharing
arrangements, both of these games include components developed and manufactured
by the Company.
In August 1998, the Company received approval in Nevada for a bonus
game called Random Riches(TM) and installed another bonus game called Super
Reels(TM) in a field trial location in accordance with Nevada gaming regulations
(See "Government Regulation"). Both of these bonus games incorporate full-color,
high-resolution, plasma screens over a bank of traditional slot machines.
Dynamic animated sequences are displayed on the plasma screens to attract,
instruct, entertain and communicate bonus awards to the players.
State-of-the-art sound packages complement the animation.
In the Random Riches bonus game, players of the underlying base games
are periodically and randomly selected to play the secondary "bonus" game. The
bonus game entails spinning a bonus wheel, viewed on a single plasma display,
which has the capability of paying bonus awards to one, several or all of the
players on the base games. The Super Reels bonus game is similar to Random
Riches, but includes three vertical plasma displays representing giant spinning
reels of a slot machine. Every play on the secondary bonus game results in a
bonus being awarded to the slot player.
These bonus games have not been in operation long enough to indicate if
there will be a strong demand for either game. (See "Custom Bonusing
Applications").
SLOT ACCOUNTING AND PLAYER TRACKING PRODUCTS
Slot accounting products collect play data about each gaming device.
This information is transmitted to a central computer system where it is
immediately available to the casino manager, and where it is stored for future
analysis and reporting. The equipment is configured to monitor all slot machine
functions including coins deposited in the machine, coins paid out of the
machine, coins available to "drop", number of games played, jackpot occurrences
and other machine functions.
Player tracking systems collect performance data about individual
players or groups of players. The player tracking product builds upon the casino
accounting system to gather and record information about individual players,
much like an airline's "frequent flyer" program. Each customer who elects to
enroll in the casino's "slot club" is given a plastic card that uniquely
identifies the player. The player inserts the card into an electronic card
reader on the gaming machine, and the system automatically records the player's
level of play. Casino management can use this information to provide special
incentives and rewards to individual players or groups of players.
In fiscal 1997, the Company discontinued development of the Company's
DOS-based slot accounting and player tracking system (the "Legacy" system) and
instead, developed and sold component parts to IGT for inclusion in the IGT
Smart System and IGS slot accounting and player tracking systems. (See
"Strategic Alliance with IGT"). Certain casinos have indicated an interest in
purchasing the Company's casino-wide ABS bonusing product without also
purchasing IGS. (See "Acres Bonusing System"). The Company is developing a new
Windows NT(TM)-based, ABS integrated, slot accounting product that is expected
to be available for sale in fiscal 1999. The Company continues to support IGS
and Legacy slot accounting and player tracking systems.
CUSTOM BONUSING APPLICATIONS
The Company has sold and may continue to sell bonusing products that
automate basic promotional activities such as offering double or multiples of
the gaming machines' jackpots at certain times of the day. The Company's
Multiple Jackpot Time(TM) bonusing product accomplishes this goal and can also
include lighting, sound, signage and other special effects to call players'
attention to the bonusing event as it begins and progresses. The
4
7
Company uses such special effects to simulate clouds, lightning, thunder and
wind, which are combined with an up to nine-time jackpot bonus payout to create
a promotion called Hurricane Zone(TM). The same technology has been integrated
with other signage and special effects to produce other custom promotions such
as "The Big Picture" at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, "Armada Slots" at Sunset
Station Hotel & Casino, and "Desert Wins" at the Sahara Hotel & Casino. The
Company attempted to place Multiple Jackpot Time promotions into casinos under
revenue-sharing arrangements. These placements were not successful and were
ultimately removed. The Company is now focusing its product development efforts
on its ABS and bonus game products and is not actively developing or marketing
these custom bonusing applications.
SLOT PRODUCTS
Many of the products developed for specific applications also have
other uses within the gaming industry. For example, displays developed as player
tracking components also may be used as in-machine progressive jackpot displays
for gaming machines. The Company markets these products to both developers and
manufacturers of gaming machines and to casinos.
The Company also offers bonusing products to other developers of
specialty gaming machines. These developers can use the bonusing technology to
coordinate lights, sound and other special effects and to instruct a slot
machine to pay special bonuses. By adding bonusing capabilities to regular
gaming machines, entirely new games can be created which offer unique and
entertaining experiences for slot players. For example, the Company provides
electronic and other components to Anchor for its Wheel of Gold game. This game
includes features in which the slot player is periodically awarded the ability
to spin a multi-segmented wheel mounted above the slot machine. Each segment of
the wheel indicates a bonus jackpot. The bonusing system communicates the
results of the wheel spin to the slot machine, which pays the bonus to the
player.
The Company has also developed products to improve the sound
capabilities of gaming machines. These products have been included in IGT's
Wheel of Fortune specialty games and have been installed in gaming machines in
the Circus Circus casinos in Nevada.
The Company is now focusing its product development efforts on its ABS
and bonus game products and is not actively developing or marketing these slot
products, although some revenues continue to be generated by previously
developed products.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH IGT
In January 1997, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with IGT
(the "Strategic Alliance") which included a Master Agreement for Product
Development, Purchase and Sales and a $5 million investment by IGT in the
Company's preferred stock.
Sales to IGT under the Strategic Alliance have not met the Company's
expectations. Certain casinos have expressed an interest in purchasing ABS
without also purchasing IGS. Although the Strategic Alliance does not prohibit
the Company from selling ABS directly to customers, IGT has expressed objections
about the Pending Sales Agreement (see "Acres Bonusing System") and may be
unwilling to continue the Strategic Alliance if the Company continues to sell
ABS independently of IGT. In late September 1998, Albert Crosson, Vice Chairman
of IGT, resigned from the Company's Board of Directors. IGT has not nominated
Mr. Crosson's successor, although it continues to have the right to do so.
Representatives of the Company and IGT have met several times to work
to redefine the relationship. (See "Factors That May Affect Future Results").
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
The Company and IGT have jointly developed the communication protocol
known as SAS4. The protocol is used to communicate instructions and messages
between ABS and gaming machines. The communication of these instructions and
messages is essential to the operation of bonuses. Although the Company and
IGT have agreed that the Company can use SAS4 in connection with the Pending
Sales Agreement, IGT has stated that the Company does not have an
5
8
unrestricted right to use SAS4 with non-IGT games. The Company believes that it
has joint ownership of the protocol and the ability to use and license the
protocol. If necessary, the Company believes there are alternatives to SAS4 but
such alternatives could cause delays in product availability.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company devotes significant resources to the development of new
products and the enhancement of existing products. The Company had 55 employees
involved in research and development as of August 31, 1998. Research and
development expenses were $4.7 million, $4.5 million and $2.3 million in the
years ended June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
CUSTOMERS
Large casinos with more than 1,000 gaming machines represent the
principal market for the Company's ABS. Casinos of this size are generally large
enough to support a professional management staff capable of using the
analytical and promotional tools provided by the Company's products. This market
includes most casinos in Las Vegas, Reno and Laughlin, Nevada, and Atlantic
City, New Jersey, as well as a number of Native American and riverboat casinos
in various other states and a number of casinos in Australia, South Africa and
Europe.
Sales to IGT accounted for 75 percent, 28 percent and 2 percent of the
Company's net revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. (See "Strategic
Alliance with IGT"). Sales to Anchor, primarily related to their Wheel of Gold
game, accounted for 18 percent, 28 percent and 43 percent of the Company's net
revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Sales of the system components
and bonusing applications to Aristocrat for the Crown Casino in Melbourne,
Australia, accounted for 12 percent of the Company's net revenues in 1997 and 20
percent in 1996. Legacy player tracking and slot accounting system sales to the
Sundowner Hotel & Casino accounted for 12 percent of the Company's net revenues
in 1996.
The Company's backlog of orders for its products were approximately
$2.1 million, $6.1 million and $6.5 million as of June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The Company does not believe that backlog is a meaningful
indication of sales. Sales to the Company's customers are made pursuant to
purchase orders or sales agreements for specific system installations and
products are often delivered within a few months of receipt of the order. The
Company does not have any ongoing long-term sales contracts. At its current
stage of operations, the Company's revenues and results of operations may be
materially affected, in the near term, by the receipt or loss of any one order.
6
9
REPRESENTATIVE CUSTOMERS
The following table presents representative customers for each of the
Company's main product categories.
PRODUCT NAME OF CUSTOMER AND LOCATION
- ------- -----------------------------
ABS (including slot Aristocrat Leisure Industries - Installed in the Crown
accounting & player Casino in Melbourne, Australia
tracking components) IGT-Installed in the Star City casino in Sydney, Australia
and The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
Bonus games Stardust Resort & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada (field trial)
Excalibur Hotel-Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada (field trial)
Custom bonusing Circus Circus - Las Vegas, Nevada
applications Edgewater Hotel & Casino - Laughlin, Nevada
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada
Sahara Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunset Station Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada
Stand-alone Caesar's Tahoe - Lake Tahoe, Nevada
progressive jackpots Golden Nugget Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada
Treasure Island Resort - Las Vegas, Nevada
Legacy slot Colorado Grande Casino - Cripple Creek, Colorado
accounting & player Rio Suite Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada
tracking systems Sands Regency Hotel & Casino - Reno, Nevada
Spirit Lake Casino - Spirit Lake, South Dakota
Sundowner Hotel & Casino - Reno, Nevada
Meters & displays Anchor Gaming - Las Vegas, Nevada
Crown Casino - Melbourne, Australia
IGT - Reno, Nevada
Sound Systems Circus Circus Enterprises - Las Vegas, Nevada
IGT - Reno, Nevada
Component parts for Anchor Gaming - Las Vegas, Nevada
other game
manufacturers
MARKETING
The Company currently markets its products and provides service to
customers from its office in Las Vegas, Nevada and its headquarters in
Corvallis, Oregon.
