Attached files
file | filename |
---|---|
EX-21 - 2009 10-K EXHIBIT 21 - GAMETECH INTERNATIONAL INC | exhibit_21.htm |
EX-23 - 2009 10-K EXHIBIT 23 - GAMETECH INTERNATIONAL INC | exhibit_23.htm |
EX-31.1 - 2009 10-K EXHIBIT 31-1 - GAMETECH INTERNATIONAL INC | exhibit_31-1.htm |
EX-32.2 - 2009 10-K EXHIBIT 32-2 - GAMETECH INTERNATIONAL INC | exhibit_32-2.htm |
EX-32.1 - 2009 10-K EXHIBIT 32-1 - GAMETECH INTERNATIONAL INC | exhibit_32-1.htm |
EX-31.2 - 2009 10-K EXHIBIT 31-2 - GAMETECH INTERNATIONAL INC | exhibit_31-2.htm |
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
|
For
the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
For
the transition period from _______ to_______
GameTech
International, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
|
|
33-0612983
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
|
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
No.)
|
8850
DOUBLE DIAMOND PKWY, RENO, NEVADA
|
|
89521
|
(Address
of principal executive offices)
|
(Zip
Code)
|
(775) 850-6000
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
|
Name
of each exchange on which registered
|
|
Common
Stock, par value $.001 per share
Rights
to Purchase Series A Junior
Participating
Preferred Stock
|
The
NASDAQ Global Market
The
NASDAQ Global Market
|
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on
its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
and post such files). Yes o No o
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. o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See
the definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer o Accelerated
filer o
Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting
company x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Act).
Yes o
No x
The
aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant
based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock as reported on the
NASDAQ Global Market on May 3, 2009, which was the last business day of the
registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $13,119,878. For
purposes of this computation, all officers and directors of the registrant are
deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed to
be an admission that such officers and directors are, in fact, affiliates of the
registrant.
The
number of shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of
January 26, 2010, was 11,735,865 shares.
Documents
Incorporated By Reference
Portions
of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this
report.
ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K
52
WEEKS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2009
INDEX
PART
I
|
|
|||
Item
1.
|
Business
|
1
|
||
Item
1A.
|
Risk
Factors
|
14
|
||
Item
1B.
|
Unresolved
Staff Comments
|
21
|
||
Item
2.
|
Properties
|
21
|
||
Item
3.
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
21
|
||
Item
4.
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
23
|
||
PART
II
|
|
|||
Item
5.
|
Market
for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
|
23
|
||
Item
6.
|
Selected
Financial Data
|
25
|
||
Item
7.
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
26
|
||
Item
7A.
|
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
40
|
||
Item
8.
|
Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data
|
41
|
||
Item
9.
|
Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
|
41
|
||
Item
9A.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
41
|
||
Item
9B.
|
Other
Information
|
42
|
||
PART
III
|
|
|||
Item
10.
|
Directors
and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
|
42
|
||
Item
11.
|
Executive
Compensation
|
42
|
||
Item
12.
|
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
|
42
|
||
Item
13.
|
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions and Director
Independence
|
42
|
||
Item
14.
|
Principal
Accountants Fees and Services
|
43
|
||
PART
IV
|
|
|||
Item
15.
|
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules
|
43
|
||
SIGNATURES
|
45
|
|||
Index
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-1
|
Statement
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The
statements contained in this report on Form 10-K that are not purely
historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable
securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our
“expectations,” “anticipation,” “intentions,” “beliefs,” or “strategies”
regarding the future. Forward-looking statements also include statements
regarding revenue, margins, expenses, and earnings for fiscal 2010 and
thereafter; expansion of products or product development; expansion into new
domestic and international markets; potential acquisitions or strategic
alliances; and liquidity and anticipated cash needs and availability. All
forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information
available to us as of the filing date of this report, and we assume no
obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our actual results
could differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations reflected
in our forward-looking statements include those described in Item 1A, “Risk
Factors.”
General
We
design, develop, and market interactive electronic bingo systems consisting of
portable, fixed based, and server-based player terminals and gaming systems,
video lottery terminals, slot machine equipment, and related
software.
We
currently have portable and server-based bingo systems that can be played
anywhere within a bingo hall and fixed-based systems with touch screen activated
monitors operating in charitable, Native American, commercial, and military
bingo halls. Our portable and fixed-based bingo systems display
electronic bingo card images for each bingo game. Our electronic
bingo terminals enable players to play substantially more bingo cards than they
can play on paper cards, typically leading to a greater spend per player and
higher profits per bingo session for the bingo operator. We install
the electronic bingo systems, typically at no cost to the operator, and charge
either a fixed fee per use per terminal, a fixed weekly fee per terminal, or a
percentage of the revenue generated by each terminal. We typically
enter into one to three-year contracts with bingo operators. As part
of our bingo segment, we have developed a wireless server-based gaming
technology into a commercially viable product, the GameTech Elite(R), which was
successfully installed domestically in the third quarter of 2008 and installed
in Europe during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The European configuration of
GameTech Elite(R) supports 450 wireless devices in a single location and
represents our largest installation of the GameTech Elite(R) system to date. In
addition to the GameTech Elite(R) server-based gaming system ("Elite"), we have
also spun off a particular configuration of GameTech Elite(R) for the
traditional bingo markets of the US as well as other international bingo
markets. This product is known as GameTech Edge(TM), which
was developed in 2009 and was successfully installed in the summer of 2009
in a North American bingo hall. GameTech Edge(TM) will be the premier
US product offering in 2010 with further enhancements, features and bingo
content planned for release.
We also
design, manufacture, and sell video lottery terminals (“VLTs”), slot machine
equipment, and related software (collectively referred to as “box
business”). We entered the box business on March 28, 2007 with our
acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Summit Amusement &
Distributing, Ltd. (“Summit Gaming”) for $40.9 million in cash. These
machines are typically sold to VLT route operators, Native American casinos,
bar/tavern gaming operators, and distributors on both a machine purchase and
revenue participation basis. We also anticipate utilizing our box
division to develop new platforms to expand into new markets including Class II
and Class III gaming markets with existing and acquired gaming content from
third party software developers.
Our
company was incorporated in 1994 by executives previously involved in the bingo,
slot machine, lottery, and high-technology software and hardware industries to
pursue the belief that an advanced, interactive, electronic bingo system would
be well received by both bingo hall operators and players. We believe our
experienced management team, quality electronic bingo systems and VLT equipment,
and reputation for superior customer service and support enable us to compete
effectively in both the bingo and box industries.
We report
on a 52/53 week fiscal year which began with the period ending on the first
Sunday in November 2008. Our fiscal year ending November 1, 2009
includes 52 weeks versus the fiscal year ending November 2, 2008 which had 53
weeks. The fiscal year ending October 31, 2007 was on a twelve month
calendar basis.
Bingo is
a legal enterprise in 48 states (excluding Hawaii and Utah) and the District of
Columbia. Electronic bingo has been legalized in approximately 87% of
those states. Nonprofit organizations sponsor bingo games for
fundraising purposes, while Native American, commercial entities, and
government-sponsored entities operate bingo games for profit. As of
November 1, 2009, we had systems in 33 of the states that allow electronic bingo
systems for use with charitable and commercial organizations. Under
the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or IGRA, electronic bingo may be played on
Native American lands. We estimate that bingo is currently played on Native
American lands in 30 states. As of November 1, 2009, we had terminals
in operation in Native American bingo halls in 16 of those states. Collectively,
as of November 1, 2009, we had electronic bingo systems in 40 states and three
foreign countries. For fiscal 2009, 81.8% of our net revenue came
from our bingo equipment segment.
-1-
Box
equipment is legal in 15 states and Canada. Box equipment includes
VLTs that are state authorized and monitored Class III gaming machines,
traditional Class III gaming machines, and related software, licensing, and
gaming content. Our box equipment is operated in casinos,
bar/taverns, truck stops, and other gaming approved locations that vary from
state to state based upon jurisdictional legislation or
regulations. We sell VLTs, related software and equipment primarily
in Louisiana, Montana, and South Dakota, as well as distribute traditional Class
III gaming machines in Native American casinos and several
states. For fiscal 2009, 18.2% of our net revenue came from our box
equipment segment, 66.8% of which was from the sale of VLTs.
Our
website is located at www.gametech-inc.com. Through our website, we make
available free of charge our annual reports on Form 10-K, our proxy statements,
our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act. These reports are available as soon as
reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
For
financial information about our operating segments see Note 16 to our
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.
Business
Strategy
Our goal
is to be a leading provider of electronic bingo products and gaming machines in
the United States, on Native American lands, and internationally. Key
elements of this strategy include the following:
Expand
Product Offerings and Emphasize Unique Gaming Content
We plan
to continue to expand our product offerings to provide bingo and gaming
operators with more choices and price points for our bingo equipment and gaming
machines.
Our wide
range of electronic bingo products allows bingo operators to offer players many
choices when establishing their purchases for bingo games. Operators
are then better positioned to ensure they meet the needs of all levels of
customers. We are continuing to focus our efforts on expanding our
product lines so bingo operators can offer players everything from low cost
terminals to higher priced player terminals with additional features, as well as
terminals that are capable of supporting a variety of different games, which
increase entertainment value. Our current electronic bingo
system portfolio includes one server-based model with color displays, four
portable models, one with black and white displays and three with color
displays, two fixed-based color terminal models, and various back-office
management systems.
Our box
division manufacturers VLT and other gaming equipment and software that is sold
primarily in Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota, and Native American
markets. These games are sold on a machine purchase basis as well as
a revenue participation basis. The gaming content developed for these
games includes unique video poker and keno games that have allowed us to
generate significant market share in the markets where we compete. We
believe revenue growth will be driven by increasing market share in existing
markets and expanding product placement into new markets.
Develop
New Applications
We
maintain an ongoing product development program focused on enhancing our
existing products and developing new products and additional applications for
our technology.
-2-
During
2009 we continued development of the GameTech Elite(R) server-based gaming
system (“Elite”). This operating system will enable us to move into
Class II and Class III server-based markets which demand a higher level of
security and accountability. The Elite system provides GameTech with
the ability to support traditional bingo applications as well as new cutting
edge server-based applications for casino and Native American gaming
markets. The Elite system also addresses international product needs,
allowing GameTech to focus on different variations of the game of bingo in
European and Latin American markets. The system was redesigned from
the ground up based on the experience from past products as well as emerging
technologies not available during the design of previous
products.
Expand
Internationally
We plan
to continue to expand our operations outside of the United States. We
currently have an installed base of bingo terminals in Europe, Canada, and
Asia. International revenue as a percentage of our total revenue was
7.2% in fiscal 2009, 9.0% in fiscal 2008, and 7.6% in fiscal 2007. We
are currently pursuing additional expansion in Latin America, Europe, certain
provinces in Canada, and other locations. In the United Kingdom, we
are working with major bingo operators to increase player acceptance levels and
place additional electronic bingo terminals in bingo halls and
casinos. From time to time we also evaluate opportunities to expand
into other countries.
Develop
Strategic Alliances/Acquire Complementary Companies
We plan
to continue to review opportunities to grow through strategic alliances and
acquisitions that could extend our presence into new geographic markets, expand
our client and product base, add new products, and provide operating
synergies.
Products
- Bingo
We
provide bingo operators with a variety of electronic player terminals and
back-office management systems. The newest of these systems is known as GameTech
Edge(TM). This operating system includes Point-of-Sale (POS)
functionality and player tracking for bingo operators that allows them to
consolidate to one system for selling bingo paper and electronics, while also
loading the appropriate sales information to electronic player terminals. The
GameTech Edge(TM) system provides bingo operators a verifier that confirms
whether a “BINGO” is legitimate and has been won on a bingo card (whether
electronic or paper) that was sold during the session. In addition to
traditional electronic bingo applications and features, the GameTech Edge(TM)
system also offers new cutting edge features such as a virtual flash board,
Wi-Fi portable units, and various new raffle and bingo games.
We also
offer bingo operators a back-office management system known as AllTrak2(R).
AllTrak2(R) is typically integrated with our electronic bingo terminals to
provide bingo operators with a package of accounting and marketing software that
enhances their ability to manage the bingo hall. The AllTrak2(R) system is a
Windows-based, multi-purpose accounting system for bingo hall operators running
on standard PCs. AllTrak2(R) operates together with the Diamond(TM) system and
significantly enhances the user interface at POS terminals. In addition, the
systems provide inventory-tracking capabilities for bingo paper, complete sales
data and player tracking systems.
We design
our electronic bingo systems to provide maximum appeal to bingo players and hall
operators. The primary benefits to players of our bingo terminals include the
following:
|
·
|
the
ability to play up to 2,000 electronic bingo cards during one bingo game,
depending on jurisdictional regulations, which is significantly more than
can be played on paper;
|
|
·
|
the
ability to electronically and simultaneously mark the called numbers on
all cards being played, thereby reducing player error in missing or
mismarking a number; and
|
|
·
|
the
ability to alert the player upon attaining a “BINGO,” thereby reducing the
chance a player misses winning a
prize.
|
-3-
Our
terminals are also designed to enhance the entertainment value of playing bingo.
Our terminals allow players to customize certain aspects of the user interface,
and our fixed-based terminals incorporate picture-in-picture video and audio
technology. In many markets, players can also play alternative games, such as
solitaire, for entertainment only during and in between bingo sessions. Our
portable terminals allow players to play bingo electronically while sitting in a
player’s preferred seat or moving around the bingo hall. The ease of using our
electronic bingo terminals makes playing bingo possible for players with
physical disabilities that may prevent them from playing bingo with traditional
paper cards, which normally involves marking multiple paper bingo cards by hand
with an ink dauber. We believe that these aspects of our electronic bingo
systems make them more appealing to players than paper cards.
We
currently market three types of electronic bingo products: portable, fixed-base,
and server based electronic bingo systems. Many bingo hall operators offer
players both portable and fixed-base terminals in order to satisfy varying
customer preferences and price levels.
Portable
Bingo Systems
Our
portable bingo systems operate similarly to our fixed-based systems. We
currently have four models of portable bingo terminals in commercial
use. Our color portable terminals are the Tracker(R), the
Traveler(R), and the TED2C(R). Our black and white portable terminal is the
TED(R). As numbers are input into the terminals, either manually or
by way of wireless communication, each bingo card being played is then
simultaneously marked. These terminals can mark up to 2,000 cards per game,
depending on the device. In a portable system, the file server, caller unit, and
sales units are similar to, and can be shared with, those of fixed-based
systems. The portable terminal can recognize any bingo game format that the
bingo operator wishes to play and alerts the player, both audibly and visually,
when “BINGO” has been achieved. Portable terminals are battery powered with
rechargeable battery packs. Portable terminals are recharged between bingo
sessions in charging crates, which handle 12 TED2C(R), 12 Traveler(R), 12
Tracker(R), and 25 TED(R) terminals, respectively.
The
Tracker(R) portable color terminal offers a low-cost color alternative to
players preferring the familiarity of our TED(R) terminal. Tracker(R) was
developed in 2006, with widespread installations in 2007 and 2008. The
Tracker(R) incorporates many of the favored features of our TED(R) terminal with
the added enhancement of a high-resolution color screen. The Tracker(R) terminal
can display up to 6 bingo cards at a time while monitoring the play of 600 cards
in a single game. The Tracker(R) interfaces with our AllTrak2(R), the Diamond(R)
POS system, or the new GameTech Edge (TM) system.
The
Traveler(R) is a portable player terminal introduced in 2003 that is designed to
cater to players who prefer a compact portable terminal with a color display and
wireless communications. The Traveler(R) can display up to 8 cards at one time
and monitors the play of up to 2,000 cards in a single game. The terminal
utilizes our crate loading methodology, eliminating the need to load a player’s
information into an individual terminal at the POS station. This easy-to-use
device operates using either the AllTrak2(R) back-office system, the Diamond(TM)
system, or the new GameTech Edge (TM) system.
The
TED2C(R) terminal, with its color screen and clear easy-to-see graphics, is
similar to our fixed-based bingo systems, and offers a superior player
experience. The TED2C(R) terminal can display up to 16 cards at one time and
plays up to 600 cards in one game. This easy-to-use device operates using either
the AllTrak2(R) back-office system or Diamond(TM) system.
The
TED(R) terminal is the lower-cost black and white portable terminal. The TED(R)
terminal can display up to 4 bingo cards at a time, monitors the play of up to
600 cards in a single game, functions from a proprietary motherboard, and
operates using either the Alltrak2(R) back-office system or the Diamond(TM)
system.
-4-
Fixed-Based
Bingo Systems
Our
fixed-based bingo systems consist of a local area network of microcomputers,
including the file server, the caller unit, the sales unit, and the player’s
terminal. All terminals in the fixed-based bingo system use microcomputer
hardware and can be operated with touch screen displays. Fixed-based terminals
can be played in automatic mode or in manual mode, which requires the players to
enter each number called. Players can switch between the two modes as they
choose if they are playing in a jurisdiction that allows for automatic daubing.
In either mode, up to 600 electronic bingo card images can be marked
simultaneously. A complete fixed-based bingo system consists of the
following:
File Server. The file server
runs the network. All bingo game data is processed and stored through this
unit.
Caller Unit. The caller unit,
which is located on the caller’s stand, allows the caller to communicate with
each player’s terminal by use of a touch screen. By simply touching the screen,
the caller enters ball numbers drawn, game number, game patterns, and wild
numbers. The caller unit connects with each player’s fixed-based terminal to
verify electronic bingo card images and enables the winning electronic bingo
card images and paper cards to be displayed on monitors within the bingo hall.
