UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of February 2005
Commission File Number 000-30224
CRYPTOLOGIC INC. |
(Translation of registrants name into English) |
1867 Yonge Street, 7th Floor Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4S 1Y5 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F
Form 20-F | Form 40-F | X |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders. |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrants home country), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrants securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrants security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR. |
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes | No | X |
If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b) 82
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
CRYPTOLOGIC INC. |
Date: February 18, 2005 |
/s/ Lewis Rose
Lewis N. Rose President and Chief Executive Officer |
2
CRYPTOLOGIC ACHIEVES
RECORD REVENUE & EXCELLENT EARNINGS IN 2004
Fourth quarter revenue up 33%, earnings up 25%
Focused strategy delivers blue-chip results, global strength in online casino and
poker
February 18, 2005 (Toronto, ON) CryptoLogic Inc., a leading software developer to the global Internet gaming market, announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004. Record revenue, excellent earnings and healthy operating cash flow in 2004 are evidence of the companys focused strategy and growth momentum in both the casino and poker segments of the global online gaming market.
CryptoLogic continues to be the blue-chip e-gaming software company, with a winning hand in both the thriving online casino and poker markets, said Lewis Rose, CryptoLogics President and CEO. 2004 marked another year of revenue growth, profitability and cash generation for CryptoLogic. In 2005, we will continue to capitalize on our strong financial performance to invest for the future, build on our market strength and continue to drive profitable returns.
Financial Highlights | Three months ended | Years ended | ||
(in millions of US dollars, except per share data) | December 31, | December 31, | ||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |
Revenue | $17.9 | $13.5 | $63.7 | $44.2 |
Earnings | $3.8 | $3.0 | $13.7 | $9.4 |
Earnings per diluted share | $0.27 | $0.23 | $1.01 | $0.75 |
Highlights for the fourth quarter included:
| Fourth quarter earnings grew to $0.27 per diluted share, ahead of analysts average forecast and the 2003 fourth quarter of $0.23. Fiscal 2004 full year earnings were also strong at $1.01 per diluted share on a 44% increase in revenue to a record $63.7 million; |
| Consistent cash generation led to the previously announced 67% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.05 per share; |
| Online poker fees rose by more than 165% over the same previous year quarter, and accounted for over 20% of Q4 2004 revenue. Internet casino revenue grew 15% from the fourth quarter of 2003; |
| International diversification remained strong, with overseas markets exceeding 60% of licensees revenue for the year, up from over 55% in 2003; and |
| Subsequent to year-end, the company renewed and extended its multi-year, exclusive agreement with an existing UK licensee, The Ritz Club London Online, for both online casino and poker solutions developed by CryptoLogic. |
TEL (416) 545-1455 FAX
(416) 545-14541867
YONGE STREET, 7TH FLOOR, TORONTO, CANADA M4S 1Y5
Strong 2004 Financial
Performance (All figures are expressed in US dollars)
CryptoLogic posted record
revenue and excellent earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004. The first
and fourth quarters are typically the strongest periods as players tend to spend more time
indoors during the winter and fall seasons. Revenue rose 33% to $17.9 million (Q4 2003:
$13.5 million). EBITDA(1) for the quarter grew 25% to $4.7 million (Q4 2003:
$3.8 million). EBITDA(1) margin for the quarter was 26% as a percentage of
revenue, despite higher investments to drive long term returns (Q4 2003: 28%). Earnings
for Q4 2004 rose 25% to $3.8 million or $0.27 per diluted share (Q4 2003: $3.0 million or
$0.23 diluted share).
The fourth quarter results reflected strong organic growth from existing customers, recently launched poker licensees, new casino games and product enhancements. The introduction of poker tournament capabilities, an expanding poker clientele, and increased system scalability translated into rising online poker fees. The companys poker customers also benefited from the success of their first land-based poker tournament, the Caribbean Poker Classic, which was televised and a great marketing draw for players. An expanded casino game portfolio, particularly in the popular slot category, helped growth in Internet casino revenue.