PRODUCTION AND MANUFACTURING
The Company's manufacturing operation consists primarily of the
assembly of electronic circuit boards and cables from components purchased from
third parties. The circuit boards are manufactured and assembled to the
Company's specifications by contract manufacturers. A key component of each
product is computer software
7
10
that is copied onto electronic chips by contract manufacturers. The Company
believes that its component parts and services can be obtained from multiple
sources and therefore is not overly reliant on any single vendor. The
development, testing and maintenance of the software is conducted by Company
engineers.
PATENTS
The Company has applied for United States and foreign patents on
certain features of its product line, and may in the future apply for other
United States patents and corresponding foreign patents. The following patents
have been issued to the Company:
ISSUE DATE PATENT NO. DESCRIPTION OF PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE PATENT
---------- ---------- ------------------------------------------------
August 1997 5,655,961 This patent protects the implementation of a bonus pay table in a gaming machine
and the implementation of a "Bonus Pool." A Bonus Pool is configurable by casino
management to control the total amount of special bonuses paid, thus making it
possible for such promotions to be kept within a casino's budget.
January 1998 5,702,304 This patent protects the Company's illuminated card reader, a slot accounting and
player tracking system component, which indicates where players may insert their
card and communicates bonus eligibility to the players and game and player status
to the casino through the use of various colors.
April 1998 5,741,183 This patent protects a method of identifying and categorizing individual gaming
devices that are connected to a casino's computer network. It includes a memory
device which allows for the identification and coding of each piece of gaming
equipment with its individual configurations even when they are disconnected or
moved to another location within a casino's network system.
May 1998 5,752,882 This patent protects a method of operating gaming machines in which the casino is
able to pre-select which games participate in a variety of bonusing promotions such
as linked progressive jackpots or linked random bonuses.
No assurance can be given that any patents that are applied for will be
issued or, if issued, will provide any significant competitive advantage to the
Company. In addition, the Company has a variety of other intellectual property
which it treats as trade secrets. The Company takes reasonable steps to protect
its intellectual property but it is possible that others may make unauthorized
use of such intellectual property and the Company may or may not be able to
prevent such use. (See "Legal Proceedings").
COMPETITION
The Company believes that its products compete principally on the basis
of functionality, price and service. The Company believes that its proprietary
bonusing technology provides a competitive advantage. In addition to the
recently issued patents discussed above, the Company has several other patents
pending which cover many aspects of its bonusing technology.
Mikohn Gaming Corporation ("Mikohn") is the only known competitor
offering a bonusing product similar to the Company's. John F. Acres founded
Mikohn in 1985. Mr. Acres disposed of his interest in 1988. The Company believes
that Mikohn's initial bonusing product, which Mikohn has installed in several
casinos, infringes the Company's recently issued patents and will infringe
certain of the Company's pending patents, if issued. The Company has notified
Mikohn and its customers of the patent infringement and initiated patent
infringement litigation. (See "Legal Proceedings").
8
11
The Company is developing a new slot accounting product which will
compete with IGT's IGS slot accounting product. (See "Strategic Alliance with
IGT"). Both of these products are bonusing-ready. The Company's slot accounting
product will integrate with other vendors' player tracking products while IGS
includes both slot accounting and player tracking functionality. (See "Slot
Accounting and Player Tracking Products").
IGT, the largest manufacturer of gaming machines in the world, has a
competitive advantage in selling its slot accounting and player tracking systems
to purchasers of IGT gaming machines. IGT has two principal competitors in the
market for slot accounting and player tracking systems: Bally and Casino Data
Systems, Inc. ("CDS"). Unlike the IGS system, none of the competitors' products
are currently offered as "bonusing-ready" systems. Each of these companies have
financial and other resources which are greater than those of the Company.
While the Company attempts to differentiate its bonusing products from
progressive jackpot systems, the Company's bonusing products compete for casino
floor space with other companies' progressive jackpot systems. The market for
progressive jackpot systems is served primarily by Mikohn, which has the largest
share of the market, and CDS.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The Company is subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the
gaming authorities in each jurisdiction in which its products are sold or used
by persons licensed to conduct gaming activities. Although licensing of the
Company may not be required in a jurisdiction, its products generally must be
approved by the regulatory authority for use in each licensed location within
the jurisdiction.
REGULATION OF PRODUCTS
The Company has complied with the approval process and has either been
issued a license, temporary license, certificate, approval or other permit
allowing it to sell its products in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Victoria,
Australia. Not all of the Company's products have been approved for sale in all
jurisdictions. In most jurisdictions, a model of the gaming equipment that the
Company seeks to place in operation must be submitted for testing by an approved
testing laboratory prior to use in any gaming operation. To obtain such
approval, the Company must submit, at its expense, each model of its equipment
to the specified laboratory for testing, examination and analysis. Upon
completion of the testing, the laboratory submits a report of its findings and
conclusions to the applicable gaming authority, together with any
recommendations for modifications to the equipment or the addition of equipment
or devices to such gaming equipment.
The Company has filed applications for licenses in Minnesota and
Ontario, Canada, and intends to seek approval of its bonusing technology for use
in any other jurisdiction in which a sale arises. Failure of the Company to
obtain approval for the use of bonusing technology by a gaming licensee in a
jurisdiction would prevent the use of such technology at the licensee's location
and also will prevent any other gaming licensee within that jurisdiction from
using the products until the appropriate approvals have been obtained or
requirements complied with.
CORPORATE REGULATION
Nevada
The manufacture, sale and distribution of gaming devices are subject
to: (i) the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder
(collectively, the "Nevada Act"); and (ii) various local regulation. Generally,
gaming activities may not be conducted in Nevada unless licenses are obtained
from the Nevada Gaming Commission (the "Nevada Commission"), the Nevada State
Gaming Control Board (the "Nevada Board"), and appropriate county and municipal
licensing agencies. The Nevada Commission, the Nevada Board, and the various
county and municipal licensing agencies are collectively referred to as the
"Nevada Gaming Authorities."
The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming
Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy that are concerned
with, among other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons
from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any
capacity; (ii) the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting
practices and procedures; (iii) the maintenance of effective controls over the
financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum
procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and
revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic
reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities; (iv) the prevention of cheating and
fraudulent practices; and (v) to provide a source of state and local revenues
through taxation and licensing fees. Change in such laws, regulations and
procedures could have an adverse effect on the Company.
On December 21, 1995, the Nevada Commission registered the Company as a
publicly traded corporation ("Registered Corporation") and granted
manufacturer's and distributor's licenses to the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary, AGI Distribution, Inc. ("AGID"), a Nevada corporation. The
Commission also granted AGID a nonrestricted license as the operator of a slot
machine route ("Slot Route License"). As a Registered Corporation, the Company
is required to periodically submit detailed financial and operating reports to
the Nevada Commission and furnish any other information which the Nevada
Commission may require.
AGID's manufacturer's, distributor's and Slot Route Licenses require
the periodic payment of fees and taxes and are not transferable. No person may
become a stockholder of, or receive any percentage of profits from, AGID without
first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The
Company and AGID have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various
registrations, approvals, permits and licenses required in order to engage in
gaming activities in Nevada.
The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a
material relationship to, or material involvement with, the Company or AGID in
order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be licensed as
a business associate of a gaming
9
12
licensee. Officers, directors and certain key employees of AGID must file
applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and are required to be licensed
by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Officers, directors and key employees of the
Company who are actively and directly involved in the gaming activities of AGID
may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming
Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing
or a finding of suitability for any cause they deem reasonable. A finding of
suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed
personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. The
applicant for licensing or a finding of suitability must pay all the costs of
the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada
Gaming Authorities and in addition to their authority to deny an application for
a finding of suitability or licensure, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have
jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.
If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or
key employee unsuitable for licensing or to continue having a relationship with
the Company or AGID, the companies involved would have to sever all
relationships with such person. In addition, the Nevada Commission may require
the Company or AGID to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to
file appropriate applications. Determinations of suitability or of questions
pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Nevada.
The Company and AGID are required to submit detailed financial and
operating reports to the Nevada Commission. Substantially all material loans,
leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by AGID, must be
reported to or approved by the Nevada Commission.
If it was determined that the Nevada Act was violated by the Company or
AGID, the gaming registrations, licenses and approvals they hold could be
limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject to compliance with certain
statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, AGID, the Company and the
persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate
violation of the Nevada Act at the discretion of the Nevada Commission.
Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming license could (and
revocation of any gaming license would) materially adversely affect AGID.
Any beneficial holder of the Company's voting securities, regardless of
the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be
investigated, and have his suitability as a beneficial holder of the Company's
voting securities determined if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that
such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the
State of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by
the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.
The Nevada Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of the
Company's voting securities to report the acquisition to the Nevada Commission.
The Nevada Act requires that beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Company's
voting securities apply to the Nevada
13
Commission for a finding of suitability within thirty days after the Chairman of
the Nevada Board mails a written notice requiring such filing. Under certain
circumstances, an "institutional investor," as defined in the Nevada Act, which
acquires more than 10% but not more than 15% of the Company's voting securities,
may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability
if such institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment
purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold voting
securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired
and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and
not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a
majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company, any change in
the corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations of the Company
or any of its gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Commission
finds to be inconsistent with holding the Company's voting securities for
investment purposes only. Activities that are not deemed to be inconsistent with
holding voting securities for investment purposes only include: (i) voting on
all matters voted on by stockholders; (ii) making financial and other inquiries
of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational
purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations;
and (iii) such other activities as the Nevada Commission may determine to be
consistent with such investment intent. If the beneficial holder of voting
securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it
must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of
beneficial owners. The applicant is required to pay all costs of investigation.
Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability
or a license within thirty days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada
Commission or the Chairman of the Nevada Board, may be found unsuitable. The
same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request,
fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who
holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a
Registered Corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the
Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. The Company is subject to
disciplinary action if, after it receives notice that a person is unsuitable to
be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with the Company or AGID, the
Company (i) pays that person any dividend or interest upon voting securities of
the Company, (ii) allows that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any
voting right conferred through securities held by that person, (iii) pays
remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise, or
(iv) fails to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to
relinquish his voting securities for cash at fair market value. Additionally,
the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board has taken the position that
it has the authority to approve all persons owning or controlling the stock of
any corporation controlling a gaming license.
The Nevada Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any
debt security of a Registered Corporation to file an application, be
investigated and found suitable to own the debt security of a Registered
Corporation. If the Nevada Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to
own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada Act, the Registered Corporation
can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior
approval of the Nevada
14
Commission, it: (i) pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any
distribution whatsoever; (ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable
person in connection with such securities; (iii) pays the unsuitable person
remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payment to the unsuitable person by
way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar
transaction.
The Company is required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada
that may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any
securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may
be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada
Gaming Authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding
the record holder unsuitable. The Company is also required to render maximum
assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner. The Nevada
Commission has the power to require the Company's stock certificates to bear a
legend indicating that such securities are subject to the Nevada Act. However,
to date, the Nevada Commission has not imposed such a requirement on the
Company.
The Company may not make a public offering of any securities without
the prior approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or the proceeds
therefrom are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming
facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such
purposes. Such approval, if given, does not constitute a finding, recommendation
or approval by the Nevada Commission or the Nevada Board as to the accuracy or
adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the securities. Any
representation to the contrary is unlawful.
Changes in control of the Company through merger, consolidation, stock
or asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or
conduct by a person whereby he obtains control, may not occur without the prior
approval of the Nevada Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a
Registered Corporation must satisfy the Nevada Board and the Nevada Commission
concerning a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of such
Registered Corporation. The Nevada Commission may also require controlling
stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material
relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be
investigated and licensed as part of the approval process of the transaction.
The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions
opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense
tactics affecting Nevada gaming licensees, and Registered Corporations that are
affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and productive
corporate gaming. The Nevada Commission has established a regulatory scheme to
ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon
Nevada's gaming industry and to further Nevada's policy to: (i) assure the
financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates; (ii)
preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form;
and (iii) promote a neutral environmental for the orderly governance of
corporate affairs. Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the
15
Nevada Commission before the Company can make exceptional repurchases of voting
securities above the current market price thereof and before a corporate
acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The Nevada Act also
requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by the Company's
board of directors in response to a tender offer made directly to the Registered
Corporation's stockholders for the purpose of acquiring control of the
Registered Corporation.
Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered,
required to be registered, or is under common control with such persons
(collectively, "Licensees"), and who proposes to become involved in a gaming
venture outside of Nevada, is required to deposit with the Nevada Board and,
thereafter, maintain a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the
expenses of investigation by the Nevada Board of their participation in such
foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the
discretion of the Nevada Commission. Thereafter, Licensees are also required to
comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Act. Licensees
are also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if they
knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign
gaming operation, fail to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance
with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming
operations, engage in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its
ability to collect gaming taxes and fees, or employ a person in the foreign
operation who has been denied a license or a finding of suitability in Nevada on
the ground of personal unsuitability.
16
Other Jurisdictions
Other jurisdictions in which the Company's products are sold or used
require various licenses, permits, and approvals in connection with such sale or
use, typically involving restrictions similar in most respects to those of
Nevada. The Company has complied with the approval process for use of the
products it has sold in these other jurisdictions, including the receipt of
manufacturer and distributor licenses, permits, or certificates in each such
state. Not all of the Company's products have been approved for sale in all
jurisdictions. No assurances can be given that such required licenses, permits,
certificates or approvals will be given or renewed in the future.
EMPLOYEES
At August 31, 1998, the Company had 116 full-time employees of whom 55
were involved in research and development, 24 in manufacturing and material
control, 12 in sales, marketing and customer support and 25 in administration
and management. None of the Company's employees are represented by a labor union
or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Company has not experienced
any work stoppages and believes that its employee relations are good.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements regarding the
Company's plans and expectations as to: future performance, growth
opportunities, expansion, new products and services, competition, capital
expenditures and its Strategic Alliance with IGT. Such plans and expectations
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these risk
factors, see "Factors that May Affect Future Results." In addition, from time to
time, the Company may issue other forward-looking statements. Any
forward-looking statements, including other written or oral forward-looking
statements made by the Company or persons acting on its behalf, should be
considered in light of these risk factors and other risk factors referred to
from time to time in the Company's press releases, periodic reports or
communications with stockholders.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's administrative headquarters, manufacturing and certain
engineering functions are located in a leased facility encompassing
approximately 39,000 square feet at 815 N.W. Ninth Street, Corvallis, Oregon.
The leases commenced on various dates beginning in April 1994 and will expire on
various dates ending in July 1999. The base rent for the total facility is
approximately $28,000 per month, which includes property taxes, building
insurance and common area maintenance.
In June 1998, the Company's sales, marketing, customer service and new
product development office in Las Vegas was moved to a larger leased facility at
7115 Amigo Street, Suite 150, Las Vegas, Nevada. The new facility encompasses
approximately 31,500 square feet. The lease commenced on June 15, 1998 and will
expire on June 15, 2003. The base rent is approximately $36,000 per month, plus
$5,000 per month for property taxes, building insurance and common area
maintenance.
The Company owns manufacturing and engineering equipment which it uses
in its assembly operations and research and development efforts. Such equipment
is available from a variety of sources and the Company believes that it
currently owns or can readily acquire equipment required for its current and
anticipated levels of operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Two related lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. District Court for the
District of Nevada involving the Company which allege violation of the federal
securities laws by the Company and its executive officers:
12
17
Townsend, et al. v. Acres Gaming Incorporated, et al. CV-S-97-01848-PMP (RJJ)
and Jason, et al. v. Acres Gaming Incorporated, CV-S-98-00262-PMP (RJJ). Those
suits have been consolidated into one combined action styled: In re Acres Gaming
Securities Litigation, CV-S-97-01848-PMP (RJJ). The combined action seeks class
certification for a proposed class consisting of the purchasers of the Company's
stock during the period from March 26, 1997 to December 11, 1997. The court has
not yet ruled on class certification. The Company has moved to dismiss this suit
and discovery has been stayed pending resolution of this motion.
Three related lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. District Court for
the District of Nevada involving the Company and its patents: Mikohn Gaming
Corp. v. Acres Gaming Incorporated, No. CV-S-98-1383 HDM (LRL) ("Suit I");
Mikohn Gaming Corp. v. Acres Gaming Incorporated, No. CV-S-98-738 HDM (LRL)
("Suit II"); and Acres Gaming Incorporated v. Mikohn Gaming Corp., Casino Data
Systems, New York New York Hotel and Casino and Sunset Station Hotel and Casino;
No. CV-S-98 794 PMP (LRL) ("Suit III"). Those suits have now been consolidated.
In Suit I, Mikohn asserted a claim for declaratory judgment of
noninfringement and invalidity of U.S. Patent No. 5,655,961 ("the `961 patent")
owned by the Company. Mikohn also asserted claims for "intentional interference
with a business relationship," "intentional interference with prospective
business relationship," "unfair competition: trade libel" and "unfair
competition: disparagement." Mikohn's complaint sought unspecified damages,
punitive damages, attorney's fees, interest on the alleged damages, an
injunction against the conduct alleged in the complaint, and a declaration that
the `961 patent is invalid and not infringed by Mikohn or its customers. The
Company has filed a counterclaim for infringement of the `961 patent, and has
denied Mikohn's other allegations.
In Suit II, Mikohn asserted a claim for declaratory judgment of
noninfringement and invalidity of U.S. Patent No. 5,741,183 ("the `183 patent")
owned by the Company. Mikohn's complaint sought no damages, but requested an
award of attorney's fees and a declaration that the `183 patent is invalid and
not infringed by Mikohn. The Company is not aware of any infringement by Mikohn,
and therefore sought to dismiss the complaint for lack of a case or controversy.
The court denied the Company's motion.
In Suit III, the Company sued Mikohn, Casino Data Systems, New York New
York Hotel and Casino and Sunset Station Hotel and Casino for infringement of
the Company's U.S. Patent No. 5,752,882 ("the `882 patent"). Mikohn
counterclaimed in Suit III, seeking a declaratory judgment of invalidity and
noninfringement of the `882 patent and asserted claims for "false and misleading
representations" under 11 U.S.C. Section 1125, "interference with prospective
economic relations," "unfair competition: trade libel" and "unfair competition:
disparagement." Mikohn's counterclaims seek unspecified damages, as well as a
trebling of the damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees and an injunction
against the Company's "continuing to commit the unlawful acts" alleged in the
counterclaims. The Company moved for a preliminary injunction in Suit III
against Mikohn's infringement of the `882 patent. The court has not ruled on the
Company' motion.