The caller unit typically contains a modem that allows us to access data
remotely, thereby enabling us to monitor the use of our terminals. Data from the
system is also available to assist bingo hall operators to manage their
halls.
Sales Unit. The sales unit is
a point-of-sale terminal, typically located near the entrance of a bingo hall,
where all customer purchases are made. Using a touch screen, the cashier
activates player buy-in choices for the session and the unit automatically
calculates pricing and totals. The player receives a printed receipt itemized by
date, session, and quantity of electronic bingo card images
purchased.
Player Terminal. Each player
terminal consists of a separate computer and touch screen monitor. Each player’s
terminal is housed in a customized metal or wooden table with up to six
terminals per table. Players can cycle through all of their electronic bingo
card images while play is proceeding. The player’s terminal marks the numbers
called on each electronic bingo card image being played, either automatically or
after the player enters the number called. The terminal displays the player’s
three electronic bingo card images that are closest to a “BINGO.” The free space
at the center of any electronic bingo card image that is one number away from
“BINGO” flashes to notify the player. The terminal typically sounds an alert
alarm and the screen flashes when “BINGO” is achieved.
Server-Based
Electronic Bingo System
Our new
server-based electronic bingo system, GameTech Elite(R), was developed to
satisfy new emerging gaming opportunities. The GameTech Elite(R) system
allows us to offer many different types of gaming from a central system.
The games may be played using portable hand-held devices or on traditional slot
equipment modified to be connected to our gaming network. The advantage of
a server-based electronic bingo system is that a customer is no longer limited
to a single game that may be played on a single device. Rather, the system
can be configured to provide different games at different times during the
day. There is also almost no limit to the types of games that can be
provided using the GameTech Elite(R) system. We plan to continue to
develop new applications for GameTech Elite(R) to take advantage of future
gaming opportunities in the coming years.
-5-
Products
- Box
Video
Lottery Terminals
Our
product line of VLTs consists of a variety of configurations including single
screen upright and slant top machines as well as our new dual-screen Megaplex
series that is available in both upright and slant top versions. VLTs
are electronic games of chance played on video terminals. Visually
and internally they are similar, and sometimes identical, to slot
machines. Most VLTs are video-based, overseen by state lottery
agencies, and can be monitored, controlled, and audited by a central computer
system. By contrast, slot machines can be video- or reel-based, may
be overseen by other regulatory agencies, and may be independent of a central
control system. The boxes are typically configured with multi-game and
multi-denomination options to allow for greater flexibility in attracting a
variety of gaming customers as one machine may offer many different combinations
of games by varying denominations.
Slot
Equipment
We have
internally developed many unique game themes that include rich visual content as
well as unique game pay tables that are designed to attract customers seeking a
variety of gaming experiences. We also have acquired externally
developed unique game content to complement our internally developed game
library. We will continue to develop game content internally and
selectively acquire game content externally. We anticipate that as we
expand our presence in Class III gaming markets, we will sell our machines and
charge a license fee for use of the game content. For every machine
sold, this would provide the company with both a one-time machine sale and
recurring revenue stream from the licensing of our game
content. Development of game content in the future will be a key
initiative as we look to expand our presence in the existing markets as well as
expand into the traditional Class III markets.
Product
and System Software Development
We
conduct an ongoing research and development program to enhance the features and
capabilities of our various product lines, to maintain a competitive advantage
in the marketplace, to extend our product line with new games and applications,
and to continually reduce the cost of both product development and product
manufacturing.
During
fiscal 2009, we spent approximately $5.4 million for company-sponsored research
and development activities compared with approximately $5.6 million during
fiscal 2008 and approximately $3.9 million during fiscal 2007.
Sales,
Marketing, and Distribution
Bingo. We strive
to work with only those third-party distributors who have the largest market
share in bingo supplies for their respective geographic areas. Most distributors
carry a complete range of bingo supplies, such as paper, ink daubers, and other
consumable products that bingo operations may require. Our distributors
typically work in defined geographic jurisdictions under one- to three-year
agreements with exclusivity provisions with us, where applicable. This
exclusivity allows us to align our mutual interests in the market and seek to
maintain or strengthen our market positions.
Our
internal sales force works to support our network of distributors as well as
service customers directly in certain markets. Our staff of sales personnel
consults with bingo operators to optimize the use of electronics in their games
and to improve their profitability.
Our
marketing strategy is to target bingo players and provide new game content and
concepts to appeal to a wider player base and to re-energize the bingo
market. We will continue to offer superior support for bingo hall
operators by providing bingo systems with:
|
·
|
installation
by us at no cost to the bingo
operator;
|
|
·
|
training
sessions for the bingo staff;
|
|
·
|
promotional
sessions to introduce players to the
system;
|
|
·
|
advertising
and point-of-sale materials; and
|
|
·
|
an
ongoing service and maintenance
program.
|
-6-
We are
one of the few developers of server-based gaming systems with remotely linked
wireless hand-held gaming devices, such as the GameTech Elite(R)
system. We offer not only bingo and linked bingo applications on our
system, but also server-based Class III gaming such as poker, keno, and video
reels. We believe our server-based product line will continue to grow
with new content and new applications.
Box. Our box
equipment is sold through an internal sales force that sells directly to gaming
operators as well as distributors. In California, Montana, West
Virginia, and South Dakota we primarily sell directly to gaming operators
through our internal sales force. In Louisiana, as required by law,
we sell to one distributor who then sells the product to the gaming operators
throughout the state. Our marketing strategy is to target both large
and small gaming operators and demonstrate the benefits of our box equipment
over our competitors’ product lines.
In 2008, we entered into an agreement with Rocky Mountain
Industries LLC of Montana, a leader in the Montana gaming market. The agreement
calls for an initial order of 500 gaming machines, with an option for the
customer to purchase an additional 500 machines. The contract specifies a new
cabinet style for the gaming machines and also calls for the Company to provide
custom development of five new games and certain rework of sixteen existing
games (“Initial Custom Games”). In October of 2008, the Company obtained
approval of the new cabinet from Montana Gaming Control Division. GameTech is
now in the final stages of developing the Initial Custom Games to the approved
specifications of the customer as called for in the agreement. We expect to
submit the Initial Custom Games for regulatory approval in Montana during early
Q2 of fiscal 2010. Delays in the completion of this product have been due to
finalizing the product requirements and specifications. The
agreement also contains a four year custom game development commitment with a
customer option for two additional years. We have received a $3.5 million
deposit related to this contract that is classified as deferred revenue on our
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
We
have also been approved in several California tribal territories for
Class III games. We will continue to develop content and seek
approvals for the Class III market in California, Native American and Nevada
casinos. To that end, we have continued to focus our efforts on
developing new content by our gaming development group, which was created last
year by combining our bingo and box research and development department and
hiring new talent. This department has a strong industry background
and we believe will be able to help us produce new and competitive content in
the coming years.
Target
Markets
Bingo. We target
the thousands of charities licensed to operate bingo games in the United States
and Canada. We also target Native American bingo halls and commercial entities
in the United States and foreign markets. As of November 1, 2009, we had
terminals in over 482 locations serving over 642 bingo operators. For
the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009, portable terminals generated approximately
78% of our bingo revenue and fixed-based terminals generated approximately 22%
of our bingo revenue.
As of
November 1, 2009, we operated in 40 states and in the United Kingdom, Canada,
and Japan. We are actively pursuing additional opportunities in other
states and countries, as well as increased activity in existing states and
countries.
Box. As of
November 1, 2009, we sold box equipment, parts, and related software in seven
states, with Louisiana, Montana, and South Dakota casino markets representing
99.1% of our overall box sales. The box revenue stream and percentage
contribution in these major markets consists of the sale of new equipment (66%),
used equipment (1%), software upgrades (10%), and other parts
(23%).
Materials
and Supplies
We
purchase all bingo and box hardware components from various domestic and
international suppliers. Our bingo and box components are assembled
and systems are configured or manufactured at our facility in Reno, Nevada, or
our facilities located in Billings, Montana. We require that our personnel and
suppliers be dedicated to high quality and high production
levels.
-7-
Intellectual
Property
We regard
our products as proprietary and rely on patent law, copyrights and trademarks to
protect our proprietary rights. We have registered trademarks with
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the following names: “AllTrak,”
“AllTrak2,” “Bingo Enhanced Tabs System,” “Blazing Quarters,” “Bowling for
Cash,” “Cadillac Bingo,” “Club 76,” “Crazy Pays,” “Crystal Ball,” “Decorating
for Dollars,” “Demolition Poker,” “Diamond Elite,” “Diamond TED,” “Elite
Series,” “Firestar,” “Gambler’s Edge Keno,” “Gambler’s Edge Poker,” “GameTech,”
“GameTech with design,” “GameTech Arizona Corporation,” “GameTech Mini,”
“GameTech Elite,” “High Country Montana Poker,” “Hot Flush,” “Jukebox Jungle,”
“Jokers Jackpot,” “Montana Choppers,” “MegaPlex,” “Miner’s Treasure,” “Montana
Poker II,” “Nevada Classic,” “Pay-N-Play,” “Pays All Poker,” “Penny Power,”
“Peter Jacobsen Challenge Keno,” “Player’s Zone,” “Poker Dogs,” “Raging Rubies,”
“Royal Pays,” “Royal Touch,” “Sands Of Time,” Spies,” “Spill Over,” “Sunken
Treasure,” “TED,” “TED2C,” “The Electronic Dauber,” “Tracker,” “Traveler,”
“Treasure Hunt Keno,” “Wild Biker,” and “Wild Widow Poker.” We have
trademark applications pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the
following names: “GameTech MaxVision,” and “GameTech Edge.”
We have
registered Canadian trademarks for the following names: “AllTrak,” “Diamond
Bingo,” “Diamond Elite,” “Diamond Plus Bingo,” “Diamond Pro,” “Diamond TED,”
“Diamond VIP,” “GameTech,” “GameTech with design,” “TED,” “TED2C,” and “The
Bingo Players Choice.”
We have
registered Mexican trademarks for the following names: “GameTech,” “GameTech
Mexico,” “Gringo Bingo,” “Latin 90,” “Tracker,” and “Traveler.” We
have Mexican trademark applications pending for the following names: “Loteria
Loco.”
We have
registered Norwegian trademarks for the following names: “GameTech with design”
and “TED.”
We cannot
provide assurance that any of our domestic or foreign trademark applications
pending will be granted.
Competition
Bingo. The
electronic bingo industry is characterized by intense competition based on
various factors, including the ability to enhance bingo hall operations and to
generate incremental revenue for bingo hall operators through product appeal to
players, ease of use, serviceability, customer support and training,
distribution, name recognition, and price. We compete primarily with
other companies providing electronic bingo terminals, including but not limited
to Applied Concepts, Arrow, Bettina Corp., California Concepts, EZ Bingo,
FortuNet, Inc., eQube, Pacific Gaming, Planet Bingo and Video
King. In addition, we compete with other similar forms of
entertainment, including casino gaming, other forms of Class II gaming, and
lotteries. Increased competition has resulted, and may continue to
result, in price reductions, reduced operating margins, reduced revenue, and
loss of market share, any of which could materially and adversely affect our
business, operating results, and financial condition. Furthermore,
existing and new competitors may expand their operations in our existing or
potential new markets. We have attempted to counter competitive
factors by providing superior service, new, innovative, and quality products and
software improvements. We believe that the quality of our full array
of portable and fixed-based bingo systems, combined with superior service and
customer support, differentiate us from our competitors.
We
believe server-based gaming will be a significant technological development in
the gaming industry. As a leader in the bingo industry, our newest
gaming system known as the GameTech Edge(TM) was further developed in 2009 and
will be the premier US product offering in 2010 with further enhancements,
features and bingo content planned for release. We compete primarily with other
companies providing electronic bingo terminals, as listed above.
Box. The box
industry is highly competitive and is driven primarily by the ability of
manufacturers to develop appealing video reel, video poker, and keno game
content as well as the ability to provide their customers with a stream of new
games to meet ever changing customer needs. The development or
acquisition of new game content is critical to remaining competitive in the box
industry as our competitors continue to develop new game content. By
providing our customers with a variety of game options and configurations, we
can differentiate our products and services from our competitors as well as
provide for a built-in loyalty base of customers as conversion and
upgrade sales can provide a steady stream of recurring revenue. We
compete primarily with other box manufacturers including but not limited to IGT
and Spielo.
-8-
Government
Regulation
We are
subject to regulation and oversight by governmental authorities in virtually all
jurisdictions in which we conduct business. As of November 1, 2009, we held
approximately 94 licenses with various regulatory agencies. The regulatory
requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Governmental regulations
may require licenses, approvals, findings of suitability, or qualifications for
our company as well as for our products, officers, directors, certain personnel,
significant stockholders, or other associated parties. The term “significant
stockholder” typically refers to any beneficial owner of 10% or greater of our
capital stock. Any person who fails or refuses to comply with these regulatory
requirements could be subject to disciplinary or legal action, which could
adversely impact our company, including the loss of any existing license, the
ability to obtain a future license, and our ability to conduct business in one
or more jurisdictions. The licensing approval and finding of suitability
processes can be lengthy and expensive. On Native American lands, regulations
result from the laws of each tribe, the provisions of IGRA, and various
tribal-state compacts. Many jurisdictions have comprehensive licensing,
reporting, and operating requirements with respect to the manufacture,
development, assembly, support, distribution, sale, lease, use, and operation of
bingo and bingo-related products, including electronic bingo equipment. These
requirements have a direct impact on the conduct of our day-to-day operations.
In substantially all jurisdictions in which gaming is legal, the regulatory
authority imposes operating restrictions on gaming and on the form of business
relations we can have with the gaming operator entities. Generally, regulatory
authorities may deny applications for licenses, other approvals, or findings of
suitability for any cause they may deem reasonable. There can be no assurance
that our company or our hardware or software products, personnel, officers,
directors, significant stockholders, distributors, vendors, consultants, or
other associated parties will receive or be able to maintain any necessary
licenses, other approvals, or findings of suitability. The loss of a license or
a product approval in a particular jurisdiction may prohibit us from realizing
revenue in that jurisdiction and may adversely impact our license or product
placements and ability to realize revenue in other jurisdictions. Any change in
law or regulation by a jurisdiction, or an unfavorable interpretation of any law
or regulation, could adversely impact our ability to earn revenue.
Nevada Regulation and
Licensing
We have
unconditional licenses from the Nevada Gaming Commission (the “Commission”) as a
publicly traded corporation and we are licensed as (i) solely a manufacturer
(ii) or solely a distributor (iii) or both as a manufacturer and distributor of
gaming devices, (iv) an operator of a mobile gaming system, and (v) an operator
of an inter-casino linked system. Additionally, our officers and directors are
suitable to hold such positions in the Company. The foregoing licenses, findings
of suitability, and related approvals are limited only by the annual renewal
process set forth by the Nevada Gaming Commission for all license
holders.
As a
corporation registered with and licensed by the Commission, our company and its
officers, directors, and shareholders are subject to Nevada law relating to the
regulation and control of the gaming industry. The manufacture and distribution
in Nevada of gaming devices and associated equipment and the operation of mobile
gaming systems and inter-casino linked systems are subject to the provisions of
the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the related regulations of the Commission, and
the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (the “Gaming Board”).
The laws,
regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada gaming authorities are
based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned with, among other
things:
|
1.
|
the
prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or
indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any
capacity;
|
|
2.
|
the
establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and
procedures;
|
|
3.
|
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;
|
|
4.
|
the
prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices;
and
|
|
5.
|
providing
a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing
fees.
|
-9-
Any
change in such laws, regulations and procedures could have an adverse effect on
our gaming related operations.
The
Nevada gaming authorities may investigate any individual who has a material
relationship to, or material involvement with us in order to determine whether
such individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a
gaming licensee. Officers, directors and certain key employees of ours must file
applications with the Nevada gaming authorities and may be required to be
licensed or found suitable by the Nevada gaming authorities. Officers, directors
and key employees of ours who are actively and directly involved in the
manufacturing or distribution activities of the company, or involved in the
operations of any mobile gaming system or inter-casino linked system operated by
us, may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada gaming
authorities. The Nevada gaming authorities may deny any application for
licensing for any cause which 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 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 licensing, the Nevada gaming authorities have jurisdiction to
disapprove a change in corporate position.
If the
Nevada gaming authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee
unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with
us, we would have to sever all relationships with such person. In addition, the
Nevada Commission may require us 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.
We 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 us are to be reported and, in some cases,
approved by the Nevada Commission.
If it
were determined that any Nevada gaming laws were violated by us or by any
officer, director, or a key employee of ours, the licenses and approvals held by
us could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject to compliance
with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, we and the
persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate
violation of the Nevada gaming laws at the discretion of the Commission.
Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any license, finding of suitability,
or related approval could (and revocation of any license would) materially
adversely affect our manufacturing and distributing operations in the State of
Nevada.
Any
beneficial holder of our 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 our voting securities be determined by the
Commission if the 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.