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased by 44% to $63.7 million (2003: $44.2 million). EBITDA(1) for fiscal 2004 rose by 51% to $17.3 million (2003: $11.5 million). This translated into EBITDA(1) margin for the year rising to 27% (2003: 26%) despite increased investments, which are already producing early returns. Earnings for the full year improved by 45% to $13.7 million or $1.01 per diluted share (2003: $9.4 million or $0.75 per diluted share).
In the second half of 2004, CryptoLogic announced and embarked upon a major investment program, which is over and above its normal course expenditures, to support long term growth. Approximately 70%, or $7.1 million, of this program was invested in 2004. Most of the remaining 30% balance will be completed in the first half of 2005. In 2004, these expenditures included $2.6 million in operating costs and $4.5 million in capital expenditures (comprising $3.2 million for the purchase of capital assets and $1.3 million in capitalized software development costs related to the investment program).
Balance Sheet Strength
CryptoLogic continued to add to its
strong balance sheet. At December 31, 2004, the company had no debt, and total cash grew
to $86.0 million or a cash value of $6.33 per diluted share (comprising cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments, and including security deposits of $7.0 million).
Working capital grew to $62.8 million or $4.62 per diluted share.
Operating cash flow for the fourth quarter of 2004 was $9.0 million (Q4 2003: $7.7 million). For fiscal 2004, operating cash flow was $18.9 million (2003: $38.7 million). The year-over-year decline related primarily to increased receivables in 2004 resulting from two licensees assuming responsibility for their own e-cash processing. In addition, cash generated from operations was exceptionally high in 2003 due to more favourable security deposit arrangements beginning that year and the timing of accounts payable.
Increased Quarterly Dividend
On November 4, 2004,
CryptoLogics Board approved a 67% increase in the companys quarterly dividend
to US$0.05 per common share or an annual rate of US$0.20 (up from US$0.03 per share each
quarter), reflecting the companys consistent earnings and cash generation. The
increased rate began with the quarterly dividend paid on December 15, 2004.
On February 16, 2005, the Board declared the companys quarterly dividend of US$0.05 per share, payable on March 15, 2005 to shareholders of record as at March 8, 2005. CryptoLogic continues to be one of the few software companies with a regular dividend policy a sign of its financial strength.
Internationally
Diversification
CryptoLogic has established an
internationally diversified business. In 2004, more than 60% of licensees revenue
was derived from international players, up from over 55% in 2003 and 40% in 2002 . The UK
and Continental Europe remain the companys key geographic focus, having grown to
more than 30% and 20% respectively of licensees overall revenue.
CryptoLogic continues to work with some of the most prominent international gaming brands. Subsequent to the year-end, in February 2005, The Ritz Club London Online renewed and extended a multi-year contract with CryptoLogics subsidiary, WagerLogic Limited, to continue to use the companys online casino and poker offerings exclusively during the term of the agreement.
Market-Oriented Solutions
CryptoLogic continued to deliver
profitable growth in both its core casino and the burgeoning online poker areas. The
company further expanded its online casino suite launching more than 30 new choices
of the most popular table and slot games in 2004, which helped grow Internet casino
revenue by 15% in Q4 2004 over a year ago. CryptoLogic continued to demonstrate its
reputation for innovation by being the first to bring Fruit Machine style
slots, a UK pub favourite, to the Internet.
CryptoLogic is also building a strong presence in the global online poker segment. Enhanced tournament capabilities, increased system scalability and the growing momentum of brand name poker licensees have all contributed to a more than 165% rise in online poker fees in Q4 2004 over a year ago. Online poker accounted for over 20% of total Q4 revenue, ahead of CryptoLogics target of 15% for the year. Today, CryptoLogic-developed software powers one of the top five revenue-generating poker rooms on the Web, according to PokerPulse, an independent industry research website.
Management Team
During the fourth quarter,
CryptoLogic appointed Andrew Goetsch as Vice President of Poker Software Development. As a
senior executive with more than 20 years experience in strategic planning, technology,
finance and mergers and acquisitions, Goetsch helped increase sales and profits for
consumer goods and manufacturing companies. He obtained his Certified Public Accountant
Designation at one of the big accounting firms. As a seasoned executive and accomplished
poker player including several final table appearances, and more than 200 in
the money finishes in poker tournaments held both online and around the world,
including the main event in the 2004 World Series of Poker Goetschs extensive
expertise will help the company continue the growth and development of its software
product plans in Internet poker.