In a separate but related action, the Company has filed suit against
its general liability insurance carrier for breach of insurance contract: Acres
Gaming Incorporated v. Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company, filed June 26, 1998
and now pending in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. The Company's
suit is based on the insurer's refusal to pay more than nominal amounts of the
costs of defense in Suit I. The Company anticipates that this matter will be
resolved by cross motions for summary judgment. In addition, the Company has
tendered the defense of Mikohn's counterclaims in Suit III to the same insurer.
To date the insurer has not responded to the tender of Suit III's defense.
The Company from time to time is involved in other various legal
proceedings arising in the normal course of business.
13
18
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter
ended June 30, 1998.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
As of August 31, 1998, the executive officers of the Company were as
set forth below:
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
NAME AGE POSITIONS AND OFFICES SINCE
---- --- --------------------- -----
John F. Acres 44 Chairman 1985
Floyd W. Glisson 51 Chief Executive Officer, 1998
President and Director
Robert W. Brown 43 Executive Vice President, Chief 1993
Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer
Roy D. Lytle 49 Vice President and Chief 1997
Operating Officer
There are no family relationships among executive officers of the
Company.
John F. Acres, the founder of the Company, has served as the Chairman
of the Company since its inception in 1985. Mr. Acres served as the Chief
Executive Officer from January 1985 until July 1998. He also served as President
of the Company from January 1985 to January 1996 and from February 1998 to July
1998 and as Secretary from January 1985 to January 1997. Mr. Acres has been
involved in the gaming industry since 1972 and has designed slot data collection
systems, player tracking systems and equipment for progressive jackpot systems
that are widely used in the industry. In 1981, he founded Electronic Data
Technology ("EDT") to manufacture and sell progressive jackpot system designs.
While with EDT, he designed one of the first slot data collection systems and
invented the electronic player tracking system. He sold a majority interest in
EDT to IGT in 1983 and remained as president of EDT until 1985. The player
tracking system designed by Mr. Acres while with EDT is installed on
approximately 100,000 gaming machines throughout the world and was actively
marketed by IGT until 1997. In 1985, Mr. Acres co-founded Mikohn. He served as
vice president and a director of Mikohn until 1988.
Floyd W. Glisson became President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company in July 1998. Mr. Glisson was senior vice president, finance and
administration and chief financial officer for ConAgra Grocery Products Company,
a unit of ConAgra, Inc., from June 1993 to July 1998. Prior to June 1993, Mr.
Glisson was senior vice president, finance and administration and chief
financial officer of Hunt Wesson, Inc., a food processing company that is a
subsidiary of ConAgra, Inc. In addition to normal staff functions, Mr. Glisson
was also responsible for Food Service and International Operations.
Robert W. Brown joined the Company in July 1993 as Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer. He was elected Executive Vice President and Secretary in
January 1997. Mr. Brown is a Certified Public Accountant.
Roy D. Lytle joined the Company in August 1996 as the Director of
Manufacturing. In January 1997, Mr. Lytle was promoted to Vice
President-Manufacturing and in December 1997, Mr. Lytle was promoted to Chief
Operating Officer. From July 1984 to August 1996, Mr. Lytle held manufacturing
management positions for Photon Kinetics, a manufacturer of fiber optics test
and measurement equipment in Beaverton, Oregon.
14
19
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's common stock trades on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under
the symbol "AGAM". The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated,
the range of high, low and end of period market prices for the Company's common
stock as reported by the NASDAQ SmallCap Market.
MARKET PRICE PER SHARE
----------------------
LOW HIGH END OF PERIOD
--- ---- -------------
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998:
First quarter.......................... $ 7.63 $12.00 $11.31
Second quarter......................... 3.75 12.75 4.38
Third quarter.......................... 4.31 6.56 4.88
Fourth quarter......................... 4.31 5.25 5.00
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997:
First quarter.......................... $ 9.00 $14.13 $13.63
Second quarter......................... 10.50 20.63 11.00
Third quarter.......................... 4.13 14.38 4.75
Fourth quarter......................... 4.88 9.38 8.75
The Company estimates that there are approximately 4,250 beneficial
owners of the Company's common stock.
The Company has never paid or declared any cash dividends on its common
stock and does not intend to pay cash dividends on its common stock in the
foreseeable future. The Company expects to retain its earnings to finance the
development and expansion of its business. The payment by the Company of
dividends, if any, on its common stock in the future is subject to the
discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the Company's earnings,
financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors.
15
20
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial information
concerning the Company and should be read in conjunction with the audited
financial statements and notes included in "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data".
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands except per share data)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues ............................. $ 17,573 $ 20,455 $ 6,942 $ 4,006 $ 2,852
Gross profits ............................ 6,623 10,902 3,355 1,436 851
Income (loss) from operations ............ (4,660)(1) 1,425 (1,665) (2,489) (2,542)(2)
Net income (loss) ........................ (4,177)(1) 1,798 (1,641) (2,505) (2,598)(2)
Net income (loss) per common share-basic . $ (.47)(1) $ .21 $ (0.22) $ (0.35) $ (0.39)(2)
Net income (loss) per common share-diluted $ (.47)(1) $ .20 $ (0.22) $ (0.35) $ (0.39)(2)
(1) During 1998, the Company recorded a non-recurring charge of $745,000
($.08 per share) for the costs of the Company's change in business
focus to the ABS and bonus game product lines.
(2) During 1994, the Company recorded a non-recurring charge of $898,000
($.14 per share) for the expenses and settlement of patent infringement
litigation.
AS OF JUNE 30,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital ...................... $12,091 $16,474 $ 2,552 $ 3,458 $ 3,574
Total assets ......................... 17,194 21,323 7,631 6,264 6,301
Current liabilities .................. 2,435 2,545 3,644 1,302 1,227
Long-term debt ....................... -- -- -- -- --
Redeemable convertible preferred stock 4,948 4,948 -- -- --
Stockholders' equity ................. 9,811 13,830 3,987 4,962 5,074
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The Company develops, manufactures and markets electronic game
promotions, equipment and games for the casino gaming industry. The Company's
products are based on its proprietary Acres Bonusing Technology and are designed
to enhance casino profitability by providing entertainment and incentives to
players of gaming machines. The bonusing technology improves the efficiency of
bonus and incentive programs currently offered by many casinos, and makes
possible some bonus and incentive programs that have not previously been
offered.
At its current stage of operations, the Company's financial position
and operating results may be materially affected by a number of factors,
including the timing of receipt, installation and regulatory approval of any one
order, availability of additional capital, competition and technological change.
Historically, three or fewer customers have accounted for more than 65 percent
of annual revenues. (See "Strategic Alliance with IGT" and "Factors That May
Affect Future Results").
16
21
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
The Company's net revenues during the year ended June 30, 1998 were
$17.6 million, a decrease of 14 percent from the $20.5 million of net revenues
in 1997. The Company's revenues can fluctuate significantly based on the timing
of the delivery of any large order. Although sales under the Strategic Alliance
with IGT during the year ended June 30, 1998 increased over the prior year by
approximately $7.5 million, sales of products for the Crown Casino in Melbourne,
Australia decreased by $3.8 million, sales of the Company's Legacy slot
accounting and player tracking system decreased by $2.7 million and sales of
components to a gaming machine developer decreased by $2.6 million from the
prior year. Additionally, sales of custom bonusing applications decreased by
$1.3 million in fiscal 1998 as compared to the prior year. The Company is now
focusing its product development efforts on its ABS and bonus game products and
is not currently developing or marketing these custom bonus applications.
Component materials purchased primarily from computer and electronics
vendors comprised 66 percent of the cost of revenues in 1998 and 72 percent in
1997. Manufacturing, procurement and installation labor and expenses accounted
for the remaining cost of revenues. Changes in the components of the cost of
revenues result from changes in the mix of products sold.
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue was 38 percent for 1998,
compared to 53 percent for 1997. Gross profit is generally higher on products
that feature Acres Bonusing Technology, including the Company's Legacy slot
accounting and player tracking system, the system used for the Crown Casino and
products sold to the gaming machine developer. During the year ended June 30,
1998, these sales were substantially replaced with sales of lower margin
hardware components to IGT that resulted in a decrease in gross margin of
approximately 7 percentage points. Gross margin was also reduced by 5 percentage
points due to the costs of installing and removing certain custom bonus
applications that were unsuccessfully placed under revenue-sharing arrangements
in 1998 and an additional 3 percentage points as a result of absorbing certain
fixed manufacturing costs over a smaller sales volume.
The Company's research and development expenses increased slightly to
$4.7 million in 1998, from $4.5 million in the prior year. The Company expects
to continue to spend a significant portion of its revenue on research and
development in order to enhance and expand the capabilities of its products,
including the development of additional ABS and bonus game products.
Selling, general and administrative costs increased to $5.9 million in
1998 from $4.9 million in the prior year. This increase was primarily the result
of approximately $450,000 of incremental legal fees incurred to secure and
defend the Company's intellectual property rights for new and existing bonusing
products and approximately $250,000 of incremental rent expense resulting from
the expansion of the Company's production facility in Corvallis, Oregon in May
1997.
During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company changed its
business focus to the ABS and bonus game product lines and recorded a
non-recurring charge of $745,000 to recognize severance and inventory costs of
discontinuing its Legacy slot accounting and player tracking system. The Company
originally expected to be able to liquidate the majority of the excess Legacy
inventory to existing slot accounting and player tracking customers and smaller
casinos. These sales have not been realized and the significant improvements
available in currently offered products make future sales unlikely.