-10-
Nevada
gaming laws require any person who acquires more than 5% of our voting
securities to report the acquisition to the Commission. Further, Nevada gaming
laws require that beneficial owners of more than 10% of our voting securities
must apply to the Commission for a finding of suitability within thirty days
after the Chairman of the Gaming Board mails written notice requiring such
filing. Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,” as defined by
Nevada gaming law, which acquires more than 10%, but not more than 15%, of the
Company’s voting securities may apply to the 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 our board of directors,
any change in our corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations,
or any of our gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Commission finds
to be inconsistent with holding our voting securities for investment purposes
only. Activities which are deemed to be consistent with holding voting
securities for investment purposes only include:
|
1.
|
voting
on all matters voted on by
stockholders;
|
|
2.
|
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 management, policies or operations;
and
|
|
3.
|
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, limited partnership, limited liability company 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 Commission or the
Chairman of the Gaming 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 voting securities of a registered
publicly traded corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by
the Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. We could be subject to
disciplinary action if, after receiving notice that a person is unsuitable to be
a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us, we:
|
1.
|
pay
that person any dividend or interest upon voting securities of
ours;
|
|
2.
|
allow
that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right
conferred through securities held by that
person;
|
|
3.
|
pay
remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or
otherwise; or
|
|
4.
|
fail
to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to
relinquish his voting securities for cash at fair market
value.
|
The
Commission, in its discretion, may require any lender to us or the holder of any
debt security of ours to file applications, be investigated and be found
suitable as a lender to us or to own our debt security. Nevada law provides that
if the Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own a debt security
of a registered publicly traded corporation or licensed company, the corporation
can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if it takes certain
actions without having first obtained the approval of the Commission. If a
person or entity that is a lender to us is found unsuitable, the loan
transaction must be ended in a manner acceptable to the Commission. In any event
where a person or entity is found unsuitable to be a lender to or the holder of
a debt security issued by us, it is unsuitable for us to do any of the
following:
|
1.
|
pay
to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution
whatsoever;
|
|
2.
|
recognize
any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with such
securities;
|
|
3.
|
pay
the unsuitable person remuneration in any form;
or
|
|
4.
|
make
any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption,
conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar transaction, except as
permitted by the Commission.
|
We are
required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada, which 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. We are also required to
render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner.
The Commission has the power to require our stock certificates to bear a legend
indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada gaming
laws.
-11-
Changes
in control of us 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 Commission.
Entities seeking to acquire control of a registered publicly traded corporation
must satisfy a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of a
registered publicly traded corporation. The 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 relating
to 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 publicly traded corporations
that are affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and
productive corporate gaming. The Commission has established a regulatory scheme
to ameliorate the potentially adverse effect of these business practices upon
Nevada’s gaming industry and to further Nevada’s policy to:
|
1.
|
assure
the financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their
affiliates;
|
|
2.
|
preserve
the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form;
and
|
|
3.
|
promote
a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate
affairs.
|
Approvals
are, in certain circumstances, required from the Commission before we can make
exceptional repurchases of voting securities above the current market price
thereof and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be
consummated. Nevada gaming laws also require prior approval of a plan of
recapitalization proposed by our board of directors in response to a tender
offer made directly to the registered publicly traded corporation’s stockholders
for the purposes of acquiring control of the registered publicly traded
corporation.
Nevada
licensees that hold licenses as a manufacturer and distributor, and as an
operator of a mobile gaming system and inter-casino linked system, are required
to pay annual license renewal fees to the State of Nevada.
Any
person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be
registered, or who is under common control with such persons (collectively
referred to as “Licensees”), and who proposes to become involved in the
operation of a gaming venture outside of Nevada is required to deposit with the
Gaming Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000
to pay the expenses of investigation by the Gaming Board of his or her
participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase
or decrease at the discretion of the Commission. Thereafter, licensees are
required to comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada
gaming laws. A licensee is also subject to disciplinary action by the Commission
if he knowingly violates any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to
gaming matters, fails to conduct a foreign gaming operation in accordance with
the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations,
engages in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to
collect gaming taxes and fees, or employs a person in the foreign operations who
has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on grounds of
personal unsuitability.
Native
American Regulation
Gaming on
Native American lands, including the terms and conditions under which gaming
equipment can be sold or leased to Native American tribes, is or may be subject
to licensing and regulation under IGRA and other laws of the federal government,
the tribes, and the host state, where applicable. Under IGRA, gaming activities
are classified as Class I, II, or III. Class I gaming includes social
games played solely for prizes of minimal value, or traditional forms of Native
American gaming engaged in as part of, or in connection with, Native American
ceremonies or celebrations. Class II gaming includes bingo and other card
games authorized or not explicitly prohibited and played within the host state,
but does not include banking card games, such as baccarat or blackjack.
Class III gaming includes all forms of gaming that are not Class I or
Class II, including slot machines, casino style games or any other games
not prohibited by the host state. A Native American tribe typically conducts
Class II gaming under IGRA without having entered into a written compact
with its host state if the host state permits similar forms of
gaming,
but must
enter into a separate written compact with the state in order to conduct
Class III gaming activities. Under IGRA, tribes are required to regulate
all gaming under ordinances approved by the Chairman of the National Indian
Gaming Commission, or NIGC. These ordinances may impose standards and technical
requirements on gaming hardware and software, and may impose registration,
licensing, and background check requirements on gaming equipment manufacturers
and suppliers and their personnel, officers, directors, stockholders,
distributors, vendors, and consultants. The NIGC has undertaken an effort to
provide further clarity with respect to game classification and technical
standards, and this effort continues. The NIGC’s final work product may have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial
condition.
-12-
Federal
Regulation
The
Federal Gambling Devices Act of 1962, also called the Johnson Act, generally
makes it unlawful for a person to manufacture, deliver, or receive gaming
machines, gaming machine-type devices, and components across state lines or to
operate gaming machines unless that person has first registered with the U.S.
Department of Justice. We are registered with the Department of Justice. In
addition, the Johnson Act imposes various record keeping, annual registration,
equipment registration, and equipment identification requirements. Violation of
the Revised Johnson Act may result in seizure and forfeiture of the equipment as
well as other penalties. Any change in law or regulation, or an unfavorable
interpretation of any law or regulation, could adversely impact our ability to
earn revenue or could require us to substantially modify our products or
operations at significant expense.
Regulation
of Electronic Bingo Systems
Our
electronic bingo products, including our portable, fixed-based terminals, and
server-based gaming, encounter greater regulation than bingo played with paper
cards. Applicable federal, state, Native American, and local regulations and
enforcement vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Electronic
bingo in charitable halls is less widely permitted than bingo played with paper
cards, primarily because many state laws and regulations were enacted before
electronic bingo was introduced. We believe that electronic bingo is currently
permitted in at least 42 of the 50 states. Because many state laws and
regulations are silent or ambiguous with respect to electronic bingo, changes in
regulatory interpretations or enforcement personnel could impact the continued
operation of electronic bingo in some of these states. In addition, some
regulatory authorities require the demonstration, testing, approval, or
modification of electronic bingo systems prior to placement.
Systems
Security Requirements
The
integrity and security of electronic bingo systems, mobile gaming systems, and
other gaming products are closely scrutinized by certain jurisdictions in which
we operate. Changes in the technical requirements for approved electronic bingo
systems in various charitable, Native American, commercial, and military
jurisdictions could prohibit us from operating in those jurisdictions or could
require us to substantially modify our products at significant
expense.
Application
of Future or Additional Regulatory Requirements
We intend
to seek the necessary licenses, approvals, and findings of suitability for our
company, our products, or our personnel in jurisdictions in which we anticipate
significant bingo or other gaming activities. However, these licenses,
approvals, or findings of suitability may not be obtained timely, if at all,
and, if obtained, may be subsequently revoked, suspended, conditioned, or not
renewed. In addition, we may not be able to obtain the necessary approvals for
our future products. If a regulatory authority in a jurisdiction requires a
license, approval, or finding of suitability and our company, stockholders,
distributors, vendors, or consultants fail to seek or do not receive the
necessary license or finding of suitability, we may be prohibited from
distributing our products for use in the jurisdiction or may be required to
develop or distribute our products through other licensed entities, which could
result in a reduced profit to us.
-13-
Employees
As of
January 29, 2010, we had approximately 190 full-time employees. We are not
subject to collective bargaining agreements with our employees, and we believe
that our relations with our employees are good.
Item
1A. Risk
Factors
The
following factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this report,
should be carefully considered in evaluating our company and our
business.
Our
business is vulnerable to changing economic conditions and current unfavorable
economic conditions have and could continue to negatively impact the play levels
of our bingo and box equipment, our product sales, and our ability to collect
outstanding receivables from our customers.
Existing
unfavorable domestic and international general economic conditions reduce
disposable income of bingo and casino patrons and result in fewer
patrons. This decline in disposable income likely results in reduced
play levels on our bingo and box equipment, causing our cash flows and revenues
from our recurring revenue products to decline. Current unfavorable
economic conditions have also resulted in a tightening in credit markets,
decreased liquidity in many financial markets, and resulted in significant
volatility in the credit and equity markets. A decline in the
relative health of the gaming industry and the difficulty or inability of our
customers to obtain adequate levels of capital to finance their ongoing
operations would reduce their resources available to purchase our products and
services, which would adversely affect our revenues. Current
unfavorable economic conditions could impact the ability of our customers to
make timely payments to us. If that were to occur, we may incur
additional provisions for bad debt.
Failure
to comply with Nevada regulations could have a material adverse effect on our
operations.
We have
unconditional licenses from the Nevada Gaming Commission (the “Commission”) as a
publicly traded corporation and we are licensed (i) solely a manufacturer (ii)
or solely a distributor (iii) or both as a manufacturer and distributor of
gaming devices (iv) an operator of a mobile gaming system, and (v) an operator
of an inter-casino linked system. Additionally, our officers and directors are
suitable to hold such positions in the Company. The foregoing licenses, findings
of suitability, and related approvals are subject to an annual renewal process
set forth by the Nevada Gaming Commission for all license holders. Under Nevada
gaming law all directors, officers and 10% or greater shareholders of companies
seeking registration and licensing by the Commission are required to file a
licensing application and receive a finding of suitability at the discretion of
the Commission on the recommendation of the Gaming Board. Our
equipment is subject to evaluation and approval by the state of Nevada prior to
product placement or installation. Each of our products that are in distribution
in Nevada have been submitted to and approved by the state of Nevada. If we are
ever denied a renewal of our Nevada licenses, we may not be able to place our
electronic bingo systems or slot machines with Nevada customers and, depending
upon the reason for the denial, may be required to relocate our operations
outside the state, which may have a material adverse effect or our business,
results of operations, and financial condition.
If
our electronic bingo units were classified as Class III bingo systems
under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, we may not be able to obtain the
necessary approvals to operate our business, or we may have to modify our
systems to remain classified as Class II bingo systems.
Our
operations in Native American gaming halls, which generated approximately 16% of
our bingo revenue during fiscal 2009, are subject to Native American and federal
regulation under IGRA, which established the National Indian Gaming Commission,
or NIGC. The NIGC has the authority to adopt rules and regulations to
enforce certain aspects of IGRA and to protect Native American
interests. Under IGRA, electronic bingo devices similar to ours have
previously been determined by the NIGC to be Class II products that are
subject solely to Native American regulation as approved by the
NIGC. We believe our electronic bingo systems meet all of the
requirements of a Class II game. We cannot provide assurance
that the NIGC will not enact future regulations or reinterpret existing
regulations in such a manner so as to limit the authority of tribes to
self-regulate Class II gaming or to change the definition of Class II
gaming in such a manner that our electronic bingo systems are classified as a
Class III game under IGRA. If classified as Class III
games, our electronic bingo systems could become subject to federal
and state regulation through the Johnson Act and through tribal-state compacts
required for Class III games played on Native American lands. In
that event, or in the event other federal laws are enacted or interpreted
differently that would subject our operations on Native American lands to state
regulation, we may not be able to modify our electronic bingo systems to be
classified as Class II games, or we may not obtain the necessary state
approval and licenses to continue our operations in Native American gaming
halls. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, and financial condition. Any modifications of
our electronic bingo systems would also have the additional risk that such
modifications would not appeal to customers or be acceptable to the Native
American tribes.
-14-
Our
compliance with several governmental and other regulations is costly and
subjects our company to significant risks.
We must
maintain the existing licenses and approvals necessary to operate in our
existing markets and obtain the necessary licenses, approvals, findings of
suitability, and product approvals in all additional jurisdictions in which we
intend to distribute our products. The licensing and approval
processes can involve extensive investigation into our company and our products,
officers, directors, certain personnel, significant stockholders, and other
associated parties, all of which can require significant expenditures of time
and resources. We must also comply with applicable regulations for
our activities in any international jurisdiction into which we conduct
business. We may not receive licensing or other required approvals in
a timely manner in the jurisdictions in which we are currently seeking such
approval. The regulations relating to company and product licensing
are subject to statutory amendment and/or change in interpretation, and other
jurisdictions, including the federal government, may elect to regulate or tax
bingo, box or other gaming products. We cannot predict the nature of
any such changes or the impact that such changes would have on our
business. The loss of a license in a particular jurisdiction may
prohibit us from generating revenue in that jurisdiction, may prohibit us from
installing or maintaining our terminals in other jurisdictions, and may have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial
condition.
Business
combinations and investments present risk, and we may not be able to realize the
financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of the
transaction, which could materially affect our financial results.
We have
invested in strategic initiatives that we believe will expand our geographic
reach, product lines, and/or customer base. We may encounter
difficulties in the assimilation of acquired operations, technologies and/or
products, or an acquisition may prove to be less valuable than the price we
paid. Any of these events or circumstances may require us to record substantial
impairment charges on goodwill and other intangible assets, resulting in a
negative impact on our operating results.
Moreover,
as we continue the process of evaluating our business in conjunction with an
assessment of the Company’s long-term strategic goals, we will also further
evaluate past and potential investments to determine if and how they will fit
into our organizational structure going forward. If an event or change occurs in
affiliate relationships or agreements associated with business combinations, we
may be required to reassess cash flows, recoverability, useful lives, and fair
value measurements, which may result in material impairment
charges.
If
deterioration of the economy continues, this could cause additional financial
and stock market declines, which could lead to reduced earnings and could result
in future goodwill impairments .
In the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of
$15.7 million related to our acquisition of Summit, representing all of the
remaining goodwill for our box division. This was based on a combination
of factors, including the current economic environment, decreased revenues,
particularly in the box segment. As of November 1, 2009, the remaining
goodwill amounted to $10.2 million, all of which is the bingo division. Factors
we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include
significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future
operating results, significant changes in the manner of the use of our assets or
the strategy for our overall business and significant negative industry or
economic trends. If current economic conditions worsen causing
decreased revenues and increased costs we may have further goodwill
impairments. For additional information see Item 7 “Impairment of Long –lived Assets,
Goodwill and Intangible Assets”.
-15-
If
we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting or
remediate any future material weakness in our internal control over financial
reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or
prevent fraud, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial
results and our stock price.
Our
internal controls over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Effective internal controls over financial
reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable reports and prevent
fraud.
We
believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the
control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control
systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all
control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been
detected. We cannot guarantee that we will not identify significant
deficiencies and/or material weaknesses in our internal controls in the future,
and our failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting
in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material
adverse effect on our business and stock price.
Our outstanding
credit facility subjects us to financial covenants which may limit our
flexibility.
Servicing
our Credit Facility requires a significant amount of cash, and our ability to
generate the required cash depends on our ability to successfully manage our
business and upon other factors some of which are beyond our
control. The agreement governing the debt contains substantial
affirmative and restrictive covenants, including the maintenance of certain
financial ratios. A breach of any of our obligations under the debt
agreement can result in a default allowing the Lenders to elect to declare all
amounts outstanding together with accrued interest to be immediately due and
payable. The financial covenants include a cash flow leverage ratio,
fixed charge coverage ratio, working capital requirement and liquidity
requirement. The non-financial covenants include restrictions on asset
divestitures; liens; transactions with related parties; limitations on
additional indebtedness; mergers, acquisitions and consolidations; cash
dividends; redemptions of stock; and change of control. As of November 1, 2009,
the outstanding balance on our term loan was $27.4 million and we were in
compliance with all the covenants as amended. For additional
information see Note 4 “Credit
Agreements and Acquisition of Real Property” to our Consolidated
Financial Statements contained herein.
We
must continue to meet NASDAQ Global Market continued listing requirements or we
risk delisting.
Our
common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market. In order to maintain
that listing, we are required to satisfy minimum financial and other continued
listing requirements, including, without limitation, maintaining a $1.00 per
share minimum closing bid price for our common stock.
If the
closing bid price of our common stock is below $1.00 for 30 consecutive business
days, we could receive notice from NASDAQ stating that the minimum bid price of
our common stock is below continued listing standards. To regain
compliance, our common stock would need to close at $1.00 or more for any 10
consecutive business days during the 180 calendar days following our receipt of
the notice. If we are unable to regain compliance within 180 calendar
days, NASDAQ would determine whether we meet the initial listing criteria for
the NASDAQ Capital Market other than the bid price requirement. If we met
such criteria, we would be afforded an additional 180 calendar days to regain
compliance with the minimum bid price rule.
Given
current economic conditions and the volatility of our stock price, there is no
guarantee that we will be in compliance with the NASDAQ Global Market’s minimum
bid requirement when the suspension is lifted. If we are unable to meet
the minimum bid, or if we fail to satisfy any other continued listing standard
under the NASDAQ Global Market rules, NASDAQ may commence delisting proceedings
against us. If we were to be delisted, the market liquidity of our common stock
would likely be adversely affected and the market price of our common stock
would likely decrease. In addition, our stockholders’ ability to trade or
obtain quotations on our shares could be severely limited because of lower
trading volumes and transaction delays. These factors could contribute to
lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask price of our common
stock.
-16-
Our
success depends on our ability to respond to rapid market changes and product
enhancements.