Outlook
CryptoLogics focused strategy
and investment in key markets and fast-growing product segments have continued to
translate into revenue growth, solid earnings and positive cash flow, notwithstanding a
competitive online gaming industry marked by US regulatory uncertainty. By remaining
disciplined in its execution, CryptoLogic will build on its positive momentum into 2005.
Revenue in the traditionally strong first quarter is forecast to range from $19.0-$19.4
million, with earnings of $4.1-$4.3 million or $0.29-$0.30 per diluted share.
Given CryptoLogics revenue generation and financial strength, Management believes this is the best time to invest for growth in both its core casino and poker businesses. CryptoLogic will continue its major capital investment program largely in the first half of 2005, substantially enhancing its game offerings, infrastructure, scalability, customer care and back-office systems all to secure continued global leadership in the major segments of the online gaming market, and intended to enhance returns in the near and long term.
2004 Fourth Quarter and
Year End Analyst Call
A conference call is scheduled for
8:30 a.m. (EST) (1:30 p.m. GMT) on Friday, February 18, 2005. Interested parties should
call either 416-695-5259, 1-877-888-3490 (North America) or international toll free number
at (Country Code) 800-4222-8835. Instant replay will be available until February 25, 2005
by calling 416-695-5275 or 1-866-518-1010.
About
CryptoLogic® (www.cryptologic.com)
Focused on integrity and innovation,
CryptoLogic Inc. is the worlds largest public online gaming software developer and
supplier. Its leadership in regulatory compliance makes it one of the very few companies
with gaming software that is certified to strict standards similar to land-based gaming.
WagerLogic Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryptoLogic, is responsible for the
licensing of its gaming software and services to customers worldwide. For information on
WagerLogic®, visit www.wagerlogic.com.
CryptoLogics common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: CRY), on the Nasdaq National Market (symbol: CRYP), and on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (symbol: CRP).
(1) | Management believes that EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is a useful supplemental measure of performance. However, EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure under generallyaccepted accounting principles (GAAP) and does not have a standardized meaning. Therefore, EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. |
For more information, please contact: CryptoLogic, (416) 545-1455 Nancy Chan-Palmateer, Director of Communications Jenifer Cua, Interim Chief Financial Officer |
Argyle Rowland, 416-968-7311 (Media) Daniel Tisch, ext. 223/ dtisch@argylerowland.com Karen Passmore, ext. 227/ kpassmore@argylerowland.com |
CRYPTOLOGIC FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER:
Statements in this press release
which are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are
cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including,
without limitation, risks associated with the Companys financial condition and
prospects, legal risks associated with Internet gaming and risks of governmental
legislation and regulation, risks associated with market acceptance and technological
changes, risks associated with dependence on licensees and key licensees, risks relating
to international operations, risks associated with competition and other risks detailed in
the Companys filings with securities regulatory authorities. These risks may cause
results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
CRYPTOLOGIC INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of US dollars)
As at December 31, 2004 (unaudited) |
As at December 31, 2003 (audited) | |
ASSETS | ||
Current assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $43,182 | $44,010 |
Security deposits | 7,000 | 6,550 |
Short term investments | 35,782 | 16,747 |
Accounts receivable and other | 6,487 | 2,389 |
Prepaid expenses | 1,754 | 1,163 |
94,205 | 70,859 | |
User funds on deposit | 18,908 | 9,394 |
Capital assets | 9,227 | 3,915 |
Intangible assets | 106 | 122 |
Goodwill | 1,776 | 1,776 |
$124,222 | $86,066 | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $30,056 | $25,063 |
Income taxes payable | 1,331 | 1,063 |