Other income increased by $110,000 as a result of interest income
received on investments of cash and cash equivalents. The Company has cumulative
net operating losses of approximately $9.5 million available to offset future
taxable income through 2012. As the realizability of these net operating loss
carryforwards is uncertain, the Company has provided a valuation allowance for
the entire amount and did not record an income tax benefit for the year ended
June 30, 1998. An income tax provision was not recorded in fiscal 1997 due to
the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards that were available at that
time. The net loss for the year ended June
17
22
30, 1998 was $4.2 million ($0.47 per share - diluted) compared to a net income
of $1.8 million ($0.20 per share - diluted) in the prior year.
COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
The Company's net revenues during the year ended June 30, 1997 were
$20.5 million, an increase of 197 percent over the $6.9 million of net revenues
in 1996. This increase in revenues was primarily the result of an $8.4 million
increase in shipments of bonusing, slot accounting and player tracking
components to IGT and other game manufacturers. Final deliveries of a slot
bonusing system and progressive jackpot displays for the Crown Casino in
Melbourne, Australia accounted for an additional $2.5 million of the increase.
Installation of the Company's Legacy slot accounting and player tracking systems
generated an incremental $1.4 million of revenues. Increased sales of custom
bonusing applications accounted for the final $1.3 million of the increase over
1996.
Component materials purchased primarily from computer and electronics
vendors comprised 72 percent of the cost of revenues in 1997 and 57 percent in
1996. Manufacturing, procurement and installation labor and expenses accounted
for the remaining cost of revenues. Changes in the components of the cost of
revenues are a result of changes in the mix of products sold.
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue was 53 percent for 1997,
compared to 48 percent for 1996. Gross margin increased 9 percentage points as a
result of the economies of absorbing certain fixed manufacturing costs over a
larger sales volume. This increase was partially offset by a 4 percentage point
decrease in gross margin incurred as a result of changes in the mix of products
sold.
The Company's research and development expenses increased to $4.5
million in 1997, from $2.3 million in the prior year, primarily as a result of
hiring and supporting additional personnel. The Company expects to continue to
spend a significant portion of its revenue on research and development in order
to enhance and expand the capabilities of its products, including the
development of additional promotions that utilize the Company's bonusing
technology.
In order to support growth in revenue and continue to market and sell
its products, the Company hired additional personnel and increased the amount of
leased office space in 1997, resulting in a $2.3 million increase over 1996
selling, general and administrative operating expenses.
Other income increased by $349,000 as a result of interest income
received on investments of cash and cash equivalents. An income tax provision
was not recorded for the year ended June 30, 1997 due to the utilization of net
operating loss carryforwards. In fiscal 1996, the Company had cumulative net
operating loss carryforwards for which the realizability was uncertain. The
Company provided a valuation allowance for the entire amount and did not record
an income tax benefit in fiscal 1996. The net income for the year ended June 30,
1997 was $1.8 million ($0.20 per share - diluted) compared to a net loss of $1.6
million ($0.22 per share - diluted) in the prior year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company expects to incur a net loss in the first half of fiscal
1999. Revenues are expected to decrease from the same period in the prior year.
Operating expenses are expected to increase from the same period in the prior
year as the Company continues to develop, enhance and market its ABS and bonus
games and defend its intellectual property rights. The Company's cash and cash
equivalents balances are expected to be sufficient to fund the Company's
operations during this period.
The Company expects to generate net income in the second half of
fiscal 1999 primarily as a result of the Pending Sales Agreement. (See "Acres
Bonusing System" and "Factors That May Affect Future Results").
The Company's operations have historically used cash. During the year
ended June 30, 1998, $2.3 million of net cash was generated by operating
activities as the collection of accounts receivable and reductions in
inventories more than offset the effects of the Company's operating loss. During
the year ended June 30, 1997, net cash used by operating activities was $4.4
million,
18
23
primarily resulting from volume-related increases in working capital, including
changes in accounts receivable, inventory and customer deposits. In the year
ended June 30, 1996, $1.2 million of cash was provided by operating activities
as the funding requirements of the Company's negative operating results were
offset by favorable timing of vendor payments and the receipt of significant
customer deposits on projects to be completed in 1997.
The Company made capital expenditures of $1.9 million, $1.8 million,
and $585,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, primarily on computers and
equipment to support research and development efforts. As the Company expands
into operating or leasing bonus games, investments in gaming machines and
equipment may be significant.
The Company's principal sources of liquidity have been net proceeds of
$7.2 million from its initial public offering in November 1993 and $6.2 million
from the exercise of the Redeemable Warrants (as discussed in Note 5 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements) in October 1996. In addition, as part of the
Strategic Alliance with IGT entered into in January 1997, the Company issued
519,481 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for net proceeds of $4.9
million.
As of June 30, 1998, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $9.9
million, compared to $9.3 million as of June 30, 1997. The Company invests its
cash in highly liquid marketable securities with maturities of three months or
less at date of purchase. The Company does not invest in derivative securities.
The Company does not have any debt or any borrowing arrangements.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
Certain statements in this Form 10-K contain "forward-looking"
information (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
PENDING SALES AGREEMENT
The Company is in negotiations to provide casino-wide ABS bonusing
applications, audio-visual products and an integrated slot accounting system for
a large, new Nevada casino. Although the negotiations are not yet complete and a
written contract has not been executed, the Company expects the final contract
will result in approximately $10 million in revenue and installation will occur
in the second half of fiscal 1999. The Company expects that the sale will
include new bonusing applications and its own proprietary slot accounting system
that have not yet been approved by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Company
expects that the definitive contract will include penalty provisions if the
Company fails to meet certain milestones. The contract negotiations may not be
concluded or may not be concluded to a result that is satisfactory to the
Company.
The Company expects that the definitive contract will not include an
advance payment normally required by the Company before the commencement of a
major project. The Company will be materially adversely affected if it is not
able to collect payment for its products.
RELATIONSHIP WITH IGT
Customer Concentration; Strategic Alliance with IGT. The Company's
Strategic Alliance with IGT has increased the Company's dependence on IGT as a
customer and as a distributor of the Company's products. Sales to IGT under the
Strategic Alliance have not met the Company's expectations. Certain casinos have
expressed an interest in purchasing ABS without also purchasing IGS. Although
the Strategic Alliance does not prohibit the Company from selling ABS directly
to customers, IGT has expressed objections about the Pending Sales Agreement
(see "Acres Bonusing System") and may be unwilling to continue the Strategic
Alliance if the Company continues to sell ABS independently of IGT. In late
September 1998, Albert Crosson, Vice Chairman of IGT, resigned from the
Company's Board of Directors. IGT has not nominated Mr. Crosson's successor,
although it continues to have the right to do so.
Representatives of the Company and IGT have met several times to work
to redefine the relationship. The Strategic Alliance may be re-defined, mutually
terminated or terminated at the election of either party. The termination of the
Strategic Alliance would likely have a significant negative impact on the
Company's sales to IGT. However, such termination would also provide the Company
with additional control of the sale, service and support of the Company's
bonusing products and may offer sales opportunities that would otherwise not be
available. (See "Acres Bonusing System").
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
The Company and IGT have jointly developed a communication protocol
known as SAS4. The protocol is used to communicate instructions and messages
between ABS and gaming machines. The communication of these instructions and
messages
19
24
is essential to the operation of bonuses. Although the Company and IGT have
agreed that the Company can use SAS4 in connection with the Pending Sales
Agreement, IGT has stated that the Company does not have an unrestricted right
to use SAS4 with non-IGT games. The Company believes that it has joint
ownership of the protocol and the ability to use and license the protocol. If
necessary, the Company believes there are alternatives to SAS4 but such
alternatives could cause delays in product availability.
YEAR 2000
The Year 2000 issue results from computer programs operating
incorrectly when the calendar year changes to January 1, 2000. Computer programs
that have date-sensitive software may recognize a two-digit date using "00" as
calendar year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in system
failure or miscalculations and could cause disruptions of operations, including,
among other things, a temporary inability to engage in normal business
activities.
The Company has evaluated its technology and data, including imbedded
non-information technology, used in the creation and delivery of its products
and services and in its internal operations and has identified no significant
Year 2000 issues. The core business systems are compliant, or a migration path
to a compliant version will be in place by the year 2000. Compliant upgrades for
the Company's existing slot accounting and player tracking products have been
developed, submitted to regulatory authorities, made available to all customers
and, in some cases, installed at the customers' sites. The Company has not
incurred material costs and believes that future costs associated with
addressing the Year 2000 issue will have an immaterial effect on the Company's
financial results.
Although the Company has inquired of certain of its significant vendors
as to the status of their Year 2000 compliance initiatives, no binding
assurances have been received. The Company believes that its component parts and
services can be obtained from multiple sources and therefore is not overly
reliant on any single vendor. Failure of telephone service providers or other
monopolistic utilities could have a significant detrimental effect on the
Company's operations. The Company does not know the status of its customers'
Year 2000 compliance initiatives. Failure of the Company's customers to
adequately address such issues could negatively affect their ability to purchase
bonusing products. There can be no assurances that such third parties will
successfully address their own Year 2000 issues over which the Company has no
control.
A formal contingency plan to address most reasonably likely
"worst-case" scenarios has not yet been created, but the Company expects to
develop such a plan during the next 12 months.
OTHER RISKS
Bonus Games. The creation of bonus games and the deployment of those
games into casinos on a revenue-sharing basis is a key part of the Company's
business plan. The Company may not be able to develop successful bonus games or
convince casinos to implement such games on a revenue-sharing basis.