Our
products utilize hardware components developed primarily for the personal
computer industry, which is characterized by rapid technological change and
product enhancements. Should any of our current or potential
competitors succeed in developing a better electronic bingo system or box, those
competitors could be in a position to outperform us in our ability to exploit
developments in microprocessor, video technology, or other multimedia
technology. The emergence of an electronic bingo system or box that
is superior to ours in any respect could substantially diminish our revenue and
limit our ability to grow. Any failure of our company to respond to
rapid market changes and product enhancements could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations, and financial
condition.
We
must retain and extend our existing relationships with customers and secure new
customers.
We derive
all of our revenue and cash flow from our portfolio of contracts to lease
electronic bingo products to customers as well as from our relationships with
established customers in our box markets. Our bingo lease contracts
are primarily for terms ranging from one to three years and not all contracts
preclude customers from using electronic bingo products of our
competitors. Upon the expiration of a contract, a customer may decide
to use a competitive bidding process to award a new contract. We may
be unsuccessful in winning the new contract or be forced to reduce the pricing
structure in the new contract. Our box customers have multiple
choices of suppliers of gaming equipment, and we may be unable to attract and
retain customers in those markets. Our inability to attract new and
retain existing box customers at terms acceptable to us, could, depending on the
circumstances, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, and financial condition.
We
depend on our relationships with our distributors.
We derive
a significant portion of our revenue from customers serviced through
distributors in both the bingo and box business. Our bingo
distributors place our products with our customers and often maintain the
primary relationship with the bingo halls. Generally, we, or our
distributors enter into one- to three-year agreements with customers for the use
of our systems and terminals. We rely on our distributors exclusively
in the states in which the law requires us to place our systems and terminals
through qualified distributors. The loss of our relationship with one
or more of our distributors may require us to develop our internal sales force
or engage new distributors to place our systems and terminals, which could be
time consuming and expensive. The loss of one or more of our
significant distributors may have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations, and financial condition. As of November 1,
2009, there was one distributor that represented approximately 42% of the
consolidated accounts receivable balance, and approximately 87% of the box
accounts receivable balance.
We
rely on the Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi markets for a significant portion
of our revenue.
The
concentration of our revenue in the Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi markets
heightens our exposure to regulatory changes or market changes that may prevent
or impede us from doing business in those states. The Louisiana
market generated 75.6% of box revenue and 16.3% of consolidated revenue; the
Texas market generated 15.3% of bingo revenue and 12.5% of consolidated
revenue, while the Mississippi market generated 7.7% of bingo revenue and 6.3%
of consolidated revenue. Furthermore, the loss of or inability of our company to
find suitable distributors in Texas and Louisiana, where state law requires
electronic bingo devices and systems to be placed through qualified
distributors, could cause a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, and financial condition.
The
electronic bingo and box gaming industries are extremely
competitive.
The
electronic bingo industry is characterized by intense competition based on,
among other things, the ability to enhance the operations of and to generate
incremental sales for bingo operators through product appeal to players, ease of
use, ease of serviceability, customer support and training, distribution, name
recognition, and price. Increased competition may result in price
reductions, reduced operating margins, conversion of terminals from lease to
sale, and loss of market share. We believe server-based gaming will
be the next significant technological development in the gaming
industry. The continuing development of server-based gaming will
require
additional resources that could be allocated to other areas, and the failure to
effectively bring server-based gaming to market could have a negative impact on
our financial condition. All of these factors could materially and
adversely affect our business, operating results and financial
condition. The box industry is also characterized by intense
competition that is based upon the ability to develop new gaming content that
will appeal to a variety of gaming customers. Increased competition
may result in a need to increase game development activity, price reductions,
providing extended payment terms, or increased commissions to
distributors.
-17-
Additionally,
many of our competitors do not face the same level of public company costs and
administrative costs that we face. Furthermore, existing and new
competitors may expand their operations in our existing or potential new
markets. In addition, our electronic bingo business competes with
other similar forms of entertainment, including casino gaming and
lotteries. In Native American casinos, competition for space on the
casino and bingo room floor is very intense. All forms of gaming
compete for square footage at Native American casinos. We can make no
assurances that Native American casinos currently leasing our equipment will not
significantly limit the play of bingo or eliminate it
entirely. Additionally, as we expand into new Class II and Class III
markets we will face intense competition from existing competitors who have many
years of established track records in those markets. We can make no
assurances that we can successfully penetrate these markets with our newly
developed Class II and Class III gaming machines.
Investors
may not be able to exercise control over our company as a result of our
Chairman’s ownership.
Our
Chairman of the Board, Richard Fedor, beneficially owns approximately 17% of our
outstanding common stock. As a result, the Chairman of our company
can significantly influence the management and affairs of our company and all
matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and
approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of
ownership could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of
our company, even when such change of control is in the best interests of
stockholders. This concentration of ownership might also adversely
affect the market price of the common stock and the voting and other rights of
the Company’s other stockholders.
We
must be able to attract and retain skilled employees.
Our
success depends largely on recruiting and retaining talented
employees. The market for qualified executives and highly skilled,
technical workers is intensely competitive. The loss of key employees
or an inability to hire a sufficient number of technical staff could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
Acquisitions
could divert management’s time and attention, dilute the voting power of
existing stockholders, and have a material adverse effect on our
business.
As part
of our growth strategy, we may acquire complementary businesses and
assets. Acquisitions that we may make in the future could result in
the diversion of time and personnel from our existing business. We
also may issue shares of common stock or other securities in connection with
acquisitions, which could result in the dilution of the voting power of existing
stockholders and could dilute earnings per share. Any acquisitions
would be accompanied by other risks commonly encountered in such transactions,
including the following:
|
·
|
difficulties
integrating the products, operations, and personnel of acquired
companies;
|
|
·
|
the
additional financial resources required to fund the operations of acquired
companies;
|
|
·
|
the
potential disruption of our
business;
|
|
·
|
our
ability to maximize our financial and strategic position by the
incorporation of acquired technology or businesses with our product
offerings;
|
|
·
|
the
difficulty of maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures, and
policies;
|
|
·
|
the
potential loss of key employees of acquired
companies;
|
|
·
|
the
impairment of employee and customer relationships as a result of changes
in management;
|
|
·
|
significant
expenditures to consummate acquisitions;
and
|
|
·
|
difficulties
in meeting applicable regulatory requirements, including obtaining
necessary licenses.
|
-18-
As a part
of our acquisition strategy, we may engage in discussions with various
businesses regarding their potential acquisition. In connection with these
discussions, we may exchange confidential operational and financial information
with each potential acquired business and each of us may conduct due diligence
inquiries and consider the structure, terms, and conditions of the potential
acquisition. In certain cases, the parties may agree not to discuss a potential
acquisition with any other party for a specific period of time, may grant us
certain rights in the event the acquisition is not completed, and may agree to
take other actions designed to enhance the possibility of the acquisition.
Potential acquisition discussions may take place over a long period of time, may
involve difficult business integration and other issues, and may require
solutions for numerous family relationships, management succession, and related
matters. As a result of these and other factors, potential acquisitions that
from time to time appear likely to occur may not result in binding legal
agreements and may not be consummated. Our acquisition agreements may contain
purchase price adjustments, rights of setoff, and other remedies in the event
that certain unforeseen liabilities or issues arise in connection with an
acquisition. These remedies, however, may not be sufficient to compensate us in
the event that any unforeseen liabilities or other issues arise.
Our
failure to effectively manage our growth could impair our business.
Our
growth plans may require full use of our current financial, managerial, and
other resources as well as substantial expansion of those resources. In order to
manage effectively any significant future growth, we may have to perform various
tasks, including the following:
|
·
|
expand
our facilities and equipment and further enhance our operational,
financial, and management systems;
|
|
·
|
design,
develop, produce, and receive products from third-party suppliers on a
timely basis;
|
|
·
|
develop
new and maintain existing distribution channels in order to maximize
revenue and profit margins;
|
|
·
|
effectively
manage regulatory risks in various
jurisdictions;
|
|
·
|
successfully
hire, train, retain, and motivate additional employees;
and
|
|
·
|
integrate
successfully the operations of any acquired businesses with our
operations.
|
We plan
to expand within our existing markets and into foreign and domestic bingo and
lottery terminal markets in which we have no previous operating experience. We
may not be able to maintain profitability or manage successfully the aggressive
expansion of our existing and planned business. Our failure to manage growth
effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, and financial condition.
Economic
factors beyond our control may adversely affect our investments and we may incur
additional impairment charges to our investment portfolio.
As of
November 1, 2009, we had $3.9 million of principal invested in Auction Rate
Securities (“ARS”), representing interests in collateralized debt obligations
supported by pools of residential and commercial mortgages or credit cards,
insurance securitizations and other structured credits, including corporate
bonds. Some of the underlying collateral for the ARS held by us consists of
sub-prime mortgages. With the liquidity issues experienced in global
credit and capital markets, the ARS held by us at November 1, 2009 have
experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of securities submitted for
sale exceeded the amount of purchase orders.
We
recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $3.3 million during fiscal
2008 reflecting the portion of ARS holdings that was an other-than-temporary
decline in value. The estimated market value of our ARS holdings at
November 1, 2009, was $0.6 million. During the first quarter of
fiscal 2010, we received a tender offer for one of our eight ARS, which we were
able to sell, providing $0.5 million in cash.
The
credit and capital markets could continue to deteriorate in 2010. If
uncertainties in these markets deteriorate further or we experience any
additional rating downgrades on any investments in our portfolio (including
ARS), we may incur additional impairment charges to our investment portfolio,
which could negatively affect our financial condition, cash flow and reported
earnings.
-19-
Sales
of additional shares of common stock, or the potential for such sales, could
have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock.
As of
January 26, 2010, we had 11,735,865 outstanding shares of common stock.
Approximately 9.5 million of such shares are eligible for resale in the public
market without restriction or further registration. The remaining approximately
2.2 million shares of common stock outstanding are held by affiliates of our
company and may be sold without registration only in compliance with the volume
and other limitations of Rule 144. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock
by stockholders in the public market, or even the potential for such sales, are
likely to adversely affect the market price of the common stock and could impair
our ability to raise capital by selling equity securities. Moreover, the shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of 1,032,450 outstanding options and
issuable upon the vesting of 177,165 outstanding restricted stock shares will be
freely tradable without restriction unless acquired by affiliates of our
company. The issuance of such freely tradable shares will result in additional
outstanding shares of common stock and will create additional potential for
sales of additional shares of common stock in the public market.
We
have limited protection of our intellectual property.
We regard
our products as proprietary and rely primarily on a combination of patent law,
copyrights, trademarks, trade secret laws, licensing agreements, and employee
and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect our proprietary rights.
Defense of intellectual property rights can be difficult and costly, and we may
not be able to protect our technology from misappropriation by competitors or
others. In addition, the protections offered by trademark, copyright, and trade
secret laws may not prevent a competitor from designing electronic bingo systems
or box gaming content that have the appearance and functionality that closely
resemble our systems.
As the
number of electronic bingo terminals and boxes increase and the functionality of
these products further overlaps, we may become subject to infringement claims,
with or without merit. Intellectual property-related claims or litigation can be
costly and can result in a significant diversion of management’s attention. Any
settlement of such claims or adverse determinations in such litigation could
also have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and
financial condition.
Our
Stockholders’ Rights Plan may adversely affect existing
stockholders.
Our
Stockholders’ Rights Plan may have the effect of deterring, delaying, or
preventing a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of
our stockholders. Under the Rights Plan, we issued a dividend of one Preferred
Share Purchase Right for each share of our common stock held by stockholders of
record as of the close of business on March 17, 2003.
In
general, subject to certain limited exceptions, the stock purchase rights become
exercisable when a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock or a
tender offer or exchange offer for 15% or more of our common stock is announced
or commenced. After any such event, our other stockholders may purchase
additional shares of our common stock at 50% of the then-current market price.
The rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to
acquire us on terms not approved by our board of directors. The rights may be
redeemed by us at $0.01 per stock purchase right at any time before any person
or group acquires 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. The rights should
not interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by our
board of directors. The rights expire on March 17, 2013.
New products require regulatory
approval and may be subject to complex and dynamic revenue recognition
standards, which could materially affect our financial
results.
As we
introduce new products and transactions become increasingly complex, additional
analysis and judgment is required to account for and recognize revenues in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Transactions may
include multiple element arrangements and/or software components and applicable
accounting principles or regulatory product approval delays could change the
timing of revenue recognition and could adversely affect our financial results
for any given period. Fluctuations may occur in our deferred revenues and
reflect our continued shift toward more multiple element contracts that include
systems and software.
-20-
Current
environmental laws and regulations, or those enacted in the future, could result
in additional liabilities and costs.
The
manufacturing of our products may require the use of materials that are subject
to a variety of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
Compliance with these laws could increase our costs and impact the availability
of components required to manufacture our products. Violation of these laws may
subject us to significant fines, penalties or disposal costs, which could
negatively impact our results of operations, financial position or cash
flows.
Item
1B. Unresolved
Staff Comments
None.
On August
22, 2008, we purchased real property in southeast Reno, Nevada. The
real property consists of approximately 5 acres with a building of approximately
100,000 square feet that is used as our new headquarters and for manufacturing
operations. We have invested in additional improvements to the
interior of the building to add office space, and provide for the manufacturing
and assembly needs of bingo and box equipment. Please see Note 4
“Credit Agreements and
Acquisition of Real Property” to our Consolidated Financial Statements
contained herein for further discussion of the financing for this
purchase. The loan we obtained to finance the purchase is secured by
all of the assets of GameTech International Inc. and all of its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, to include a first mortgage on this real property.
We
operate two regional facilities for our bingo operations: an 8,080 square-foot
site in Broadview Heights, Ohio, and a 1,790 square-foot site in Southlake,
Texas. The Ohio lease expires May 31, 2010, and the Texas lease expires December
31, 2010. We also lease two facilities in Billings, Montana for our box
operations: a 16,000 square-foot site which expires August 31, 2010 and a 3,180
square-foot site which is month-to month. We expect to decrease our
square footage in Montana as more of our box operations move to our headquarters
in Reno, Nevada. Due to the large capacity of our new headquarters,
it is our intention to consolidate all the business opportunities that we can to
Reno, Nevada. As a result of that, we will evaluate each lease as it comes up
for renewal and may reduce our leases. We lease several other facilities, none
of which are material to our operations. We believe that our facilities will be
adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future.
GameTech
International, Inc. v. Trend Gaming Systems, LLC. On March 22, 2001, we filed
GameTech International, Inc. v. Trend Gaming Systems, LLC, CIV 01-0540 PHX LOA,
a claim in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona
(involving a distribution agreement in Texas), seeking a declaratory judgment
that we were not in material breach of our November 1, 1999 Distribution
Agreement with Trend Gaming Systems, LLC (“Trend”), and seeking damages for past
due payments and wrongful withholdings by Trend. Trend counterclaimed, alleging
that its payments were in compliance with its contractual obligations. Trend
also contended that we were in breach of certain of our contractual obligations
to Trend, including that we had wrongfully terminated Trend. On December 16,
2002, the court entered at our request an order enjoining Trend from using
approximately $540 thousand in funds it had collected on our behalf, pending a
trial on our ownership interest in those funds. The money was placed in two bank
accounts/constructive trusts, subject to the court’s control (the “Deposited
Funds”). The sums in those accounts now total approximately $657 thousand. In
addition, collections of accounts receivable by Trend, if any, are also being
placed in that account, pending the resolution of the case. We have posted a
$450 thousand deposit with the court as a bond, which was presented as
restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets in fiscal years prior to 2009
but is now presented in deposits in our consolidated balance sheets. The
accounts receivable from Trend were fully reserved. During the quarter ended
April 30, 2008, we wrote off all receivables and related reserves. Trial in this
matter commenced October 4, 2004. On November 1, 2004, the jury returned a
verdict in favor of Trend against us in the amount of $3.5 million in
compensatory damages. The jury also awarded us $735 thousand in compensatory
damages against Trend for funds Trend collected on our behalf but failed to
remit to us. The court denied all of our post-trial motions, except that it
maintained the injunction imposing a constructive trust on
the Deposited Funds, pending resolution of the issues on appeal. The court
setoff the jury awards and entered an amended judgment for Trend on March 12,
2005, in the amount of $2.8 million, plus interest on that sum at the rate of
3.31% per annum beginning March 30, 2005.
-21-
We
appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on April 8,
2005. We posted a supersedeas bond on April 8, 2005, in the court-appointed
amount of $3.4 million, which bond stayed any action by Trend to collect on the
judgment, pending appeal. Trend initially sought an award of $810 thousand in
legal fees and $26 thousand in expenses and costs. In an amended request, Trend
sought an award of $1.4 million in legal fees and $61 thousand in expenses and
costs. The court awarded Trend $909 thousand in legal fees, expenses and costs
plus interest of 3.77% per annum beginning August 5, 2005. We appealed the fee
award to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on August 5,
2005. We posted an additional supersedeas bond with the court on August 18,
2005, in the amount of $1.1 million, thereby staying any action by Trend to
collect the fees, pending appeal. Any cash used in the collateralization of the
bonds was accounted for as restricted short-term investments on our consolidated
balance sheets. On April 19, 2007, a three-judge panel of the United States
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit heard oral arguments for the
appeal.