31,387 | 26,126 | |
User funds held on deposit | 18,908 | 9,394 |
Future taxes | 1,840 | -- |
52,135 | 9,394 | |
Shareholders' equity: | ||
Capital stock | 20,380 | 11,350 |
Stock options | 1,114 | 438 |
Retained earnings | 50,593 | 38,758 |
72,087 | 50,546 | |
$124,222 | $86,066 | |
CRYPTOLOGIC INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
(In thousands of US dollars)
For the three months ended December 31, |
For the years ended December 31, | |||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | |
Retained earnings, beginning of period | $47,463 | $36,450 | $38,758 | $30,376 |
Earnings | 3,794 | 3,033 | 13,668 | 9,441 |
Dividends paid | (664) | (369) | (1,833) | (369) |
Registration costs | -- | (356) | -- | (690) |
Retained earnings, end of period | $50,593 | $38,758 | $50,593 | $38,758 |
CRYPTOLOGIC INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands of US dollars, except per share information)
For the three months ended December 31, |
For the years ended December 31, | |||
2004 (unaudited) |
2003 (unaudited) |
2004 (unaudited) |
2003 (audited) | |
Revenue | $17,949 | $13,540 | $63,714 | $44,211 |
Expenses | ||||
Operating costs | 11,349 | 8,371 | 39,975 | 27,204 |
General and administrative | 1,773 | 1,296 | 6,028 | 5,161 |
Finance | 88 | 91 | 374 | 350 |
Amortization | 674 | 474 | 2,089 | 1,533 |
13,884 | 10,232 | 48,466 | 34,248 | |
Earnings before undernoted | 4,065 | 3,308 | 15,248 | 9,963 |
Interest income | 426 | 160 | 1,293 | 691 |
Earnings before taxes | 4,491 | 3,468 | 16,541 | 10,654 |
Income taxes | 697 | 435 | 2,873 | 1,213 |
Earnings | $3,794 | $3,033 | $13,668 | $9,441 |
Earnings per share | ||||
Basic | $0.29 | $0.25 | $1.05 | $0.77 |
Diluted | $0.27 | $0.23 | $1.01 | $0.75 |
Weighted average number of shares (`000s) | ||||
Basic | 13,185 | 12,280 | 12,971 | 12,245 |
Diluted | 13,871 | 12,972 | 13,586 | 12,604 |
CRYPTOLOGIC INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of US dollars)
For the three months ended December 31, |
For the years ended December 31, | |||
2004 (unaudited) |
2003 (unaudited) |
2004 (unaudited) |
2003 (audited) | |
Cash provided by (used in): | ||||
Operating activities: | ||||
Earnings | $3,794 | $3,033 | $13,668 | $9,441 |
Adjustments to reconcile earnings to | ||||
cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||
Amortization | 674 | 474 | 2,089 | 1,533 |
Future taxes | 444 | -- | 1,840 | -- |
Gain on sale of investment | -- | -- | -- | (31) |
Stock options | 337 | 148 | 1,200 | 438 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||
Security deposits | -- | (1,000) | (450) | 9,190 |
Accounts receivable and other | 872 | (2,016) | (4,098) | (729) |
Prepaid expenses | 42 | 57 | (591) | (246) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 2,628 | 6,770 | 4,993 | 17,458 |
Income taxes payable | 181 | 243 | 268 | 1,646 |
8,972 | 7,709 | 18,919 | 38,700 | |
Financing activities: | ||||
Issue of capital stock | 2,343 | 360 | 8,506 | 630 |
Registration costs | -- | (356) | -- | (690) |
Dividends paid | (664) | (369) | (1,833) | (369) |
1,679 | (365) | 6,673 | (429) | |
Investing activities: | ||||
Purchase of capital assets, net of disposals | (1,749) | (349) | (7,296) | (2,618) |
Purchase of intangible assets | -- | (5) | (89) | (13) |
Short term investments | 9,840 | (3,657) | (19,035) | (5,890) |
Sale of investment | -- | -- | -- | 711 |
Investment in subsidiary | -- | (111) | -- | (111) |
8,091 | (4,122) | (26,420) | (7,921) | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 18,742 | 3,222 | (828) | 30,350 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 24,440 | 40,788 | 44,010 | 13,660 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $43,182 | $44,010 | $43,182 | $44,010 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As at December 31, 2004
(All figures are in thousands of US dollars,
except per share disclosure and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
These consolidated interim financial statements of CryptoLogic Inc. (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) using the same accounting policies as were used for the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated interim financial statements do not contain all annual disclosures required by GAAP and, as such, should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2003, as set out in the 2003 Annual Report.