Government Regulation; Potential Restrictions on Sales. The Company is
subject to gaming regulations in each jurisdiction in which its products are
sold or are used by persons licensed to conduct gaming activities. The Company's
products generally are regulated as "associated equipment", pursuant to which
gaming regulators have
20
25
discretion to subject the Company, its officers, directors, key employees, other
affiliates, and certain shareholders to licensing, approval and suitability
requirements. In the event that gaming authorities determine that any person is
unsuitable to act in such capacity, the Company would be required to terminate
its relationship with such person, and under certain circumstances, the Company
has the right to redeem its securities from persons who are found unsuitable.
Products offered and expected to be offered by the Company include features that
are not available on products currently in use. These new features may, in some
cases, result in additional regulatory review and licensing requirements for the
products or the Company. Compliance with such regulatory requirements may be
time consuming and expensive, and may delay or prevent a sale in one or more
jurisdictions. In addition, associated equipment generally must be approved by
the regulatory authorities for use by each licensed location within the
jurisdiction, regardless of whether the Company is subject to licensing,
approval, or suitability requirements. Failure by the Company to obtain, or the
loss or suspension of, any necessary licenses, approvals or suitability
findings, may prevent the Company from selling or distributing its product in
such jurisdiction. Such results may have a material adverse effect on the
Company. The Company often enters into contracts that are contingent upon the
Company and/or the customer obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to sell
or use the Company's products or to operate a casino. Failure to timely obtain
such approvals may result in the termination of the contract and the return of
amounts paid pursuant to such contract.
Changes in Business and Economic Conditions Generally and in the Gaming
Industry. The strength and profitability of the Company's business depends on
the overall demand for bonusing products and growth in the gaming industry.
Gaming industry revenues are sensitive to general economic conditions and
generally rise or fall more rapidly in relation to the condition of the overall
economy. In a period of reduced demand, the Company may not be able to lower its
costs rapidly enough to counter a decrease in revenues.
Product Concentration; Competition; Risks of Technological Change. The
Company expects to derive most of its revenues from the sale of bonusing
products and the Company's future success will depend in part upon its ability
to continue to generate sales of these products. A decline in demand or prices
for the Company's bonusing products, whether as a result of new product
introduction or price competition from competitors, technological change, or
failure of the Company's bonusing products to address customer requirements or
otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's revenues and
operating results. The markets in which the Company competes are highly
competitive and subject to frequent technological change and one or more of the
Company's competitors may develop alternative technologies for bonusing or game
promotions. The Company's future results of operations will depend in part upon
its ability to improve and market its existing products and to successfully
develop, manufacture and market new products. While the Company expends a
significant portion of its revenues on research and development and on product
enhancement, the Company may not be able to continue to improve and market its
existing products or develop and market new products, or technological
developments may cause the Company's products to become obsolete or
noncompetitive. Many of the Company's competitors have substantially greater
financial, marketing and technological resources than the Company and the
Company may not be able to compete successfully with them.
Patents and Trademarks. The Company relies on a combination of patent,
trade secret, copyright and trademark law, nondisclosure agreements and
technical security measures to protect its products. The Company has received
U.S. patents on certain features of its bonusing product line, has applied for
additional U.S. patents and may in the future apply for other U.S. patents and
corresponding foreign patents. The Company may also file for patents on certain
features of products that the Company may develop in the future. Notwithstanding
these safeguards, it is possible for competitors of the Company to obtain its
trade secrets and to imitate its products. Furthermore, others may independently
develop products similar or superior to those developed or planned by the
Company. While the Company may obtain patents with respect to certain of its
products, the Company may not have sufficient resources to defend such patents,
such patents may not afford all necessary protection and competitors may develop
equivalent or superior products which may not infringe such patents.
Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results. The Company's quarterly
operating results have fluctuated in the past, and may fluctuate significantly
in the future, due to a number of factors, including, among others, the size and
timing of customer orders, the timing and market acceptance of new products
introduced by the Company, changes in the level of operating expenses,
technological advances and new product introductions by the
21
26
Company's competitors, competitive conditions in the industry, regulatory
approval and general economic conditions. Product development and marketing
costs are often incurred in periods before any revenues are recognized from the
sales of products, and gross margins are lower and operating expenses are higher
during periods in which such product development expenses are incurred and
marketing efforts are commenced. At its current stage of operations, the
Company's quarterly revenues and results of operations may be materially
affected by the receipt or loss of any one order and by the timing of the
delivery, installation and regulatory approval of any one order. The Company may
not be able to achieve or maintain profitable operations on a consistent basis.
The Company believes that period to period comparisons of its financial results
may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of future
performance. Fluctuations in operating results may result in volatility in the
price of the Company's Common Stock.
Management of Growth; Liquidity. To compete effectively and to manage
future growth, the Company must continue to improve its financial and management
controls, reporting systems and procedures on a timely basis and expand, train
and manage its employees. Any failure by the Company to implement and improve
any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, sufficient
funds to maintain new product development efforts and expected levels of
operations may not be available and additional capital, if and when needed by
the Company, may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company.
22
27
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
----
Report of Independent Public Accountants........................... 25
Consolidated Balance Sheets........................................ 26
Consolidated Statements of Operations.............................. 27
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.................... 28
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.............................. 29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................... 30
23
28
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Acres Gaming Incorporated:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Acres
Gaming Incorporated (a Nevada Corporation) and subsidiary as of June 30, 1998
and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30,
1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 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 financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Acres Gaming
Incorporated and subsidiary as of June 30, 1998 and 1997, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended June 30, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Portland, Oregon,
July 27, 1998
24
29
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
ASSETS
1998 1997
-------- --------
(in thousands)
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,887 $ 9,318
Receivables, net of allowance of $50,000 and $322,000 1,929 3,880
Inventories 2,607 5,366
Prepaid expenses 103 455
-------- --------
Total current assets 14,526 19,019
-------- --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Furniture and fixtures 540 541
Equipment 4,003 2,804
Leasehold improvements 627 526
Accumulated depreciation (2,919) (2,075)
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net 2,251 1,796
-------- --------
OTHER ASSETS, NET 417 508
-------- --------
$ 17,194 $ 21,323
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 982 $ 1,339
Accrued expenses 438 723
Customer deposits 1,015 483
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 2,435 2,545
-------- --------
REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK 4,948 4,948
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 50 million shares authorized,
8.8 million shares issued and outstanding 88 88
Additional paid-in capital 19,554 19,321
Accumulated deficit (9,831) (5,579)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 9,811 13,830
-------- --------
$ 17,194 $ 21,323
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
25
30
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(in thousands except per share data)
NET REVENUES $ 17,573 $ 20,455 $ 6,942
COST OF REVENUES 10,950 9,553 3,587
-------- -------- --------
GROSS PROFIT 6,623 10,902 3,355
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 4,651 4,531 2,341
Selling, general and administrative 5,887 4,946 2,679
Non-recurring charge 745 -- --
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 11,283 9,477 5,020
-------- -------- --------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (4,660) 1,425 (1,665)
OTHER INCOME 483 373 24
-------- -------- --------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (4,177) $ 1,798 $ (1,641)
======== ======== ========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC $ (.47) $ .21 $ (0.22)
======== ======== ========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED $ (.47) $ .20 $ (0.22)
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
26
31
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL DEFERRED
------------------- PAID-IN ACCUMULATED CHARGE -
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL DEFICIT WARRANTS TOTAL
------ ------ ------- ------- -------- -----
(in thousands)
Balance as of June 30, 1995 7,495 $ 75 $ 10,615 $ (5,672) $ (56) $ 4,962
Issuance of common stock 106 1 609 -- -- 610
Net loss -- -- -- (1,641) -- (1,641)
Amortization of warrants -- -- -- -- 56 56
----- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance as of June 30, 1996 7,601 76 11,224 (7,313) -- 3,987
Issuance of common stock 1,163 12 8,097 -- -- 8,109
Net income -- -- -- 1,798 -- 1,798
Preferred stock dividends -- -- -- (64) -- (64)
----- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance as of June 30, 1997 8,764 88 19,321 (5,579) -- 13,830
Issuance of common stock 56 -- 233 -- -- 233
Net loss -- -- -- (4,177) -- (4,177)
Preferred stock dividends -- -- -- (75) -- (75)
----- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance as of June 30, 1998 8,820 $ 88 $ 19,554 $ (9,831) $ -- $ 9,811
===== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
27
32
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ (4,177) $ 1,798 $ (1,641)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,493 931 710
Non-recurring charge 745 -- --
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables 1,951 (2,970) 57
Inventories 2,098 (2,674) (297)
Prepaid expenses 352 (361) (21)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (726) 166 987
Customer deposits 532 (1,265) 1,355
-------- -------- --------
Net cash from operating activities 2,268 (4,375) 1,150
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment (1,922) (1,502) (349)
Capitalized software costs -- -- (82)
Other, net 65 (298) (154)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash from investing activities (1,857) (1,800) (585)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 233 8,109 610
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock -- 4,948 --
Preferred stock dividends (75) (64) --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash from financing activities 158 12,993 610
-------- -------- --------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 569 6,818 1,175
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 9,318 2,500 1,325
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 9,887 $ 9,318 $ 2,500
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
28
33
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND COMPANY OPERATIONS:
COMPANY OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Acres
Gaming Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiary, AGI Distribution, Inc. (the
"Company"). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The Company develops, manufactures and markets electronic game
promotions, equipment and games for the casino gaming industry. The Company's
principal products are based on its proprietary Acres Bonusing Technology and
are designed to enhance casino profitability by providing entertainment and
incentives to players of gaming machines. The bonusing technology improves the
efficiency of bonus and incentive programs currently offered by many casinos,
and makes possible bonus and incentive programs that have not previously been
offered. The Company currently sells its products in the United States and in
Australia. Sales in Australia totaled $1.2 million, $4.8 million and $1.4
million, for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
At its current stage of operations, the Company's financial position
and operating results may be materially affected by a number of factors,
including the timing of receipt, installation and regulatory approval of any one
order, availability of additional capital, competition and technological change.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company sells certain of its products under contracts that
generally provide for a deposit to be paid before commencement of the project
and for a final payment to be made after completion of the project. Revenue is
recognized as individual units are installed or, in those instances where the
contract does not provide for the Company to install the equipment, upon
shipment. Customer deposits received under sales agreements are reflected as
liabilities until the related revenue is recognized.