On May
16, 2007, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued its
ruling in our favor upholding each of the items we appealed, reversing the trial
court’s rulings and remanding the matter back to the trial court for a new
trial. As a result of this decision, the supersedeas bonds we posted prior to
filing the appeal were released by the lower court as of August 18, 2007. Upon
receipt of the released supersedeas bonds from the court we terminated the
supporting insurance policies and had the letters of credit released giving us
access to the certificates of deposit, which had served as the cash security for
the supersedeas bonds.
For the
year ended October 31, 2004, we recorded an estimated loss contingency in the
Trend litigation of $2.8 million, which was estimated based on the amounts of
the judgment described above. We recorded an additional loss contingency of $0.9
million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to account for the increased total
award to Trend for legal fees and expenses and costs. In addition, we recorded a
loss of $313 thousand through October 31, 2007, for the interest accrued on the
Trend judgment. With the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
ruling upholding each of the items we appealed, reversing the trial court’s
rulings and remanding the matter back to the trial court for a new trial, no
additional loss contingencies were accrued.
A new
trial in this matter commenced October 19, 2009, in the United States District
Court for the District of Arizona. On November 12, 2009, the jury
returned a verdict in our favor and against Trend in the amount of $821 thousand
in compensatory damages. On November 17, 2009, the court entered a
judgment affirming the jury’s verdict in this matter. On January 7,
2010 the court entered a first amended final judgment interesting favor of
GameTech and against Trend in the amount of $821 thousand together with accrued
prejudgment interest in the amount of $589 thousand. The court ruled
that GameTech is entitled to post-judgment interest on the principal judgment
award of $821 thousand at a rate of .47% until paid by Trend. On
November 24, 2009, we filed a post-trial motion with the court seeking an order
directing the release of the Deposited Funds in partial satisfaction of the
jury’s compensatory damages award entered against Trend. On December
7, 2009, we filed a second post-trial motion seeking an order to exonerate the
Cash Bond that was posted with the court. Both of these post-trial
motions are currently pending before the court. As of November 1,
2009, GameTech had a high probability of prevailing in this
proceeding. As a result, the loss contingencies totaling $4.0 million
that had been recorded in fiscal 2004, 2005, and 2007 were
reversed.
GameTech
International, Inc. v. Trend Gaming, LLC. On March 2, 2004, a jury rendered a
verdict in our favor and against Trend Gaming, LLC, a Kentucky LLC (“Trend
Gaming”) (involving a prior distribution agreement in Virginia) awarding
compensatory and punitive damages in the total amount of approximately $1.5
million. The jury also returned a verdict against Steven W. and Rhonda
Hieronymus awarding compensatory and punitive damages of $1.0 million. The court
reduced compensatory damages against Trend Gaming to $1.1 million. The court
affirmed $150 thousand in punitive damages against Trend Gaming and awarded us
fees and costs of suit against Trend Gaming in the amount of $650 thousand.
Compensatory damages against Mr. and Mrs. Hieronymus have been reduced to $762
thousand but the punitive damage award against them in the amount of $150
thousand remains unchanged. Of the total compensatory damages of $1.1 million
awarded to us, $762 thousand represents compensation for lost profits. We can
only collect such damages from one of the defendants to avoid a double recovery.
Defendants appealed the judgment against them. On March 5, 2007, the Appellate
Court entered its ruling affirming
the judgment of the lower court in our favor. On June 16, 2008, the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals awarded attorney fees in the amount of $139 thousand in
favor of GameTech and jointly and severally against Trend Gaming L.L.C., Steven
W. Hieronymus, and the marital estate of Steven W. Hieronymus and Rhonda
Hieronymus. We have not recorded an estimated gain contingency, as we can give
no assurances whether we will be able to collect any award from the
defendants.
-22-
We are
involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of
our business. We do not believe that any of those proceedings will have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial
condition.
Item
4. Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
PART
II
Item
5. Market
for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Our
common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “GMTC.” The
following table sets forth high and low sales prices of our common stock for the
period indicated as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market during each quarter
from November 1, 2007:
|
High
|
Low
|
||||||
53
Weeks Ended November 2, 2008
|
|
|
||||||
First
Quarter
|
$ | 8.63 | $ | 5.33 | ||||
Second
Quarter
|
$ | 7.19 | $ | 4.95 | ||||
Third
Quarter
|
$ | 6.21 | $ | 3.75 | ||||
Fourth
Quarter
|
$ | 4.49 | $ | 2.01 | ||||
52
weeks November 1, 2009
|
||||||||
First
Quarter
|
$ | 2.90 | $ | 0.95 | ||||
Second
Quarter
|
$ | 1.50 | $ | 0.50 | ||||
Third
Quarter
|
$ | 2.14 | $ | 1.21 | ||||
Fourth
Quarter
|
$ | 2.08 | $ | 1.30 |
On
January 27, 2010, the last reported sales price of our common stock was $1.46
per share. On January 27, 2010, there were 129 record holders of our common
stock.
Performance
Graph
The
following graph reflects the cumulative total return (change in stock price plus
reinvested dividends) of a $100 investment in our common stock for the five-year
period for our fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 through 2007, 53 weeks ended
November 2, 2008 and 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009 in comparison to the NASDAQ
Composite Index and the Gaming Activities peer group. This peer group
consists of American Vantage Companies (AVCS), American Wagering Inc (BETM),
Archon Corp. (ARHN), Bally Technologies Inc (BYI), Bingo Com Limited (BNGO),
Call Now Inc (CLNW), Canterbury Park Holding Corp. (CPHC), Churchill Downs Inc
(CHDN) Cryptologic Limited (CRY), Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment (DDE),
Florida Gaming Corp. (FGMG), Gate TO Wire Solutions Inc (GWIR), Interactive
Systems Worldwide Inc (ISWI), Ladbrokes PLC (LAD), Lakes Entertainment Inc
(LACO), Littlefield Corp. (LTFD), Magna Entertainment Corp. (MECAQ), Money
Centers Of America Inc (MCAM), MTR Gaming Group Inc (MNTG), Multimedia Games Inc
(MGAM), Pacificnet Inc
(PACT),
Pinnacle Entertainment Inc (PNK), Pokertek Inc (PTEK), Progressive Gaming
International Corp. (PGICQ), Tabcorp Holdings Limited (TAH), The9 Limited
(NCTY), Trans World Corp. (TWOC), and Youbet.com Inc (UBET). The
comparisons are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future
performance of our common stock.
-23-
|
10/31/04
|
10/31/05
|
10/31/06
|
10/31/07
|
11/2/08
|
11/1/09
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
GameTech
International, Inc.
|
100.00 | 100.78 | 251.32 | 219.49 | 59.61 | 33.59 | ||||||||||||||||||
NASDAQ
Composite
|
100.00 | 107.75 | 122.18 | 146.93 | 86.70 | 104.97 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gaming
Activities Industry
|
100.00 | 119.83 | 118.24 | 136.03 | 49.30 | 64.62 |
-24-
Dividend
Policy
During
2009 and 2008, the Company did not declare or pay any dividends. Any
payment of dividends in the future will be reviewed by our Board of Directors
and will depend upon, among other factors, our earnings, financial condition,
capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with
respect to the payment of dividends, and other considerations that our Board of
Directors deems relevant. Under our current credit facility, any payment of cash
dividends requires prior bank approval.
Item
6. Selected
Financial Data
The
selected consolidated statement of operations data for the 52 weeks ended
November 1, 2009, 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008 and 12 months ended
October 31, 2007 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data set forth
below as of November 1, 2009 and November 2, 2008, have been derived from our
consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by Grant Thornton
LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, included elsewhere herein.
The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended
October 31, 2006 and 2005 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data
set forth below at October 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 have been derived from
our audited consolidated financial statements not included herein. The selected
financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the Financial
Statements and Notes thereto and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” appearing elsewhere in this
report. All amounts are in thousands except per share information.
52
Weeks Ended
|
53
Weeks Ended
|
Twelve
Months Ended
|
Twelve
Months Ended
|
Twelve
Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
November
1, 2009
|
November
2, 2008
|
October
31, 2007
|
October
31, 2006
|
October
31, 2005
|
||||||||||||||||
Net
revenue
|
$ | 47,794 | $ | 55,447 | $ | 58,805 | $ | 49,289 | $ | 49,651 | ||||||||||
Cost
of revenue
|
19,952 | 25,365 | 26,542 | 19,929 | 20,304 | |||||||||||||||
Gross
profit
|
27,842 | 30,082 | 32,263 | 29,360 | 29,347 | |||||||||||||||
Operating
expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
General
and administrative
|
10,493 | 11,017 | 9,538 | 8,303 | 11,406 | |||||||||||||||
Sales
and marketing
|
11,037 | 10,519 | 10,519 | 11,041 | 11,952 | |||||||||||||||
Research
and development
|
5,401 | 5,591 | 3,865 | 2,885 | 4,058 | |||||||||||||||
Goodwill
impairment
|
15,716 | 10,780 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Intangible
Impairment
|
2,660 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Gain
on sale of assets
|
- | - | (656 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||
(Gain)
Loss contingencies
|
(4,022 | ) | - | 124 | 133 | 137 | ||||||||||||||
Total
operating expenses
|
41,285 | 37,907 | 23,390 | 22,362 | 27,553 | |||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from operations
|
(13,443 | ) | (7,825 | ) | 8,873 | 6,998 | 1,794 | |||||||||||||
Interest
expense
|
(3,046 | ) | (4,624 | ) | (2,342 | ) | (10 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||||||
Impairment
of investments
|
- | (3,306 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Other
income (expense), net
|
7 | 181 | 807 | 356 | 89 | |||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) before income taxes
|
(16,482 | ) | (15,574 | ) | 7,338 | 7,344 | 1,870 | |||||||||||||
Provision
(benefit) for income taxes
|
(5,980 | ) | (4,411 | ) | 2,667 | 2,961 | 534 | |||||||||||||
Net
Income (loss)
|
$ | (10,502 | ) | $ | (11,163 | ) | $ | 4,671 | $ | 4,383 | $ | 1,336 | ||||||||
Net
income (loss) per share:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
$ | (0.90 | ) | $ | (0.92 | ) | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
Diluted
|
$ | (0.90 | ) | $ | (0.92 | ) | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
Shares
used in calculating net income (loss) per share:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
11,714 | 12,190 | 12,566 | 12,181 | 11,868 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted
|
11,714 | 12,190 | 12,991 | 12,757 | 11,960 | |||||||||||||||
Cash
dividends per common share
|
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.03 |
Fiscal Years Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
Sheet Data:
|
November
1, 2009
|
November
2, 2008
|
October
31, 2007
|
October
31, 2006
|
October
31, 2005
|
|||||||||||||||
(Note
1)
|
(Note
2)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Cash,
cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
$ | 3,337 | $ | 6,076 | $ | 11,393 | $ | 12,819 | $ | 6,833 | ||||||||||
Restricted
Cash
|
- | 3,158 | 502 | 4,515 | 4,581 | |||||||||||||||
Working
Capital
|
7,618 | 9,123 | 13,954 | 15,412 | 10,824 | |||||||||||||||
Total
Assets
|
66,663 | 89,495 | 93,882 | 59,214 | 51,130 | |||||||||||||||
Total
Debt
|
27,524 | 37,161 | 29,759 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
$ | 29,340 | $ | 39,410 | $ | 54,479 | $ | 49,834 | $ | 41,889 |
-25-
1.
|
The
decrease in total assets in 2009 was primarily due to the impairment
charge related to goodwill of $15.7 million associated with our
acquisition of Summit and the impairment charge of $2.7 million related to
our Summit intangibles. Additionally, the decrease in total
assets and debt in 2009 was primarily due to a paydown of $5.0 million of
the principal long term debt, as well as quarterly principal payments on
our current Credit Facility
of $4.5
million. Our restricted cash decreased due to funding the
construction of improvements to our new headquarters in February
2009. For additional information see Note 1 “Business and
Summary of significant Accounting Policies” and Note 4 “Credit Agreements
and Acquisition of Real Property” to our Consolidated Financial Statements
contained herein.
|
2.
|
The
decrease in total assets in 2008 was primarily due to the impairment
charge related to goodwill of $10.8 million associated with our
acquisition of Summit and the impairment charge of $3.3 million related to
our investments in auction rate securities, offset by the purchase of real
property for our Reno headquarters. The increase in
restricted investments in 2008 was due to proceeds from our new credit
agreement that are restricted for funding the construction of improvements
to the real property mentioned above. The increase in the total debt in
2008 was due to our incurrence of long-term debt to finance the purchase
of real property for our Reno headquarters. For additional
information, see Note 4 “Credit Agreements and Acquisition of Real
Property” to our Consolidated Financial Statements contained
herein.
|
Item
7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. The
following discussion contains certain forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from the
expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements as a result of the
factors set forth in this report, including those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk
Factors.”
Overview
We
design, develop, and market bingo systems (which includes server-based wireless
gaming systems), VLT’s, slot machines and related software. VLT’s,
slot machines and related software are collectively referred to as “box
business”. We entered the box business in March 2007 with our acquisition of
Summit Gaming for $40.9 million in cash. For the 52 weeks ended November 1,
2009, the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008, and the fiscal years ended October
31, 2007, our portable bingo terminals, fixed-based bingo terminals, and box
businesses made the following contributions to revenue:
52
Weeks Ended
|
53
Weeks Ended
|
Twelve
Months Ended
|
||||||||||
Revenue
Contribution
|
November
1, 2009
|
November
2, 2008
|
October
31, 2007
|
|||||||||
|
||||||||||||
Portable
Bingo Terminals
|
64 | % | 63 | % | 64 | % | ||||||
Fixed
Base Bingo Terminals
|
18 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | ||||||
Box
Equipment
|
18 | % | 21 | % | 20 | % |
As of
November 1, 2009, we had bingo systems in service in 40 states, various Native
American locations and the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. We had
box sales in 13 states and various Native American locations. We are
marketing new server-based wireless gaming systems where users play a range of
games including bingo, video poker, keno and other slot machine
games. The GameTech Elite(R) server-based gaming system was installed
domestically in the third quarter of 2008 and in Europe during the first quarter
of fiscal 2009. The European configuration supports wireless bingo
and fast action gaming for the European bingo market. In addition to
the GameTech Elite(R) Server Based system, we have also spun off a particular
configuration of GameTech Elite(R) for the traditional Bingo markets of the US
as well as other International Bingo markets. This product is known
as GameTech Edge(TM), which was further developed in 2009 and was successfully
installed in the summer of 2009 in a North American bingo
hall. GameTech Edge(TM) will be the premier US product offering in
2010 with further enhancements, features and bingo content planned for
release.
-26-
We
generate revenue by placing electronic bingo systems in bingo halls under
contracts based on (1) a fixed fee per use per session; (2) a fixed
weekly fee per terminal; or (3) a percentage of the revenue generated by
each terminal. Revenue growth for our bingo systems is affected by player
acceptance of electronic bingo as an addition or an alternative
to paper bingo. Additionally, our revenue growth is dependent on our
ability to expand operations into new markets and our ability to increase our
market share in our current markets. Fixed-based bingo terminals generate
greater revenue per terminal than portable bingo terminals, but also require a
greater initial capital investment.
We
typically install our electronic bingo systems at no charge to our customers,
and we capitalize the costs. For the 52 weeks ending November 1, 2009 and 53
weeks ended November 2, 2008, costs of $42 thousand and $53 thousand were
capitalized, respectively, and amortization occurs over the expected term of the
contract. We record depreciation of bingo equipment over either a three- or
five-year estimated useful life using the straight-line method of
depreciation.
Our box
business generates revenue from the sale of boxes (new and used), software
conversion kits, content fees, license fees, participation fees, parts, and
services. For the 52 weeks ending November 1, 2009 and 53 weeks ended November
2, 2008, 94.6% and 95.6%, respectively, of our box business sales were derived
from the sale of new and used equipment, conversion kits, and
parts. In some instances, we recognize recurring participation
revenue in lieu of a one-time machine sale. Increasing market share in existing
markets and expanding product placement into new markets drives revenue
growth.
Our bingo
and box expenses consist primarily of cost of revenue, general and
administrative expense, sales and marketing expense, and research and
development expense. Cost of revenue consists of expenses associated
with technical and operational support of the bingo systems in bingo halls,
depreciation and amortization of bingo terminals, cost of sales related to
equipment sold, and repair/refurbishment/disposal costs of bingo terminals and
related support equipment. General and administrative costs consist
of expenses associated with management of our company and the related support;
including finance and accounting, legal, compliance, information systems, human
resources, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, and amortization of
intangible assets acquired from the Summit acquisition. Sales and
marketing expenses consist primarily of commissions paid to distributors for
promoting and supporting our products, and compensation paid to our internal
sales force to manage existing customers, to generate new customers, and sell
additional and upgraded equipment. Research and development costs
consist of company-sponsored activities to provide customers with new or
enhanced games or game themes for our VLT and slot machines, improved bingo
terminals, and to develop and test new wireless server-based
systems.
Fiscal
2009 Highlights
During
the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009, we incurred a net loss of $10.5 million,
compared to a net loss of $11.2 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008
as a result of various factors, including primarily the following:
|
·
|
$15.7
million goodwill and $2.7 million intangible impairment charge in
2009;
|
|
·
|
$7.7
million or 13.8% decrease in revenue primarily due to a declining economy
and increased regional competition;
|
|
·
|
decreased
total cost of revenue of $5.4 million primarily due to a decrease in
depreciation related primarily to certain assets becoming fully
depreciated, and a decrease in cost of goods sold related directly to
decreased revenue,
|
|
·
|
$4.0
million reversal of loss contingencies related to the Trend
trial;
|
|
·
|
net
interest expense decrease of $1.6
million
|
During
the 52 weeks ending November 1, 2009, our capital expenditures decreased
approximately 46.2%, or $6.0 million to $7.0 million, compared to $13.0 million
during fiscal 2008, primarily related to the purchase of real property for our
new headquarters in southeast Reno, Nevada in fiscal year 2008.
