-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, KM1BWRXGbI1+D5DxJbdS1URiYBlEDeGrZxJNbSHCTK0czslJJzJJXyC8IQqJvCe6 4lyA50mpqBIRqXT7jjvsWQ== 0000897101-99-000307.txt : 19990331 0000897101-99-000307.hdr.sgml : 19990331 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000897101-99-000307 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19981231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990330 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SODAK GAMING INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000903856 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-PROFESSIONAL & COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES [5040] IRS NUMBER: 460407053 STATE OF INCORPORATION: SD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-21754 FILM NUMBER: 99578930 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5301 S HWY 16 CITY: RAPID CITY STATE: SD ZIP: 57701 BUSINESS PHONE: 6053415400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: SODAK GAMING INC STREET 2: 5301 S HIGHWAY 16 CITY: RAPID CITY STATE: SD ZIP: 57701 10-K 1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 Commission File No. 0-21754 SODAK GAMING, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) SOUTH DAKOTA 46-0407053 (State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer organization) Identification No.) 5301 S. HIGHWAY 16 RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA 57701 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (605) 341-5400 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: Common Stock $0.001 par value (Title of class) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes __X__ No_____ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in the registrant's definitive proxy statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 19, 1999 was approximately $93,391,401 (based on the last sale price of such stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market). The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, as of March 19, 1999, was: Common Stock, $0.001 par value: 22,789,908 shares. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Part III incorporates information from the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statements to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the close of the Registrant's fiscal year. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I Item 1. Business 3 Item 2. Properties 25 Item 3. Legal Proceedings 26 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 26 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder 27 Matters Item 6. Selected Financial Data 27 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 28 and Results of Operations Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements 41 Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting 64 and Financial Disclosures PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 64 Item 11. Executive Compensation 64 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 64 Management Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 64 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule 64 and Reports on Form 8-K Signatures 67 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS INTRODUCTION Sodak Gaming, Inc. (the Company or Sodak) is a leading distributor and financier of gaming equipment and a broad range of gaming-related products and services and a provider of wide area progressive systems, primarily to Native American casinos. In addition, the Company operates the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino entertainment facility (MISS MARQUETTE) in Marquette, Iowa. On March 11, 1999, the Company announced that a definitive agreement (Merger Agreement) was signed whereby the Company would be acquired by a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Game Technology (IGT) for $10 per share in cash, totaling approximately $230 million (the Merger). The Company would become a wholly-owned subsidiary under the terms of the Merger Agreement. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Sodak shareholder approval and IGT obtaining the financing required to fund the transaction. In addition, as a further condition to closing, the Company is expected to divest its wholly-owned riverboat casino entertainment complex, the MISS MARQUETTE, and its 50% joint venture interest to develop a gaming riverboat complex in Louisiana. The holders of a majority of the common stock of the Company have agreed to vote in favor of the Merger. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 1999. In June 1998, the Company announced a corporate restructuring designed to refocus the Company on its core businesses - product sales and wide area progressive systems to Native American casinos - and the MISS MARQUETTE and to limit future pursuit of gaming operations to North America. In connection with the restructuring, the Company divested its Brazil operation in late July 1998. The divestiture of its Peru and Ecuador operations in December 1998 concluded the Company's exit from Latin America. Product sales are primarily derived from the sale and distribution of gaming equipment manufactured by IGT under an exclusive distributorship agreement which is in effect through May 2001, at which time it continues for two-year renewal periods unless canceled by either party. The agreement grants the Company the exclusive right to distribute IGT manufactured or assembled gaming machines to casinos located on Native American lands in the United States (except Nevada, New Jersey and Hawaii) and to non-Native American purchasers in South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming. The agreement restricts the Company from selling competing products and is subject to review and renewal upon significant change in control of the Company (see "Relationship with IGT" on page 7). The Company anticipates that its product sales activities and markets would be unaffected by the pending acquisition by IGT (as described above). -3- The Company also has an exclusive agreement with IGT to provide and market wide area progressive systems to Native American casinos. Wide area progressive systems link gaming machines in various casinos to a central computer which builds a "progressive" jackpot which increases with every wager made throughout the system. The systems are designed to increase gaming machine play for participating casinos by giving players the opportunity to win jackpots substantially larger or more frequent than those available from gaming machines which are not linked to a progressive system. This agreement continues as long as a progressive system is operating. The Company also has an exclusive agreement with IGT to provide and market wide area progressive systems to casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota. The Company anticipates that its wide area progressive systems activities and markets would be unaffected by the pending acquisition by IGT (see page 3). The Company has distributorship arrangements with several other manufacturers and suppliers of gaming-related equipment and products. The Company provides financing for its product sales and has participated in the development, equipping and financing of gaming ventures, such as the Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino in Arizona, from which the Company participates in Harrah's management fee. In October 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with subsidiaries of Hollywood Casino Corporation (Hollywood) and New Orleans Paddlewheels (NOP) to develop a riverboat casino, hotel and retail complex in Shreveport, Louisiana. The proposed project, to be managed by Hollywood, received regulatory approval by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board in September 1998. The project was anticipated to be financed by an equity investment from the Company and Hollywood equal to approximately 25% of the total estimated $185 million project cost; the remaining 75% was anticipated to be financed through a debt offering or other credit facility. During 1998, the Company invested $2.4 million in the joint venture, but has no commitment to invest additional funds until financing for the project is arranged. The debt financing for the project was anticipated to occur in mid-1999, at which time it was anticipated that the Company and Hollywood each would have invested approximately $21 million additional equity in the joint venture. As a condition of the Merger Agreement with IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest its interest in the proposed Shreveport project. The Company and Hollywood each effectively own 50% of the joint venture (subject to a 10% residual interest by NOP in the event the operation is sold to a third party). The Company accounts for the project on the equity method of accounting. Through March 19, 1999, the joint venture has not incurred any significant operating expenses. -4- BUSINESS STRATEGY The Company's business strategy is to maintain its dominant share of gaming equipment sales in the Native American market and to expand its wide area progressive systems. Prior to the Merger Agreement with IGT, the Company also pursued strategies to maintain and increase its gaming operations in expanding domestic gaming jurisdictions and to increase and strengthen its strategic alliances with other companies in the gaming industry. If the pending Merger is consummated (see page 3), the Company would no longer pursue gaming operations. The Company's business lines are: (i) product sales; (ii) wide area progressive systems; (iii) gaming operations, which include a riverboat casino; and (iv) financing. Management believes future growth may come from maintaining its dominant market share in gaming machine sales and placing additional wide area progressive systems and additional machines on the systems in Native American casinos. However, there can be no assurance that such growth may occur in the future, due primarily to gaming's dependence on its regulatory status and public acceptance. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement with IGT (see page 3), the Company's prior strategy to pursue gaming operations is expected to cease. PRODUCT SALES STRATEGY The Company believes it will continue to maintain its dominant market share in the distribution of gaming machines to the Native American gaming market. The Company intends to continue assisting new customers by providing gaming machines and ancillary products while assisting existing customers with casino expansions and replacement of older gaming machines. The Company has been selling machines in Native American jurisdictions since 1990. In 1998, the Company maintained its extensive product line of gaming-related and ancillary products and parts. The Company believes that it is positioned to implement its product sales strategy as a result of its excellent reputation in the Native American gaming market coupled with its product lines, marketing expertise and customer assistance and support after the sale. The Company believes these factors would be unaffected by the pending IGT acquisition of the Company (see page 3). Sodak believes it holds a competitive advantage in the Native American gaming market due to several reasons, including effective business relationships with Native American tribes, strong business alliances in the gaming industry, its comprehensive offering of products, customer technical support and service, its knowledge and understanding of customer needs, and the offering of creative customer financing. Sodak continues to comply with licensing requirements with states and with resident Native American tribes that have licensing requirements. This enables Sodak to be in a position to distribute gaming machines and related products to Native American tribes as soon as possible following approval of any new tribal-state compacts. At the end of 1998, the Company was licensed in more than 100 jurisdictions. The Company has provided funds and legal support to assist Native American tribes in negotiating tribal-state compacts and obtaining regulatory approvals to commence casino operations. In order to develop and enhance its relationships with Native American tribes, Sodak expects to continue to share with Native American tribes its information and knowledge of the Native American gaming industry. The Company continues to provide objective information and support to regulatory entities and legislative bodies. -5- WIDE AREA PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMS STRATEGY The Company's wide area progressive system strategy is to place additional wide area progressive systems and additional machines on such systems in jurisdictions permitting the operation of wide area progressive systems. The Company also seeks to maximize game revenue performance. The Company believes its strategy would be unaffected by the pending IGT acquisition of the Company (see page 3). In August 1994, the Company implemented the first federally approved interstate wide area progressive systems for Native American casinos as the exclusive licensing agent for IGT's proprietary systems. The Company believes that as Native American gaming continues to expand and as the gaming public desires higher jackpot payouts, the demand for wide area progressive systems could increase. Consistent with this strategy, the Company introduced eight new systems in 1998: PINBALLMANIA, SLOTOPOLY, SUPERNICKELMANIA, JEOPARDY! (one interstate and one intrastate system for Arizona) and 25(cent) versionS OF WHEEL OF FORTune (one interstate system and intrastate systems for Arizona and for Deadwood, South Dakota). In February 1999, a 25(cENT) Elvis(R) system was added, and in March 1999, an intrastate SLOTOPOLY system for Arizona was added. Wide area progressive machines are provided by IGT at no cost to customers. The Company provides wide area progressive ancillary products, such as stands and signage, at no cost to customers. The Company offers an extensive variety of systems, ranging from 5(cent) to $5 in denomination, including eight systems for the popular 25(cent) denomination. Additional systems are anticipated with a continued emphasis on enhanced entertainment value and player appeal. Older systems can experience declines in play level with the introduction of new systems. Consistent with the Company's strategy to maximize game performance, certain systems could be phased out as a result of changes in performance and replaced with newer systems. GAMING OPERATIONS STRATEGY Casino ownership and operations are inconsistent with IGT's business philosophy and strategy. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement with IGT, the Company expects to divest its MISS MARQUETTE gaming operation and will no longer pursue other gaming operations. Prior to signing the Merger Agreement, the Company's gaming operations strategy had been: (i) to continue to improve operating performance and to increase revenue of the MISS MARQUETTE by implementing new cost-saving policies, by enhancing the entertainment and amenity offerings and by implementing new marketing strategies; and (ii) to seek additional opportunities to operate and/or participate in casinos and other gaming entertainment facilities. In October 1997 the Company announced it had entered into agreements with subsidiaries of Hollywood and NOP to develop a riverboat casino and land-based facilities in Shreveport, Louisiana. In September 1998, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) granted approval of the transfer of ownership interest in the partnership entity that holds the gaming license for the proposed project from NOP and Hilton Hotels to the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, Hollywood and NOP. Furthermore in September 1998, the LGCB granted approval to the Company, Hollywood and NOP to build a $185 million riverboat casino entertainment resort in Shreveport, Louisiana. The project plans approved by the LGCB included land-based facilities encompassing a 65,000 square foot Hollywood theme pavilion, three restaurants, a casino studio store, a 300 to 400 room luxury hotel, a state of the art riverboat casino with 30,000 square feet of gaming space accommodating approximately 1,800 gaming positions, and 2,050 parking spaces with 40,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space on the ground level of the parking structures. As a condition of the Merger Agreement with IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest its interest in this project. -6- FINANCING STRATEGY The Company provides equipment financing to serve customers and to facilitate the sales process. The Company is creative with financing arrangements, allowing customers' repayment schedules to coincide with cash flows of their casino operations. On a case-by-case basis, the Company may provide interim financing for the planning, development and construction phases of casino projects, thereby expediting these projects. The Company expects to continue with creative financing arrangements for equipment sales and on a case-by-case basis may pursue participation arrangements or the financing of gaming development. ALLIANCES WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS The Company had established key alliances with several gaming industry companies as part of its strategy to augment its recurring revenue sources. Among these alliances were IGT, Harrah's, Hollywood and NOP. If the Merger with IGT is consummated, the Company's joint venture interest with Hollywood and NOP is expected to be divested. RELATIONSHIP WITH IGT The Company announced on March 11, 1999, that it had entered into an agreement to be acquired by IGT (see page 3). IGT is one of the largest manufacturers of computerized casino gaming products and operators of proprietary gaming systems in the world. The Company is IGT's largest customer and enjoys a mutually beneficial contractual and business relationship with IGT. Approximately 77% of the Company's product sales in 1998 were derived from the sale of gaming machines manufactured by IGT under its exclusive distributorship agreement with IGT. Pursuant to this distributorship agreement, the Company has agreed not to directly or indirectly solicit orders for, sell, lease or promote the sale of any products that compete with or are similar to products offered by IGT in territories covered under the agreement. Sodak's original distributorship agreement with IGT, which was entered into on August 10, 1989, provided the Company with the exclusive right to distribute IGT gaming machines in Deadwood, South Dakota for a one-year period. The distributorship agreement with IGT has been modified several times. The following is a brief description of the current distributorship agreement with IGT. Sodak holds the sole and exclusive right to distribute IGT manufactured or assembled gaming devices, slot machines, and IGT-distributed gaming machines designed or manufactured by others (collectively "products"), in North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming and for Native American reservations in the United States subject to the following exception: Sodak may not distribute new IGT products to anyone in Nevada, New Jersey and Hawaii. The distributorship agreement with IGT has a three-year term through May 31, 2001 and continues thereafter for consecutive two-year renewals unless canceled by either party. Pursuant to its distributorship agreement with IGT, the Company purchases products from IGT at fixed discounts from the then current retail list price as established by IGT from time to time, plus freight and delivery charges. Payment by Sodak for IGT machines must be made in full within 90 days for direct shipments to Sodak customers and 135 days for Sodak stock inventories. Payments made within 20 days of delivery qualify for an additional discount. -7- IGT may terminate its distributorship agreement with the Company if any one of the following events occurs: (i) if ownership in or control over the Company is held by or passed to any single person or business entity, which ownership or control in the reasonable belief of IGT materially jeopardizes any IGT license or approval or creates a material conflict of interest in such person or business entity with IGT and its products; (ii) the Company has failed to use its best efforts to attain a reasonable level of sales performance or service of IGT products; (iii) the Company has directly or indirectly offered any non-IGT products which directly compete with IGT products to the extent such competitive activity is prohibited by the distributorship agreement; or (iv) the Company has failed to comply with IGT policies. IGT may only terminate the distributorship agreement after giving the Company 90 days written notice of the event of termination. The Company has 90 days from receipt of IGT's written notice to correct the activity which IGT claims gives rise to termination of the distribution agreement IGT may also terminate the distributorship agreement if: (i) the Company is licensed in Nevada as a gaming machine manufacturer or distributor of gaming equipment unless the Company and IGT otherwise agree; or (ii) the Company fails to operate a majority of IGT products at its gaming operations, unless IGT will not sell, lease or otherwise provide IGT products or linked progressive systems to the Company for such operations, or the Company's operation is conducted pursuant to paragraph 1.B. of the distributorship agreement. The Company or IGT may terminate if: (i) the other party has failed to maintain its image, ethics, reputation or customer relations in accordance with industry standards; and (ii) the Company has failed to observe all applicable laws or obtain necessary licenses or approvals from each gaming regulatory authority in each applicable jurisdiction in which it distributes. The distributorship agreement may only be terminated if, within ninety days receipt of written notice, the offending party fails to correct the activity which the non-offending party claims gives rise to the right to terminate. The Company also has an IGT Software Distribution and License Agreement, under which the Company is licensed to copy and sell software developed by IGT for use in any IGT 80960 microprocessor platform machine, including "Vision Series," "Game King" and "IGame." The software controls both the base game and the game-within-a-game (also called bonus game) features of the gaming equipment. It can be upgraded as enhancements and new games are introduced. The software agreement presently is scheduled for renewal in May 1999 and is expected to be revised to coincide with the May 2001 renewal date of the exclusive distribution agreement. On September 30, 1993, the Company entered into an exclusive distributor agreement with IGT to provide and market IGT's proprietary wide area progressive systems to Native American casinos. This agreement continues as long as any of the progressive systems are operating and obligations under the agreement are being fulfilled. The Company also provides and markets IGT proprietary progressive systems to casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota. RELATIONSHIP WITH HARRAH'S Harrah's, one of the leading casino entertainment companies in the United States, has a 14% equity interest in Sodak. Harrah's and the Company have an Indian Gaming Development Agreement, pursuant to which Sodak has agreed to use its best efforts to identify Native American gaming management contract opportunities in the United States and Canada and inform Harrah's of such opportunities. If Harrah's is selected by the Native American tribe to manage a Native American -8- gaming project presented by the Company, the Company will be entitled to a fee equal to a portion of any casino management fees earned by Harrah's under the applicable management contract, regardless of whether or not the Company participates in the financing of such project. The agreement specifies that Harrah's will assist the Company with the sale and distribution of products in Native American casinos as long as no conflicts of fiduciary obligations exist. The agreement also validates the Company's continued participation in Harrah's management fee in connection with the Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino entertainment complex in Arizona. To date, the Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin is the only casino managed by Harrah's in which the Company participates in Harrah's managment fee. RELATIONSHIP WITH HOLLYWOOD CASINO CORPORATION AND NEW ORLEANS PADDLEWHEELS, INC. The Company had entered into agreements with Hollywood and NOP in conjunction with the joint venture to develop a riverboat casino and entertainment, lodging, dining and retail facilities in Shreveport, Louisiana. Under terms of the Merger Agreement with IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest its interest in this joint venture. Hollywood, a publicly traded company based in Dallas, Texas, owns and operates movie memorabilia-themed gaming entertainment properties and hotels in Tunica, Mississippi, and Aurora, Illinois. NOP, a privately held company, is a tour and excursion vessel operator in Louisiana. In October 1997 the Company announced it had entered into agreements with subsidiaries of Hollywood and NOP to develop a riverboat casino and land-based facilities in Shreveport, Louisiana. These agreements were amended in July 1998 to finalize the understanding among the participants in the project. In September 1998, the LGCB granted approval of the transfer of ownership interest in the partnership entity that holds the gaming license for the proposed project from NOP and Hilton Hotels Corporation to the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, Hollywood and NOP. Furthermore in September 1998, the LGCB granted approval to the Company, Hollywood and NOP to build a $185 million riverboat casino entertainment resort in Shreveport, Louisiana. The project plans approved by the LGCB included land-based facilities encompassing a 65,000 square foot Hollywood theme pavilion, three restaurants, a casino studio store, a 300 to 400 room luxury hotel, a state of the art riverboat casino with 30,000 square feet of gaming space accommodating approximately 1,800 gaming positions, and 2,050 parking spaces with 40,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space on the ground level of the parking structures. Under the agreements, the Company and Hollywood would have each effectively owned 50% of the project, with the exception that NOP would have a 10% residual interest in the project. The Company and Hollywood would have each been allocated 50% of the net earnings of the project. Hollywood would have managed the project pursuant to a long-term management contract. The terms of the management agreement would have called for Hollywood to receive an annual basic management fee equal to 2% of the project's net revenues and a complex annual incentive fee based upon a tiered percentage of operating earnings of the project. NOP would have provided maritime services to the project, for which it would have received a $30,000 monthly maritime services fee. Pursuant to the business agreement among the participants in the project, Sodak would have received an annual fee equal to 1% of the net revenues of the proposed project for the first five years of operations and NOP would have received an annual fee equal to 1% of net revenues. Construction would have commenced contingent upon obtaining financing for the proposed project. -9- GAMING MARKETS GENERAL The U.S. gaming entertainment industry continued to grow in 1998 but at a slower pace than recent years. Native American casinos are a major segment of the industry. According to estimates in a study published by various gaming commissions and trade publications, Native American Class III casinos accounted for approximately $5.1 billion in casino revenue in 1997, an increase of approximately 8% over 1996. Native American casinos accounted for approximately 21% of the $23.9 billion in total U.S. casino revenue. In 1998, 18 states permitted Indian casinos with electronic gaming machines. The Company provides gaming equipment in 16 of those 18 states. The total number of Class III compacts increased to 196 as of February 1999 according to the National Indian Gaming Association. The riverboat casino market in 1998 consisted of approximately 80 (including dockside operations) in six states. Other popular forms of wagering include lotteries, bingo, parimutuels, sports bookmaking and card rooms. The Company has positioned itself as a major provider of products and systems to the Native American gaming market in the United States. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement whereby the Company would be acquired by IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to no longer seek opportunities to engage or participate in gaming operations, and the Company is expected to divest its MISS MARQUETTE gaming operation and its 50% joint venture interest to develop a gaming riverboat complex in Louisiana. NATIVE AMERICAN GAMING Prior to 1981, casino-style gaming in the United States, such as slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette and craps, was the realm of the traditional gaming markets of Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1981, however, the Seminole Tribe of Florida established its right to conduct high-stakes bingo games on its reservation. Bingo is currently conducted by a significant number of Native American tribes throughout the United States. As bingo games on tribal property expanded, tribes also began offering other gaming activities, such as draw poker and other card games. Such expanded activities led to litigation regarding the permitted scope of Native American gaming. In 1987, the Supreme Court ruled that if a state regulates rather than prohibits any form of gaming, Native American tribes have the right to conduct gaming on Native American land, free of state restrictions. In response to this Supreme Court decision, the United States Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA), which established basic regulations and oversight responsibilities for Native American gaming. IGRA was adopted to promote tribal economic development and self-sufficiency, while attempting to balance these goals against legitimate state and federal regulatory concerns. Due to their generally remote locations, Native American tribes have had few opportunities for economic development and high unemployment has been a significant problem on Native American reservations. Native American casinos have provided tribal members with jobs and revenue for economic development and infrastructure, such as schools, health care facilities and water treatment and sewage systems. -10- Pursuant to IGRA, Class III gaming, which includes slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and all other forms of gaming not defined as Class I or Class II, may be conducted pursuant to agreements between Native American tribes and states. These agreements, called tribal-state compacts, must be approved by the Secretary of the Department of Interior (the Secretary). The tribal-state compact for a Native American casino typically describes the types of casino games to be offered by such casino and the terms and conditions under which each casino game will be operated. Native American tribes must negotiate compacts with their host states before Class III gaming is permitted to be conducted. Prior to the enactment of IGRA in 1988, Native American casinos were not required to operate under Secretary approved tribal-state compacts. At the end of 1988, no tribal-state compacts had been published by the Secretary and no Native American casinos were operating under approved tribal-state compacts. The number of approved Class III compacts had risen to 196 as of February 1999. As of the same date, there were a significant number of tribal-state compacts under negotiation or renegotiation and in many cases subject to litigation. There are currently approximately 331 federally recognized Native American tribes in 34 of the contiguous United States. As of January 1999, approximately 200 Native American groups were seeking federal recognition as Indian tribes. During the past several years, many significant cases involving Native American gaming were decided by both federal and state courts. The courts addressed issues of state and tribal sovereign immunity, the scope of Class III gaming, the authority of governors to enter into binding gaming compacts, and the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Native Americans. There have been a number of recent court decisions, many of which are under appeal, regarding litigation between certain Native American tribes and the States of Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Texas, which potentially could have an impact on the state's willingness to negotiate compacts with tribes. On March 27, 1996, the U.S. Supreme Court held in SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA V. FLORIDA ET AL. that states and governors cannot be compelled to negotiate with tribes. The Supreme Court determined that Congress did not have the power to abrogate the state's sovereign immunity to suits by tribes, in essence declaring unconstitutional IGRA's provision that states can be sued for failure to negotiate in good faith. As a result, tribes currently have no legal right to compel a state to negotiate a tribal-state compact. In the same case, however, the Court referenced language in IGRA which provides that the Secretary of the Interior can prescribe regulations governing tribal gaming on tribal lands in the event tribes and states fail to negotiate a compact. The National Governors' Association has asserted that the Secretary has no authority to do so. In January 1998, the Secretary published proposed regulations and requested public comment. The proposed regulations provide a process by which the Secretary may prescribe regulations under which a Tribe may operate Class III gaming when an arbitrator or court has determined that a state has failed to negotiate a compact in good faith. Several legislative measures have been introduced in the Congress to temporarily block such regulations. In addition, the Secretary was prohibited by law from taking any definitive action before March 21, 1999. The Congress is currently considering amendments to special appropriations legislation which would extend this prohibition for another eight months. The authority of state governors to bind states to tribal gaming compacts has been challenged in several state courts. Some courts have found that governors have such authority while other courts -11- have found such authority lacking. In New Mexico, the State Supreme Court held that the governor lacked the authority to enter into gaming compacts without the authorization or approval of the state legislature. On March 21, 1997, the New Mexico legislature passed legislation authorizing the governor to bind the state to tribal gaming compacts under certain conditions. Similarly, the Rhode Island Supreme Court held that the governor lacked authority to bind the state to the 1994 compact he had entered into with the Narragansett Tribe. In March 1998, the Pala Band of Mission Indians signed a compact with the state of California. The compact provides for a total of 19,900 gaming devices in the state, with no more than 975 machines per tribe, subject to renegotiation in March 1999. These machines would have to meet technical specifications that conform to California law, primarily (i) that the machines be linked to a central processing and monitoring system; (ii) that payouts would be "non-banked," that is, payouts are self-funded rather than casino-funded (as is the case with stand-alone slot machines) because they are derived from the amount of play on such systems; and (iii) that the terminals have video screens. A number of other matters continue to affect Native American gaming in California, where several Native American casinos have been in operation outside the regulatory structure of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The four United States Attorneys in California outlined their intended enforcement plans regarding such operations following the completion of the compact. Spokespersons for several Native American tribes had indicated in public statements that legal action could be taken to challenge the terms of the compact signed with the Pala Band. In addition, Initiated Proposition 5 passed with 63% of voters approving the measure in the November 1998 election. This initiative was essentially a mandatory compact between the State of California and Indian tribes permitting gaming devices of unspecified numbers. Proposition 5 has been challenged on constitutional grounds and the California Supreme Court is expected to hear the case soon with an anticipated decision by the third quarter of 1999. The Governor of California recently appointed a former federal judge for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to negotiate new compacts with the tribes. A group was selected by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association to represent the tribes in the negotiations. These negotiations are proceeding coterminously with the legal challenge to Proposition 5 and the referral of the approval language of the Pala compacts. It is anticipated that these new compacts would be in place and ready for approval should Proposition 5 be ruled invalid. The authority of the Secretary of the Department of Interior to take land into trust for reservation and gaming purposes was challenged in 1995. On November 7, 1995, the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (South Dakota) ruled that the section of the Indian Reorganization Act which grants the Secretary of Interior authority to take land into trust for Indians is unconstitutional. On October 15, 1996, the United States Supreme Court reversed both Appeals Court and district court rulings, and directed the Secretary of the Interior to reconsider the trust land acquisition under new rules promulgated by the Secretary while the case was under appeal. Essentially the Supreme Court's action constitutes an affirmation of the constitutionality of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 when the Secretary promulgates and follows appropriate rules. The 106th Congress may consider legislative action which could potentially affect the manner in which tribal governments conduct business. The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is -12- expected to propose a measure to apply the unrelated business income tax (UBIT) principles to tribal operations or to enact an Indian gaming excise tax. The chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee may consider hearings on comprehensive changes to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act may be proposed by individual Senators, pertaining to regulatory aspects of Indian gaming, but such amendments are not expected to adversely affect the Company's ability to conduct business with tribal governments. There can be no assurance that tribal-state compacts will be modified or negotiated in a manner that allows the Company to continue conducting business in any states in the future. In addition, due to many continuing disputes involving the compacting process, legislation is being proposed and hearings are being conducted at the federal level in an attempt to address these issues. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission, authorized and funded by the U.S. government, began conducting meetings in June 1997. This nine member commission is to conduct a comprehensive legal and factual study of the social and economic impacts of gambling in the United States on federal, state, local and native American tribal governments and communities and social institutions generally. A report on its findings is expected in 1999. Any recommendation by the commission would then require congressional action and approval to become effective. WIDE AREA PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMS Wide area progressive systems link gaming machines in various casinos to a central computer. The systems build large "progressive" jackpots which increase with every wager made throughout the systems. Eventually a jackpot is won, and a new jackpot is created and grows in size as play on the system continues. The systems are designed to increase gaming machine play for participating casinos by giving the players the opportunity to win jackpots substantially larger than those available from gaming machines which are not linked to a progressive system. In 1986, IGT introduced the first electronically-linked, inter-casino gaming machine systems offered to the gaming industry. In 1994, the Company implemented the first federally approved interstate wide area progressive systems as the exclusive licensing agent for IGT's proprietary wide area progressive systems for Native American casinos nationwide. IGT periodically introduces new proprietary systems, which the Company may offer to Native American casinos. The Company expects that its provision of wide area progressive systems would be unaffected by the pending acquisition of the Company by IGT (see page 3). CASINO GAMING Casino or "Las Vegas style" gaming generally involves the operation of slot and video machines, blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, and other table games and gaming devices, in a single facility. The exact types of games used will vary from one market to the next, but casinos generally are distinguished from other types of gaming operations by the fact that they offer both table games and electronic gaming devices in one location. Casino gaming has been allowed in Nevada since 1931 and in Atlantic City, New Jersey since 1978. Native American casinos have been operating under the terms of the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act since 1989. Limited-stake gaming is permitted in Deadwood, South Dakota, where slot machines, poker and black jack are offered. -13- RIVERBOAT GAMING Since 1991, several states have permitted the establishment of gaming operations on riverboat facilities. Riverboat casinos currently are operating in six states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri. Approximately 80 riverboat casinos (including dockside facilities) were in operation at the end of 1998 and additional major riverboat operations are scheduled to open in 1999 and 2000. The Company owns and operates the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino on the Mississippi River in Marquette, Iowa. The operation of the MISS MARQUETTE is subject to a public referendum of Clayton County, Iowa voters in November 2002. Clayton County originally approved such a referendum with an approval of 60.5% of the voters in May 1994 to allow the operation of the MISS MARQUETTE. As a condition of the Merger Agreement with IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest the MISS MARQUETTE. BUSINESS LINES During 1998, the Company derived revenue from the following lines of business: 1) product sales; 2) wide area progressive systems; 3) gaming operations, which include domestic and Latin American operations; and 4) financing income. For the year ended December 31, 1998, Sodak generated revenue from the following sources: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PERCENT OF REVENUE OF TOTAL SODAK REVENUE BY SOURCE - 1998 ($ MILLION) REVENUE ---------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- Product sales Gaming machines $ 43.4 33% Ancillary products and parts 12.2 9% ------------ ----------- SUBTOTAL, PRODUCT SALES 55.6 42% Wide area progressive systems 15.2 12% Gaming operations Domestic gaming operations 35.9 27% Latin American gaming operations (1) 17.5 13% ------------ ----------- SUBTOTAL, GAMING OPERATIONS 53.4 40% Financing income 8.3 6% ------------ ----------- TOTAL REVENUE $ 132.5 100% ============ =========== ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) Operations divested as of December 31, 1998 PRODUCT SALES The products presently distributed by the Company can be classified into two categories: gaming machines and ancillary products and parts. -14- GAMING MACHINES The Company distributes IGT-manufactured electronic gaming machines and video gaming machines, with variations of design, payment features and token, coinage and currency acceptance. Under the Merger Agreement announced March 11, 1999, the Company is expected to be acquired by IGT (see page 3). The Company believes that the pending Merger with IGT would not affect its ability to provide quality products and customer service in its markets. New game "personalities" and themes are introduced periodically in order to satisfy customer demand and to compete with product designs introduced by competitors. The variety of gaming machines, styles and types allows a casino manager to create the optimum mix of games to attract the gaming public. The gaming machines distributed by Sodak include a wide variety of game types, innovative designs, self-diagnostic capabilities and various accounting and data retention functions. Replacement occurs as a result of technological advances, new designs, improvements and the development of new games. Both slot machines and video gaming machines are manufactured in various sizes and colors and are offered in several designs including upright, slant top and drop-in-bar. IGT gaming machines may be special ordered, with design and configuration customized to a customer's particular requirements. The variety of gaming machine styles and types are designed to allow each subassembly to be individually repaired or replaced. The Company believes the modular nature of the machines minimizes down time in the event of a product failure and enables the Company to replace the failed part without requiring the customer to remove the machine from operation while the part is repaired. In 1998, IGT introduced additional gaming machines to its product line, including an "S+Limited" series which includes many games offered as a result of IGT's acquisition of Barcrest Limited. Additional games were added to the "Vision" series, which features full-motion video screens and stereo sound systems. The video technology allows for a "game within a game" (also called "bonus game") features that add another dimension of gaming entertainment to the machine play. The screen may also be used to provide information, promotional messages and forms of visual entertainment. The "S+Limited" series combines classic spinning reels with bonus games. IGT also added more features and game choices to its "IGame" interactive multi-game video gaming platform. The Company believes its market share exceeds 70% in the Native American gaming jurisdictions it serves. At the end of 1998, it is estimated that the Company had installed approximately 58,600 machines of the total base of approximately 83,100 gaming machines in Native American casinos in the 16 states comprising the Company's distribution territory. Demand for the Company's gaming machines is derived from 1) the establishment of new gaming jurisdictions; 2) the establishment of new casinos in existing jurisdictions; 3) expansions at existing casinos; and 4) the replacement of older machines. Machine replacement is primarily due to economic performance factors as opposed to mechanical performance. The combination of technical advance, new designs, improvement of visual aesthetics, changing tastes and preferences of the gaming public and competitive pressures among casinos contributes to a demand to replace older machines with newer machines. The Company believes that Native American casinos generally will adopt the practice of machine replacement as part of an overall and ongoing practice to offer quality entertainment experiences to their players. However, there is no assurance that the demand for new machines will be stimulated by casinos' desire to aggressively replace older equipment. -15- GAMING-RELATED AND ANCILLARY PRODUCTS AND PARTS The Company provides a full range of gaming related products including gaming machine stands, chairs and stools, custom-designed signs and other products as a complement to its gaming machine sales. Other products include lock assemblies, table games and supplies, coin handling equipment and supplies, carts and banks, and other miscellaneous casino products. Such gaming related products are purchased on a wholesale basis from various manufacturers and distributors. The gaming related products are either shipped directly from such suppliers to Sodak's customers or, particularly in the case of gaming machine stands, are shipped from Sodak's inventory. The Company's customers have not experienced any significant difficulty receiving timely delivery. Because of the generic nature of these products, the Company does not have to rely on a single supplier for any of these goods. In addition, the Company stocks an extensive inventory of replacement parts and supplies for its gaming machines. PRODUCT SALES, DISTRIBUTION, MARKETING AND SUPPORT The Company's sales force consists of six salespersons, each with responsibility for a separate geographic region, and a vice president of sales to oversee its salespersons. The salespersons and vice president of sales are primarily compensated on a commission basis. Salespersons are based in South Dakota, Arizona, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The warehouse facility for gaming machines and main parts inventories is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. A satellite parts warehouse, which opened in February 1999, is located near Wausau, Wisconsin. The Company's distribution system responds to customer orders for gaming machines either out of existing inventory or through purchase orders placed with IGT. Although the gaming machines may be shipped directly to the customer from IGT's manufacturing facilities in Reno, Nevada, the Company maintains an inventory of gaming machines generally ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 machines to facilitate its customers' short-term demands. Customer demand can be accommodated in as little as two weeks due to the Company's inventory and responsive custom assembly capability, compared to a typical delivery time of 12 to 14 weeks from a manufacturer. By maintaining a comprehensive inventory, the Company has not experienced significant backlogs nor does it currently have any backlog. The Company believes that its inventory management strategy and ability to forecast customer demand will enable it to minimize backlogs. The Company believes that its ability to provide prompt delivery of gaming machines is an important part of the Company's business strategy. Sodak also assists its customers with marketing and casino support services. The Company utilizes a variety of methods to market gaming products, including the publication of a guide to the Native American gaming business, advertisements in industry trade publications and participation in select trade shows. The marketing and casino support services departments have responsibility for generating and tracking demographic data, assisting customers in the design and casino floor layout of their casinos based on the proposed slot mix, and providing general support services to the sales force. Marketing personnel assist customers with the coordination of casino design and themes. In summary, the Company assists customers with market research, custom designs, casino floor layouts, product recommendations and strategies that are geared toward optimizing earnings at their casinos. The Company also offers its customers creative financing arrangements to facilitate the product sales function (see "Financing Income," page 21). -16- The Company considers customer service an important aspect of the overall sales and marketing strategy. Company representatives are present at the customer's location at the time of delivery of the gaming machines to install the machines, to perform quality assurance testing, and to provide training relating to the machines. The Company provides a 90 day parts and service warranty for all gaming machines. The Company offers, for a fee, to service the gaming machines it distributes. In addition, the Company provides a toll-free 24-hour service and support "hot line" to assist casino technicians with troubleshooting and identification of problems with equipment and systems. The Company conducts semi-annual site visits to assure a high quality level of service and support to casinos. The Company employs a staff of approximately 12 regional technical representatives located in nine states to assure a rapid response to customer requests for assistance and service. In February 1999, the Company opened a regional customer service center near Wausau, Wisconsin, to serve casinos in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Another regional customer service center is anticipated to open in the second quarter of 1999, serving casino customers in Arizona and New Mexico. The Company also provides customers extensive technical training. Educational programs are offered to keep casino technicians up to date on machine technology and procedures to maintain and repair them. In addition, extensive training materials are provided in the form of bulletins, technical newsletters, customer notifications and other documents. The Company launched a World Wide Web Internet site -- www.sodak-gaming.com -- in the summer of 1998 to facilitate the transfer of both marketing and technical information to customers. This web site incorporates a link to IGT's web site, www.igtgame.com, which also is a resource for extensive technical information and assistance to the Company's customers. The Company believes it enjoys a competitive advantage in the Native American gaming market due in large part to the Company's marketing strategy. The Company's marketing and sales efforts begin long before the advent of any contractual relationship. Sodak's sales and marketing strategy includes placing its salespeople in their designated regions before tribal-state compact negotiations begin and providing assistance to the Native American tribes on an as needed basis. The Company believes that it is one of the best sources for current information and statistics on the Native American gaming industry. It shares this knowledge without charge with the Native American tribes who participate, or are considering participating, in the gaming industry. The Company has sold gaming machines and related products to compacted Native American casinos in the following 16 states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The Company also has sold gaming machines and related products to First Nations casinos in Ontario and Saskatchewan, Canada. In 1998, the Company was also active in states where compacts were under negotiation, pending approval or undergoing legal action, including Arizona, California, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company intends to continue to engage outside legal counsel and consultants for monitoring of regulatory issues in an attempt to facilitate the tribal-state compacting process in several states. The Company believes that its sales and marketing strategy fosters an early and trustful relationship with the Native American tribes and that this relationship gives Sodak an advantage over its competitors. The Company intends to continue its regulatory and legal support efforts to facilitate future tribal-state compacting processes. -17- The Company has distributed gaming equipment to 90 Native American gaming customers. In 1998, approximately $53.9 million or 97% of the Company's product sales were derived from Native American gaming and approximately 88% of machine shipments were to Native American casinos in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina and Wisconsin. The Company expects its future sales may be concentrated in other states as compacts become effective and new casinos become operative in those states. WIDE AREA PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMS The Company offers wide area progressive systems as the exclusive licensing agent for IGT's proprietary wide area progressive systems for Native American casinos in jurisdictions which allow such systems and to casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement announced March 11, 1999, the Company is expected to be acquired by IGT in the last half of 1999 (see page 3). The Company believes that pending Merger with IGT would not affect its ability to provide systems and customer service in its markets. The number of machines on Native American wide area progressive systems was approximately 2,000 at December 31, 1998 compared to approximately 1,700 at December 31, 1997. In 1998, the Company offered wide area progressive systems in 12 states: Arizona (which permits the operation of intrastate systems in lieu of interstate systems), Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin. At December 31, 1998, 21 systems were in operation: MEGABUCKS (one interstate and one intrastate), DOLLARS DELUXE, FABULOUS 50'S, QUARTERMANIA (one interstate and two intrastate), NICKELMANIA, dollar-denominated WHEEL OF FORTUNE (one interstate and one intrastate), 25(cent)-denominaTED WHEEL OF FOrtune (one interstate and two intrastate), HIGH ROLLERS, WHEEL OF GOLD, JEOPARDY!(one interstate and one intrastate), TOTEM POLE, PINBALLMANIA, SLOTOPOLY and SUPERNICKELMANIA. In February 1999, an interstate 25(cENT) Elvis(R) system became operational and in March 1999, an intrastate SLOTOPOLY system for Arizona was added. Wide area progressive machines are provided by IGT at no cost to customers and the Company provides wide area progressive ancillary products, such as stands and signage at no cost to customers. The Company offers an extensive variety of systems, ranging from 5(cent) to $5 in denomination, including eight systems for the popular 25(cent) denomination. Additional systems are anticipated with a continued emphasis on enhanced entertainment value and player appeal. Older systems can experience declines in play level with the introduction of new systems, and certain systems could be phased out as a result of changes in performance. To support its wide area progressive systems, the Company has a vice president overseeing a staff of two salespersons, a marketing specialist, a systems supervisor with a 24-hour monitoring staff of approximately 18 employees, a financial analyst, and an administrative assistant. In addition, approximately 12 regional technical representatives are available to provide field service and assistance to keep machine performance at an optimum level. The Company is responsible for obtaining contracts to place systems at new casinos, introducing new systems to casinos offering wide area progressives, and providing marketing information and support to all wide area progressive systems customers. The Company also provides for the verification of primary jackpots. The Company's financial analyst provides customers with studies to optimize the earning power of such systems relative to their entire casino floor. The Company also utilizes resources of other corporate departments to provide technical and promotional assistance of systems. -18- Primary jackpot awards vary among the systems. Several are annuities and paid over a 20- to 25-year period, depending on the system. Beginning in 1998, primary jackpot winners are given the option to select between a discounted single lump-sum payment or the annuity offered by the system. Two systems introduced in 1998 feature progressive jackpots that are single payments and not multi-year annuities. Primary jackpots have minimum, or reset, amounts that range from $100,000 to $1.5 million. Through March 19, 1999, these systems had awarded more the $153 million in primary jackpot amounts to more than 300 players. Based on current market trends, the Company anticipates increased revenue from its wide area progressive systems in 1999 as it proceeds with its strategy to place additional systems and additional gaming machines on the systems in jurisdictions currently permitting the operation of wide area progressive systems. The Company believes additional jurisdictions may authorize the operation of such systems, thereby enabling additional growth. However, there can be no assurance that necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in those prospective jurisdictions. Furthermore, public acceptance of these systems and the entry of competing systems of other gaming companies could affect the Company's future revenue. The Company expects that its provision of wide area progressive systems would be unaffected by the pending acquisition of the Company by IGT (see page 3). GAMING OPERATIONS Under terms of the Merger Agreement whereby the Company is expected to be acquired by IGT in the last half of 1999 (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest its MISS MARQUETTE gaming operation and its interest in a joint venture to develop a riverboat casino entertainment, lodging, dining and retail complex in Shreveport, Louisiana. If the pending Merger is consummated, the Company does not expect to pursue other gaming operations. MISS MARQUETTE In 1994, the Company acquired and refurbished the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat and leased it to Gamblers Supply Management Company (GSMC), an unrelated third party, who operated the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino entertainment facility. On July 1, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of GSMC and assumed operational responsibilities of the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino entertainment facility. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly the consolidated statements of operations include the results of operations of GSMC beginning on July 1, 1996. In December 1997, as a result of changing economic conditions and competitive environments, the Company re-evaluated the recoverability of its investment in the MISS MARQUETTE. The carrying value of MISS MARQUETTE goodwill, property and equipment was reduced to reflect a remaining carrying value equal to the estimated future discounted cash flows of such assets. This resulted in a non-cash pre-tax charge to operations of the MISS MARQUETTE of $8.6 million. Factors leading to the impairment charge were that earnings and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were less than expected as well as the effects of increased competition. The MISS MARQUETTE has 698 gaming machines and 36 table games and is located on a picturesque stretch of the Mississippi River in Marquette, Iowa. The 228-foot riverboat, with 18,747 square feet on three levels, has a capacity of 1,125 passengers and cruises the Mississippi, weather permitting. -19- Since assuming full responsibility for the MISS MARQUETTE'S operation, a number of steps have been implemented to improve the financial performance, including the replacement of top management in the first quarter of 1998 and implementation of cost-saving policies and new marketing strategies. A license to conduct a gaming operation on an excursion vessel in any county in Iowa is issued only if the county electorate approves the gaming operation. Clayton County, where the MISS MARQUETTE is docked, held and approved a referendum in 1994. The proposition is required by law to be resubmitted to the Clayton County electorate at the general election in 2002 and at each subsequent eight-year interval. There can be no assurance that the operation of the MISS MARQUETTE will be re-approved by the voters in 2002. LATIN AMERICAN GAMING OPERATIONS In June 1998, the Company announced a corporate restructuring designed to refocus the Company on its core businesses - product sales and wide area progressive systems to Native American casinos - and the MISS MARQUETTE and to limit future pursuit of gaming operations to North America. In connection with the restructuring, the Company divested its Brazil operation in late July 1998 and its Peru and Ecuador operations in December 1998, concluding the Company's exit from Latin America. PERU. The Company divested its Peru operation, which consisted of gaming halls and route operations, in December 1998. The divestiture resulted in fourth quarter 1998 pre-tax charges of approximately $8.8 million. ECUADOR. The Company divested its Ecuador operation, which consisted of a casino with 150 machines and 12 table games in Quito at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in an agreement effective December 31, 1998. The divestiture resulted in fourth quarter 1998 pre-tax charges of approximately $1.7 million. BRAZIL. The Company in July 1998 divested its Brazil operation, which consisted of a route operation providing approximately 170 machines to a gaming hall in the Arpoador district of Rio de Janeiro. The divestiture resulted in third quarter 1998 pre-tax charges of approximately $1.7 million. OTHER PROPOSED SHREVEPORT RIVERBOAT CASINO, LODGING, DINING AND RETAIL COMPLEX. In September, 1998, the LGCB granted approval to the Company, Hollywood and NOP to build a riverboat casino entertainment resort complex in Shreveport, Louisiana. The proposed project, to be managed by Hollywood, entails land-based facilities encompassing a 65,000 square foot Hollywood theme pavilion, three restaurants, a casino studio store and 300 to 400 room hotel with suites. The proposed riverboat casino is to be a state of the art vessel with 30,000 square feet of gaming space accommodating approximately 1,800 gaming positions. Finally, the proposed project includes 2,050 parking spaces with 40,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space on the ground level of the parking structures. As a condition of the agreement to be acquired by IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest its interest in this project. The facility would be constructed on a city-owned site located in downtown Shreveport on the waterfront, adjacent to the existing Harrah's casino complex. The project would be managed by an affiliate of Hollywood under a long-term management agreement and would be themed similar to the -20- Hollywood properties in Tunica, Mississippi and Aurora, Illinois. The project was anticipated to be capitalized with equity equal to 25% of the project costs, with the remainder of the project being funded from debt financing. The Company and Hollywood each would have provided approximately one-half of the equity capital for the project. The Company's participation in the project was contingent upon 1) the joint venture's obtaining the necessary non-recourse high-yield debt financing on terms and conditions acceptable to the Company; 2) receiving all necessary permits and approvals from all regulatory/governing authorities for the construction of the complex; and 3) obtaining a guaranteed maximum price contract for the construction of the complex. There was no assurance that these contingencies would occur. Furthermore, the high-yield markets have been volatile and unpredictable over the past twelve months and are expected to remain so for the foreseeable future, which may effect the ability of the joint venture to obtain the necessary non-recourse high-yield debt financing for the project. Construction of the project would not begin until these contingencies had been satisfied. CZECH REPUBLIC TV BINGO LOTTERY. In 1994, Sodak entered into an agreement with T.V. Bingo, s.r.o. and its management company, Double Eagle Entertainment Corporation, to become the exclusive supplier of all gaming-related supplies, including lottery tickets and equipment, for a television bingo lottery system in the Czech Republic. In connection with the supply and services agreement, Sodak was to receive a percentage of TV Bingo's revenue from lottery ticket sales beginning in May 1995. The Company had advanced development funding and had provided lottery tickets as part of its supply and service obligations under the agreement. The television bingo lottery project was canceled and ceased production in 1996. The Company in the third quarter of 1996 wrote off $2.7 million of receivables relating to its development. FINANCING INCOME As part of its product sales strategy, the Company provides financing, primarily equipment financing, to Native American casinos. The Company has taken a creative financing approach which structures the terms of loans to the cash flow performance of casino operations. The Company has also been willing to provide 100% equipment financing to make casino projects feasible when no start-up capital or alternative financing arrangements were available. In addition to equipment financing, the Company, on a case-by-case basis, has provided financing guaranties and interim financing for the planning, development and construction phases of casino projects, thereby expediting these projects. These arrangements are sometimes linked to participations which provide recurring revenue to the Company. If the pending Merger with IGT is consummated (see page 3), the Company expects to continue with creative financing arrangements for equipment sales and on a case-by-case basis may consider participation arrangements or the financing of gaming development. In spite of the uncertainties of financing arrangements with Native American tribes, the Company believes that providing financing to Native American tribes has been an important part of its marketing strategy. Because the revenue generated from Native American casinos has been large in relation to the cost of the gaming equipment, Sodak believes that the risks associated with 100% financing arrangements that allow Native American tribes to pay for gaming equipment from future cash flow have been acceptable and manageable. Where repayment has been over a period of more than 90 days following the sale of equipment, the Company has taken steps it believes were reasonably available to preserve its right to repossess the equipment in the event of a default in -21- payment by the tribe. Nevertheless, the Company has confronted all the usual risks associated with financing activities. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had not experienced any significant losses associated with these risks. The Company offers various deferred payment arrangements to its gaming equipment customers, including installment sales contracts. Cash contracts generally require payment within 90 days of delivery of the equipment. Certain cash contracts require a down payment prior to delivery. Installment contracts require payments on the gaming machines over a period generally ranging from one to three years, which payments include a principal component and interest component. The Company generally charges an interest rate on its customer financing of one to four percentage points over the prime lending rate. In each of the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, the Company financed approximately 11%, 34% and 22%, respectively, of its product sales. In the near term, management believes that repayment terms on its sales contracts will continue to be approximately one to three years and that interest charges on its sales contracts will continue to be approximately one to four percent above the prime lending rate. PARTICIPATIONS INVOLVING NATIVE AMERICAN CASINOS The Company has participated in ventures to finance the development, interim construction and equipping of Native American casinos. Financing arrangements were in conjunction with management contracts entered into between the casino manager and the tribes owning such casinos or with the tribes or their management companies directly. The Company has loaned money or guaranteed third party loans. For its involvement, the Company has received inducement payments, financing and guaranty fees or participations in the payments made by a tribe under its management agreement. The Company may on a case-by-case basis consider participation arrangements or the financing of gaming development. The development and construction of Native American casinos involves risks similar to those associated with other real estate development projects, including site selection considerations, requirements of governmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, receipt of construction permits, weather-related delays, labor difficulties and materials shortages. In addition, the Company cannot obtain a mortgage on tribal land or buildings to secure its loans or guaranties. Therefore, if a gaming activity fails to develop or ceases to operate for any reason, the Company's prospects for recovery are minimal. The Company is from time to time presented with opportunities to participate in the planning, development and financial arrangements of Native American casinos. In recent years, the Company entered into the following Native American casino projects: HARRAH'S PHOENIX AK-CHIN. Harrah's manages and operates the casino and entertainment complex owned by the Ak-Chin Community near Phoenix, Arizona. Sodak assisted Harrah's with financial arrangements for the project, serving as a guarantor for one-half of a third party loan of $26.2 million to finance the costs to develop, construct and equip the casino. The loan has been fully repaid. As consideration for the loan guaranty and other assistance the Company provided Harrah's in obtaining the management agreement, the Company receives 4% of the distributable net income of the gaming operation over the term of the management contract. The current management agreement expires December 1999. The Company will participate in any extensions to the management agreement between the shareholder and the Native American tribe. -22- CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO. In September 1994, Sodak assisted a casino management company, Royal Associates Management, Inc. (Royal), in acquiring $8 million in financing from a financial institution. The Company also guaranteed the debt. The loan was used to construct Phase II of the Cypress Bayou Casino owned by the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana. The loan guaranty agreement was revised in December 1998, allowing management to borrow back prepaid amounts with a maximum allowable loan balance of $3 million. In return for the guaranty, the Company receives a loan guaranty fee based on a percentage of the outstanding loan balance, and additionally, a lesser percentage of the unused maximum allowable loan balance. As of December 31, 1998, the outstanding loan balance was $0.9 million. CLIFF CASTLE CASINO. During 1995, the Company advanced funds totaling approximately $1.6 million to the Yavapai Apache tribe for construction of the Cliff Castle Casino located near Camp Verde, Arizona. The loan, which carried an interest rate of 12%, was payable in 24 equal consecutive monthly installments beginning July 1995 and was repaid in full in 1997. QUECHAN INDIAN TRIBE. In April 1996, the Company entered into a $6.9 million Loan Agreement with Pacific Coast Gaming Corporation (PCG) to fund gaming equipment and casino development for the Quechan Indian Tribe's casino project at the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation in Arizona. The note carried an interest rate of 13.5% and was payable in 48 equal monthly installments beginning October 1996. In March 1997, the Company sold the note to PDS Financial Corporation at a premium of $0.4 million. SAC & FOX NATION OF MISSOURI. In February 1997, the Company entered into a $5 million Loan Agreement with Michels Development Company (MDC) to fund gaming equipment and casino development for the Sac & Fox Nation's casino project in Brown County Kansas. The $5 million is comprised of $2.5 million product sales financing, $2 million loan for development of the casino project and a $0.5 million fee payable to the Company as an inducement for entering into the loan agreement. The $5 million note carried an interest rate of 11.5% and was payable in 60 equal monthly installments beginning June 1997. In March 1997, the Company sold the note to PDS Financial Corporation at a premium of $0.2 million. SAC & FOX NATION OF MISSOURI. In November 1997, the Company entered into a $15.1 million Construction Loan and Refinancing Agreement with MDC to fund gaming equipment and casino development for Phase II of the Sac & Fox Nation's casino project in Brown County Kansas. The $15.1 million is comprised of $8.6 million bank debt refinancing, $1 million product sales financing, $4 million loan for development of Phase II of the casino project and $1.5 million transaction and financial services fees payable to the Company for entering into the Agreement. The $15.1 million note carries an interest rate of 11.5% interest and is payable in 60 equal monthly installments beginning February 1998. The $1.5 million transaction and financial service fees is being recognized as financing income over the 60 month term of the note. -23- COMPETITION PRODUCT SALES The gaming machine industry is highly competitive. The Company's gaming machine distribution business faces direct competition from distributors and manufacturers that make direct sales of gaming machines and related products including competitors with significant financial and other resources. The Company believes that competition is based primarily on the ability to provide gaming machines with high player appeal, and to a lesser extent on price. Player appeal is a key element because it combines the machine design, hardware, software and play features that ultimately improve the earning power of gaming machines and the customers' satisfaction level. The Company believes it distinguishes itself from its competition on the basis of its effective business relationships with customers, its gaming equipment offerings, the quality and extensiveness of its product lines, delivery time, the level of technical support and service provided, and the legal, regulatory and government relations assistance provided. The Company also believes that its good working relationships with tribes and its ability to provide financing for the equipment it distributes distinguishes the Company from its competitors. The Company's competitors in gaming machine sales are Anchor Gaming (Anchor), Aristocrat Leisure Limited (Aristocrat), Bally Gaming, Inc. (Bally), a subsidiary of Alliance Gaming Corporation, Casino Data Systems (CDS), Mikohn Gaming (Mikohn), Sigma, Video Lottery Consultants (a subsidiary of Powerhouse Technologies, Inc.), Universal, and WMS Industries. WIDE AREA PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMS The primary factor influencing the play on progressive systems is enhanced player appeal resulting from the large jackpot payouts. The systems also appeal to the casino operator due to the games' earning premiums and because they emphasize strong security and control features. The Company believes its market share exceeds 90% for wide area progressive systems in Native American jurisdictions. The Company's current competition in wide area progressive systems is CDS. CDS offers the "Xtreme" game in 25(cent) and 5(cent) denominations, which compete with some of the Company's 10 systems in those denominations. Several companies are potential competitors, including Bally, WMS and Anchor. Bally could become a competitor in the progressive systems business due to the expiration of an agreement between IGT and Bally in December 1997. In 1992, IGT and Bally settled a lawsuit relating to a United States patent owned by IGT. Under the terms of the expired settlement agreement, Bally had been precluded from producing and marketing wide area progressive system machines. WMS Industries could become a competitor with its "Monopoly" game, which was introduced in other jurisdictions in 1998. Anchor's stand-alone version of games, such as "Totem Pole" and "Wheel of Gold," also compete in this market. Depending on regulatory approval and on public acceptance, these systems or others could become available at Native American casinos where such systems are approved by regulators. The Company provides marketing and advertising support for its wide area progressive systems and competes on the basis of the progressive systems' brand names, product quality and reliability, large jackpot awards, the frequency of jackpot "hits," and player appeal. -24- RIVERBOATS The riverboat and dockside casino market is highly competitive. As of December 31, 1998, approximately 80 such casinos were in operation in the United States. They were located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri. Approximately six riverboats are located on the Mississippi River along the Illinois-Iowa and Iowa-Wisconsin borders. The MISS MARQUETTE is located the farthest north of the Mississippi River-based riverboats. One riverboat, the DIAMOND JO, is docked in Dubuque, Iowa, approximately 50 miles south of the MISS MARQUETTE. In addition, the Dubuque vicinity has a greyhound dog racing track which now has gaming machines competing with area casinos. Under terms of the Merger Agreement with IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest its MISS MARQUETTE gaming operation and would no longer pursue other gaming operations. The Shreveport/Bossier City riverboat casino market is located in northwest Louisiana and serves the northwestern Louisiana and Dallas metro area markets. Gaming began in this market in April of 1994, with the opening of the Harrah's property. At the end of 1998, there were four riverboat casinos in operation, with a total of approximately 5,200 gaming positions. In late 1997, the Binion's Horseshoe in Bossier City opened a luxury 606-room hotel and expanded pavilion. In January 1998, Binion's put into service a new gaming vessel with approximately 1,750 gaming positions, increasing the market supply by more than 500 gaming positions. The Shreveport/Bossier City market has been the highest performing gaming market in the state of Louisiana, currently supplying 35% of the state's total gaming positions and generating nearly 50% of the state's total annual gaming revenues. Under terms of the Merger Agreement with IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest its interest in this joint venture project and would no longer pursue other gaming operations. OTHER The Native American gaming industry competes with other forms of gaming including: bingo and pulltab games; riverboat gaming; parimutuel betting on horse racing, dog racing and jai-alai; and state-sponsored lotteries. A consequence of the growth in Native American gaming has been the increased pressure on state legislatures to allow competitive gaming activity by non-Native Americans. Several states, including Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey and South Dakota, have approved and many other states are considering approval of non-Native American land-based casinos, riverboat gaming or dockside casinos. Increased pressure is also present for approval of gaming machines for bars, restaurants, racetracks and resorts in a number of states. In addition, non-gaming entertainment competes with the gaming industry for the public's disposable income. To the extent these other forms of entertainment and non-Native American gaming affect the demand for Native American gaming, the opportunities the Company has to sell gaming equipment and participate in Native American casino development projects, may be affected. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The company owns a 95,000 square-foot corporate headquarters, systems operations, and warehouse facility in Rapid City, South Dakota. The Company also owns properties in Marquette, Iowa, consisting of the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino, which has 698 machines and 36 table games on an 18,747 square foot vessel, a 24-room hotel, parking lots, marina, restaurant, lounge and other support facilities. -25- ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On April 26, 1994, William Poulos filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Case No. 94-478-CIV-ORL-22 (the Poulos case). The Complaint in the Poulos case alleges violations of 18 U.S.C. ss. 1962(a), (c), and (d), the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and pendent state law claims. The approximately 41 named defendants in the Poulos case consist of the manufacturers and distributors of electronic gaming devices, and companies who are parents and/or affiliates of the entities which operate and/or provide the electronic gaming devices for play by the public. On May 10, 1994, William Ahearn filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Case No. 94-532-CIV-ORL-22 (the Ahearn case). The named defendants and claims made in the Poulos and Ahearn cases are virtually identical. On September 30, 1994, the Poulus and Ahearn cases were consolidated. On December 9, 1994, the Poulos and Ahearn cases were transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Nevada pursuant to 28 U.S.C. ss. 1404(a). On November 29, 1994, William Poulos filed a second class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Case No. 94-1259-CIV-ORL-22 (the Cruise Ship case). The allegations made in the Cruise Ship case are virtually identical to the allegations in the Poulos and Ahearn cases. The defendants in the Cruise Ship case consist of manufacturers and distributors of electronic gaming devices, and the operators of cruise ships and cruise ship casinos where the devices are exposed for play by passengers. On September 14, 1995, the Cruise Ship case was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Nevada pursuant to 28 U.S.C. ss. 1404(a). On September 26, 1995, Larry Schreier filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. Except for alleging a smaller and more precisely defined class of plaintiffs, the Schreier case is virtually identical to the Poulos and Ahearn cases. The Poulos, Ahearn, Schreier, and Cruise Ship cases have been consolidated and assigned to visiting United States District Court Judge David A. Ezra. Sodak is a named defendant in the Poulos, Ahearn, and Schreier cases. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants actions constitute violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ( RICO ) and give rise to claims of common law fraud and unjust enrichment. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages in excess of $1 billion and are asking that any damage awards be trebled under applicable federal law. The Defendants argued a variety of motions to dismiss and also procedural motions before the Court on November 3, 1997. The Court ruled on the same issuing various Orders which were entered and served on December 19, 1997. The most significant rulings were that the Court ordered Plaintiffs to file an Amended Complaint by January 9, 1998, and the Plaintiffs wire fraud count against Defendants was dismissed with prejudice (cannot be relitigated). On March 19, 1998 the Court granted Defendant's Motion to Bifurcate Discovery and to Stay Merits Discovery until the Court decides the Plaintiff's Motion for Class Certification. Procedural and discovery issues are ongoing. The Company believes the Consolidated action is without merit. The Company is vigorously pursuing all legal defenses available to it and is participating in the defense through counsel and the defendants steering committee created pursuant Court Order. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None. -26- PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol SODK. A two-for-one stock split of the Company's common stock was effected September 27, 1996. The following table sets forth the high and low sales price of the common stock (adjusted to reflect the aforementioned stock split) on the Nasdaq composite tape: -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------------ --------------------- High Low High Low -------- -------- --------- ---------- First Quarter $7 13/16 6 1/4 18 3/8 10 1/2 Second Quarter 7 1/8 5 7/8 16 5/8 9 7/8 Third Quarter 7 5/8 5 5/8 15 3/8 9 15/16 Fourth Quarter 8 15/16 5 1/4 14 3/8 5 3/8 -------------------------------------------------------------------- As of March 19, 1999 there were approximately 4,200 beneficial owners of Sodak Gaming, Inc.'s common stock. The closing price of the Company's common stock on March 19, 1999 was $8 3/4 . The Company did not pay cash dividends in 1998 or 1997 and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the near future. The Company's registrar of stock and transfer agent is Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., Stock Transfer Department, P.O. Box 64854, South St. Paul, MN 55164-0854; telephone (651) 450-4064. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table summarizes selected items from the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended December 31:
In thousands, except per share amounts 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revenue $ 132,554 137,578 154,587 93,172 84,469 Income (loss) from operations 17,219 (223) 20,901 20,059 14,754 Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change 2,686 (576) 13,233 12,893 9,897 Net earnings (loss) 2,686 (3,707) 13,233 12,893 9,897 Earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of accounting change 0.12 (0.02) 0.58 0.57 0.44 Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted 0.12 (0.16) 0.58 0.57 0.44 Working capital 34,812 21,571 37,728 37,501 29,703 Total assets 140,508 165,156 169,475 138,055 118,083 Long-term debt 4,366 19,818 27,189 18,044 600 Shareholders' equity 106,996 101,798 106,431 94,261 81,357 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-27- ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS INTRODUCTION The Company's core business is distributing gaming equipment and ancillary products and providing wide area progressive systems primarily to Native American casinos. The Company also operates the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino and entertainment facility located on the Mississippi River at Marquette, Iowa. Other business activities include a participation in Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.'s (Harrah's) management fee from Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino in Arizona and income from financing product sales and casino ventures. Further, the Company has entered a joint venture with subsidiaries of Hollywood Casino Corporation (Hollywood) and New Orleans Paddlewheels (NOP) to develop a hotel, dining, retail and riverboat casino entertainment complex on the Red River in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana. On March 11, 1999, the Company announced that a definitive agreement was signed whereby the Company would be acquired by a wholly-owned subsidiary of IGT for $10 per share in cash, totaling approximately $230 million. The Company would become a wholly-owned subsidiary under the terms of the agreement. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Sodak shareholder approval and IGT obtaining the financing required to fund the transaction. In addition, as a further condition to closing, the Company is expected to divest its wholly-owned riverboat casino entertainment complex, the MISS MARQUETTE, and its 50% joint venture interest to develop a gaming riverboat complex in Louisiana. The holders of a majority of the common stock of the Company have agreed to vote in favor of the Merger. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 1999. The Company also operated a casino and various gaming hall and route operations in certain Latin American countries from May 1995 through December 1998. In June 1998, the Company announced a corporate restructuring designed to refocus the Company on its North American businesses described in the preceding paragraph. As part of the restructuring, the Company divested its Latin American gaming operations in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. As of December 31, 1998, the restructuring was complete, and all Latin American operations were divested (see Note 2, page 50). In 1998, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $2.1 million, net of income tax benefits of approximately $1.2 million, as well as a loss on divestiture of the Latin American operations of approximately $8.5, net of income tax benefits of approximately $3.7 million. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 The year 1998 reflected net earnings of $2.7 million, or $0.12 per share, basic and diluted, compared to a ($3.7) million loss, or ($0.16) per share, basic and diluted, in 1997. During 1998, the Company recorded restructuring charges related to a Company-wide restructuring and incurred a loss on divestiture of its Latin American operations as described in the introduction above. The combination of these charges reduced 1998 earnings by ($0.46) per share. In 1997, the Company recognized charges for the following: 1) an accounting change related to pre-opening and start-up costs; 2) impairment of certain long-lived assets; and 3) inventory reserves and charges related to Latin American operations. The combination of these charges reduced 1997 earnings by ($0.55) per share. -28- Excluding these charges in 1998 and 1997, the Company improved operating income significantly in 1998. The improvement in operational results was due primarily to improved operating performance from the Company's North American business segments; product sales, wide area progressive systems and the MISS MARQUETTE. Also contributing to the improved operating income were decreased selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased depreciation and amortization, and decreased interest and financing costs. Finally, pre-divestiture 1998 Latin American operational results, while still producing an operating loss, were better than those experienced in 1997. Total revenue decreased 4% to $132.6 million in 1998, compared to $137.6 million in 1997. The decrease is primarily attributed to decreased revenue from sales of used machines, and decreased revenue from Latin American gaming operations as a result of the divestitures, partially offset by increased revenue from wide area progressive systems, the MISS MARQUETTE and financing income. Total costs and expenses, which includes the restructuring charges in 1998 and the impairment and other charges in 1997, decreased 16% to $115.3 million in 1998 compared to $137.8 million in 1997. PRODUCT SALES Despite a 10% decrease in new machine shipments, revenue from new machine sales increased 4% to $43.0 million in 1998 compared to $41.6 million in 1997. Higher per unit prices in 1998 are a reflection of the introduction of new and innovative machines designed to generate greater player appeal. Revenue from ancillary gaming and non-gaming product sales decreased 18% to $12.2 million in 1998 compared to $14.9 million in 1997, primarily due to the decreased number of machine placements. In 1998, the Company continued its strategy of being a full-service provider to its customers by offering an extensive product line that included gaming related and non-gaming related products and supplies. Total revenue from product sales decreased 10% to $55.6 million in 1998 compared to $61.7 million in 1997, primarily due to a decrease in used machine sales to $0.4 million in 1998 compared to $5.3 million in 1997. In 1998, the Company sold approximately 200 used machines, compared to approximately 1,800 used machines in 1997. Due to low margins associated with used machine sales, the Company generally no longer accepts used machines on trade when selling new machines to its customers. However, in association with the sale of new machines to its customers, the Company does facilitate the sale of its customers' used machines. In such situations, the Company recognizes no revenue or cost in association with the facilitation of the used machine transactions. New gaming machine shipments decreased 10% to approximately 5,600 machines in 1998 compared to 6,200 machines in 1997. In 1998, 35% of new machine shipments were to casinos in Arizona and Michigan and another 53% of new machine shipments were to casinos in Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina and Wisconsin. In 1997, 33% of new machine shipments were to casinos in Arizona and New Mexico and another 49% of new machine shipments were to casinos in Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota and North Carolina. The Company believes that new unit shipments in 1999 could exceed 1998 new unit shipments based on expected new casino developments and planned expansions. Furthermore, the Company believes that machine replacements could accelerate based on the age of the installed Native American machine base. However, growth in gaming and the machine replacement market in Native American jurisdictions is outside the control of the Company and is influenced by the legal, electoral and regulatory processes of those jurisdictions. -29- The cost of product sales decreased 11% to $43.0 million in 1998, from $48.3 million in 1997. The decrease is primarily attributable to the decreased volume of used machine and ancillary product sales. The gross margin on product sales increased to 22.7% in 1998 compared to 21.7% in 1997. The increased gross margin was primarily due to increased margins realized on ancillary product sales. The Company believes that its ability to provide products would be unaffected by the pending acquisition of the Company by IGT (see page 3). GAMING OPERATIONS Gaming operations revenue decreased 3% to $53.4 million in 1998 compared to $54.8 million in 1997. This decrease is due to the divestiture of Latin American gaming operations in 1998, partially offset by increased revenue at the MISS MARQUETTE. Direct costs of gaming operations decreased 13% to $43.1 million in 1998 compared to $49.4 million in 1997. The decrease in costs is attributable to the Latin American divestitures, as well as lower operating costs at the MISS MARQUETTE. DOMESTIC GAMING OPERATIONS MISS MARQUETTE. The Company owns and operates the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino and entertainment facility located on the Mississippi River at Marquette, Iowa. This operation has 698 gaming machines, 36 table games, a 24 room motel and dining and entertainment facilities. Revenue from the MISS MARQUETTE increased 11% to $35.9 million in 1998 compared to $32.3 million in 1997. Direct operating costs decreased 2% to $27.2 million in 1998 compared to $27.9 million in 1997. The Company replaced top management at the MISS MARQUETTE in the first quarter of 1998 and weather conditions in the region around the MISS MARQUETTE were much improved during the first and fourth quarters in 1998 as compared to 1997. The combination of more effective marketing strategies, cost controls and improved weather were the primary factors in the operational performance improvement. As a condition of the pending acquisition of the Company by IGT (see page 3), the Company is expected to divest this operation. LATIN AMERICAN GAMING OPERATIONS As discussed in the introduction to this section, the Company divested of its Latin American gaming operations during 1998. PERU. The Company operated gaming halls and route operations in Peru from May 1995 through November 1998. A pre-tax loss on divestiture amounting to $8.8 million was recorded in association with the divestiture in 1998. Prior to divestiture, revenue decreased 18% to $12.1 million in 1998 compared to $14.8 million in 1997. This decrease resulted not only from one month less of operations in 1998, but also from increased competitive factors and severe weather conditions related to "El Nino" during 1998. Direct operating costs decreased 19% to $11.3 million in 1998 compared to $13.9 million in 1997. The decrease in direct operating costs was primarily attributed to one less month of operations in 1998, and reduced gaming taxes incurred by the Company during 1998. In the fall of 1996, the Peruvian government announced that it would implement regulatory changes in conjunction with the transfer of gaming regulatory authority to the federal government and imposed a 200% increase in the per-machine tax which became effective in October 1996. While the Company paid this tax in 1996 and 1997, the Company did not pay any per-machine Federal gaming tax in 1998 due to lower court decisions in Peru holding such a tax to be unconstitutional. However, the Company had accrued for this tax until the fourth quarter of 1998 at which time the Company received a favorable decision from the Peruvian Supreme Court affirming the -30- unconstitutionality of the Federal per-machine tax. Upon receipt of the ruling, the Company reversed the amounts accrued in 1998 for this tax, which amounted to approximately $1.3 million. BRAZIL. The Company established a gaming hall in the Arpoador district of Rio de Janeiro in June 1996. In July 1998, the Company divested of its Brazilian operations, resulting in a pre-tax loss on divestiture of $1.7 million. As a result of the divestiture, revenue from the Arpoador operation decreased 44% to $3.2 million in 1998 compared to $5.7 million in 1997, and direct costs of the Arpoador operation decreased 51% to $2.9 million in 1998 compared to $5.8 million in 1997. ECUADOR. The Company operated a casino in Quito, Ecuador from March 1996 through December 1998. The Company divested this operation in December 1998, resulting in a pre-tax loss on divestiture of $1.7 million. Revenue increased 7% to $2.1 million in 1998 as compared to $2.0 million in 1997. Direct costs decreased 3% to $1.7 million in 1998 as compared to $1.8 million in 1997. WIDE AREA PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMS Wide area progressive systems revenue increased 14% to $15.2 million in 1998 compared to $13.3 million in 1997. The increase is a result of an increase in both the number of systems offered and the number of machines on the systems. During 1998, eight new systems became operational: 25(cent)-denominaTED WHEEL OF FOrtune (one interstate and two intrastate), JEOPARDY! (one interstate and one intrastate), PINBALLMANIA, SLOTOPOLY and SUPERNICKELMANIA; and the number of machines on the systems increased to approximately 2,000 at the end of 1998 compared to approximately 1,700 at the end of 1997. During 1998, the Company offered wide area progressive systems in 12 states: Arizona (which permits the operation of intrastate systems in lieu of interstate systems), Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin. At December 31, 1998, 21 systems were in operation: MEGABUCKS (one interstate and one intrastate), DOLLARS DELUXE, FABULOUS 50'S, QUARTERMANIA (one interstate and two intrastate), NICKELMANIA, dollar-denominated WHEEL OF FORTUNE (one interstate and one intrastate), HIGH ROLLERS, WHEEL OF GOLD, TOTEM POLE, 25(cent)-denominaTED WHEEL OF FOrtune (which began interstate operation in June 1998, with two separate intrastate systems beginning operation in May and July 1998), JEOPARDY! (which began interstate operation in January 1998 and intrastate operation in October 1998), PINBALLMANIA (which began operating in October 1998), SLOTOPOLY (which began operating in November 1998), and SUPERNICKELMANIA (which began operating in December 1998). During 1998, the Company continued to replace machines on older systems which provide higher margins to the Company with machines on newer systems which provide lower margins to the Company. These newer systems have greater player appeal and acceptance, as well as greater casino acceptance. Machine additions to existing systems along with the introduction of new, innovative systems and the placement of machines and systems in new jurisdictions is anticipated to provide increased future revenue growth. Based on current market trends, the Company anticipates increased revenue from its wide area progressive systems in 1999 as it proceeds with its strategy to place additional systems and machines in jurisdictions permitting the operation of wide area progressive systems. However, there can be no assurance that necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in those prospective jurisdictions. Furthermore, public acceptance of these systems and the entry of competing systems of other gaming companies could affect the Company's future revenue. The Company believes that its ability to provide systems and service would be unaffected by the pending acquisition of the Company by IGT (see page 3). -31- FINANCING INCOME Financing income increased 7% to $8.3 million in 1998 compared to $7.8 million in 1997. Financing income results from interest income on notes receivable and the net investment in sales-type leases, fees charged in association with financing arrangements and the Company's portion of the management fee from Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino. Interest income on notes receivable and the net investment in sales-type leases and fees charged in association with financing arrangements increased 14% to $6.7 million in 1998, compared to $5.9 million in 1997. This increase was primarily due to $0.6 million of deferred financing fee revenue recognized in 1998 compared to less than $0.1 million in 1997. The Company recognized revenue of $1.6 million in 1998 compared to $1.9 million in 1997 as its share of Harrah's management fee from the Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino located near Phoenix, Arizona (Harrah's is a 14% shareholder of the Company). This fee is earned in conjunction with financing guaranties provided to Harrah's by the Company during the initial development and early operations phases of the facility. The guaranty expired in 1996 when the loan was paid in full. As consideration for the guaranty, the Company receives, from Harrah's, 4% of the distributable net income of the gaming operation over the term of the management contract, which expires December 1999. The Company will participate in any extensions to the management agreement between Harrah's and the Native American tribe associated with the Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin. There can be no assurance that Harrah's management contract will be extended or that the terms of any extension will not change materially from the current management contract. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 16% to $17.4 million in 1998 compared to $20.6 million in 1997. This decrease is attributable to the restructuring during 1998, whereby the Company downsized its ongoing overhead in light of the Latin American divestitures. As a percentage of total revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 13% in 1998 compared to 15% in 1997. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Depreciation and amortization decreased 9% to $5.9 million in 1998, compared to $6.5 million in 1997. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased depreciation resulting from the Latin American divestitures in 1998 and the impairment of certain long-lived assets on December 31, 1997 (assets on which depreciation and amortization were recognized in 1997). INTEREST AND FINANCING COSTS Interest and financing costs decreased 27% to $2.7 million in 1998 compared to $3.7 million in 1997. The decrease in interest and financing costs was primarily attributable to increased cash flows from operations in 1998, which in turn decreased average borrowings for working capital needs as compared to 1997. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS As discussed in the introduction to this section, the Company completed a corporate restructuring during 1998. In association with this restructuring, the Company recorded restructuring charges, primarily relating to the severance of 24 employees, amounting to $3.3 million on a pre-tax basis during 1998 (see Note 2, page 50). In 1997, the Company recorded a pre-tax $9.2 million charge relating to impairment of long-lived assets (see Note 4, page 51). -32- INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS The combined effect of the above described changes resulted in income from operations of $17.2 million in 1998 compared to an operating loss of ($0.2) million in 1997. The increase in operating results is due to a variety of reasons as described in the preceding sections. As a percentage of revenue, income from operations before restructuring charges in 1998 and asset impairment charges in 1997 was 15.4% in 1998 compared to 6.6% in 1997. OTHER Other income (expense) in 1998 is composed primarily of the ($12.2) million loss on divestiture of Latin American operations (see Note 2, page 50). Other income in 1997 includes $0.5 million of income recognized as a result of the sale of receivables at a premium. Earnings before income taxes and the cumulative effect of an accounting change in 1997 (see Note 17, page 60) increased to $5.1 million in 1998, compared to $0.4 million in 1997. Provision for income taxes was $2.4 million in 1998, compared to $1.0 million in 1997, representing 47% and 251% of earnings before income taxes in 1998 and 1997, respectively. The high effective income tax rate in 1998 and 1997 is due primarily to the establishment of valuation allowances for certain deferred tax benefits that were generated related to the Latin American operations and divestiture. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 The year 1997 reflected a ($3.7) million loss, or ($0.16) per share, basic and diluted, compared to earnings of $13.2 million, or $0.58 per share, basic and diluted, in 1996. The decrease in operational results was due primarily to a decrease in 1997 product sales revenue, a decrease in gaming operations margins and the charges taken in 1997 for: 1) an accounting change related to pre-opening and start-up costs (see Note 17, page 60); 2) impairment of certain long-lived assets (see Note 4, page 51); and 3) inventory reserves and charges related to Latin American operations. Total revenue decreased 11% to $137.6 million in 1997, compared to $154.6 million in 1996. The decrease is primarily attributable to a substantial decrease in product sales revenue. The Company continued its strategy of augmenting product sales revenue with recurring revenue streams generated by gaming operations and wide area progressive systems. Total costs and expenses, including all the charges described in the above paragraph other than the cumulative effect of the accounting change for pre-opening and start-up costs, increased 3% in 1997 to $137.8 million compared to $133.7 million in 1996. PRODUCT SALES Revenue from product sales decreased 41% to $61.7 million in 1997, from $104.5 million in 1996, which was a record year for product sales. The decrease was due to a 38% decrease in machine sales revenue (including used machine sales) to $46.8 million in 1997 compared to $75.5 million in 1996 and a 49% decrease in ancillary gaming and non-gaming product sales revenue to $14.9 million in 1997 compared to $29.0 million in 1996. In 1997, the Company continued its strategy of being a full-service provider to its customers by offering an extensive product line that included gaming related and non-gaming related products and supplies. -33- New gaming machine shipments decreased 50% to approximately 6,200 machines in 1997 compared to 12,400 machines in 1996. In 1997, 33% of new machine shipments were to casinos in Arizona and New Mexico and another 49% of the new machine shipments were to Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota and North Carolina. In 1996, 59% of the new machine shipments were to casinos in Connecticut, Michigan and Ontario; another 31% of the shipments were to Arizona, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota and Wisconsin. In 1997, the Company also sold approximately 1,800 used machines, compared to approximately 200 used machines in 1996. The cost of product sales decreased 41% to $48.3 million in 1997, from $81.2 million in 1996. This decrease was attributable to the decreased sales volume of machines and other products. The gross margin on product sales decreased to 21.7% in 1997, compared to 22.3% in 1996. The decrease in the gross margin was primarily due to a $1.0 million inventory reserve charge taken in 1997. GAMING OPERATIONS Gaming operations revenue increased 59% to $54.8 million in 1997, compared to $34.4 million in 1996. This increase was primarily attributable to the July 1, 1996 acquisition of Gamblers Supply Management Company (GSMC) (twelve months' revenue from the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino operation were recognized in 1997 compared to six months in 1996) and the increase in gaming operations revenue in Latin America in 1997 compared to 1996. Direct costs of gaming operations increased 84% to $49.4 million in 1997, compared to $26.8 million in 1996. DOMESTIC GAMING OPERATIONS MISS MARQUETTE. GSMC, the management company of the MISS MARQUETTE, was acquired by the Company on July 1, 1996. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting (see Note 3, page 50). Accordingly, the operations of the MISS MARQUETTE since July 1, 1996, are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue from the MISS MARQUETTE amounted to $32.3 million in 1997 compared to $15.3 million for the period July 1, 1996, through December 31, 1996. Direct operating costs were $27.9 million in 1997 compared to $13.3 million for the period July 1, 1996, through December 31, 1996. Prior to its acquisition, the Company leased the riverboat vessel to GSMC. Therefore, 1996 gaming operations revenue included lease revenue relating to the MISS MARQUETTE of $3.3 million for the period January 1, 1996, through June 30, 1996. In 1997, the carrying value of the goodwill and property and equipment of the MISS MARQUETTE was adjusted to the present value of the estimated future cash flows of the MISS MARQUETTE. The total effect of the asset impairment, primarily related to the MISS MARQUETTE, was a consolidated pre-tax charge to 1997 earnings of $9.2 million (see Note 4, page 51). LATIN AMERICAN GAMING OPERATIONS As discussed in the introduction to the Management's Discussion and Analysis (see page 28), the Company divested of its Latin American gaming operations during 1998. PERU. The Company operated gaming halls and route operations in Peru beginning in May 1995. Revenue increased 19% to $14.8 million in 1997 compared to $12.4 million in 1996. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in the average number of machines in operation throughout 1997 compared to 1996. Direct operating costs increased 35% to $13.9 million in 1997 compared to $10.3 -34- million in 1996 as a result of the increase in the average number of machines in operation, an increase in gaming taxes, increased advertising and promotion, the expensing of leasehold improvements and pre-opening costs at locations where leases were terminated in order to comply with new regulations, increased administrative and reorganization costs relating to regulatory changes and carrying costs associated with locations whose openings were affected by regulatory and licensing delays. The number of machines in operation at December 31, 1997 was approximately 1,150 at 15 locations. Approximately 1,300 machines at 21 locations were in operation at December 31, 1996. The Company incurred $0.2 million in pre-opening and start-up costs related to Peru in 1997, which were expensed in 1997 in conjunction with the Company's accounting change related to pre-opening and start-up costs. Such costs incurred in Peru prior to January 1, 1997, amounting to $0.8 million, net of $0.1 million income tax benefit, were also charged to 1997 operating results through a cumulative effect of an accounting change (see Note 17, page 60). BRAZIL. The Company established a gaming hall in the Arpoador district of Rio de Janeiro in June 1996. Revenue increased 129% to $5.7 million in 1997 compared to $2.5 million in 1996. Direct costs of the Arpoador operation increased 158% to $5.8 million in 1997 compared to $2.3 million in 1996. The increases in revenue and direct costs were attributable to a full year of operations in 1997 compared to a half year in 1996. Direct costs in 1997 also increased due to accruals relating primarily to ambiguous regulations pertaining to gaming taxes. The Company incurred $3.0 million in pre-opening and start-up costs related to Brazil in 1997, which were expensed in 1997 as selling, general and administrative expenses in conjunction with the Company's accounting change related to pre-opening and start-up costs. Such costs incurred in Brazil prior to January 1, 1997, amounting to $2.3 million, net of $1.2 million income tax benefit, were also charged to 1997 operating results through a cumulative effect of an accounting change (see Note 17, page 60). ECUADOR. The Company established a casino operation in Quito, Ecuador, in March 1996. Revenue increased 117% to $2.0 million in 1997 as compared to $0.9 million in 1996. Direct costs increased 74% to $1.8 million in 1997 as compared to $1.0 million in 1996. WIDE AREA PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMS Wide area progressive systems revenue increased 64% to $13.3 million in 1997 compared to $8.1 million in 1996. This increase was a result of the increase in both the number of systems offered and the number of machines on the systems. The number of machines on the systems increased to approximately 1,700 at December 31, 1997 compared to approximately 1,200 at December 31, 1996. In 1997, the Company offered wide area progressive systems in Arizona (which permits the operation of intrastate systems in lieu of interstate systems), Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin. At December 31, 1997, 13 systems were in operation: MEGABUCKS (one interstate and one intrastate), DOLLARS DELUXE, FABULOUS 50'S, QUARTERMANIA (one interstate and two intrastate), NICKELMANIA, WHEEL OF FORTUNE (which began interstate operations in March 1997 and intrastate operations in September 1997), WHEEL OF GOLD (which began operating in July 1997), HIGH ROLLERS (which began operating in August 1997) and TOTEM POLE (which began operating in December 1997). -35- FINANCING INCOME Financing income increased 4% to $7.8 million in 1997 from $7.5 million in 1996. Interest income on notes receivable and fees charged in association with financing arrangements remained stable, amounting to $5.9 million in both 1997 and 1996. The Company recognized revenue of $1.9 million in 1997 compared to $1.6 million in 1996 as its share of Harrah's management fee from the Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino located near Phoenix, Arizona. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 5% to $20.6 million in 1997, from $19.6 million in 1996. As a percentage of total revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 15% in 1997 compared to 13% in 1996. The increase was primarily attributable to the accounting change whereby pre-opening and start-up costs were expensed in 1997, while 1996 selling, general and administrative expenses do not reflect 1996 pre-opening and start-up costs (such amounts were reflected as a charge to 1997 earnings via cumulative effect of an accounting change - see Note 17, page 60). The 1997 pre-opening and start-up costs reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $3.0 million. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Depreciation and amortization increased 73% to $6.5 million in 1997, compared to $3.8 million in 1996. This increase was attributable to a full year of depreciation and amortization in 1997 related to gaming operations at the MISS MARQUETTE, and in Brazil and Ecuador, compared to a partial year related to those operations in 1996. Depreciation and amortization in Peru also increased in 1997 compared to 1996 due to the growth of the Company's gaming operations in that country in 1996 and 1997. INTEREST AND FINANCING COSTS Interest and financing costs increased 62% to $3.7 million in 1997 compared to $2.3 million in 1996. The increase in interest and financing costs was primarily attributable to increased borrowings for working capital needs and the assumption of debt in connection with the acquisition of GSMC (see Note 3, page 50). INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS The combined effect of the above described changes resulted in a loss from operations of ($0.2) million in 1997, compared to income from operations of $20.9 million in 1996. The decrease is due to a variety of reasons as described in the preceding sections. As a percentage of revenue, income from operations (before asset impairment charges in 1997) was 6.6% in 1997 compared to 13.5% in 1996. OTHER Other income in 1997 includes $0.5 million of income recognized as a result of the sale of receivables at a premium. Earnings before income taxes and the cumulative effect of an accounting change decreased to $0.4 million in 1997, compared to $20.9 million in 1996. Provision for income taxes was $1.0 million in 1997, compared to $7.7 million in 1996, representing 251% and 37% of earnings before income taxes in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The high effective income tax rate in 1997 is due primarily to the establishment of a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax benefits that were generated in 1997 related to Latin American operations. -36- LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES WORKING CAPITAL Working capital increased to $34.8 million at December 31, 1998, compared to $21.6 million at December 31, 1997. The increase is attributable to a decrease in current liabilities of $14.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in current assets of $1.2 million. CASH FLOWS During 1998, the Company's cash and cash equivalents increased $2.2 million to $6.1 million at December 31, 1998 from $3.9 million at December 31, 1997. Cash provided by operating activities was $26.7 million in 1998 compared to $14.2 million in 1997. Significant items affecting 1998 operating cash flows were net income, the loss on the divestiture of Latin American operations, depreciation and amortization, provision for doubtful accounts and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Cash used in investing activities amounted to $9.7 million in 1998 and $9.0 million in 1997. Cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of $10.4 million and $14.5 million advanced on notes receivable for casino development financing in 1998 and 1997, respectively, $6.3 million and $10.0 million used to purchase property and equipment in 1998 and 1997, respectively, and $2.4 million invested in a joint venture in 1998 (see Note 12, page 54). The property and equipment purchases in both 1998 and 1997 were primarily the result of 1) expenditures for gaming operations equipment at the MISS MARQUETTE and in Peru (regulations in Peru required certain machine refurbishments) and 2) the development of a Company-wide information system. In 1997, the Company also expanded its office space at its corporate headquarters. These uses were partially offset by payments received on notes receivable from casino development financing amounting to $4.6 million and $16.3 million in 1998 and 1997, respectively, and the 1998 receipt of $3.9 million in association with the divestiture of Latin American operations. Financing activities used $14.8 million and $5.5 million of cash in 1998 and 1997, respectively. These uses resulted primarily from net repayments on the Company's credit facility and repayments of other long-term debt. Also in 1997, the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction that provided $7.5 million (see Note 13, page 54). LATIN AMERICAN OPERATIONS Approximately 13% of total revenue in 1998 was derived outside of the United States, compared to 16% in 1997. As described in the preceding sections and in Note 2 on page 50, the Company divested its Latin American operations during 1998. IMPACT OF INFLATION Inflation has not had a significant effect on the Company's operations during the three years ended December 31, 1998. -37- YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE The Company has undertaken various initiatives to ensure that its computer equipment and software will function properly with respect to dates prior to, during, and after the Year 2000. Information technology (IT) systems impacted by the Year 2000 issue include systems commonly thought of as IT systems, such as accounting, data processing and telephone systems, as well as systems that are not commonly thought of as IT systems, such as alarm systems, security systems, fax machines, and other miscellaneous systems. Both IT and non-IT systems may contain imbedded technology which compounds the inventory, risk assessment, remediation, and testing efforts. STATE OF READINESS The Year 2000 readiness issue, which is common to most businesses, arises from the inability of computer information systems with date sensitive processes to properly recognize and accurately process date-sensitive information. If the Company or its customers, suppliers, or other third parties fail to make corrections for programs that have defined dates using a two-digit year, this could result in system failure or malfunction of certain computer equipment, software, and other devices dependent upon computerized mechanisms that are date sensitive. This problem may cause disruptions of operations, including, among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal business activities. Assessments of the potential cost and effects of Year 2000 issues vary significantly among businesses, and it is difficult to predict the actual impact. Recognizing this uncertainty, management has commenced the following steps: a) established a Year 2000 project team; b) implemented a plan that includes awareness, inventory, risk assessment, remediation, contingency planning, and compliance maintenance phases; and c) communicating with customers, vendors, and third party providers to ensure they are addressing the Year 2000 issue. The inventory, risk assessment, and remediation phases are currently underway. The Company is utilizing both internal and external resources to accomplish its Year 2000 Compliance plan, which began in November 1998 and is expected to be substantially complete by July 1999. Risk management consultants have been engaged to review and assist Sodak in our Year 2000 Compliance plans and efforts. The Company