MAJOR CUSTOMERS
One customer accounted for 75 percent, 28 percent and 2 percent of the
Company's net revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Another customer
accounted for 18 percent, 28 percent and 43 percent of the Company's net
revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. A third customer provided 12
percent of the Company's net revenues in 1997 and 20 percent in 1996. Sales to
one other customer amounted to 12 percent of the Company's net revenues in 1996.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Under
this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years
in which the differences are expected to reverse.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts held in and due
from banks and highly liquid marketable securities with maturities of three
months or less at date of purchase.
29
34
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company's financial instruments consist of receivables. At June 30,
1998 and 1997, the fair value of the Company's receivables approximated their
carrying value.
INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of electronic components and other hardware, which
are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories
consist of the following:
INVENTORIES AT JUNE 30,
-----------------------
1998 1997
------ ------
(in thousands)
Raw materials $ 957 $2,787
Work-in-progress 124 621
Finished goods 1,526 1,958
------ ------
Total inventories $2,607 $5,366
====== ======
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed on
the straight-line basis over the assets' estimated useful lives of two to five
years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lease term. Expenditures
for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations when incurred.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of costs associated with the establishment of
patents, gaming licenses and gaming product approvals in various jurisdictions.
Amortization of patents is calculated using the straight-line method over the
estimated life of the patent. Gaming licenses and product approvals are
amortized over periods of 5 years and 2 years, respectively. Intangible assets,
net of accumulated amortization, were $345,000 and $397,000 at June 30, 1998 and
1997, respectively, and are included in other assets.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
NON-RECURRING CHARGE
During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company changed its
business focus to the ABS and bonus game product lines and recorded a
non-recurring charge of $745,000 to recognize severance and inventory costs of
discontinuing its Legacy slot accounting and player tracking system. The Company
originally expected to be able to liquidate the majority of the excess Legacy
inventory to existing slot accounting and player tracking customers and smaller
casinos. These sales have not been realized and the significant improvements
available in currently offered products make future sales unlikely.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
30
35
2. INCOME TAXES:
At June 30, 1998, the Company had cumulative net operating losses
totaling approximately $9.5 million that are available to offset future taxable
income through 2012. A portion of the net operating loss carryforwards was used
to offset income for the year ended June 30, 1997. The Company has provided a
valuation allowance for the remaining amount of the benefit related to these net
operating loss carryforwards as realizability is uncertain.
Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of the Company's assets and liabilities for
financial statement purposes and their tax bases. Deferred tax liabilities were
insignificant as of June 30, 1998 and 1997. The sources of the differences that
give rise to the deferred income tax assets as of June 30, 1998 and 1997, along
with the income tax effects of each, are as follows:
DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS
AT JUNE 30,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------- -------
(in thousands)
Operating loss carryforwards $ 3,621 $ 1,907
Research and development tax credit 632 --
Property and equipment 367 144
Accruals and reserves 355 261
Intangible assets 23 20
------- -------
4,998 2,332
Less valuation allowance (4,998) (2,332)
------- -------
Net deferred tax assets $ 0 $ 0
======= =======
During 1998, the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets
increased by $2.7 million. In 1997, the valuation allowance related to deferred
tax assets decreased by $496,000.
3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Litigation
Two related lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. District Court that
allege violation of the federal securities laws by the Company and its executive
officers. Those suits have been consolidated into one combined action that seeks
class certification for a proposed class consisting of the purchasers of the
Company's stock during the period from March 26, 1997 to December 11, 1997. The
court has not yet ruled on class certification. The Company has moved to dismiss
this suit and discovery has been stayed pending resolution of this motion. The
Company denies the allegations and intends to vigorously defend itself.
Three related lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. District Court
involving the Company and its patents. Those suits have now been consolidated.
The Company denies all asserted allegations and intends to vigorously defend
itself and its intellectual property rights.
In Suit I, Mikohn asserted a claim for declaratory judgment of
noninfringement and invalidity of U.S. Patent No. 5,655,961 ("the `961 patent")
owned by the Company. Mikohn also asserted claims for "intentional interference
with a business relationship," "intentional interference with prospective
business relationship," "unfair competition: trade libel" and "unfair
competition: disparagement." Mikohn's complaint sought unspecified damages,
punitive damages, attorney's fees, interest on the alleged damages, an
injunction against the conduct alleged in the complaint, and a declaration that
the `961 patent is invalid and not infringed by Mikohn or its customers. The
Company has filed a counterclaim for infringement of the `961 patent, and has
denied Mikohn's other allegations.
31
36
In Suit II, Mikohn asserted a claim for declaratory judgment of
noninfringement and invalidity of U.S. Patent No. 5,741,183 ("the `183 patent")
owned by the Company. Mikohn's complaint sought no damages, but requested an
award of attorney's fees and a declaration that the `183 patent is invalid and
not infringed by Mikohn. The Company is not aware of any infringement by Mikohn,
and therefore sought to dismiss the complaint for lack of a case or controversy.
The court denied the Company's motion.
In Suit III, the Company sued Mikohn, Casino Data Systems, New York New
York Hotel and Casino and Sunset Station Hotel and Casino for infringement of
the Company's U.S. Patent No. 5,752,882 ("the `882 patent"). Mikohn
counterclaimed in Suit III, seeking a declaratory judgment of invalidity and
noninfringement of the `882 patent and asserted claims for "false and misleading
representations" under 11 U.S.C. Section 1125, "interference with prospective
economic relations," "unfair competition: trade libel" and "unfair competition:
disparagement." Mikohn's counterclaims seek unspecified damages, as well as a
trebling of the damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees and an injunction
against the Company's "continuing to commit the unlawful acts" alleged in the
counterclaims. The Company moved for a preliminary injunction in Suit III
against Mikohn's infringement of the `882 patent. The court has not ruled on the
Company' motion.
In a separate but related action, the Company has filed suit in U.S.
District Court against its general liability insurance carrier for breach of
insurance contract. The Company's suit is based on the insurer's refusal to pay
more than nominal amounts of the costs of defense in Suit I. The Company
anticipates that this matter will be resolved by cross motions for summary
judgment. In addition, the Company has tendered the defense of Mikohn's
counterclaims in Suit III to the same insurer. To date the insurer has not
responded to the tender of Suit III's defense.
The Company from time to time is involved in other various legal
proceedings arising in the normal course of business.
Operating Leases
The Company leases its office facilities under operating leases that
extend through June 15, 2003. Future minimum lease payments under these
non-cancelable operating leases as of June 30, 1998 are $785,000, $497,000,
$493,000, $493,000 and $472,000 in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003,
respectively. Total lease expense was $567,000, $255,000 and $228,000 for the
years ended June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
4. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK:
In January 1997, the Company created an initial series of preferred
stock, consisting of 1,038,961 shares, which it designated Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Series A Stock") and issued 519,481 shares for net
proceeds of approximately $4.9 million. The Series A Stock is entitled to
receive non-cumulative dividends at a rate per share equal to 3 percent of
$9.625, the initial per share purchase price. Holders of the Series A Stock have
the option, upon notice to the Company, to convert shares of Series A Stock into
shares of Common Stock based upon the applicable conversion price in effect at
the time of conversion. The initial conversion price for each share of Series A
Stock is the lesser of the price at which the Series A Stock was initially
issued and the average closing price of the Company's Common Stock for the
period of thirty trading days prior to the date of conversion of shares of
Series A Stock. The conversion price is subject to adjustments for certain
events relating to the Common Stock including stock splits and combinations,
dividends and distributions, reclassification, exchange, substitution,
reorganization, merger, or sale of assets. The Series A Stock is subject to
redemption, subject to certain conditions, at a price equal to the purchase
price plus any declared but unpaid dividends. As of June 30, 1998, all declared
dividends have been paid. In July 1998, $75,000 of dividends related to the six
month period ended June 30, 1998 were declared and subsequently paid.
So long as at least 130,000 of the shares of Series A Stock originally
issued by the Company remain outstanding, holders of the Series A Stock are
entitled as a class to elect one director and must approve any amendments to the
Company's articles of incorporation including, among other things, amendments to
facilitate the sale or merger of the Company. In the event of any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
32
37
of the Company, the holders of the Series A Stock will be entitled to receive a
liquidation preference of $9.625 per share, plus any declared but unpaid
dividends, prior to the distribution of any of the Company's assets to holders
of the Common Stock. Any assets remaining after the distribution to holders of
the Series A Stock will be distributed to holders of the Common Stock.
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
In November 1993, the Company completed its initial public offering and
issued 1,667,500 units (the "Units") consisting of 1,667,500 shares of Common
Stock and 833,750 Redeemable Warrants. In connection with the offering, the
Company granted the underwriter warrants to purchase 145,000 Units at $6.00 per
share. The net proceeds of the offering were $7.2 million. In October 1996,
substantially all of the Redeemable Warrants were exercised, resulting in net
proceeds to the Company of approximately $6.2 million. The underwriter warrants
were exercised in October 1996 resulting in net proceeds to the Company of
approximately $1.4 million.