-27-
Fiscal
Year
We report
on a 52/53 week fiscal year which began with the period ending on the first
Sunday in November for 2008. Fiscal year ending November 1, 2009
includes 52 weeks versus the fiscal year ending November 2, 2008 which had 53
weeks. The fiscal year ending October 31, 2007 was on a twelve-month
calendar basis.
Recently
Issued Accounting Standards
In
December 2007, the FASB issued new standards for business combinations as
codified in ASC 805-10. The objective of the new standard is to improve the
relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of the information
that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business
combination and its effects. It establishes principles and requirements for the
acquirer to recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the
liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, the goodwill
acquired or a gain from a bargain purchase. It also provides disclosure
requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature
and financial effects of the business combination. The new standard applies
prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or
after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. We are evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of
ASC 805-10 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In
December 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin (“SAB") No. 110 to permit entities, under certain
circumstances, to continue to use the “simplified” method, in developing
estimates of expected term of “plain-vanilla” share options in accordance with
ASC 718-10 Share-Based Payment. SAB No. 110 amended SAB No. 107 to permit the
use of the “simplified” method beyond December 31, 2007. We continue to use the
“simplified” method and will do so until more detailed relevant information
about exercise behavior becomes readily available.
In May
2009, the FASB issued new standards on subsequent events as codified in ASC
855-10. The new standard establishes general standards for accounting for and
disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before
financial statements are available to be issued. More specifically, the new
standard sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which
management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may
occur for potential recognition in the financial statements, identifies the
circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions
occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements and the
disclosures that should be made about events or transactions that occur after
the balance sheet date. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and
interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. We have adopted this standard during
2009 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements. We have evaluated subsequent events through January 29, 2010, the
date this report on Form 10-K was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission. We made no significant changes to our consolidated financial
statements as a result of our subsequent events evaluation.
In June
2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Codification ASC 105-10, which
establishes the Codification as the source of authoritative accounting guidance
to be applied in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Codification, which
changes the referencing of financial standards, became effective for interim and
annual periods ending on or after September 15, 2009. The codification is now
the single official source of authoritative U.S. GAAP (other than guidance
issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission), superseding existing FASB,
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force
and related literature. Only one level of authoritative U.S. GAAP now exists.
All other literature is considered non-authoritative. The Codification does not
change U.S. GAAP. We adopted the Codification during our fiscal year ended
November 1, 2009.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discuss
our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these
financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and reported amounts of
revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we
evaluate our estimates
and judgments, including those related to allowance for doubtful accounts,
obsolescence, impairment of goodwill, impairment of investments, loss
contingencies, provision for income taxes, and stock-based compensation. We base
our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other
factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of
which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets
and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions.
-28-
We
believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant
judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements.
Revenue
Recognition
We
recognize revenue when the following criteria are met:
|
·
|
Persuasive
evidence of an arrangement between us and our customer
exists,
|
|
·
|
Delivery
has occurred, bingo terminals are available or ready for play, or services
have been rendered,
|
|
·
|
The
price is fixed or determinable, and
|
|
·
|
Collectability
is reasonably assured.
|
We earn
our revenue in a variety of ways. We offer our products for lease or sale. We
also sell service and software updates for equipment previously sold or
leased.
Bingo
Equipment
Revenue
is recognized for bingo terminals and bingo systems installed as a single
element placed in bingo halls under contracts based on (1) a fixed fee per
use per session; (2) a fixed weekly fee per terminal; or (3) a
percentage of the revenue generated by each terminal. Revenue recognition is a
key component of our results of operations, and determines the timing of certain
expenses, such as commissions. We exercise judgment in assessing the
credit worthiness of customers to determine whether collectability is reasonably
assured. Should changes in conditions cause us to determine the factors are not
met for future transactions, revenue recognized for future reporting periods
could be adversely affected.
Box
Equipment
Our
product sales revenues are generated from the sale of VLT’s, conversion kits,
content fees, license fees, participation fees, equipment and services. In some
instances, we recognize recurring participation revenue in lieu of a one-time
machine sale. Revenues are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC 985-605-25
Software Revenue Recognition and are reported net of discounts, sales taxes and
other taxes of a similar nature. Revenues related to contracted production are
recognized as the related work is delivered. We recognize license fee revenues
over the term of the associated agreement unless the fee is in exchange for
products delivered or services performed that represent the culmination of a
separate earnings process. Amounts received prior to completing the earnings
process are deferred until revenue recognition criteria are
met. Although our current sales credit terms are predominately
30 days, we will match the market in order to be competitive.
Deferred
Revenue
Deferred
Revenue consists of amounts received or billed after a product is delivered or
services are rendered, but prior to meeting all of the requirements for revenue
recognition. Complex systems and/or multiple element contracts may
take several months to complete and our deferred revenues may increase as our
products evolve toward a more systems-centric environment. Deferred
revenue totaled $3.5 million at both November 1, 2009 and November 2, 2008, and
primarily represents amounts received for future deliverables.
-29-
Reserve
for Bingo Terminal Obsolescence
We
provide reserves for obsolete bingo terminals on hand that we do not expect to
be used. We also provide reserves for slow moving components of our box
equipment and bingo terminals by using factors such as historical data and
future demand to determine the reserve. Although we attempt to assure the
accuracy of our estimated future demands, any significant unanticipated changes
in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the
value of our bingo terminals, results of operations, and financial
condition.
Software
Development Capitalization
We
capitalize costs related to the development of certain software products that
meet the criteria of FASB ASC 985-20 – Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or
Marketed. FASB ASC 985-20 provides for the capitalization of computer software
that is to be used as an integral part of a product or process to be sold or
leased, after technological feasibility has been established for the software
and all research and development activities for the other components of the
product or process have been completed. We capitalize qualified costs of
software developed for new products or for significant enhancements to existing
products. We cease capitalizing costs when the product is available for general
release to our customers. We amortize the costs on a straight-line method over
the estimated economic life of the product, typically three to five years,
beginning when the product is available for general release. The
achievement of technological feasibility and the estimate of a products’
economic life require management’s judgment. Any changes in key assumptions,
market conditions or other circumstances could result in an impairment of the
capitalized asset and a charge to our operating results.
Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts
Bingo
Equipment
We
estimate the possible losses resulting from non-payment of outstanding accounts
receivable arising from the lease of our bingo units. Our customer
base consists primarily of entities operating in charitable, Native American,
and commercial bingo halls located throughout the United States, Canada, United
Kingdom, and Japan. In some jurisdictions, the billing and collection
function is performed as part of a distributor relationship, and in those
instances, we maintain allowances for possible losses resulting from non-payment
by both the customer and distributor. We perform ongoing evaluations of
customers and distributors for credit worthiness, economic trends, changes in
customer payment terms, and historical collection experience when evaluating the
adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. We also reserve a percentage of
accounts receivable based on aging category. In determining these
percentages, we review historical write-offs of receivables, payment trends, and
other available information. While such estimates have been within our
expectations and the provisions established, a change in the financial condition
of specific customers or in overall trends experienced may result in future
adjustments of estimates of collectability of our receivables.
Box
Equipment
We
estimate the possible losses resulting from non-payment of outstanding accounts
receivables arising from the sale of boxes and related equipment. Our customer
base consists of distributors and casinos located in various states and Native
American locations. We perform ongoing evaluations of our customers and
distributors for credit worthiness, economic trends, changes in our customer
payment terms, and historical collection experience when evaluating the adequacy
of our allowance for doubtful accounts.
Impairment
of Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We review
long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with FASB ASC
360-10-35-15 – Impairment or Disposal of Long- Lived
Assets. Recoverability of long-lived assets are measured by a
comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future net cash flows expected
to be generated by the asset undiscounted and without interest. If
such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the
fair value of the assets.
-30-
We review
goodwill for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying
value may not be recoverable in accordance with FASB ASC 350 –
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, but at a minimum we do a formal valuation
of goodwill and other long-lived assets annually at the beginning of our fourth
fiscal quarter. We perform the impairment analysis of goodwill at a
reporting unit level by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its
carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value is less than
the carrying value, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by
which the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the fair value of the
reporting unit goodwill.
In fiscal
2007, we acquired the assets of Summit Gaming and added $26.5 million to
goodwill, which included trade names of $1.6 million. In addition, we
acquired $7.7 million in identifiable intangible assets which is amortized over
5 to 10 years. We assessed the value of our goodwill as of July 31, 2007 (our
annual review date) and concluded that goodwill was not impaired. We
performed our 2008 annual impairment testing of goodwill and intangibles as of
July 31, 2008. Based on a combination of factors, including the current economic
environment and decreased revenues, we recorded noncash goodwill impairment
associated with our acquisition of Summit of $10.8 million in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2008. We performed our 2009 annual impairment testing of
goodwill and intangibles as of August 2, 2009. Based on a combination of
factors, including the current economic environment, decreased revenues,
and delays in the release of new products to market, we recorded noncash
goodwill impairment associated with our acquisition of Summit of $15.7 million
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Based on our analysis and
discounted future cash flows, no impairment occurred on our Bingo
segment.
For
fiscal year 2009, we recorded $2.7 million for the impairment of the obsolete
gaming library related to the Summit acquisition. There was no
impairment charge for long-lived assets for fiscal 2008 and 2007.
The
annual evaluation of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets
requires the use of estimates about future operating results of each reporting
unit to determine their estimated fair value. Changes in forecasted
operations can materially affect these estimates. Once an impairment
of goodwill or other intangible assets has been recorded, it cannot be
reversed.
Share-based
Compensation
We
account for share-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718 –
Compensation-Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions, we
estimate share-based compensation at the award grant date and recognize expense
over the service period. Option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions, and changes in the assumptions used can materially
affect the fair value estimate. Judgment is required in estimating stock
volatility, forfeiture rates, expected dividends, and expected terms that
options remain outstanding. See Note 6 of our Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional information regarding the adoption of FASB ASC 718.
Legal
Contingencies
We are
currently involved in various legal claims and legal proceedings. Periodically,
we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential
financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is
considered probable and the amount can be estimated, we accrue a liability for
the estimated loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination
of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure can be reasonably
estimated.
Because
of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best
information available at the time. As additional information becomes available,
we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation
and may revise our estimates. Such revisions in the estimates of the potential
liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and
financial condition.
As of
November 1, 2009, GameTech had a high probability of prevailing in the Trend
proceeding. As a result, the loss contingencies totaling $4.0 million
that had been recorded in fiscal 2004, 2005, and 2007 were
reversed.
-31-
Income
Taxes
We are
subject to income taxes in US federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions.
Determination of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes
depends on several factors, including estimates of the timing and probability of
realization of deferred income taxes, reserves for uncertain tax positions, and
income tax payment timing.
We record
deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the
financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, applying enacted
tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are
expected to reverse. The ability to realize the deferred tax assets is evaluated
through the forecasting of taxable income in each jurisdiction, using historical
and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing temporary
differences, and the availability of tax planning strategies. Net deferred tax
assets totaled $13.5 million at November 1, 2009 and $6.4 million at November 2,
2008.
Valuation
allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely
than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Changes in tax laws, enacted
tax rates, geographic mix, or estimated annual taxable income could change our
valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which in turn impacts our tax
provision. We carefully monitor many factors, including the impact of current
economic conditions, in our valuation of deferred tax assets. During fiscal
2009, we did not record any additional valuation allowances, primarily due to
the probability of realizing these assets over the next 12 years. At November 1,
2009, our total valuation allowance of $1.2 million related to investment
write-downs not expected to be fully realized because we cannot conclude that it
is more likely than not that we will earn income of the specific character
required to utilize these assets before they expire.
In the
ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for
which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. At the beginning of fiscal
2008, we adopted new accounting guidance which required the recognition of
uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, when it
is “more likely than not” to be sustained upon examination. This assessment
further presumes that tax authorities evaluate the technical merits of
transactions individually with full knowledge of all facts and circumstances
surrounding the issue. Changes in facts or information as well as the expiration
of statutes of limitations and/or settlements with tax jurisdictions may result
in material adjustments to these estimates in the future.
We
account for income taxes based on the estimated effective annual income tax
rates. The provision differs from income taxes currently payable
because certain items of income and expense are recognized in different periods
for financial statement purposes than for tax return purposes. See Notes 1 and 7
for additional information about our income taxes.
-32-
Results
of Operations
The
following table sets forth certain selected consolidated financial data for the
periods indicated:
52 Weeks Ended November 1, 2009 and 53 Weeks Ended November 2, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bingo Equipment | Box Equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
52
Weeks
|
53
Weeks
|
%
Change
|
52
Weeks
|
53
Weeks
|
%
Change
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Ended
|
Ended
|
Favorable/
|
Ended
|
Ended
|
Favorable/
|
|||||||||||||||||||
11/1/2009
|
11/2/2008
|
(Unfavorable)
|
11/1/2009
|
11/2/2008
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net
Revenue
|
$ | 39,104 | $ | 43,964 | -11.1 | % | $ | 8,690 | $ | 11,483 | -24.3 | % | ||||||||||||
Cost
of Revenue
|
14,709 | 19,103 | 23.0 | % | 5,243 | 6,262 | 16.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Gross
Profit
|
$ | 24,395 | $ | 24,861 | -1.9 | % | $ | 3,447 | $ | 5,221 | -34.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Operating
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
General
and administrative
|
6,528 | 7,637 | 14.5 | % | 3,965 | 3,380 | -17.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Sales
and marketing
|
9,722 | 10,007 | 2.8 | % | 1,315 | 512 | -156.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Research
and development
|
3,030 | 3,044 | 0.5 | % | 2,371 | 2,547 | 6.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Goodwill
Impairment
|
- | - | - | 15,716 | 10,780 | -45.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Intangible
Impairment
|
- | - | - | 2,660 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss
(Gain) Contingencies
|
(4,022 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Total
operating expenses
|
15,258 | 20,688 | 26.2 | % | 26,027 | 17,219 | -51.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Income
(Loss) from operations
|
$ | 9,137 | $ | 4,173 | 119.0 | % | $ | (22,580 | ) | $ | (11,998 | ) | 88.2 | % | ||||||||||
Interest
expense
|
(402 | ) | (267 | ) | -50.6 | % | (2,644 | ) | (4,357 | ) | 39.3 | % | ||||||||||||
Impairment
of investments
|
- | (3,306 | ) | 100.0 | % | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
Other
income (expense), net
|
(5 | ) | 160 | -103.1 | % | 11 | 21 | -47.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) before income taxes
|
$ | 8,730 | $ | 760 | 1048.7 | % | $ | (25,213 | ) | $ | (16,334 | ) | -54.4 | % | ||||||||||
Provision
(benefit) for income taxes
|
3,171 | 211 | -1402.8 | % | (9,152 | ) | (4,622 | ) | 98.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$ | 5,559 | $ | 549 | 912.6 | % | $ | (16,061 | ) | $ | (11,712 | ) | -37.1 | % |
We
allocate costs between our segments based on general overhead allocations as
well as specific allocations based on actual time and amount spent on each
segment.
Net
Revenue
Bingo net
revenue for the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009 decreased 11.1% to $39.1 million
from $44.0 million compared to the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. The decrease
is primarily due to hall closures and price adjustments from both adverse
economic conditions and competition, which was partially offset by an increase
in business from new products. Box net revenues decreased $2.8
million for the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009, or 24.3% to $8.7 million from
$11.5 million compared to the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008. The decrease is primarily due to delays in releasing new
products as we collaborate with regulators to obtain approvals on new software
programs and other features in certain markets.
Cost
of Revenue
Bingo
cost of revenue for the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009 decreased 23.0% to $14.7
million, or 37.6% of net revenue, from $19.1 million, or 43.5% of net revenue,
compared to the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. This decrease is primarily due
to $2.2 million less bingo equipment depreciation over the comparable period in
2008, mainly from certain Travelers becoming fully depreciated in 2009, a $1.5
million decrease in service labor due to aligning expenses to business levels, a
$0.4 million decrease in the cost of disposals, slow-moving and obsolete
materials as a result of the write-off of units and/or parts on older product
lines as customers migrate to the newer product lines, and a $0.4 million
decrease in amortization.
Box
business cost of revenue decreased 16.3% to $5.2 million, or 60.3% of net
revenue for the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009 from $6.3 million, or 54.5% of
net revenue compared to the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. The
decrease in cost of revenue is in part related to the decline in net revenue, a
higher mix of software sales in 2008 which have lower product costs, and a
higher than normal write-down of obsolete inventory in 2008.
Gross
Profit
Bingo
gross profit decreased 1.9% to $24.4 million for the 52 weeks ended November 1,
2009, from $24.9 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. Bingo gross
margin increased to 62.4% of net revenue for the 52 weeks ended
November 1, 2009 from 56.5% of net revenue for the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008. The 5.9 percentage point increase in bingo gross margin is
related to reduced labor and travel costs in service and operations plus other
cost of revenue decreases as described above.
-33-
Box gross
profit decreased 34.0% to $3.4 million for the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009,
from $5.2 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. Box gross margin
decreased 5.8 percentage points to 39.7% of net revenue for the 52 weeks ended
November 1, 2009, from 45.5% of net revenue for the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008. The decrease in box gross margin is primarily due to a mix of
lower margin sales in 2009 to Louisiana, which is a distributor-based
jurisdiction, compounded by a high mix of software sales in 2008 which are
higher margin.