is also actively pursuing efforts to ensure the readiness of our products and services. COSTS The Company estimates that its direct costs for Year 2000 compliance will consist primarily of costs related to the staff time devoted to Year 2000 compliance. The Company expects expenditures related to Year 2000 compliance to approximate $200,000. RISKS The Year 2000 issue presents a number of other risks and uncertainties that could impact Sodak operations. These include but are not limited to third parties whose services the Company relies upon in order to produce and sell our products, such as key suppliers, public utilities, telecommunication providers, financial institutions, or certain regulators of the various jurisdictions where Sodak does business, which could result in lost production, sales, or administrative difficulties on the part of Sodak. The Company is corresponding with these parties to determine their Year 2000 compliant -38- status. Based on these communications, contingency plans will be developed to allow Sodak to continue business as normal. The Company has identified the integrated Oracle Applications system and the Native American Progressive Systems (NAPS) as critical business pieces that would be substantially impacted by an inability to handle Year 2000 issues. The Company believes that Year 2000 deficiencies will be remedied through computer equipment and software replacement or modification in a timely fashion. Oracle Applications was implemented on the Digital Alphaserver platform with Compaq Tru64 (formerly known as Digital UNIX) in fiscal 1998 to replace core-business information systems with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software package. Oracle Applications is stated to be Year 2000 compliant after application of known patches and the Company has developed a testing platform to ensure the ERP is and will remain Year 2000 compliant. The Company's NAPS are the proprietary systems of IGT. IGT is in the process of upgrading all wide area progressive system software. The software upgrade obtained regulatory approval in Native American jurisdictions in March 1999. Implementation of the upgrade is expected to occur in the second quarter of 1999. The Company is also surveying its key vendors and service providers to determine the extent to which interfaces with such entities are vulnerable to Year 2000 issues. Although the Company has developed a system of communicating with vendors to understand their ability to continue providing services and products through the Year 2000 without interruption, there can be no assurance that the systems of other companies on which the Company may rely will be timely converted or that such failure to convert by another company would not have an adverse effect on the Company's systems. The Company believes the implementation of the integrated Oracle Applications system and completion of the Year 2000 project as scheduled will significantly reduce the risk of significant operating problems. Based on our Year 2000 project timeline, the majority of our application systems should be tested by mid-1999. The Company believes this timetable should allow enough time to fix or replace any business critical problems discovered during the testing phase. CONTINGENCY PLANS In those instances where completion by the end of 1999 is not assured, appropriate contingency plans will be developed. The Year 2000 issue presents a number of other risks and uncertainties that could impact the Company, including but not limited to third parties whose services relied upon in order to produce and sell our products, such as key suppliers and customers, public utilities, telecommunication providers, financial institutions, or certain regulators of the various jurisdictions where the Company does business, which could result in lost production, sales, or administrative difficulties on the part of the Company. While the Company continues to believe the Year 2000 issues will not materially affect its consolidated financial position or results of operations, it remains uncertain as to what extent, if any, the Company may be impacted. -39- MARKET RISK The Company has market risk relating to long-term debt and notes payable to third parties and banks which bear interest at fixed and variable rates. The following is a summary of the debt instruments: Maturing in one Maturing in four to three years to six years - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed rate debt (21%) $ 5,552 0 Fixed rate debt (8% to 9%) 1,242 408 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company has market risk relating to short term and long term notes receivable with customers which bear interest at fixed and variable rates. The following is a summary of the notes receivable: Maturing in one Maturing in four to three years to six years - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed rate notes (8% to 14%) $ 26,376 4,482 Variable rate notes (prime+1% to prime +4%) 10,795 0 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS During 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, and the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, ACCOUNTING FOR THE COSTS OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPED OR OBTAINED FOR INTERNAL USE. SFAS No. 133 establishes new standards for recognizing all derivatives as either assets or liabilities, and measuring those instruments at fair value. The Company plans to adopt the new standard during the first quarter of the year 2000, as required. The Company is in the process of evaluating SFAS 133 and the impact on the Company, but does not believe the impact will be material. SOP 98-1 provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The Company adopted the provisions of this SOP in 1998, which did not have a material impact on results of operations of the Company. CAUTIONARY NOTICE This report contains forward-looking statements reflecting the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events which could materially affect Company performance in the future. Terms indicating future expectation, optimism about future potential, anticipated growth in revenue, earnings of the Company's business lines and like expressions typically identify such statements. Actual results and events may differ significantly from those discussed in forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent with predictions and forecasts. They are necessarily speculative statements, and unforeseen factors, such as competitive pressures, changes in regulatory structure, failure to gain the approval of regulatory authorities, and changes in customer acceptance of gaming could cause results to differ materially from any that may be expected. Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date stated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur. -40- ITEM 8. INANCIAL STATEMENTS 8 (a) INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page ---- Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 42 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1998 and 1997 43 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 44 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 45 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 46 Independent Auditors' Report 63 -41- SODAK GAMING, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
In thousands, except per share amounts 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ REVENUE: Product sales $ 55,621 61,683 104,512 Gaming operations 53,377 54,756 34,377 Wide area progressive systems 15,213 13,329 8,149 Financing income 8,343 7,810 7,549 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total revenue 132,554 137,578 154,587 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of product sales 43,015 48,302 81,171 Gaming operations 43,110 49,394 26,822 Selling, general and administrative 17,357 20,639 19,630 Depreciation and amortization 5,908 6,524 3,779 Interest and financing costs 2,689 3,704 2,284 Restructuring charges (note 2) 3,256 0 0 Impairment of long-lived assets (note 4) 0 9,238 0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total costs and expenses 115,335 137,801 133,686 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS 17,219 (223) 20,901 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Other income (expense): Loss on divestiture of Latin American operations (note 2) (12,248) 0 0 Gain on sale of receivables 0 537 0 Other, net 99 68 26 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total other income (expense) (12,149) 605 26 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING 5,070 382 20,927 CHANGE Provision for income taxes (note 14) 2,384 958 7,694 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE 2,686 (576) 13,233 Cumulative effect of accounting change related to pre-opening and start-up costs, net of income tax effect (note 17) 0 (3,131) 0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $ 2,686 (3,707) 13,233 ============================================================================================================ EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED: EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE $ 0.12 (0.02) 0.58 CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE 0.00 (0.14) 0.00 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.12 (0.16) 0.58 ============================================================================================================ WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND ASSUMED CONVERSION SHARES OUTSTANDING (NOTE 20) 22,802 22,896 22,966
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -42- SODAK GAMING, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 1998 and 1997
In thousands, except share and per share amounts 1998 1997 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,100 3,942 Current trade, notes and interest receivables (notes 5 and 8) 38,210 36,137 Net investment in sales-type leases, current maturities (note 7) 1,640 0 Inventories (note 10) 14,565 22,294 Prepaid expenses 408 756 Refundable income taxes 1,165 663 Deferred income taxes (note 14) 1,870 1,319 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 63,958 65,111 Property and equipment, net (note 11) 47,117 59,739 Notes receivable, net of current maturities (notes 6 and 8) 24,708 38,723 Net investment in sales-type leases, net of current maturities (note 7) 1,917 0 Investment in joint venture (note 12) 2,400 0 Deferred income taxes (note 14) 202 789 Other assets 206 794 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 140,508 165,156 =================================================================================================== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 16,313 32,379 Note payable (note 13) 1,500 0 Current maturities of long-term debt (note 13) 2,836 3,634 Income taxes payable 0 75 Deferred financing fee revenue 1,278 1,846 Accrued payroll and payroll related costs (note 2) 3,891 1,986 Other accrued liabilities (note 2) 3,328 3,620 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 29,146 43,540 Long-term debt, net of current maturities (note 13) 4,366 19,818 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities 33,512 63,358 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding 0 0 Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized, 22,789,908 and 22,758,408 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively 23 23 Additional paid-in capital 64,226 64,088 Retained earnings 42,747 40,061 Accumulated other comprehensive income 0 (2,374) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shareholders' equity 106,996 101,798 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commitments and contingencies (notes 12, 13, 16, 18 and 21) $ 140,508 165,156 ===================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -43- SODAK GAMING, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common stock ------------------------- Accumulated Additional other Total Par paid-in Retained comprehensive shareholders' In thousands, except shares Shares value capital earnings income equity - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, December 31, 1995 22,722,276 $ 23 63,703 30,535 0 94,261 Restricted stock awards, net (216) 0 10 0 0 10 Stock options exercised 35,628 0 250 0 0 250 Tax benefits of stock options exercised (note 16) 0 0 109 0 0 109 Comprehensive income: Net earnings 0 0 0 13,233 0 13,233 Foreign currency adjustments 0 0 0 0 (1,432) (1,432) -------------- Total comprehensive income 11,801 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, December 31, 1996 22,757,688 23 64,072 43,768 (1,432) 106,431 Restricted stock awards 250 0 12 0 0 12 Stock options exercised 470 0 4 0 0 4 Comprehensive income (loss): Net loss 0 0 0 (3,707) 0 (3,707) Foreign currency translation adjustments 0 0 0 0 (942) (942) -------------- Total comprehensive loss (4,649) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, December 31, 1997 22,758,408 23 64,088 40,061 (2,374) 101,798 Restricted stock awards 31,500 0 138 0 0 138 Comprehensive income: Net earnings 0 0 0 2,686 0 2,686 Foreign currency translation adjustments 0 0 0 0 2,374 2,374 -------------- Total comprehensive income 5,060 ============================================================================================================================== BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 22,789,908 $ 23 64,226 42,747 0 106,996 ==============================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -44- SODAK GAMING, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
In thousands 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings (loss) $ 2,686 (3,707) 13,233 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Loss on divestiture of Latin American operations (note 2) 12,248 0 0 Impairment of long-lived assets 0 9,238 0 Pre-tax cumulative effect of accounting change 0 4,409 0 Depreciation and amortization 5,908 6,524 3,779 Provision for doubtful accounts 501 882 2,788 Deferred income taxes 36 (2,905) 362 Restricted stock awards 138 12 10 Gain on sale of receivables 0 (537) 0 Loss on sale of property and equipment 26 0 51 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Trade and accrued interest receivables (5,781) 2,625 (6,811) Receivables relating to financed sales 22,684 (2,323) 3,737 Net investment in sales-type leases (3,557) 0 0 Inventories 7,729 (6,659) (7,925) Prepaid expenses (256) 918 (311) Refundable income taxes, net of income taxes payable (905) 125 (1,598) Accounts payable (15,586) 4,026 5,725 Accrued liabilities 832 1,618 944 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 26,703 14,246 13,984 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash advanced on notes receivable (10,402) (14,469) (5,515) Payments received on notes receivable 4,606 16,293 4,924 Proceeds from divestiture of Latin American operations 3,925 0 0 Principal payments received on direct-financing type leases 0 0 338 Purchases of property and equipment (6,273) (9,959) (9,748) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 632 0 502 Increase in amounts due from riverboat lessee, prior to 0 0 (2,631) acquisition (note 3) Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired (note 3) 0 0 238 Investment in joint venture (note 12) (2,400) 0 0 (Increase) decrease in other assets 164 (840) (3,486) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (9,748) (8,975) (15,378) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on note payable 1,500 0 0 Proceeds from long-term borrowings 30,000 41,300 52,750 Principal repayments of long-term debt (46,250) (54,328) (47,800) Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction (note 13) 0 7,540 0 Net proceeds from exercise of stock options 0 4 250 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (14,750) (5,484) 5,200 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (47) 78 (703) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,158 (135) 3,103 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 3,942 4,077 974 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $ 6,100 3,942 4,077 ================================================================================================================ SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the year for interest (net of amount capitalized) $ 2,729 3,162 1,719 Cash paid during the year for income taxes 3,253 2,460 9,039 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY: Gaming machine inventory transferred to gaming operations equipment $ 0 0 2,948
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -45- SODAK GAMING, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (1) ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES ORGANIZATION Sodak Gaming, Inc. (the Company) is a leading distributor and financier of gaming equipment and a broad range of gaming-related products and services and a provider of wide area progressive systems, primarily to Native American casinos. In addition, the Company operates a riverboat casino entertainment facility in Marquette, Iowa. The Company also operated a casino and various gaming hall and route operations in certain Latin American countries from May 1995 through December 1998. These Latin American operations were disposed of as part of a Company-wide restructuring during 1998; see Note 2 for further discussion. A significant amount of product sales is derived from the sale and distribution of gaming equipment manufactured by International Game Technology (IGT) under an exclusive distributorship agreement. The term of the most recent distributorship agreement is for three years ending May 2001, at which time it continues for two-year renewal periods unless canceled by either party. The agreement allows the Company the exclusive right to distribute IGT manufactured or assembled gaming machines to casinos located on Native American lands in the United States (except Nevada, New Jersey and Hawaii) and to non-Native American purchasers in South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming. The agreement restricts the Company from selling competing products and is subject to review and renewal upon significant change in control of the Company. The Company has an exclusive agreement with IGT to provide and market wide area progressive systems to Native American casinos. This agreement continues as long as a progressive system is operating. The Company also has an exclusive agreement with IGT to provide and market wide area progressive systems to casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota. The Company has distributorship arrangements with several other manufacturers and suppliers of gaming related equipment and products. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from product sales is recognized upon delivery to customers. Gaming operations revenue consists primarily of gaming revenue from casinos, gaming halls and route operations. In accordance with industry practice, the Company recognizes as gaming revenue the net wins from gaming activities, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses. The Company recognized as revenue total net win from gaming devices from Latin American route operations (see Note 2) which operated under revenue-sharing arrangements (revenue-sharing expenses related to route operations were accounted for as an expense of gaming operations). Revenue from wide area progressive systems consists of the Company's portion of fees for providing and marketing wide area progressive systems and is recognized when earned. -46- Financing income results from interest income on notes receivable and the net investment in sales-type leases, fees charged in association with financing arrangements and the Company's portion of the management fee from a Native American casino that results from the Company having guaranteed a portion of the initial debt related to that casino. Financing income is recognized when earned on an accrual basis and, when applicable, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 91, ACCOUNTING FOR NONREFUNDABLE FEES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ORIGINATING OR ACQUIRING LOANS AND INITIAL DIRECT COSTS OF LEASES. Deferred financing fee revenue, which is included in current liabilities on the balance sheets, represents financing fees that will be recognized as revenue over the life of the associated loans in accordance with SFAS No. 91. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits, and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value. NOTES RECEIVABLE Notes receivable are recorded at cost, less the related allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company measures its estimates of impaired loans in accordance with SFAS No. 114, ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN, as amended by SFAS No. 118, ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN--INCOME RECOGNITION AND DISCLOSUREs. Management, considering current information and events regarding the borrowers ability to repay their obligations, considers a note impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the note's effective interest rate. Impairment losses, if any, are included in the allowance for doubtful accounts through a charge to bad debt expense. Cash receipts on impaired notes receivable are applied to reduce the principal amount of such notes until the principal has been recovered, and are recognized as interest income thereafter. All notes receivable have been evaluated for collectibility under SFAS No.'s 114 and 118. INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are determined using standard costs, principally based on average costs. Provision for potentially obsolete or slow-moving inventory is made based on management's analysis of inventory levels and future sales forecasts. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided principally on a straight-line basis in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over the following estimated useful lives: Years - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Land improvements 15 Buildings and improvements 15-39 Riverboat 25 Gaming operations equipment 5-10 Office furniture and equipment 5-10 Transportation equipment 5-20 Shop equipment 5-7 Integrated information system 5 ============================================================================== -47- PRE-OPENING AND START-UP COSTS In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 98-5, which requires pre-opening and start-up costs to be expensed as incurred. The Company adopted the requirements of this Statement of Position in the first quarter of 1998, which did not have an impact on the Company's statement of operations in 1998. ADVERTISING EXPENSE The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs, related primarily to the Company's riverboat casino entertainment facility and divested Latin American gaming operations (see Note 2), amounted to approximately $3.8 million, $4.9 million and $3.2 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. INCOME TAXES The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences arising from temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements under SFAS No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. As permitted under SFAS No. 123, the Company applies Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, and related interpretations in accounting for its plans. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 128, EARNINGS PER SHARE, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) for the period by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed in the same fashion, except that dilutive shares are added to the denominator of that calculation. During the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the only dilutive items present in the Company's capital structure are stock options and restricted shares outstanding. STOCK DISTRIBUTION On August 30, 1996, the Company's board of directors approved a two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend, effected by a distribution on September 27, 1996 of one additional share for each share owned by shareholders of record on September 13, 1996. All share, per share, common stock and stock option amounts in the consolidated financial statements and notes have been restated to reflect the effect of this split. USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. -48- FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION As of December 31, 1998, all Latin American operations were divested (see Note 2). The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries prior to divestiture were translated into U.S. dollars for consolidated reporting purposes in accordance with SFAS No. 52, FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. All asset and liability accounts were translated using the then current exchange rate at the balance sheet dates. Income statement amounts were translated using the average monthly exchange rates. The gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net earnings (loss) and are insignificant for all years presented. The gains and losses resulting from translation adjustments were reflected as a component of shareholders' equity at December 31, 1997. The loss resulting from the divestiture of the Latin American operations as reflected in the 1998 statement of operations includes the equity component of the foreign currency translation adjustments through the dates of the disposals. LONG-LIVED ASSETS The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 121, ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF, which requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used or disposed of by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 130, REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME in 1998. This statement requires companies to classify items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the balance sheet. The reporting methodology required by SFAS No. 130 has been applied to all years presented. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS During 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. SFAS No. 133 establishes new standards for recognizing all derivatives as either assets or liabilities, and measuring those instruments at fair value. The Company plans to adopt the new standard during the first quarter of the year 2000, as required. The Company is in the process of evaluating SFAS 133 and the impact on the Company, but does not believe the impact will be material. SOP 98-1 provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The Company adopted the provisions of this SOP in 1998, which did not have a material impact on results of operations of the Company. RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain 1997 and 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. -49- (2) CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING AND LATIN AMERICAN DIVESTITURES In June 1998, the Company announced a corporate restructuring designed to refocus the Company on its core businesses - product sales and wide area progressive systems to Native American casinos - and the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino. The Company indicated its plan is to continue pursuing gaming operations in North America. As part of the restructuring, the Company also indicated it would divest its Latin American gaming operations in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. As of December 31, 1998, the restructuring was complete, and all Latin American operations were divested. In 1998, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $3.3 million, relating primarily to the severance of 24 employees. At December 31, 1998, approximately $0.3 million of these restructuring charges remained unpaid and are included on the balance sheet in accrued payroll and payroll related costs and other accrued liabilities. Also in 1998, the Company received net consideration of approximately $3.9 million for the divestiture of the Latin American operations, resulting in the recognition of loss on divestiture of approximately $12.2 million. Results of the divested operations are included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and through the effective date of the divestitures. The following unaudited pro forma information represents the results of operations assuming that divestiture of Latin American operations occurred as of the beginning of the respective periods. The cumulative effect of accounting change in 1997, as described in Note 17, is eliminated in the pro forma disclosure as the pre-opening and start-up costs discussed therein related primarily to the Company's Latin American operations. The disclosure is for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had these divestitures taken place at the beginning of the periods presented or of future results of operations. Years ended December 31, ------------------------------ In thousands, except per share amounts 1998 1997 1996 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 115,118 115,134 138,794 Net earnings 13,803 2,514 12,835 Basic and diluted earnings per share 0.61 0.11 0.56 ========================================================================= (3) ACQUISITION In 1994, the Company acquired and refurbished the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat and leased it to Gamblers Supply Management Company (GSMC), an unrelated third party, who operated the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino entertainment facility. On July 1, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of GSMC and assumed operational responsibilities of the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino entertainment facility. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly the consolidated statements of operations include the results of operations of GSMC beginning on July 1, 1996. The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the acquisition of GSMC had occurred at the beginning of 1996. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations had the acquisition been made as of that date. In thousands, except per share amounts 1996 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 166,262 Net earnings 12,006 Basic and diluted earnings per share 0.52 ================================================================ -50- (4) IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS In the fourth quarter of 1997, in recognition of changing economic conditions and competitive environments, the Company re-evaluated the recoverability of certain of its long-lived assets and recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge to operations resulting from impairment of certain long-lived assets of approximately $9.2 million. In accordance with SFAS No. 121, the carrying values of the impaired assets were reduced to reflect a remaining carrying value equal to the estimated future discounted cash flows related to the impaired assets. This impairment charge was primarily related to MISS MARQUETTE goodwill and property and equipment. Factors leading to the impairment charge in 1997 were that earnings and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) at the MISS MARQUETTE were less than those experienced prior to the Company's acquisition, as well as the effects of increased competition. (5) CURRENT TRADE, NOTES AND INTEREST RECEIVABLES Current trade, notes and interest receivables with original maturities, or anticipated maturities, of less than one year, and the current portion of long-term notes receivable are summarized as follows at December 31: In thousands 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trade accounts receivable $ 22,718 17,384 Various short-term notes receivable 1,877 1,490 Current maturities of long-term notes receivable 15,068 17,785 Accrued interest receivable 498 1,038 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40,161 37,697 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (1,951) (1,560) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 38,210 36,137 ========================================================================= Included in short-term notes receivable at December 31, 1998 is $1.5 million due from certain employees relating to an incentive loan program (see Note 13). The interest rate on these loans is 7 3/4%, and the notes are due on demand. (6) NOTES RECEIVABLE Notes receivable with original maturities greater than one year result primarily from the financing of sales of gaming equipment to customers on an installment basis and from loans to casino management companies and operators. These notes earn interest at fixed rates ranging from 8% to 14%, or variable rates, generally adjusted monthly, ranging from prime plus 1% to prime plus 4%. Maturities of notes receivable from financed sales generally are 24 to 36 months, while maturities of loans to casino management companies and operators are up to 60 months. The following is a summary of notes receivable at December 31: In thousands 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financed sales $ 19,177 41,634 Loans--gaming-related 19,988 14,225 Other 611 649 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39,776 56,508 Less current maturities (15,068) (17,785) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 24,708 38,723 ========================================================================= -51- (7) SALES-TYPE LEASES During 1998, the Company entered into capital lease contracts involving the sale of gaming equipment to customers. These leases earn interest at effective rates ranging from 9% to 10%, have maturities ranging from 18 to 36 months and give the customers the option to buy the equipment at the end of the lease periods for the then fair market value or return the equipment to the Company. These leases are accounted for as sales-type leases, and the net investment is as follows as of December 31, 1998: In thousands Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total remaining minimum lease payments $ 3,727 Estimated unguaranteed residual value of equipment 240 Less amounts representing interest (410) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment in sales-type leases 3,557 Less current maturities (1,640) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment in sales-type leases, net of current $ 1,917 maturities ====================================================================== Minimum lease payments to be received in future years are as follows: In thousands ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 $ 1,919 2000 1,259 2001 549 ====================================================================== (8) CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK A significant portion of the Company's trade accounts and notes receivable and sales-type leases disclosed in Notes 5, 6 and 7 are due from customers located on Native American lands. The receivables and leases are generally secured by the gaming equipment sold and, in certain instances, revenues derived from casino operations. Concentrations of credit risk as a percentage of total receivables, are as follows at December 31: 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Native American gaming-related 72% 80% Other gaming-related 28% 20% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100% 100% ========================================================================= Because of the uncertain application of federal and state laws to Native American tribes in the case of amounts advanced to Native American communities, the Company's ability to collect these amounts receivable is dependent upon the future cash flows from the Native American communities' casino operations, rather than the general credit of the tribes. -52- (9) DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR MARKET VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate that value: CASH EQUIVALENTS; CURRENT TRADE, NOTES AND INTEREST RECEIVABLES; NOTES RECEIVABLE; NET INVESTMENT IN SALES-TYPE LEASES; ACCOUNTS PAYABLE; ACCRUED LIABILITIES; LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTE PAYABLE The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, current trade, notes and interest receivables, current maturities of net investment in sales-type leases, accounts payable, note payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Management estimates that notes receivable and long-term debt approximate fair value as they generally include variable interest rates. (10) INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following at December 31: In thousands 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gaming machines $ 12,207 19,682 Parts and other gaming accessories 2,358 2,612 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 14,565 22,294 ========================================================================= (11) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consists of the following at December 31: In thousands 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Land and improvements $ 1,591 1,551 Buildings and improvements 19,091 18,932 Leasehold improvements 0 1,761 Riverboat 13,687 13,687 Gaming operations equipment 9,569 23,252 Office furniture and equipment 2,856 2,982 Transportation equipment 2,036 2,305 Shop equipment 546 522 Integrated information system 5,782 3,018 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55,158 68,010 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (8,041) (8,271) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 47,117 59,739 ========================================================================= Included in property and equipment is $7.5 million of equipment and furniture relating to a capital lease obligation (see Note 13), with accumulated amortization of approximately $2.0 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. -53- (12) INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE The Company entered into an agreement with a subsidiaries of Hollywood Casino Corporation (Hollywood) and New Orleans Paddlewheels (NOP) to develop a riverboat casino, hotel and retail complex in Shreveport, Louisiana. The proposed project, to be managed by Hollywood, received regulatory approval by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board in September 1998. The project was anticipated to be financed by an equity investment from the Company and Hollywood equal to approximately 25% of the total estimated $185 million project cost; the remaining 75% was anticipated to be financed through a debt offering or other credit facility. During 1998, the Company invested $2.4 million in the joint venture, but has no commitment to invest additional funds until financing for the project is arranged. The debt financing for the project was anticipated to occur in mid-1999, at which time it was anticipated that the Company and Hollywood each would have invested approximately $21 million additional equity in the joint venture. As a condition of the agreement to be acquired by IGT (see Note 21), the Company is expected to divest its interest in this project. The Company and Hollywood each effectively own 50% of the joint venture (subject to a 10% residual interest by NOP in the event the operation is sold to a third party). The Company accounts for the project on the equity method of accounting. Through December 31, 1998, the joint venture has not incurred any significant operating expenses. (13) LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTE PAYABLE Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31:
In thousands ------------------------ 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note payable to bank under a long-term revolving credit facility with terms as explained below $ 0 12,500 Capital lease obligation as explained below 5,552 7,018 Notes payable to the former shareholders of GSMC due in monthly installments of $137,880 including interest at 8% through July 1999; unsecured 940 2,453 Contract payable in monthly installments of $12,668 including interest at 9% through January 2005; secured by real estate 710 794 Various other secured notes payable 0 687 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7,202 23,452 Less current maturities (2,836) (3,634) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 4,366 19,818 =====================================================================================
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY The Company holds a $50 million long-term revolving credit facility from a syndicate of banks. The revolving line has two components: a $20 million tranche (Tranche A) to be used for general corporate purposes and letters of credit; and a $30 million tranche (Tranche B) for acquisitions and major capital equipment expenditures. Tranche A will expire on March 31, 1999, and Tranche B matures in February 2001. The amount available under Tranche B is reduced by $1.875 million quarterly beginning in June 1997. As a result, the maximum credit amount under the revolving credit facility was $36.9 million at December 31, 1998. The unused portion of the revolving credit facility is subject to a commitment fee, based on a calculation as defined in the agreement. At December 31, 1998, the Company had a $1.0 million letter of credit outstanding which expired on January 31, 1999. -54- Interest is payable based on variable rates which, at the Company's option, are based on prime rate (which was 7 3/4% at December 31, 1998) or a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin (which was 6 1/2% at December 31, 1998). The credit facility is secured by substantially all Company assets, excluding real estate, but including a first preferred ship mortgage on the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat. Among other restrictions, the revolving credit facility calls for maintenance of certain financial ratios and covenants, which include a tangible net worth floor, a liquidity ratio, a cash flow coverage ratio, a leverage ratio, a funded debt ratio and foreign subsidiary investment ratios. As of December 31, 1998, the Company was not in compliance with one of these covenants but has received a waiver for such non-compliance as of that date. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION During 1997, the Company entered into a sale-leaseback arrangement involving the sale of certain GSMC furniture and equipment for $7.5 million, which approximated book value at the time of the sale. The transaction was accounted for as a financing, whereby the property remains on the books and continues to be depreciated. A financing obligation representing the proceeds was recorded and is reduced based on payments under the arrangement. The financing arrangement requires 48 monthly payments of $233,452, including interest at 21% per annum, through July 2001. Upon expiration of the arrangement, the Company will own the furniture and equipment. Future minimum lease payments related to this arrangement are as follows for the years ended December 31: In thousands ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Amount ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 $ 2,802 2000 2,802 2001 1,634 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total minimum lease payments 7,238 Less amounts representing interest (1,686) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Present value of minimum lease payments 5,552 Less current maturities (1,805) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term capital lease obligation $ 3,747 ========================================================================= Principal maturities of long-term debt, including the capital lease obligation, are as follows for the years ended December 31: In thousands ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Amount ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 $ 2,836 2000 2,322 2001 1,636 2002 120 2003 131 Thereafter 157 ========================================================================= NOTE PAYABLE During 1998, the Company borrowed $1.5 million on a short-term note related to an employee incentive loan program (see Note 6). Interest on this note is payable at 7 3/4% per annum, and the note is due in June 1999. -55- (14) INCOME TAXES A reconciliation of income taxes based on the statutory rate of 35% to the Company's actual income taxes based on earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is summarized as follows:
In thousands 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal income taxes at statutory federal rate $ 1,775 134 7,324 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 114 65 277 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 449 811 0 Foreign 0 122 314 Other 46 (174) (221) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Provision for income taxes $ 2,384 958 7,694 ========================================================================================
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is summarized as follows:
In thousands 1998 1997 1996 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CURRENT: Federal $ 2,173 2,333 6,617 State 175 130 401 Foreign 0 122 314 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current 2,348 2,585 7,332 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEFERRED: Federal 39 (2,875) 337 State (3) (30) 25 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred 36 (2,905) 362 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total tax expense (benefit) 2,384 (320) 7,694 Less tax benefit related to cumulative effect of accounting change (note 17) 0 1,278 0 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Provision for income taxes $ 2,384 958 7,694 ========================================================================================
Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
In thousands 1998 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEFERRED TAX ASSETS: Allowance for impairment 2,940 3,242 Allowance for inventory 928 539 Allowance for doubtful accounts 851 530 Capital loss carry forward 449 0 Foreign property and equipment 0 372 Pre-opening and start-up cost write-offs 0 480 Other 240 262 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred tax assets 5,408 5,425 Less valuation allowance (449) (811) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 4,959 4,614 Less current deferred tax assets (1,870) (1,319) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term deferred tax assets 3,089 3,295 DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, PRIMARILY PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (2,887) (2,506) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net long-term deferred tax assets 202 789 ========================================================================================
-56- The valuation allowance that was present at December 31, 1997 was related to deferred tax implications of the Company's Latin American operations. The valuation allowance that remains at December 31, 1998 relates to capital loss carry forwards resulting from the Latin American divestitures. This valuation allowance is recorded due to the Company's uncertainty as to its ability to generate capital gains within the carry forward period to realize the tax benefit of the capital loss carry forwards. The Company believes it is more likely than not to realize the remaining net deferred tax assets based on: 1) the future reversing effects of deductible temporary differences being offset by reversing taxable temporary differences; 2) the extended period that is available to realize the reversing effects of the deductible temporary differences; and 3) the Company's expected future generation of taxable income adequate to realize the deferred tax benefits. (15) LINES OF BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL DATA The Company operates predominantly in the lines of business of product sales, wide area progressive systems, financing and gaming operations. All lines of business segments are described in the "organization" section of Note 1. Summarized financial information by line of business for 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
Gaming Operations ----------------------------- Latin American Wide area GSMC -- gaming Product progressive Financing MISS MARQUETTE operations In thousands sales systems income (Note 21) (Note 2) Corporate Consolidated - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998: Revenue $ 55,621 15,213 8,343 35,941 17,436 0 132,554 Direct costs (43,015) 0 0 (27,227) (15,883) 0 (86,125) Selling, general and administrative (4,812) (2,119) 0 (248) (1,853) (8,325) (17,357) Depreciation and amortization (240) (230) 0 (2,420) (1,976) (1,042) (5,908) Interest and financing costs 0 0 (1,175) (1,514) 0 0 (2,689) Restructuring charges 0 0 0 0 (1,809) (1,447) (3,256) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) from operations $ 7,554 12,864 7,168 4,532 (4,085) (10,814) 17,219 =================================================================================================================================== Identifiable assets $ 31,576 9,550 43,287 34,544 0 21,551 140,508 =================================================================================================================================== Capital expenditures $ 116 671 0 722 1,809 2,955 6,273 =================================================================================================================================== 1997: Revenue $ 61,683 13,329 7,810 32,312 22,444 0 137,578 Direct costs (48,302) 0 0 (27,896) (21,498) 0 (97,696) Selling, general and administrative (6,544) (1,475) 0 (40) (3,189) (9,391) (20,639) Depreciation and amortization (240) (67) 0 (2,936) (2,511) (770) (6,524) Interest and financing costs 0 0 (2,595) (1,109) 0 0 (3,704) Impairment of long-lived assets 0 0 0 (8,751) 0 (487) (9,238) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) from operations $ 6,597 11,787 5,215 (8,420) (4,754) (10,648) (223) =================================================================================================================================== Cumulative effect of accounting change (note 17) $ 0 0 0 0 (3,131) 0 (3,131) =================================================================================================================================== Identifiable assets $ 32,765 9,485 57,285 35,772 15,369 14,480 165,156 =================================================================================================================================== Capital expenditures $ 198 843 0 575 2,748 5,595 9,959 =================================================================================================================================== 1996: Revenue $ 104,512 8,149 7,549 18,584 15,793 0 154,587 Direct costs (81,171) 0 0 (13,260) (13,562) 0 (107,993) Selling, general and administrative (6,879) (983) 0 (48) (75) (11,645) (19,630) Depreciation and amortization (240) 0 0 (1,421) (1,543) (575) (3,779) Interest and financing costs 0 0 (2,052) (232) 0 0 (2,284) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) from operations $ 16,222 7,166 5,497 3,623 613 (12,220) 20,901 =================================================================================================================================== Identifiable assets $ 35,971 7,645 49,646 43,918 20,282 12,013 169,475 =================================================================================================================================== Capital expenditures(1) $ 253 0 0 378 10,752 1,313 12,696 ===================================================================================================================================
(1) Includes non-cash transfers of gaming machine inventory to gaming operations equipment. -57- Summarized financial information by geographic area for 1998, 1997 and 1996 follows:
In thousands North America Latin America Consolidated --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998: Revenue $ 115,118 17,436 132,554 Income (loss) from operations 21,304 (4,085) 17,219 Identifiable assets 140,508 0 140,508 1997: Revenue 115,134 22,444 137,578 Income (loss) from operations 4,531 (4,754) (223) Identifiable assets 149,787 15,369 165,156 1996: Revenue 138,794 15,793 154,587 Income from operations 20,288 613 20,901 Identifiable assets 149,193 20,282 169,475 =================================================================================
The Company had no customers who exceeded 10% of revenue in 1998 or 1997. The Company had one customer who accounted for 15.5% of total revenue in 1996. (16) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AND STOCK OPTION PLANS In 1993, the Company adopted a Long-Term Incentive and Stock Option Plan under which the Company may grant up to 1,200,000 shares for incentive stock options to employees and nonqualified stock options and performance awards to employees and non-employees. Options have been granted at fair market value on the date of grant, become exercisable in four annual installments and expire five to ten years from date of grant. Also in 1993, the Company adopted a Directors' Stock Option Plan, which was amended in 1995, under which options to purchase up to 300,000 shares may be granted to non-employee directors. The Directors' Stock Option Plan provides for an annual grant of 10,000 options to each non-employee director. The options granted under the Directors' Stock Option Plan are exercisable after six months and expire five years from date of grant. On June 17, 1998, the Company offered to reprice certain outstanding options. Pursuant to such agreements, options totaling 381,000 were canceled and 195,750 new options were granted with an excercise price of $6.00 per share, the fair value of the shares on the grant date. The newly granted options vested fifty percent on date of grant and the remaining fifty percent vest in two annual equal installments commencing June 17, 1999. -58- Information with respect to shares under the plans is as follows:
Shares of common stock --------------------------------- Available Weighted average for Outstanding exercise price of option/award Under Plan shares under Plan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at December 31, 1995 1,177,104 322,896 $ 7.06 Granted (358,000) 358,000 13.20 Canceled 8,440 (8,440) 11.45 Exercised 0 (35,628) 7.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at December 31, 1996 827,544 636,828 10.46 Granted (381,270) 381,270 16.24 Canceled 6,000 (6,000) 16.08 Exercised 0 (470) 9.44 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at December 31, 1997 452,274 1,011,628 12.60 Granted (446,500) 446,500 6.07 Canceled 563,750 (563,750) 14.76 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at December 31, 1998 569,524 894,378 $ 7.98 ===============================================================================================
The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable options:
Options outstanding Options exercisable ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Weighted average Weighted Weighted Range of Exercise Number remaining average Number average exercise Prices outstanding contractual life exercise price exercisable price ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 5 to 10 708,378 6.6 $ 6.43 391,002 $ 6.75 10 to 15 141,000 3.3 12.89 140,250 12.90 15 to 20 45,000 5.9 17.10 41,250 17.17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 894,378 572,502 ======================================================================================================
The company applies APB Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, and related interpretations in accounting for its plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for its stock based compensation plans other than for restricted stock. Had compensation cost for the Company's other stock option plans been determined based upon the fair value at the grant date for awards under those plans consistent with the methodology prescribed under SFAS No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK BASED COMPENSATION, the Company's net earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced by approximately $0.6 million, or $0.03 per share in 1998 and $0.7 million, or $0.03 per share in 1996 and net loss and loss per share would have been increased by approximately $1.2 million, or $0.05 per share in 1997. The weighted average fair value of the options granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996 is estimated as $2.34, $8.40 and $7.09, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: 1998 1997 1996 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected dividend yield 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Expected stock price volatility 57.3% 62.6% 54.1% Risk-free interest rate 5.5% 5.6% 5.6% Expected life of options (years) 4 4 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -59- The exercise of stock options which have been granted under the Company's stock option plans may result in compensation which is included in the taxable income of the applicable employees and deductible by the Company for income tax purposes. Income tax benefits realized for the year ended December 31, 1996 of approximately $109,000 have been reflected as an increase in additional paid-in capital in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. RETIREMENT PLAN The Company has a 401(k) defined contribution benefit plan for its employees. In accordance with plan provisions, the Company provides a discretionary matching contribution of up to 6% of employee compensation. In July 1997, the employees of the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino operation became eligible to participate in the plan. The amount of expense recognized as a result of matching contributions was approximately $714,000, $511,000 and $268,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Employees vest in Company contributions over a seven year period of employment. (17) CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING METHOD During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company changed its accounting method for costs of pre-opening and start-up activities to capitalizing such costs subsequent to obtaining all regulatory approvals and authorizations for the underlying project and expensing such costs immediately upon opening the new operation. The Company's previous accounting method had been to capitalize such costs from inception until the project became operational, at which time the capitalized costs were amortized over a period not to exceed five years. The Company adopted this new accounting method because it conforms to the industry practice of major gaming companies, and retroactively applied the change to previously reported quarterly data, effective January 1, 1997. As a result of this accounting change, there are no such capitalized costs on the accompanying balance sheets. The effect of adopting this new accounting method reduced 1997 earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of the accounting change by approximately $2.2 million, comprised of an increase in gaming operations and selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $3.2 million, net of tax benefits of approximately $1.0 million. The cumulative effect of this accounting change, reflected as a charge to 1997 earnings (loss) in the amount of approximately $3.1 million, is comprised of approximately $4.4 million of such costs capitalized at January 1, 1997, net of tax benefits of approximately $1.3 million. If the new method of accounting for pre-opening and start-up costs had been in effect in years prior to 1997, such costs comprising the cumulative effect of the accounting change would have been reflected primarily as 1996 expenses. (18) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES During 1994, the Company assisted a casino management company in acquiring $8 million in financing from a financial institution. The Company also guaranteed the debt. The loan guaranty agreement, as subsequently revised, allows the casino management company to borrow back prepaid amounts, and at December 31, 1998 the maximum allowable loan balance was $3.0 million. In return for the guaranty, the Company receives a loan guaranty fee based on a percentage of the outstanding loan balance, and additionally, a lesser percentage of the unused maximum allowable loan balance. As of December 31, 1998, the outstanding loan balance was approximately $0.9 million, and during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company recognized income of approximately $90,000, $64,000 and $185,000, respectively, related to this agreement. -60- (19) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION As part of an agreement with a corporate shareholder (14% ownership), the Company guaranteed financing relating to a portion of the construction cost of a Native American casino facility, managed by the shareholder, that opened in December 1994. Financing under this guaranty has been paid in full. As consideration for the loan guaranty, the Company receives, from the shareholder, 4% of the distributable net income of the gaming operation over the term of the management contract, which expires December 1999. The Company will participate in any extensions to the management agreement between the shareholder and the Native American tribe. The Company's share of distributable net income related to this agreement during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 of approximately $1.6 million, $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, is included in financing income on the statements of operations. (20) COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING The following is a reconciliation of basic weighted average shares outstanding to diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31:
1998 1997 1996 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS calculation 22,761,223 22,758,186 22,737,580 Adjustments for assumed conversion shares (stock options) 40,404 137,890 228,360 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS calculation 22,801,627 22,896,076 22,965,940 ========================================================================================
(21) SUBSEQUENT EVENT On March 11, 1999, the Company announced that a definitive agreement was signed whereby the Company would be acquired by a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Game Technology (IGT) for $10 per share in cash, totaling approximately $230 million. The Company would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of IGT under the terms of the agreement. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Sodak shareholder approval and IGT obtaining the financing required to fund the transaction. In addition, the Company is expected to divest the MISS MARQUETTE riverboat casino entertainment complex, and its 50% joint venture interest to develop a gaming riverboat complex in Louisiana (see Note 12). The holders of a majority of the common stock of the Company have agreed to vote in favor of the Merger. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 1999. -61- (22) SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) The Company operates on a calendar year basis. The following table sets forth selected historical operating results for each quarter of 1998, 1997 and 1996.