1. | Stock Option Plan |
In accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Company has expensed the costs of all stock option grants issued on or after January 1, 2003. The fair value of the options granted in 2003 and 2004 was made using the Black-Scholes option pricing model under the following weighted assumptions:
2004 | 2003 | |
Dividend yield | 0.75% | 0.75% |
Risk-free rate | 2.75% | 2.75% |
Expected volatility | 50.0% | 50.0% |
Expected life of options in years | 5.0 | 5.0 |
The estimated fair value of options is recorded over the vesting period of the options. The cost of stock options is included in operating costs. Consideration paid by employees on the exercise of stock options is credited to share capital.
The impact of expensing stock options on earnings is as follows:
Three months ended | Years ended | |||
December 31, 2004 | December 31, 2003 | December 31, 2004 | December 31, 2003 | |
(000) | (000) | (000) | (000) | |
Stock options expense | $337 | $148 | $1,200 | $438 |
Stock options expense (per share): | ||||
Basic | $0.03 | $0.01 | $0.09 | $0.03 |
Diluted | $0.02 | $0.01 | $0.09 | $0.03 |
1. | Stock Option Plan (continued) |
For the year ended December 31, 2002, no compensation cost was recorded on the grant of stock options during that year. In accordance with the transitional provisions of the accounting guideline, additional pro forma disclosure is presented as if the fair value method of accounting had been used to account for stock options. The fair value of the options granted was made using the Black-Scholes option pricing model under the following weighted assumptions:
2002 | |
Dividend yield | -- |
Risk-free rate | 2.0% |
Expected volatility | 100.0% |
Expected life of options in years | 5.0 |
Had compensation expense been determined based on the fair value of the employee stock option awards for 2002 grants at the grant dates in accordance with the new recommendations, the Companys earnings and earnings per share would have been changed to the following pro forma amounts:
Three months ended December 31, |
Year ended December 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As reported |
Pro forma |
As reported |
Pro forma |
As reported |
Pro forma |
As reported |
Pro forma | |||||||||||||||||||
('000) | ('000) | ('000) | ('000) | ('000) | ('000) | ('000) | ('000) | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings | $ | 3,794 | $ | 3,662 | $ | 3,033 | $ | 2,849 | $ | 13,668 | $ | 13,090 | $ | 9,441 | $ | 8,706 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 1.05 | $ | 1.01 | $ | 0.77 | $ | 0.71 | ||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 1.01 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.69 |
2. | Capital Stock |
Authorized:
Unlimited common shares
Issued and Outstanding:
Common Shares | Series F. Warrants | Total | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In thousands | Issued | Stated Value | Issued | Stated Value | Stated Value | ||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2002 | 12,206 | $ | 10,448 | 30 | $ | 272 | $ | 10,720 | |||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 94 | 630 | -- | -- | 630 | ||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2003 | 12,300 | $ | 11,078 | 30 | $ | 272 | $ | 11,350 | |||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2003 | 12,300 | $ | 11,078 | 30 | $ | 272 | $ | 11,350 | |||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 1,011 | 9,030 | -- | -- | 9,030 | ||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2004 | 13,311 | $ | 20,108 | 30 | $ | 272 | $ | 20,380 | |||||||||
3. | Normal Course Issuer Bid |
In September 2004, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan, under a Normal Course Issuer Bid, to repurchase and cancel up to 1,250,000 of the Companys outstanding common shares for the period commencing September 23, 2004 and ending September 22, 2005. As at December 31, 2004, the Company has not repurchased any shares.
4. | Comparative Figures |
Certain of the prior years figures have been reclassified for consistency with the current presentation, and reflect the expensing of stock options effective January 1, 2003.