Operating
Expenses
Bingo
general and administrative costs decreased 14.5% to $6.5 million for the 52
weeks ended November 1, 2009, from $7.6 million for the 53 weeks ended November
2, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to lower facility costs as we consolidate
operations into our corporate headquarters, lower equipment testing costs due to
higher capitalization, lower outside accounting fees, offset in part by
increased legal fees related to the Trend trial. Box general and
administrative costs increased 17.3% or $0.6 million to $4.0 million for the 52
weeks ended November 1, 2009 compared to $3.4 million for the 53 weeks ended
November 2, 2008 primarily due to increase in depreciation for the new corporate
headquarters.
Bingo
sales and marketing expenses decreased 2.8% to $9.7 million for the 52 weeks
ended November 1, 2009, from $10.0 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008. This decrease is due to the decrease in distributor commissions
directly related to the decline in bingo revenue. Box sales and
marketing expenses increased 156.8% to $1.3 million from $0.5 million for the 52
weeks ended November 1, 2009, compared to the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008
primarily due to $0.6 million in increased promotion costs as we invest and
partner with our distributor to promote revenue growth in
Louisiana.
Bingo
research and development expenses remained flat at $3.0 million for the 52 weeks
ended November 1, 2009, compared to the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008. Box research and development expenses decreased $0.1 million to
$2.4 million for the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009, from $2.5 million for the
53 weeks ended November 2, 2008.
For the
52 weeks ended November 1, 2009, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of
$15.7 million related to our acquisition of Summit compared to a charge of $10.8
million for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. See Goodwill
Impairment section below.
For the
52 weeks ended November 1, 2009, we recorded an impairment charge of $2.7
million for an obsolete gaming library related to our acquisition of Summit
compared to no charge for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008.
Interest
Expense
Interest
expense of $3.0 million for the 52 weeks ended November 1, 2009 decreased $1.6
million over the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. The decrease is primarily due
to a $1.2 million charge in 2008 for a prepayment penalty and write-off of debt
acquisition costs associated with our previous credit facility, as well as a
lower effective annual borrowing rate of 6.79% for 2009 compared to 9.0% for
2008. The interest rate swap expense was $0.7 million for fiscal 2008
and 2009. For more information related to our swap agreement see Note 1
“Interest Rate Swap Contract”.
-34-
Impairment
of Investments
At
November 1, 2009, we held auction rate securities (“ARS”) with an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $3.9 million. In the fourth quarter of 2008,
management determined that the estimated losses in these securities were
other-than-temporary and recorded an aggregate pre-tax impairment charge of
approximately $3.3 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008. At November 1, 2009, the fair value of the ARS were evaluated
and the carrying value approximated the fair value.
With the
liquidity issues experienced in global credit and capital markets, the ARS held
by us at November 1, 2009 experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of
securities submitted for sale exceeded the amount of purchase
orders. The eight ARS in our investment portfolio (having an
aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.9 million) were classified as Level
III (as defined by GAAP) as no direct market inputs to make a pricing
determination were available. A discounted cash flow analysis was
used to determine the estimated fair value of these securities. Based
largely upon the credit risks of the issuers and the lack of an active trading
market in these securities, risk-adjusted discount rates were applied to
determine the estimated fair value of our Level III ARS. Seven of the
eight ARS in our investment portfolio continue to pay interest according to
their stated terms.
During
the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we received a tender offer for one of the
eight ARS and were able to sell them, providing $534 thousand in
cash. Accordingly, we reclassified the $105 thousand net carrying
value of this ARS from long term to short term investments as of November 1,
2009. The balance remaining in the long term investments at November
1, 2009 was $461 thousand.
Goodwill
Impairment
In fiscal
2007, we acquired the assets of Summit Gaming and added $26.5 million to
goodwill, which included trade names of $1.6 million. In addition, we
acquired $7.7 million in identifiable intangible assets which will be amortized
over 5 to 10 years. We conduct our annual goodwill impairment analysis during
the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, measured as of the last day of the third
quarter. We performed our 2008 annual impairment testing of goodwill
and intangibles as of July 31, 2008 and recorded a noncash goodwill impairment
associated with our acquisition of Summit of $10.8 million in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2008. Based on a combination of factors, including the
current economic environment, decreased revenues and increased costs,
particularly of the box segment, we recorded a noncash goodwill impairment
associated with our acquisition of Summit of $15.7 million in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2009. The annual evaluation of goodwill and other non-amortizing
intangible assets requires the use of estimates about future operating results
of each reporting unit to determine their estimated fair
value. Changes in forecasted operations can materially affect these
estimates. Once an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets
has been recorded, it cannot be reversed. The Company also recorded a
$2.7 million intangible impairment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 for the
impairment of an obsolete gaming library related to the Summit
acquisition.
Loss
Contingencies
As of
November 1, 2009, GameTech had a high probability of prevailing in the Trend
proceeding. As a result, the loss contingencies totaling $4.0 million
that had been recorded in fiscal 2004, 2005, and 2007 were
reversed.
Income
Taxes
We
recorded our income tax provision at an effective rate of (36.3%) for the 52
weeks ended November 1, 2009, compared with (28.3%) for the 53 weeks ended
November 2, 2008. The actual effective tax rate is different from the expected
federal rate of 34%, reflecting certain permanent differences between financial
accounting and tax accounting, and state and foreign tax
provisions.
-35-
53
Weeks Ended November 2, 2008 compared with the 12 Months Ended October 31,
2007
53 Weeks Ended November 2, 2008 and 12 Months Ended October 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bingo Equipment | Box Equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
53
Weeks
|
12
Months
|
%
Change
|
53
Weeks
|
12
Months
|
%
Change
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Ended
|
Ended
|
Favorable/
|
Ended
|
Ended
|
Favorable/
|
|||||||||||||||||||
11/2/2008
|
10/31/2007
|
(Unfavorable)
|
11/2/2008
|
10/31/2007
|
(Unfavorable)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net
Revenue
|
$ | 43,964 | $ | 47,114 | -6.7 | % | $ | 11,483 | $ | 11,691 | -1.8 | % | ||||||||||||
Cost
of Revenue
|
19,103 | 19,683 | 2.9 | % | 6,262 | 6,859 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Gross
Profit
|
$ | 24,861 | $ | 27,431 | -9.4 | % | $ | 5,221 | $ | 4,832 | 8.1 | % | ||||||||||||
Operating
Expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
General
and administrative
|
7,637 | 7,920 | 3.6 | % | 3,380 | 1,618 | -108.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Sales
and marketing
|
10,007 | 10,028 | 0.2 | % | 512 | 491 | -4.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Research
and development
|
3,044 | 2,837 | -7.3 | % | 2,547 | 1,028 | -147.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Goodwill
Impairment
|
- | - | - | 10,780 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Gain
on sale of assets
|
- | - | - | - | (656 | ) | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Loss
Contingencies
|
- | 124 | 100.0 | % | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Total
operating expenses
|
20,688 | 20,909 | 1.1 | % | 17,219 | 2,481 | -594.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Income
from operations
|
$ | 4,173 | $ | 6,522 | -36.0 | % | $ | (11,998 | ) | $ | 2,351 | -610.3 | % | |||||||||||
Interest
expense
|
(267 | ) | (125 | ) | -113.6 | % | (4,357 | ) | (2,217 | ) | -96.5 | % | ||||||||||||
Impairment
of investments
|
(3,306 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Other
income (expense), net
|
160 | 780 | 79.5 | % | 21 | 27 | -22.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) before income taxes
|
$ | 760 | $ | 7,177 | -89.4 | % | $ | (16,334 | ) | $ | 161 | -10245.3 | % | |||||||||||
Provision
(benefit) for income taxes
|
211 | 2,667 | 92.1 | % | (4,622 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$ | 549 | $ | 4,510 | -87.8 | % | $ | (11,712 | ) | $ | 161 | -7374.5 | % |
We acquired substantially all of the assets of Summit on March 28, 2007. Summit net revenues are included in the box business segment above, and fiscal 2008 reflects 53 weeks of activity compared to only seven months of activity for the comparable period presented above for 2007.
Net
Revenue
Bingo net
revenue for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008 decreased 6.7% to $44.0 million
from $47.1 million compared to the 12 months ended October 31, 2007. The
decrease is the result of several factors, including the soft economy, increased
regional competition, pricing pressures, and continued migration of commercial
accounts to slot machine style gaming. Box net revenues decreased
$208,000 for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008, or 1.8% to $11.5 million from
$11.7 million compared to the 7 months ended October 31,
2007. The continued softness in the Louisiana market affected
VLT sales, as did delays in obtaining approvals on gaming products in
Montana. Financial results for the Box segment may continue to be
volatile from quarter to quarter until we have broadened our revenue base by
expanding into more VLT markets, and by penetrating into the Class III slot
machine markets, such as California and Nevada.
Cost
of Revenue
Bingo
cost of revenue for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008 decreased 2.9% to $19.1
million, or 43.5% of net revenue, from $19.7 million, or 41.8% of net revenue,
compared to the 12 months ended October 31, 2007. This decrease is primarily due
to $1.5 million less bingo equipment depreciation over the comparable period in
2007, mainly from certain Travelers becoming fully depreciated in 2007, offset
in part by a $0.9 million increase in the cost of disposals, slow-moving and
obsolete materials as a result of the write-off of units and/or parts on older
product lines as customers migrate to the newer product lines.
Box
business cost of revenue decreased 8.7% to $6.3 million, or 54.5% of net revenue
for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008 from $6.9 million, or 58.7% of net
revenue compared to the 7 months ended October 31, 2007. The decrease
in cost of revenue is primarily related to the decline in sales and the mix of
products sold.
-36-
Gross
Profit
Bingo
gross profit for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008 decreased 9.4% to $24.9
million, or 56.5% of net revenue, from $27.4 million or 58.2% of net revenue
compared to the 12 months ended October 31, 2007. The decrease in gross profit
margin is primarily due to the revenue decline as described above.
Box gross
profit increased 8.1% to $5.2 million, or 45.5% of net revenue for the 53 weeks
ended November 2, 2008, from $4.8 million or 41.3% of net revenue compared to
the 7 months ended October 31, 2007. The increase is due to an
increase in sales of higher margin equipment and software.
Operating
Expenses
Bingo
general and administrative costs decreased 3.6% to $7.6 million for the 53 weeks
ended November 2, 2008, from $7.9 million for the 12 months ended October 31,
2007. The decrease is primarily due to lower outside legal fees as the activity
on major lawsuits, such as the Trend case, has declined since
2007. Box general and administrative costs increased 108.9% or $1.8
million to $3.4 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008 from $1.6
million for the 7 months ended October 31, 2007 primarily due to a full fiscal
year of expenses. Amortization of the identifiable intangible assets purchased
in the Summit Gaming acquisition increased $0.5 million due to the inclusion of
53 weeks reported for 2008 compared to 7 months reported for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 2007.
Bingo
sales and marketing expenses remained flat for the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008, compared to the 12 months ended October 31, 2007. A decrease in
distributor commissions directly related to the decline in revenue, and a
decrease in advertising fees due to Canadian legislative changes, was offset by
an increase in employee costs related to additional
positions. Box sales and marketing expenses remained flat for
the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008, compared to the 7 months ended October 31,
2007.
Bingo
research and development expenses increased by $0.2 million to $3.0 million, for
the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008, from $2.8 million compared to the 12 months
ended October 31, 2007. The increase is primarily due to higher employee costs
as a result of increased travel costs related to the GameTech Elite(R) testing
in the UK. Box research and development expenses increased $1.5
million to $2.5 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008, from $1.0
million for the 7 months ended October 31, 2007. The increase in the
box segment is primarily due to a full fiscal year of expenses in 2008, costs
expended for developing new product lines, such as the California Keno game
which was approved in August 2008, new hardware design and software development
for a major VLT contract, and increased licensing fees as we expand our
distributorship to new markets.
For the
53 weeks ended November 2, 2008, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of
$10.8 million related to our acquisition of Summit compared to no goodwill
impairment charge for the 12 months ended October 31, 2007. For more
information on goodwill impairment please see the section below.
There
were no gains on the sale of assets for box for the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008 compared to $0.7 million related to the 7 months ended October 31,
2007.
There
were no loss legal contingencies recorded for the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008, compared to $124,000 for the 12 months ended October 31,
2007.
Interest
Expense
Interest
expense of $4.6 million for the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008 increased $2.3
million over the 12 months ended October 31, 2007. The increase is due to
interest paid on debt incurred to purchase Summit, debt incurred to purchase our
new corporate headquarters in Reno, Nevada, a prepayment penalty of $0.4 million
as a result of refinancing our credit facility, $0.7 million as a result of our
swap agreement valuation, and $0.8 million due to the write-off of debt
acquisition costs associated with our prior credit facility.
-37-
Impairment
of Investments
At
November 2, 2008, we held auction rate securities (“ARS”) with an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $3.9 million. With the liquidity issues
experienced in global credit and capital markets, the ARS held by us at November
2, 2008 experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of securities
submitted for sale exceeded the amount of purchase orders. We
determined the estimated fair value of these securities as of November 2, 2008
utilizing the standards set forth in FASB ASC 820. Of the eight ARS
in our investment portfolio, three of them (having an aggregate purchase price
of approximately $1.6 million) consisted of Level II securities (as defined by
FASB ASC 820). For these securities, fair value was measured using
the average sale price of recent observable transactions in the same
securities. The five remaining ARS in our investment portfolio
(having an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.3 million) were
classified as Level III (as defined by FASB ASC 820) as no direct market inputs
to make a pricing determination were available. A discounted cash
flow analysis was used to determine the estimated fair value of these
securities. Based largely upon the credit risks of the issuers and
the lack of an active trading market in these securities, risk-adjusted discount
rates were applied to determine the estimated fair value of our Level III
ARS. Management determined that the estimated losses in these
securities were other-than-temporary and recorded an aggregate pre-tax
impairment charge of approximately $3.3 million for the 53 weeks ended November
2, 2008.
Goodwill
Impairment
In fiscal
2007, we acquired the assets of Summit Gaming and added $26.5 million to
goodwill, which included trade names of $1.6 million. In addition, we
acquired $7.7 million in identifiable intangible assets which will be amortized
over 5 to 10 years. We conduct our annual goodwill impairment analysis during
the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, measured as of July 31. We
assessed the value of its goodwill as of July 31 of 2006 and 2007 (our annual
review date) and concluded that goodwill was not impaired. We
performed our 2008 annual impairment testing of goodwill and intangibles as of
July 31, 2008. Based on a combination of factors, including the current economic
environment, decreased revenues and increased costs, particularly of the box
segment, we recorded a noncash goodwill impairment associated with our
acquisition of Summit of $10.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The
annual evaluation of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets
requires the use of estimates about future operating results of each reporting
unit to determine their estimated fair value. Changes in forecasted
operations can materially affect these estimates. Once an impairment
of goodwill or other intangible assets has been recorded, it cannot be
reversed.
Income
Taxes
We
recorded our income tax provision at an effective rate of (28.3%) for the 53
weeks ended November 2, 2008, compared with 36.3% for the twelve months ended
October 31, 2007. The change in effective rate is primarily due to the goodwill
impairment recognized in the fourth quarter of the 53 weeks ended November 2,
2008. The actual effective tax rate is different from the expected
federal rate of 34%, reflecting certain permanent differences between financial
accounting and tax accounting, and state and foreign tax
provisions.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
We have
funded our operations to date primarily through cash from operations and debt
financing activities. This capital is for operations, research and development,
capital expenditures of equipment and associated support equipment, and
software. As of November 1, 2009, and November 2, 2008, we had a working capital
balance of $7.6 million and $9.1 million, respectively. The decrease in working
capital in 2009 was primarily due to a paydown of $5.0 million of the principal
long term debt. As of November 1, 2009, our principal sources of
liquidity included cash and cash equivalents of $3.3 million and a $2.0 million
revolving credit facility with no amounts drawn. On December 31,
2009, we borrowed $750 thousand of the $2.0 million revolving credit
facility.
Operating
activities provided $11.3 million of cash for the 52 weeks ended November 1,
2009 compared with $9.0 million for fiscal year 2008. The $11.3 million
consisted of a net loss of $10.5 million, adjusted positively by $8.3 million
for depreciation, amortization, obsolescence provisions, and loss on disposal of
equipment, $15.7 million loss on impairment of goodwill, $2.7 million impairment
of an obsolete gaming library related to the Summit acquisition, $1.6 million
provided by tax refunds, less a $4.0 million reversal of our loss contingencies,
less $7.1
-38-
million
increase in deferred taxes, plus $2.1 million in reduced inventory levels and
$2.6 million provided by other net changes in operating assets and liabilities.
During fiscal year 2008, the $9.0 million consisted of a net loss of $11.2
million, adjusted positively by $11.1 million for depreciation, amortization,
obsolescence provisions, and loss on disposal of equipment, $3.3 million from
the impairment of investments, $10.8 million loss on impairment on goodwill,
less $4.7 million increase in inventory plus a $2.7 million increase in deferred
revenue, and $1.1 million provided by other net changes in operating assets and
liabilities.