First Second Third Fourth In thousands, except per share amounts Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998(1): Total revenue $ 29,886 36,012 32,870 33,786 Income from operations 3,180 4,492 4,568 4,979 Net earnings (loss) 1,953 2,863 1,604 (3,733) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share 0.09 0.13 0.07 (0.16) 1997(2): Total revenue $ 29,100 33,338 35,636 39,504 Income (loss) from operations 492 2,840 5,082 (8,637) Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change 585 1,670 3,216 (6,047) Cumulative effect of accounting change (3,131) 0 0 0 Net earnings (loss) (2,546) 1,670 3,216 (6,047) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (0.11) 0.07 0.14 (0.26) 1996: Total revenue $ 21,542 34,791 63,102 35,152 Income from operations 4,267 6,393 8,253 1,988 Net earnings 2,698 4,081 5,220 1,234 Basic and diluted earnings per share 0.12 0.18 0.23 0.05 =========================================================================================================
(1) The Company operated gaming halls and route operations in Peru from May 1995 through November 1998. In the fall of 1996, the Peruvian government announced that it would implement regulatory changes in conjunction with the transfer of gaming regulatory authority to the federal government and imposed a 200% increase in the per-machine tax which became effective in October 1996. While the Company paid this tax in 1996 and 1997, the Company did not pay any per-machine Federal gaming tax in 1998 due to lower court decisions in Peru holding such a tax to be unconstitutional. The Company had accrued for this tax until the fourth quarter of 1998 at which time the Company received a favorable decision from the Peruvian Supreme Court affirming the unconstitutionality of the Federal per-machine tax. Upon receipt of the ruling in the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company reversed the amounts accrued for this tax, amounting to approximately $1.3 million. (2) As restated for the accounting change described in Note 17. -62- INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Board of Directors and Shareholders Sodak Gaming, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sodak Gaming, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Sodak Gaming Peru S.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary, which statements reflect 7.0% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 1997 and 10.7% of total consolidated revenues for the year then ended. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Sodak Gaming Peru S.A., is based solely on the report of the other auditors. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sodak Gaming, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As discussed in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for pre-opening and start-up costs in 1997. \s\ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota February 10, 1999, except as to Note 21, which is as of March 11, 1999 -63- ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS The information required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated by reference from the 1999 Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year covered by this report. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE The following financial statements are set forth under Item 8(a): Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 42 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1998 and 1997 43 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 44 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 45 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 46 Independent Auditors' Report 63 (a) 2. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE Independent Auditors' Report on Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule 68 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 69 All other supplemental financial schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable, i.e. amounts are insufficient to require submission or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. -64- (a) 3. EXHIBITS Exhibit Number 2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1996, by and among John Parker, John Nix and Gamblers Supply Management Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's Form 8-K/A dated July 1, 1996, File No. 0-21754). 3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-62188). 3.2 Restated Bylaws of the company, as amended to date (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 0-21754). 4.1 Articles IV, V and IX of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (see Exhibit 3.1). 4.2 Specimen certificate for shares of Common Stock of the company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-62188). 10.1 Exclusive Distributor Agreement between the Company and International Game Technology (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-62188) (Portions of this exhibit are subject to a confidential treatment request pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). 10.2 Stockholders Agreement between Harrah's Club, the Company, Michael G. Wordeman, Roland W. Gentner, David B. Harcourt and Thomas Celani (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-62188). *10.3 1993 Long-Term Incentive and Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-62188). *10.4 1993 Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 33-92524). *10.5 Employment Agreement for Michael G. Wordeman (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-62188). *10.6 Employment Agreement for Roland W. Gentner (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-62188). 10.7 Purchase Agreement dated February 25, 1994, as amended on March 8, 1994, by and between the Company and Grand Romance, Inc. for the purchase of the vessel GRAND ROMANCE (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 0-21754) 10.8 Exclusive Distributorship Agreement between the Company and International Game Technology dated September 26, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994, File No. 0-21754) (Portions of this exhibit are subject to a confidential treatment request pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) 10.9 Contribution and Indemnity Agreement among the Company, The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's Arizona Corporation, and Harrah's Club dated August 19, 1993 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 0-21754). 10.10 Riverboat Bareboat Charter between the Company and Gamblers Supply Management Company dated June 28, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 0-21754). 10.11 Loan Agreement between the Company and Gamblers Supply Management Company dated March 23, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 0-21754). -65- Exhibit Number (cont'd) 10.12 Loan Modification Agreement between the Company and Gamblers Supply Management Company dated December 16, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 0-21754). 10.13 Exclusive Distributorship Agreement Among the Company and International Game Technology, dated March 12, 1998 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File No. 0-21754) (portions of this exhibit are subject to confidential request pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended). 10.14 Agreement between Sodak Gaming, Inc. and Michael G. Wordeman dated June 17, 1998 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, File No. 0-21754). 10.15 Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company et al. and Pro-Gaming Consultants Ltd et al. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, File No. 0-21754) 10.16 Private Document between the Company and Fincorp Limited 10.17 Contract of Sale/Purchase of Stock between the Company and Fincorp Limited 10.18 Agreement for the Termination of the Contract of Operation of the Casino Between the Company and Admihotel Company, Ltda. 11.1 Calculation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock. 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. 23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen. 24.1 Powers of Attorney. 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR Filing only). 99.1 Management Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1994, by and between Gamblers Supply Management Company and Marquette Gaming Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(a) to the Company's Form 8-K/A dated July 1, 1996, File No. 0-21754). 99.2 Dock Site Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1994, by and between the City of Marquette, Iowa and Gamblers Supply Management Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(b) to the Company's Form 8-K/A dated July 1, 1996, File No. 0-21754). 99.3 Non-Negotiable Promissory Note dated July 1, 1996, between Gamblers Supply Management Company and John E. Nix guaranteed by Sodak, Gaming, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(c) to the Company's Form 8-K/A dated July 1, 1996, File No. 0-21754). 99.4 Non-Negotiable Promissory Noted dated July 1, 1996 between Gamblers Supply Management f Company and John T. Parker guaranteed by Sodak Gaming, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(d) to the Company's Form 8-K/A dated July 1, 1996, File No. 0-21754). 99.5 Audited Financial Statements of Gamblers Supply Management Company for the years ended December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(e) to the Company's Form 8-K/A dated July 1, 1996, File No. 0-21754). * Items that are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of the Form 10-K. (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K No report on Form 8-K was filed during the three month period ended December 31, 1998. -66- 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. Dated: March 30, 1999. SODAK GAMING, INC. By \s\ Roland W. Gentner ----------------------------------------------- Roland W. Gentner, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director 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 date indicated.
Signature Title - ------------------------ ------------------------------------ Michael G. Wordeman* Chairman of the Board ) ) ) ) ) Roland W. Gentner* Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), President and Director Clayton R. Trulson* Vice President, Finance ) (principal financial officer) ) By \s\ Roland W. Gentner ) ) --------------------------- Thomas Celani* Director ) Roland W. Gentner ) Pro se and Attorney-in-Fact Colin V. Reed* Director ) March 30, 1999 ) Manuel Lujan, Jr.* Director ) ) Ronnie Lopez* Director ) ) )
*By Power of Attorney filed with this report as Exhibit 24.1 hereto. -67- INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE The Board of Directors and Shareholders Sodak Gaming, Inc.: Under the date of February 10, 1999, except as to Note 21, which is as of March 11, 1999, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets of Sodak Gaming, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998, which are included in the annual report on Form 10-K. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule as listed in the index at Item 14 (a)(2). This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. \s\ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota February 10, 1999, except as to Note 21, which is as of March 11, 1999 -68- Schedule II SODAK GAMING, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands BALANCE AT ADDITIONS-- BEGINNING CHARGED TO BALANCE AT DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD COSTS AND EXPENSES DEDUCTIONS END OF PERIOD ----------- --------- ------------------ ---------- ------------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996: Allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts 820 2,788 2,698(1) 910 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997: Allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts 910 882 232(1) 1,560 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998: Allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,560 501 110(1) 1,951 (1) Accounts deemed uncollectible - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-69- EXHIBIT INDEX SODAK GAMING, INC. Annual Report on Form 10-K for Year Ended December 31, 1997 Sequentially Exhibit Numbered Number Page - -------- ------------ 10.16 Private Document between the Company and Fincorp Limited 71 10.17 Contract of Sale/Purchase of Stock between the Company and Fincorp Limited 72 10.18 Agreement for the Termination of the Contract of Operation of the Casino Between the Company and Admihotel Company, Ltda. 76 11.1 Calculation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock 81 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 82 23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 83 23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen 84 24.1 Powers of Attorney 85 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR Filing only) -70-
EX-10.16 2 PRIVATE DOCUMENT Exhibit 10.16 PRIVATE DOCUMENT Pursuant to this private document assignment of account receivable is awarded by Sodak Gaming International, Inc. company duly constituted pursuant to the laws of the State of South Dakota, domiciled for these effects at Victor Andres Belaunde 395, San Isidro, represented by Mr. Michael Jon Irwin, identified with foreign registration number N-89743; hereinafter referred to as "Sodak", and the other party, Fincorp Limited, a company incorporated pursuant to the laws of the island Nevis, represented by Mr. Salvador Berty Falcon Goryn, with voter registration number 06349261, domiciled in Alfredo Salazar N 590 San Isidro, hereinafter referred to as "Fincorp", with the intervention of Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C., with commercial number 26557526, domiciled in Av. Aviacion 2789, San Borja, represented by its General Manager, Mr. Michael Jon Irwin, identified with a foreign registration N-89743, hereinafter referred to as "Debtor", pursuant to the following terms: FIRST: Sodak possesses before the Debtor various accounts receivable in its favor in the amount of $13,680,052 US Dollars, details of said accounts are substantiated in documentation known by Fincorp. SECOND: By way of the present document, Sodak assigns to Fincorp the entirety of said accounts referred to above. Its consideration for said assignment, Fincorp shall pay Sodak the sum of $3,925,000 US Dollars. Sodak declares that as of the date it has received to its satisfaction, $250,000 US Dollars. Balance of the payment amounting to $3,675,000 US Dollars shall be made through a bank transfer to: Bank Name & Address US Bank 701 St. Joseph Street Rapid City, SD 57701 Beneficiary Sodak Gaming International, Inc. 5301 S. Highway 16 Rapid City, SD 57701 THIRD: Debtor appears in this act to grant its consent to the terms of the present agreement. Lima, December 15, 1998 -71- EX-10.17 3 CONTRACT OF SALE/PURCHASE OF STOCK Exhibit 10.17 CONTRACT OF SALE/PURCHASE OF STOCK By way of this document, the Contract of Sale/Purchase of Stock celebrated on one part by Sodak Gaming International, Inc. business constituted pursuant to the laws o f the State of South Dakota, domiciled for these effects at Victor Andres Belaunde 395, San Isidro, represented by Mr. Michael Jon Irwin, identified with foreign registration number N-89743; SG International, Inc. business constituted pursuant to the laws of the State of South Dakota, domiciled for these effects at Victor Andres Belaunde 395, San Isidro, represented by Mr. Michael Jon Irwin, identified with foreign registration number N-89743; Julio Enrique Guadalupe Bascones, with voter registration card number 09388911, domiciled in Victor Andres Belaundre 395, San Isidro, hereafter referred to as Sellers and the other part, Fincorp Limited, business constituted pursuant to the laws of the island of Nevis, represented by Mr. Salvador Berty Falcon Goryn, with voter registration card number 06349261, domiciled in Alfredo Salazar N 590 San Isidro, who also appears personally and hereafter shall be referred to as Buyer; with the intervention of Mr. Alan Azizollahoff Gate, identified with foreign registration number 61604, domiciled in Alfredo Salazar N 590, San Isidro, whom hereafter shall be referred to as Guarantor; pursuant to the following terms and conditions: FIRST: PREAMBLE The Sellers are owners of all the stock of Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C., a Company duly registered in item No. 115732 and electronic entry number 00151505 of the book of business companies of the Register of Legal Entities of Lima. The capital is divided as follows: Shareholder Number of Shares Sodak Gaming International, Inc. 109,268 S.G. International, Inc. 1 Julio Enrique Guadalupe Bascones 1 Total 109,270 SECOND: OBJECT OF THE CONTRACT By present contract, the Sellers transfer by sale to Buyers entirety of their shares referred to in the prior clause. Said shares shall be transferred as follows: Buyer Number of Shares Fincorp 109,268 Salvador Berty Falcon Goryn 2 Total 109,270 At the moment of execution of this contract, the Buyers deliver possession of the corresponding stock certificates (Stock Certificates Number 1, 2, and 4) THIRD: THE PRICE AND METHOD OF PAYMENT The parties declare, being that the book value of Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C. is a negative balance, said shares lack commercial value, reason for which they are being transferred to Buyers for one American Dollar, same which is paid upon execution of the present contract in which Sellers declare receipt thereof to their entire satisfaction. Additionally, as further consideration for the transfer, the Buyers assume all obligations which are hereinafter identified. FOURTH: TRANSFER OF SHARES This stock transferred without any reservation. Consequently, the transference of the stock represents all of the rights that correspond to the Sellers by reason of earnings to be distributed, dividends, reserves, revaluations, capitalization's, the shares to issue, all of which has been taken into account and in general all that the stock did or could generate is transferred. FIFTH: LIENS OVER THE SHARES The Sellers declare that there is no restriction, lien, or judicial restriction that limits or restricts their right to ownership or free disposition obligating itself in all case to defend the same. -72- SIXTH: BUYERS DECLARATIONS The Buyers declare as follows: 6.1 That it is duly constituted pursuant to the laws of the island of Nevis and that it is in existence at the time at the date of this contract. 6.2 That the execution of this agreement as well as the assumption of all obligations that are established in the present contract, have been duly authorized by the competent board within its social structure. 6.3 That execution of this agreement and obligations herein do not: a. violate the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Buyers; b. violate any regulation, decree, law, judicial resolution of any judicial or administrative Peruvian agency; c. conflict, constitute violation or conflict with any of the provisions of the Buyers' agreements. 6.4 That the Buyers have conducted a process of independent investigation (due diligence) of the situation of Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C., revealing and analyzing its businesses, operations, accounts receivable debts, results of operations, financial condition and projects and consider that from the documentation to which they have had access and the information that has been provided, the same are found to be in the good state and are adjusted to reality. As a result of said process of investigation, the Buyers have completed a report which is annexed hereto as established in Subsection (E) of the 11th Clause herein and that Sellers recognize same as being complete and correct. Based on said report of the Buyers, they relieve the Sellers of all responsibility with respect to everything that appears and is referred to up to December 9, 1998 pursuant to the terms and conditions described in said report. On the other hand, the Buyers do not assume responsibility for any obligations or contingencies that could exist and that do not appear on the report. 6.5 The Buyers recognize that the Sellers have provided a fund of $136,500 US dollars which corresponds to the amount that may be paid for indemnification for the arbitrary termination of thirty percent of the personnel that is actually employed at Sodak Gaming Peru S.A.C., said termination at the sole discretion of Buyers. The financial responsibility of Sellers for the termination of the employees is limited to said sum. The amount stated shall be found in a separate bank account opened by Sellers that shall be at the disposition of Buyers as needed upon termination of employees. If any sums remain, they shall be to the benefit of Sellers. 6.6 The Buyers declare that they know the state of the slot machines that are found in the list referred to in Subparagraph (c) of Clause 12 of the present contract which they find to their satisfaction. 6.7 The Buyers agree that in the event that there is a change in Peruvian legislation concerning slot machines that would prohibit said activity or would cause it to be unduly onerous, they have no claim against the Sellers based on said change. SEVENTH: DECLARATIONS OF BUYERS 7.1 Execution of present contract as well as sale of the stock pursuant to this agreement, has been duly authorized by the proper board within its social structure. 7.2 That they are aware of the report completed by the Buyers as a result of their process of independent investigation (due diligence) that took place with respect to the situation of Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C. and finding the same to be complete and correct. Within this context, Seller relieve Buyers of any responsibility with respect to any situation or contingency that took place prior to the date of the agreement and that does not appear in the mentioned report, thereby assuming full responsibility for said situations and/or contingencies. 7.3 That the Sellers represent that as of this date, there are no lawsuits, proceedings, administrative judicial or arbitration proceedings pending relative to the present contract other than the ones identified in Clause 6.4. 7.4 The Sellers are responsible for the payment of the costs of operation of the business through December 9, 1998 after said date, the operational costs of the business are the sole responsibility of the Buyers. -73- 7.5 The Seller declares that said machines identified in Subparagraph (c) of Clause 12 have been reconstructed according to the regulatory standards in Peru on the dates identified in the list and that the same are operational. The Sellers do not assume any responsibility for the deterioration or defect that the same could suffer after the date of the execution of the agreement. 7.6 The Sellers declare that a legal action has been initiated as an injunction against the application of the selective tax to consumption (Exp. 1643-98-A) same which is pending resolution at the second level. As guarantee of the result of said action, the Sellers establish an escrow account in the amount of $1,200,000 US dollars. In the event of an adverse result, said amount shall be delivered to Sellers so that it may proceed with payment with the taxes required. EIGHTH: OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES 8.1 The Buyers assume all the pre-existing obligations of each one of the Sellers related to the obligations of Sodak Gaming Peru S.A.C. pursuant to what is expressed in the report that is referred to in Clause 6.4 and all those that originate after execution of this Agreement. 8.2 The Buyers and Sellers shall cooperate in the defense of any claim, present, past or future and any judicial process or arbitration with respect to the matters that are mentioned in Clause 6.4 when the same have been presented against the Sellers and shall be responsible for the compliance of whatever judicial decision results from whatever civil or penal proceedings; as well as the payments and costs of the same, as well as presenting necessary bonds within said processes. To this effect, the Buyers agree that upon notification of any judicial administrative or arbitration action or at the beginning of a claim of any audit, governmental audit, they shall notify the Sellers and shall actively assume the defense of Sellers interest until it can assume its own defense. 8.3 It is also agreed that the Buyers must cooperate totally with any internal investigation concerning the period of time through December 9, 1998 and shall cooperate and provide any information the Buyers require with respect to any governmental investigation. 8.4 The Buyers shall give unrestricted access to the Sellers to the books, accounts and generally all information of Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C. when they require it. NINTH: NOTIFICATION OF TRANFERENCE The Sellers shall communicate to Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C. this transfer so that it may be recorded in the Register and Minutes of the Books of the Company. Likewise, the Buyers shall communicate new ownership no later than a day following execution of this agreement to the technical secretary of the National Commission of Casinos and Gaming pursuant to Article 16 of Resolution No. 12-97-CNCJ. Once notification is completed, the Buyers must immediately provide to Sellers proof of said notification. TENTH: THE LETTER OF CREDIT The Sellers have authorized the Buyers to initiate an injunction against the requirements of Article 18 of D.S. 004-97-ITINCI. The cost of said action and the results are assumed one hundred percent by the Buyers. The parties realize, that the Sellers maintain a letter of credit that guarantees compliance of obligations before the National Casino Commission for the year 1998. In order to cover the risk of execution of the Letter of Credit, the Buyer provides a first and perfected security interest in the slot machines referred to in Subparagraph (c) of the 12th Clause. The value of the lien is established at $407,802 US Dollars and shall be maintained through January 31, 1999. In the event that the National Commission of Casinos and Games proceeds to execute the Letter of Credit presented by the Sellers, up and to January 15, 1999, the Sellers shall be authorized to immediately execute and collect the lien. ELEVENTH: THE NAME OF THE COMPANY The Sellers accept that the Company shall maintain the name Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C., for a period of six (6) months after execution of this agreement. The Buyers assume the obligation to modify the social name and register said modification with the register of legal entities no later than June 9, 1999. In the event that the Buyers fail to comply with this obligation, they shall pay Sellers the sum of $100,000 US Dollars by way in indemnification. -74- The Buyers shall pay an additional penalty in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per month or a fraction thereof for as long as Buyers use the name Sodak Gaming Peru, S.A.C. Payment of such amount shall in no form or fashion constitute license to use the name. The Buyers agree that in the future any name that shall be used for the Company, shall not include the name Sodak or any term that is phonetically similar. The Guarantor also agrees not to directly or indirectly with any of the companies in which he has an economic interest to use the name Sodak, Sodak Gaming Peru or a phonetic denomination that is similar. TWELVTH: EXHIBITS OF THE CONTRACT The Buyers declare having received to their entire satisfaction the following documents as Exhibits which are a part of this contract: a) A list of all the agreements entered into by the Company (Exhibit A) b) A list of all the licenses or authorizations (Exhibit B) c) A list of all slot machines that are owned by the Company (Exhibit (C) d) A list of all the accounts and balances of the Company (Exhibit (D) e) A report corresponding to the process of investigation realized by the Buyers (Exhibit E) THIRTEENTH: DOMICILE The Parties declare that their addresses are those indicated in the introduction to the present document. FOURTEENTH: ARBITRATION Any discrepancy, ambiguity, or controversy that could result in the interpretation and/or execution of the contract, including its nullity or invalidity shall be resolved by arbitration with three arbitrators, one named by each party, the third named by the two named arbitrators. Arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the rules of arbitration of the National and International Center of Arbitration of the Chamber Of Commerce of Lima to which the parties consent and submit themselves to. Lima, December 15, 1998 -75- EX-10.18 4 AGREEMENT Exhibit 10.18 AGREEMENT FOR THE TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT OF OPERATION OF THE CASINO BETWEEN SODAK GAMING INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND ADMIHOTEL COMPANY, LTDA. THAT OPERATES IN THE HOTEL CROWN PLAZA OF QUITO, ECUADOR, SALE WITH RESERVATION OF TITLE, ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AND GUARANTEES APPEARANCES: The parties to this Agreement are (I) SODAK GAMING INTERNATIONAL, INC., domiciled at the street 5301 South Highway 16, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA, represented by Mr. George E. Grassby, with special powers; (II) ADMIHOTEL COMPANY, LTDA. Society organized pursuant to the laws of Ecuador, domiciled in Quito, Ecuador, represented by Dr. Ruben Dario Alava Cajiao, pursuant to the attached power; (III) ECUASODAK, S.A., anonymous society organized pursuant to the laws of Ecuador, represented by the Company PBP Representations Company, Ltda. represented through its Manager Dr. Sebastian Perez Arteta, pursuant to the attached power; and (IV) ARQ. HUGO CAICEDO ANDINO, in his own right married, adult, capable of contracting and obligating himself, all of which appear for the following purposes. 