In June 1995, the Company issued 400,000 shares of Common Stock to a
group of private investors for net proceeds of approximately $2.3 million. In
connection with this offering, the Company granted warrants which expire in June
2000 to purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock at $7.20 per share, which
approximated market value at that date.
In 1995, the Company issued warrants to purchase 195,000 shares of
Common Stock to two companies and two individuals in exchange for services. Of
these, warrants to purchase 50,000 shares were valued at $96,000, recorded as
paid-in capital and amortized over the term of the related service agreement
that ended in 1996. At June 30, 1998, warrants to purchase 125,000 shares at
$9.00 remain outstanding and expire in September 2000.
The Company has a Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") which permits the
granting of awards to directors, employees and consultants of the Company in the
form of stock options. Stock options granted under the Plan may be incentive
stock options or nonqualified options. Options generally vest over five years
and expire in ten years. The Company accounts for the Plan under APB Opinion No.
25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", under which no compensation cost
is recognized. Had compensation cost for the Plan been determined consistent
with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), the Company's net income (loss) and
earnings (loss) per share would have approximated the following pro forma
amounts:
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(in thousands except per share data)
NET INCOME (LOSS): As reported $ (4,177) $ 1,798 $ (1,641)
Pro forma (4,863) 535 (1,921)
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC: As reported $ (.47) $ .21 $ (.22)
Pro forma (.55) .06 (.25)
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED: As reported $ (.47) $ .20 $ (.22)
Pro forma (.55) .06 (.25)
In accordance with SFAS 123, the stock-based compensation methodology
has not been applied to option grants awarded before July 1, 1995. Accordingly,
the above pro forma compensation costs may not be representative of the costs
expected in future years.
33
38
A total of 1,750,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock have been
reserved for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the Plan. The Company has
granted 1,294,325 options, net of cancellations, through June 30, 1998. Activity
under the Plan is summarized below:
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
--------- -------- --------- --------- ------- --------
Outstanding at beginning of year 1,132,950 $ 6.25 756,375 $ 4.23 391,625 $ 4.83
Granted at exercise prices equal
to market prices 329,750 5.18 352,450 9.53 532,400 4.48
Granted at exercise prices
exceeding market prices -- -- 230,500 10.47 30,000 6.50
Exercised (55,525) 4.19 (77,625) 4.67 (91,500) 5.75
Canceled (366,000) 8.18 (128,750) 11.92 (106,150) 7.00
--------- ------- -------
Outstanding at end of year 1,041,175 5.34 1,132,950 6.25 756,375 4.23
========= ========= =======
Exercisable at end of year 523,748 4.76 468,007 4.71 278,000 3.95
========= ======= =======
Weighted average fair value of
options granted $ 3.79 $ 5.35 $ 3.39
======== ======== ========
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
assumptions:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Risk free interest rate 5.8% 6.2% 6.2%
Expected life of option 5 years 5 years 5 years
Expected volatility 91% 97% 97%
Dividends none none none
The following table summarizes the options to purchase Common Stock
outstanding at June 30, 1998:
WEIGHTED
OPTIONS FOR OPTIONS FOR AVERAGE EXERCISE
EXERCISE SHARES WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES PRICE OF SHARES
PRICES OUTSTANDING EXERCISE PRICE CONTRACTUAL LIFE EXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE
-------------- ----------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------- ----------------
$3.00 - $5.00 704,600 $ 4.09 8.1 years 347,414 $3.63
$5.06 - $9.00 255,425 6.88 8.4 years 156,134 6.62
$9.12 - $16.88 81,150 11.36 8.7 years 20,200 9.92
-------------- --------- --------
$3.00 - $16.88 1,041,175 5.34 8.2 years 523,748 4.76
============== ========= ========
6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN:
The Company has a profit sharing plan that operates under the
provisions of section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and covers
substantially all full-time employees. Employer contributions may be made at the
discretion of the Board of Directors. To date, there have been no employer
contributions.
34
39
7. PER SHARE COMPUTATION:
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128
"Earnings per Share" in the quarter ended December 31, 1997. Under the new
requirements, the Company reports basic and diluted earnings per share. Only the
weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding are used to
compute basic earnings per share. The computation of diluted earnings per share
includes the effect of stock options, warrants and redeemable convertible
preferred stock, if such effect is dilutive. For purposes of these earnings per
share computations, earnings have not been reduced by preferred stock dividends
in accordance with the "if-converted method" of accounting for convertible
securities. The following table summarizes the calculations of earnings per
share amounts. Where necessary, prior year amounts have been restated.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
-------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- ------- -------
(in thousands except per share data)
Net income (loss) $ (4,177) $ 1,798 $(1,641)
======== ======= =======
Weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock
equivalents outstanding:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,804 8,399 7,552
Dilutive effect of warrants and employee stock options after -- 400 --
application of the treasury stock method
Dilutive effect of redeemable convertible preferred stock -- 272 --
after application of the if-converted method
-------- ------- -------
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for
computing diluted earnings per share 8,804 9,071 7,552
======== ======= =======
Earnings (loss) per share - basic $ (.47) $ .21 $ (.22)
======== ======= =======
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted $ (.47) $ .20 $ (.22)
======== ======= =======
The following common stock equivalents were excluded from the earnings
per share computations because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
BALANCE OUTSTANDING AS OF JUNE 30,
----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(in thousands)
Warrants and employee stock options 1,206 101 1,887
Redeemable convertible preferred stock 519 -- --
If the Company had been profitable in fiscal 1998 and 1996, application
of the treasury stock method, in which the assumed net proceeds from the
exercise of the weighted average number of warrants and employee stock options
outstanding during the period are assumed to be used to repurchase common stock
at its average market price during the period, would have reduced the number of
warrants and employee stock options outstanding for purposes of computing
earnings per share to 241,000 and 291,000, in 1998 and 1996, respectively.
35
40
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
No changes in, or disagreements with, accountants which required
reporting on Form 8-K have occurred within the three-year period ended June 30,
1998.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information with respect to Directors of the Company is incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Proxy Statement that will be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days of June 30, 1998.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information with respect to Executive Compensation is incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Proxy Statement that will be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days of June 30, 1998.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information with respect to Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Proxy
Statement that will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of June
30, 1998.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information with respect to Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Proxy
Statement that will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of June
30, 1998.
36
41
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"
(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT
SCHEDULE
To Acres Gaming Incorporated:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
consolidated financial statements included in Acres Gaming Incorporated's 1998
Annual Report on Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated July 27,
1998. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those
statements taken as a whole. The Valuation and Qualifying Accounts schedule is
the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic consolidated financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to
the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic consolidated
financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states, in all material
respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Portland, Oregon
July 27, 1998
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
AMOUNTS
BALANCES AT ADDITIONS CHARGED
BEGINNING OF CHARGED TO OFF, NET OF BALANCES AT
YEAR INCOME COLLECTIONS END OF YEAR
---- ------ ----------- -----------
(in thousands)
ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS
1998 $322 $25 $(297) $50
1997 0 317 5 322
1996 48 20 (68) 0
ALLOWANCE FOR NON-RECURRING CHARGE
1998 $0 $745 $(270) $475
(3) EXHIBITS
See "Index to Exhibits".
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of
the period covered by this report.
37
42
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
Date: September 24, 1998 By: /s/ Floyd W. Glisson
---------------------------------
Floyd W. Glisson
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities
and on the dates indicated.
Date: September 24, 1998 /s/ John F. Acres
------------------------------------
John F. Acres
Chairman of the Board
Date: September 24, 1998 /s/ Floyd W. Glisson
------------------------------------
Floyd W. Glisson
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: September 24, 1998 /s/ Robert W. Brown
------------------------------------
Robert W. Brown
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
Date: September 24, 1998 /s/ Jo Ann Acres
------------------------------------
Jo Ann Acres
Director
Date: September 24, 1998 /s/ Richard A. Carone
------------------------------------
Richard A. Carone
Director
38
43
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
--- -----------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Acres Gaming Incorporated, as amended(4)
3.2 Bylaws of Acres Gaming Incorporated, as amended(3)
+10.1 Acres Gaming Incorporated 1993 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended(4)
10.2 Lease dated January 4, 1994, between the Company and Avery Investments(1)
10.3 Lease dated June 27, 1995, between the Company and McCarran Center, LLC(2)
+10.4 Employment Agreement dated January 2, 1996 between the Company and Joseph A. Huseonica(3)
+10.5 Employment Agreement dated July 1, 1996 between the Company and John F. Acres(4)
10.6 Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and IGT dated January 28, 1997(4)
10.7 Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and IGT dated January 28, 1997(4)
10.8 Master Agreement for Product Development, Purchase and Sale between the Company and
International Game Technology, Inc. dated January 27, 1997(4)
10.9 Form of sublease between the Company and Hewlett Packard dated May 22, 1998(5)
+ 10.10 Employment Agreement Amendment dated January 15, 1997 between the Company and Joseph A.
Huseonica(5)
10.11 Lease dated March 3, 1998 between the Company and #26 McCarran Center, LC
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants
27.1 Financial Data Schedule for year ended June 30, 1998
27.2 Financial Data Schedule for 3 months ended September 30, 1996 (restated)
27.3 Financial Data Schedule for 6 months ended December 31, 1996 (restated)
27.4 Financial Data Schedule for 9 months ended March 31, 1997 (restated)
27.5 Financial Data Schedule for year ended June 30, 1997 (restated)
- ----------
+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended June 30, 1994, previously
filed with the Commission.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended June 30, 1995, previously
filed with the Commission.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996,
previously filed with the Commission.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 1996,
previously filed with the Commission.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1997, previously filed
with the Commission