We used
approximately $4.4 million of cash in investing activities during fiscal
2009 compared to $9.5 million of cash used during fiscal 2008. During
fiscal 2009, the $4.4 million consisted of $6.8 million used for
capital expenditures, plus $2.6 million provided from restricted cash
for funding construction on our new headquarters, less $0.2 million for the
acquisition of intangibles. During fiscal 2008, the $9.5 million
consisted of $7.2 million of expenditures for the acquisition of our new
headquarters, $3.8 million of capital expenditures, an increase of $2.6
million of restricted cash for funding our construction on new headquarters,
$0.1 million for payment on a royalty, and a net inflow of $4.2 million from
short-term investments.
Financing
activities used $9.6 million during fiscal 2009 compared to $2.9 million
provided during fiscal 2008. The $9.6 million used during fiscal 2009 included
payments on long-term debt of approximately $4.6 million, and a $5.0 million
principal pay down on long-term debt. The $2.9 million provided during fiscal
2008 included the issuance of $38.0 million in long-term debt under our new
credit facility offset by the concurrent repayment of long-term debt consisting
of $18.7 million for the term loan and $7.4 million for the revolver loan under
our prior facility. Also included were payments on long-term debt of
approximately $4.6 million, a $0.3 million payment for debt acquisition costs,
and the repurchase of our common stock for approximately $4.1
million.
In March
2007, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Summit Gaming for $40.9
million in cash. We financed the acquisition primarily with a credit facility
consisting of a term loan of $30.0 million and a revolving line of credit with a
limit of $10.0 million. On August 22, 2008, we terminated this credit facility
and prepaid all amounts outstanding as part of the requirements of our new
credit facility. We incurred a pre-payment penalty of $0.4 million on the
pre-payment of the term loan facility. We also wrote-off $0.8 million
of debt acquisition costs related to our prior credit
facility.
Our
current credit facility provided a total of $40.0 million of financing, $38.0
million of which is in the form of a term loan and $2.0 million of which is in
the form of a revolving line of credit. Proceeds from the current
credit facility were used to refinance our prior credit facility, acquire real
property, and for general corporate purposes. The term loan matures
on August 28, 2013 with monthly interest payments based upon one-month LIBOR
rate plus 2.80% and quarterly principal payments of approximately $1.1 million
until the loan is repaid in full. The revolver matures on August 31,
2010, with monthly interest-only payments due on the last day of each month with
an interest rate of either (i) the higher of the Agent's prime rate or the
Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% (a "Base Rate Loan) minus 0.25%, or (ii) 1, 2, 3,
6, or 12-month LIBOR rate plus 2.0%. With respect to the term loan, the Company
entered into an interest rate swap agreement which exchanged the variable
one-month LIBOR rate for a fixed LIBOR rate of 3.99% per annum effective August
22, 2008 through the maturity of the loan.
We
believe that cash flows from operations, cash, cash equivalents, and amounts
available under our current credit facility will be sufficient to support our
operations, provide for budgeted capital expenditures, and meet liquidity
requirements through the remainder of fiscal 2010. Our long-term liquidity
requirements depend on many factors, including the rate at which we expand our
business and whether we do so internally or through acquisitions. In addition,
we may pursue strategic opportunities that could require us to fund our portion
of operating expenses of such ventures and may require us to advance additional
amounts should any partners in such ventures be unable to meet unanticipated
capital requirements or similar funding events. To the extent that the funds
generated from the sources described above are insufficient to fund our
activities in the long term, we may be required to raise additional funds
through public or private financing. No assurance can be given that the
additional financing will be available or that, if it is available, it will be
on terms acceptable to us. In the event we were unable to raise
additional capital if needed, further measures would be necessary, including the
delay or reduction of our operations, research and development and other
activities. Certain of these measures may require consent or approvals,
including our lenders under the current credit facility, certain regulatory
bodies, and others, and there are no assurances such consent or approvals could
be obtained. Management does not believe that these limitations will adversely
affect our operations or our ability to acquire necessary capital
equipment. For additional information, see Note 4
“Credit Agreements and
Acquisition of Real Property” to our Consolidated Financial Statements
contained herein.
-39-
Contractual
Obligations
The
following table presents information on contractual obligations held as of
November 1, 2009:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in
thousands):
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Total
|
Less
than 1 year
|
1
- 2 years
|
3
- 5 years
|
More
than 5 years
|
||||||||||||||||
Long-Term
Debt Obligations:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Term
Loan Facility
|
$ | 27,413 | $ | 4,471 | $ | 8,942 | $ | 14,000 | $ | - | ||||||||||
Estimated
Interest Payments
|
5,050 | 1,747 | 2,587 | 716 | - | |||||||||||||||
Other
Notes Payable
|
112 | 50 | 62 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Operating
Leases
|
212 | 177 | 31 | 4 | - | |||||||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 32,787 | $ | 6,445 | $ | 11,622 | $ | 14,720 | $ | - |
Purchase
Commitments
From time
to time, we enter into commitments with our vendors to purchase box parts, bingo
terminals and support equipment at fixed prices and/or guaranteed quantities.
During the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008, we entered into an agreement with a
vendor for $3.4 million to purchase box hardware for a sale expected to deliver
in early 2009. As of November 1, 2009 all of this commitment was
fulfilled. We also entered into a construction agreement in September
2008 with a general contractor for $2.7 million for improvements to our new
corporate headquarters which was funded by proceeds from our current credit
facility. As of November 1, 2009, this commitment was
fulfilled. Various other additional purchase commitments were made in the
ordinary course of business throughout fiscal 2009, of which $0.2 million was
outstanding as of November 1, 2009.
In
December 2009, we also entered into an agreement for $1.5 million to license the
design and right to manufacture and sell a portable hand-held gaming
platform. As of January 29, 2010, $150 thousand of this commitment was
fulfilled. This agreement requires a $600 thousand payment in February
2010 and three quarterly payments of $250 thousand to be paid by the end of
November 2010.
Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Item
7A. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
At
November 1, 2009, we held auction rate securities (“ARS”) with an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $3.9 million. With the liquidity issues
experienced in global credit and capital markets, the ARS held by us at November
1, 2009 have experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of securities
submitted for sale exceeded the amount of purchase orders. Based on
the fair value of the investments and an analysis of other-than temporary
impairment factors, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately
$3.3 million during the 53 weeks ended November 2, 2008. If
uncertainties in the credit and capital markets deteriorate further or we
experience any additional rating downgrades on any of our ARS, we may incur up
to an additional $0.6 million impairment charge related to our ARS (representing
the aggregate fair value of our ARS at November 1, 2009), which could negatively
affect our financial condition, cash flow and reported
earnings. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we received a
tender offer for one of the eight ARS and were able to sell them, providing $0.5
million in cash.
On August
22, 2008, we terminated our previous credit facility. Concurrently, we entered
into a Senior Secured Credit Facility (the “Current Credit Facility”) with U.S.
Bank N.A. as lender, lead arranger and administrative agent, and Bank of the
West as lender (collectively “Lenders”) that provides up to $40.0 million of
financing for our company, $38.0 million of which is represented by a term loan
note and $2 million of which is a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. U.S.
Bank N.A. will hold up to $25.0 million of the Current Credit Facility and Bank
of the West
will hold up to $15.0 million. During
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company anticipated a collateral
shortfall was probable, which would have triggered a mandatory prepayment of
approximately $1.9 million. To avoid triggering a collateral
shortfall and to reduce the outstanding balance under the term loan, the Company
voluntarily prepaid $5 million from existing cash resources. As a
result of both the voluntary prepayment and scheduled mandatory quarterly
principal payment, the outstanding balance under our term loan was reduced from
$33.5 million at August 2, 2009 to $27.4 million at November 1,
2009.
-40-
The term
loan requires monthly interest payments which began on September 30, 2008, and
quarterly principal payments of approximately $1.1 million which began on
October 31, 2008, until its maturity on August 28, 2013, when the balance will
be due in full. The interest rate for the term loan varies based upon the
one-month LIBOR rate plus 2.80%. With respect to the term loan, we
also entered into an interest rate swap agreement with U.S. Bank
N.A., which exchanged the variable one-month LIBOR rate of the term loan
for a fixed LIBOR rate of 3.99% per annum effective August 22, 2008,
through the maturity of the term loan. The average interest rate is
6.79%. Because the interest rate on the term loan is fixed under a
LIBOR swap agreement, increases in interest rates will not affect our cash flow.
However, if we find it necessary to accelerate the amortization of the term
loan, we could be required to pay early breakage fees on the LIBOR contracts in
the event that interest rates decrease. Assuming the $27.4 million balance
outstanding as of November 1, 2009, and the effective rate of interest rate of
6.79%, our breakage fee on the full outstanding balance if LIBOR declined by 50
basis points would be approximately $0.5 million, and an increase of 100 basis
points would result in a breakage fee of approximately $1.1 million. We do not
anticipate the need to accelerate that amortization of the term loan at any time
for the remainder of fiscal 2010.
The
consolidated financial statements and supplementary data are as set forth in the
“Index To Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1.
Item
9. Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
Not
applicable.
Item
9A. Controls
and Procedures
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We
maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, including, without
limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive
Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow
timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We have
evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures
as of November 1, 2009. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective as of November 1, 2009 to ensure that the information
required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, including that
such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing
similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Internal Control
over Financial Reporting
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)
under the Exchange Act) refers to the process designed by, or under the
supervision of, our CEO and CFO, and effected by our board of directors,
management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. Management
is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
our financial reporting.
-41-
We have evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of November 1, 2009. This evaluation was performed using the Internal Control – Integrated Framework developed by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such evaluation, management has concluded that, as of such date, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
This
annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial
reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the
Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the
Securities Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only
management’s report in this annual report.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the
fourth quarter ended November 1, 2009, that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
Item
9B. Other
Information
Not
applicable.
PART
III
Item
10. Directors
and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive
proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for
our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item
11. Executive
Compensation
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive
proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for
our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item
12. Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive
proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for
our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item
13. Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive
proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for
our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 14. Principal Accountants Fees and Services
-42-
Item 14. Principal Accountants Fees and Services
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive
proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for
our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
PART
IV
Item
15. Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
Financial Statements
and Financial Statement Schedules
|
(1)
|
Consolidated
Financial Statements.
|
Consolidated
Financial Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial
Statements on page F-1 of this report.
|
(2)
|
Consolidated
Financial Statement Schedules.
|
No
financial statement schedules are included because they are not applicable, are
not required, or because required information is included in the
consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
(b)
Exhibits
Exhibit
Number Description
of Exhibit
2.1
|
Asset
Purchase Agreement dated August 30, 2006 between GameTech International,
Inc. and Summit Amusement & Distributing Ltd.
(9)
|
3.1
|
Certificate
of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended
(1)
|
3.2
|
Certificate
of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the
Registrant (6)
|
3.3
|
Third
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant
(7)
|
4.1
|
GameTech
International, Inc. Registration Rights Agreement
(2)
|
4.2
|
Rights
Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2003, between GameTech International, Inc.
and Mellon Investor Services, LLC, as rights agent. Amendment
No. 1 to Rights Agreement dated as of July 16, 2009, between GameTech
International, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C., as rights agent
(5)
|
4.3
|
Specimen
Common Stock Certificate (6)
|
10.1
|
GameTech
International, Inc. 1997 Incentive Stock Plan
(1)
|
10.2
|
GameTech
International, Inc. 2001 Restricted Stock Plan
(3)
|
10.3
|
Amended
and Restated 1997 Incentive Stock Plan
(8)
|
10.4
|
Form
of Restricted Stock Agreement (8)
|
10.5
|
Form
of Stock Option Agreement (8)
|
10.6
|
Form
of Stock Unit Award Agreement (8)
|
10.12
|
Lease
Agreement dated November 18, 1999 between the Registrant and Cypress
Corporate Services, including addendum to lease and first amendment dated
April 17, 2000 (4)
|
10.18
|
Letter
Agreement by and between the Registrant and Marcia R. Martin, dated as of
May 1, 2008 (10)
|
10.19
|
Purchase
and Sale Agreement for the purchase of Real Property between the
Registrant and RKD Holdings, L.L.C., dated as of March 31, 2008
(14)
|
10.20
|
First
Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for the purchase of Real Property
between the Registrant and RKD Holdings, L.L.C., dated as of May 27, 2008
(14)
|
10.21
|
Financing
agreement dated August 22, 2008, by and among GameTech International, Inc.
and the lenders named herein, and U.S. Bank N.A., as collateral and
administrative agent (12)
|
10.22
|
Second
Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for the purchase of Real Property
between the Registrant and RKD Holdings, L.L.C., dated as of July 28, 2008
(11)
|
10.23
|
Letter
Agreement by and between the Registrant and Timothy J. Minard, dated as of
September 29, 2008 (13)
|
10.24
|
First
Amendment to August 22, 2008 Financing Agreement, dated as of January 28,
2009
|
21
|
List
of Subsidiaries
|
23
|
Consent
of Independent Registered Public
Accountant
|
31.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
|
31.2
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a),
promulgated by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended
|
32.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
32.2
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
-43-
EXHIBIT
INDEX
(1)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibits 2.1 and 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-34967) as filed with the
Commission on or about September 4,
1997.
|
(2)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-34967) as filed
with the Commission on or about October 17,
1997.
|
(3)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-72886) as filed with the Commission on or
about November 7, 2001.
|
(4)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001 as filed with the
Commission on or about January 29, 2002, Commission File No.
000-23401.
|
(5)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated March 7, 2003 as filed with the Commission on or about March 10,
2003, Commission File No.
000-23401.
|
(6)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibits 3.3 and 4.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 31, 2003 as filed with
the Commission on or about March 17, 2003, Commission File No.
000-23401.
|
(7)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 31, 2004 as filed with the
Commission on or about March 16, 2004, Commission File No.
000-23401.
|
|
(8)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibits 10.34(a), (b), (c) and (d) to the Registrant's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 28, 2006 as filed with the
Commission on or about April 3,
2006.
|
(9)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibits 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form
8-K as filed with the Commission on or about August 31,
2006.
|
(10)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
8-K dated June 9, 2008 as filed with the Commission on or about June 12,
2008.
|
(11)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
8-K dated July 28, 2008 as filed with the Commission on or about August
31, 2008.
|
(12)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
8-K dated August 22, 2008 as filed with the Commission on or about August
28, 2008.
|
(13)
|
Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
8-K dated September 23, 2008 as filed with the Commission on or about
September 30, 2008.
|
(14) Incorporated
by reference to Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated June 5, 2008 as filed with the Commission on or about June 5,
2008.
-44-
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GAMETECH
INTERNATIONAL, INC.
|
||||||
By:
|
/S/ Jay M. Meilstrup
|
|||||
Jay
M. Meilstrup
|
||||||
President,
Chief Executive Officer, and Director
|
||||||
Dated:
January 29, 2010
|
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||||
/s
/ RICHARD T. FEDOR
|
Executive
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
January
29, 2010
|
||||
Richard
T. Fedor
|
||||||
/s/
JAY M. MEILSTRUP
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
January
29, 2010
|
||||
Jay
M. Meilstrup
|
(Principal
Executive Officer )
|
|||||
/s/
MARCIA R. MARTIN
|
Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary
|
January
29, 2010
|
||||
Marcia
R. Martin
|
(Principal
Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|||||
/s
/ RICHARD H. IRVINE
|
Director
|
January
29, 2010
|
||||
Richard
H. Irvine
|
||||||
/s/
SCOTT H. SHACKELTON
|
Director
|
January
29, 2010
|
||||
Scott
H. Shackelton
|
||||||
/s/
DONALD K. WHITAKER
|
Director
|
January
29, 2010
|
||||
Donald
K. Whitaker
|
-45-
GameTech
International, Inc.
|
||
Index
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
||
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
F-2
|
|
Consolidated
Financial Statements
|
||
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
|
F-3
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
|
F-4
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Stockholders' Equity
|
F-5
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
|
F-6
|
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-8
|
F-1
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the Board of Directors and Stockholders
GameTech
International, Inc.
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GameTech International,
Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”)
as of November 1, 2009 and November 2, 2008, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended November 1,
2009. 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 the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The
Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its
internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no
such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of GameTech
International, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of November 1, 2009 and
November 2, 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
November 1, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
/S/
GRANT THORNTON LLP
Reno,
Nevada
January
29, 2010
F-2
GAMETECH
INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(In
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
November
1, 2009
|
November
2, 2008
|
|||||||
ASSETS:
|
||||||||
Current
assets:
|
||||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$ | 3,337 | $ | 6,076 | ||||
Short-term
investments
|
105 | - | ||||||
Accounts
receivable, net of allowances of $1,776 in 2009 and $1,217 in
2008
|
7,106 | 6,303 | ||||||
Inventory
|
6,819 | 8,976 | ||||||
Deposits
|
554 | 42 | ||||||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
908 | 912 | ||||||
Prepaid
income taxes
|
- | 1,634 | ||||||
Current
portion of notes receivable
|
- | 119 | ||||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
1,736 | 1,825 | ||||||
Total
current assets
|
20,565 | 25,887 | ||||||
Property,
bingo equipment, furniture and other equipment, net
|
20,808 | 22,884 | ||||||
Goodwill,
net
|
10,184 | 25,900 | ||||||
Intangibles,
less accumulated amortization of $9,380 in 2009 and $6,198 in
2008
|
2,669 | 6,302 | ||||||
Restricted
cash
|
- | 3,158 | ||||||
Notes
receivable, net of current portion
|
- | 1 | ||||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
11,754 | 4,539 | ||||||
Debt
acquisition costs, net
|
222 | 258 | ||||||
Investments
|
461 | 566 | ||||||
Total
assets
|
$ | 66,663 | $ | 89,495 | ||||
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
|
||||||||