1. PREAMBLE: 1.1 On the 3rd day of November, 1995, Sodak Gaming International, Inc. domiciled in the street 5301 South Highway 16, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA, represented by its President of Corporate Development, Kevin Buntrock, and Admihotel Company Ltda., (Admihotel) domiciled in Av. de Los Shyris 1757 Ynnuu, Quito, Ecuador, represented by its representative Mr. Fernando Bucheli, entered into a contract of operation of the casino (The Contract for the Operation of a Casino), in which Sodak International, Inc. obligated itself to install and maintain an operation in the first basement of the Hotel Crowne Plaza of Quito, a casino consisting of video and electronic slot machines and table games which administration was under the control of Sodak Gaming International, Inc. 1.2 During the time that the Company Ecuasodak, S.A. was being incorporated to facilitate the importation of machines, installations and supplements necessary for the operation of the casino, the company Rimex S.A. acted as importer and consignatary of the machines; but once constituted said Company Rimex S.A. by way of a public writing issued the 24th of October, 1998, before the 27th Notary of Quito, Fernando Polo Elmir, ratified that the ownership of the machines , installations and supplements imported in its name on behalf of Ecuasodak, S.A. with the authoritative annex which is incorporated having acted as an official agent of Ecuasodak, S.A. 1.3 Ecuasodak, S.A. was incorporated in the City of Quito, the 9th of February, 1996 before the 9th Notary of Quito, Dr. Gustavo Flores Uzacategui, and was approved by the legal branch of the Superintendent of Companies by way of Resolution 96.1.1.1.1.0544, the 21st of February, 1996 inscribed in the Board of Trade of the Canton of Quito, the 1st of March, 1996, Company which was incorporated without intervention or knowledge by Admihotel. 1.4 The machines, equipment and accessories of the casino imported as stated above, and all subsequent importations were imported using the official license of Admihotel. These machines, equipment and accessories are found installed and in operation of the first basement of Hotel Crowne Plaza of Quito. Said goods are the assets of Ecuasodak, S.A. 1.5 The books of Ecuasodak have been maintained by its accountants without intervention by Admihotel. Being therefore that the books are its exclusive responsibility. 1.6 Sodak Gaming International, Inc. through itself and by third parties, (Ecuasodak, S.A.) has controlled the technical and financial operation of the casino without participation of Admihotel. 1.7 Therefore, Sodak Gaming International, Inc. assumes the responsibility of the technical, financial and accounting operation as well as the fiscal, municipal and any other obligations arising out of the operation of the casino through December 31, 1998. 1.8 Sodak Gaming International has resolved in a voluntary fashion to termination of its operations in South America which include the casino at the Hotel Crowne Plaza of Quito, Ecuador. 1.9 As a result of this decision by Sodak Gaming International, Inc., the subsidiary, Ecuasodak, S.A. is going to liquidate its operations and for that reason it desires to sell its machines, installations and accessories installed in the casino. -76- 1.10 For this effect, the general meeting of shareholders of Ecuasodak, S.A. authorized the sale of these machines, installations and accessories which were imported under the official license of Admihotel for the casino, a copy of which is attached hereto. 1.11 Admihotel accepts termination of the contract of operation of the casino with Sodak Gaming International, Inc. due to its decision to conclude South American operations. Based on the above, the parties appear and agree as follows: 2. TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT OF THE OPERATION OF THE CASINO 2.1 Admihotel and Sodak Gaming International, Inc. agree freely and voluntarily in the greatest harmony to terminate the contract of operation of the casino prior to the set out termination date without any rights to a claim by either party; in other words, they mutually waive forever any claim or judicial action that could arise from the contract of operation of casino that is terminated. 2.2 Consequently, as of January 8, 1999, the responsibility of Sodak Gaming International, Inc. and Ecuasodak, S.A. disappears for the maintenance, operation and administration of the casino. This excludes the contracts of employment of personnel that are not included in Personal Temps as well as any legal claims that could exist against Ecuasodak, S.A. 2.3 If any claim appears in the future after January 8, 1999, but was generated during the administration of Sodak Gaming International, Inc. and/or Ecuasodak prior to said date, they are exclusive responsibility of Sodak Gaming International, Inc., especially with relationship to Mr. Antonio Salvador Salazar, Frank McGowan, David Brown, Adolfo Barros, the accountants and any other person who was involved in the administration, management and activities of the casino. It is not the responsibility of Sodak Gaming International and/or Ecuasodak any claim or obligation that arises after January 8, 1999 related to the Company Personal Temps and the personnel which it provides. 3. SALE WITH RESERVATION OF TITLE 3.1 Ecuasodak, S.A. reserves the title until the entire purchase price has been paid in full, agrees to sell to the Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino who agrees to buy the machines, equipment and accessories installed in the casino of the Hotel Crowne Plaza of Quito, Ecuador which are in the attached inventory which is attached to this Agreement and in this Exhibit are detailed the characteristics, serial number, mark and other specifications that identify each one of the machines, accessories and equipment that are sold. This Exhibit is incorporated into this Agreement. It is understood that the sale includes all of which is in the casino although it may not be found in the inventory. 3.2 The Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino declares that he has had the opportunity to verify the existence, condition and operation of the machines, equipment, and accessories and pursuant to the description and identification found in the inventory of said machines, equipment and accessories which is attached hereto. 3.3 Method of Payment: The buyer and the selling company agree freely and voluntary in establishing the price of the machine, equipment and accessories in the amount of Four Hundred Ten Thousand US Dollars ($410,000) that shall be paid as follows: Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) at the moment of signing this agreement; Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) sixty days after the execution of this agreement which is March 8, 1999; and Three Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($310,000) in three equal installments of One Hundred Three Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Dollars and 33/100ths ($103,330.33) each one which will carry the annual interest of 8% in the way that the amounts payable shall be as follows: _ First installment shall be paid on November 8, 1999 in the amount of One Hundred Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty seven Dollars ($119,867) _ The second installment shall be paid May 8th of the year 2000 in the amount of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($111,600); _ The third installment shall be payable on the 8th of November of the year 2000 in the amount of One Hundred Seven Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty seven Dollars ($107,467); these installments include the respective interests over the principle amounts on the dates stated. -77- 3.4 It is agreed that if any payment is required on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in Ecuador, the date of the payment shall be the first working day thereafter in Ecuador. The buyer shall make payments to the seller or to Sodak by way of transferring amounts immediately to a bank account designated by the seller or Sodak in writing. If this contract is assigned by the seller the payment shall be made to the designee. The buyer shall pay interest to the seller or to Sodak in the amount of 8% in American dollars. In the event of late payment the interest penalty shall apply and the maximum amount of interest that is allowed in Ecuador for operations in American dollars. If it is necessary to hire the services of a lawyer to enforce any of the obligations of buyer, or the rights of buyer or of Sodak by way of legal proceedings or in any other way the buyer agrees to pay said reasonable legal fees and judicial costs. The parties agree that payment can be made prior to due dates in which case the amount of interest due and owing shall be recomputed. 3.5 Duration of Reservation of Title: The reservation of title by the seller or Sodak shall be in full force and effect until the buyer has paid the totality of the obligations described in Paragraph 2. The title over the property of the machines shall not pass to the buyer until all the amounts that would have to be paid, have been paid totally by the buyer to the seller. Notwithstanding, the buyer assumes all the risks related to the property of the machines as of the moment of signing this contract. The rights, costs of transportation, charges or taxes including without limitation, rights of customs, import duties and charges for services of custom agents, supervision inspection and dispatch that were necessary to maintain the machines in Ecuador, including without limitation, all the charges, taxes and costs established in Article 11 of the Supreme Decree No. 548-CH of the 14th of September, 1963 included in Title 2 of the second book of the Commercial Code in Ecuador and others that are generated by this transaction or by other related transactions are the exclusive responsibility of the buyer. The buyer is prohibited from selling, changing or leasing the machines or to permit that they be subject to any claim or used as collateral with the exception that the same can be done if (i) any right of guarantee can be retained by the seller prior to payment and totality of the obligations of the buyer under this instrument and (ii) awarded to Sodak Gaming International or other company designated by it. However, the parties can partially release some of the equipment and machines. To do so the parties shall enter into an agreement by way of an Addendum to the present contract which shall also be registered. In the event that the buyer prepays the entirety of the price the parties agree that this agreement shall be immediately terminated once payment is verified. 3.6 Conservation and Immobilization: The buyer shall the maintain the machines free of any liens, taxes or charges; shall maintain the machines in good condition, reasonable wear and tear accepted, and pursuant to the prudent operational practices; it shall not use nor shall it permit the machines to be used illegally or to be leased; and it shall not do any of the following without the express written knowledge of the buyer: (i) remove the machines or allow that they be removed from the Hotel Crowne Plaza of Quito; (ii) transfer any participation in this contract or in the machines; or (iii) the effect any and all substantial alterations of the machine that does not include maintenance or refurbishment. 3.7 Default: If the buyer defaults on any of the conditions of this purchase / sale agreement, including those related with the dates of payment or if it becomes bankrupt, insolvent or if it there is a meeting of creditors against the buyer or if the buyer is in dissolution, liquidation or if the buyer violates in any form, any of the conditions in this agreement, or legal norms that regulate the laws related to sale with reservation of title, then in such case the seller or Sodak shall be free to choose any of the following judicial processes: (a) repossessions of the machines pursuant to law and pursuant to Article 14 of the Supreme Decree No. 548-CH of the 24th of September of 1963 which formed part of the Code of Commerce in Ecuador and in which case the payments made pursuant to this agreement shall be retained by the buyer or seller or Sodak plus the judicial costs resulting from said repossession, said payments being by way of indemnification; (b) sale of the goods as provided in Article 10 of the Supreme Decree 548-CH pursuant to the provisions of Article 596 of the Commercial Code of Ecuador and pertinent dispositions in the Code of Civil Procedure in Ecuador and other legal norms that are applicable; or (c) obtain the right from the buyer to revenues of the machines. -78- 3.8 Insurance: The buyer shall be responsible for the cost of all insurance coverage required as of January 8, 1999. Consequently, the buyer shall be obligated to insure the machines and provide a copy of the insurance policy to the seller. The seller reserves the right to verify coverage with the insurance company contracted for said of purpose. The insurance policy shall cover all risks, including injury to third persons, fire, robbery, breakage of the machines, etc. for the amount of the purchase price. 3.9 Rights and Taxes: Whatever right or tax caused due to registration of this contract shall be paid by the seller. The seller or Sodak is authorized to publicly register this agreement. On the other hand, the buyer accepts to pay all other taxes that are necessary such as the aggregated value tax (IVA), and others that could be occasioned by the sale of these goods. 3.10 Nonwaiver of Default: Failure to act by the seller or Sodak for any default of the buyer, shall not constitute a waiver of the seller or Sodak s right to enforce buyers obligations. 4. ASSIGNMENT: 4.1 The Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino authorizes Ecuasodak to transfer and assign to Sodak Gaming International, Inc. the rights and obligations that are established in this agreement. In this case, the Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino provides that he has been notified of any assignment and accepts as of the date of this agreement, the obligation to satisfy and comply with the obligations described in Clause 3 to Sodak Gaming International, Inc. as Assignee or holder of said rights or obligations. 4.2 Ecuasodak S.A. assigns to Sodak Gaming International, Inc. all rights and obligations that emanate from this purchase / sale with reservation of title. Sodak Gaming International, Inc. accepts this assignment and consequently it becomes the creditor and entitled to the rights and obligations contained in the Purchase / Sale with reservation of right before Arq. Hugo Caicedo as buyer. 4.3 In simultaneous manner, the Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino is notified of this assignment and he accepts expressly manifesting his consent to said assignment. 4.4 The Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino accepts as valid and legal this assignment as it complies with all the requirements established in the Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure and other applicable norms. 4.5 Ecuasodak, S.A. at the time of assigning to Sodak Gaming International the rights and obligations of this Purchase / Sale Agreement with reservation of right declares expressly that it does so as compensation for the debts that it actually owes to Sodak Gaming International, Inc. 4.6 The Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino authorizes Ecuasodak and/or Sodak Gaming International, Inc. to take whatever action necessary for the validity of the assignment including described in the Supreme Decree 548-CH in Article 96 of the Code of Civil Procedure. 4.7 Whatever cost or tax be generated by the assignment are responsibility of Ecuasodak and/or Sodak Gaming International, Inc. 5. THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF ECUADOR 5.1 Admihotel S.A., Sodak Gaming International, Inc. and its subsidiary Ecuasodak declare and ratify that these companies their directors, agents, and employees have not been involved in any direct or indirect way in any act that could constitute or be interpreted as payment, promise to pay or authorization to give a gift or donation of anything of any value to any authority of the governments of their countries in order to influence any act or decision of said government officials in their official capacity including any decision to avoid, comply with, any of their official functions or any government official to use it to influence over any person or government official in their countries with the object of effecting or influencing any act or decision of said government, -79- 5.2 Likewise, the companies declare and ratify that their employees, directors and agents have not acted in any way that could be interpreted as a violation of the law of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of the United States or of Ecuador nor have they offered to any political party authority or candidate with the purpose of influencing any act or decision of said party in its official capacity including the decision to fail to act in their official functions or to persuade said political party, authority or candidate to use his influence in any manner with any government to adopt or influence any act or decision of the government of said countries or their dependents. 6. GUARANTEES 6.1 Sodak Gaming International, Inc. guarantees to Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino as buyer and for one year after execution of this agreement to provide the necessary parts for the machines, equipment and accessories that are the object of this purchase / sale at list price maintained by Sodak Gaming International, Inc. at the moment of request. The buyer shall be responsible for the costs and taxes required by importation to Ecuador. In the event that Sodak Gaming International, Inc. does not have an inventory, some or all of the parts listed by the buyer, it is obligated to obtain them in the market and the price conditions of the moment that the request is made. Always prior payment of the list price of the replacement being paid by buyer and provide within a reasonable amount of time. 6.2 Sodak Gaming International, Inc. during this agreement is obligated to designate an attorney in Quito, Ecuador to respond to whatever claim could be made within this agreement. This designation shall be realized within 90 days of the execution of this agreement. 7. ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CHAIN, HOLIDAY INN WORLDWIDE AND THE CORPORATION BASS HOTELS AND RESORTS 7.1 As in the contract of operation of casino of November 3, 1995, it is expressly stated that this contract does not include nor affect in any form or fashion the franchise or concession of operation the Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino declares that this agreement does not affect said franchise agreement with the franchisor or contract that has been complied with and respected by the parties in said franchise. 8. JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE: Parties herein agree to submit any controversy or claim with respect to compliance or interpretation of this agreement to arbitration before the arbitration tribunal of the center for arbitration and mediation in the Chamber of Commerce in Quito, pursuant to the law of Arbitration and Mediation and the Regulations of Arbitration and Mediation of said center. Based on the above, the parties to this agreement accept without reservation whatever, and subscribe in Quito, the 8th day of January, 1999, in four originals that each shall have the same tenor and validity. ECUASODAK, S.A. ADMIHOTEL CIA LTDA. By:______________________________ By:______________________________ Sebastian Perez Arteta Gerente Ruben Alava Apoderado SODAK GAMING INTERNATIONAL, INC. ARQ. HUGO CAICEDO ANDINO By:______________________________ By:______________________________ George Grassby Arq. Hugo Caicedo Andino -80- EX-11.1 5 STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS Exhibit 11.1 SODAK GAMING, INC. CALCULATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1998 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- SHARES OUTSTANDING Weighted average common shares outstanding 22,737,580 22,758,186 22,761,223 Adjustment for assumed conversion shares 228,360 137,890 40,404 ------------ ------------ ------------ Weighted average number of common and assumed conversion shares outstanding 22,965,940 22,896,076 22,801,627 ============ ============ ============ NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $ 13,232,628 ($ 3,706,701) $ 2,686,341 ============ ============ ============ EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE, BASIC $ 0.58 ($ 0.16) $ 0.12 ============ ============ ============ EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE, DILUTED $ 0.58 ($ 0.16) $ 0.12 ============ ============ ============
-81-
EX-21.1 6 SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT Exhibit 21.1 SODAK GAMING, INC. SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT Sodak Gaming Mississippi, Inc. Sodak Gaming Colorado, Inc. Sodak Gaming Texas, Inc. Sodak Gaming International, Inc. S.G. International, Inc. Ecuasodak, S.A. Gamblers Supply Management Company Sodak Louisiana, L.L.C. -82- EX-23.1 7 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT Exhibit 23.1 SODAK GAMING, INC. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors Sodak Gaming, Inc.: We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement No. 33-92524 on Form S-8 of Sodak Gaming, Inc. of our reports dated February 10, 1999, except as to Note 21, which is as of March 11, 1999, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of Sodak Gaming, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998, and the related financial statement schedule, which reports are included in the 1998 annual report on Form 10-K of Sodak Gaming, Inc. \s\ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota March 30, 1999 -83- EX-23.2 8 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT Exhibit 23.2 SODAK GAMING, INC. INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT The Board of Directors Sodak Gaming, Inc.: We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement No. 33-92524 on Form S-8 of Sodak Gaming, Inc. of our report dated February 4, 1998, relating to the balance sheet of Sodak Gaming Peru S.A. (a subsidiary of Sodak Gaming, Inc.) as of December 31, 1997 and the related statements of operations, shareholders' deficit and cash flows for the year then ended, which report is included in the 1998 annual report on Form 10-K of Sodak Gaming, Inc. Our report refers to a change in accounting for pre-opening and start-up costs in 1997. It should be noted that we have not audited any financial statements of the Sodak Gaming Peru S.A. subsequent to December 31, 1997 or performed any audit procedures subsequent to the date of our report. \s\ Arthur Andersen Lima, Peru March 30, 1999 -84- EX-24.1 9 POWER OF ATTORNEY Exhibit 24.1 SODAK GAMING, INC. POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Roland W. Gentner and Clayton R. Trulson and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in fact and agents, each acting alone, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him in his name, a place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign and the annual report on form 10-K of Sodak Gaming, Inc., and any and all amendments thereto, and file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full power and authority to do and perform to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, or the substitutes for such attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Signature Title Date - ------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------- \s\ Michael G. Wordeman Chairman - ------------------------------ and Director March 19, 1999 Michael G. Wordeman \s\ Roland W. Gentner Chief Executive - ------------------------------ Officer, President and March 19, 1999 Roland W. Gentner Director \s\ Clayton R. Trulson Vice President, Finance - ------------------------------ and Treasurer (principal March 19, 1999 Clayton R. Trulson financial officer) \s\ Thomas Celani - ------------------------------ Thomas Celani Director March 21, 1999 \s\ Colin V. Reed - ------------------------------ Colin V. Reed Director March 19, 1999 \s\ Manuel Lujan, Jr. - ------------------------------ Manuel Lujan, Jr. Director March 19, 1999 \s\ Ronnie Lopez - ------------------------------ Ronnie Lopez Director March 17, 1999 -85- EX-27 10 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SODAK GAMING, INC.'S FORM 10-K AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1998 JAN-01-1998 DEC-31-1998 6,100 0 40,161 1,951 14,565 63,958 55,158 8,041 140,508 29,146 4,366 0 0 23 106,973 140,508 55,621 132,554 43,015 115,335 12,248 501 2,689 5,070 2,384 2,686 0 0 0 2,686 0.12 0.12
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