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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998
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OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 0-24216
IMAX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada 98-0140269
----------------------------------- ------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
2525 Speakman Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 1B1
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Postal Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (905) 403-6500
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NONE
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate the number of shares of each of the issuer's classes of common stock,
as of the latest practicable date:
Class Outstanding as of July 31, 1998
- -------------------------- -------------------------------
Common stock, no par value 29,507,474
Page 1 of 16
IMAX CORPORATION
INDEX
Page
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements 3
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 10
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 13
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 15
Item 6. Listing of Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 15
Signatures 16
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements in this Report on Form 10-Q under the captions "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Legal Proceedings" may constitute forward looking statements that involve
certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ
materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking
statements. Important factors that could effect these statements include the
timing of theater system deliveries, the mix of theater systems shipped, the
timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and
distribution agreements, and foreign currency fluctuations. These factors and
other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Page 2
IMAX CORPORATION
Page
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following condensed consolidated financial
statements are filed as part of this Report:
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at June 30, 1998
and December 31, 1997 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
and six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
for the six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Page 3
IMAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Amounts in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 57,939 $ 64,069
Short-term marketable securities 17,181 10,184
Accounts receivable 35,563 32,401
Current portion of net investment in leases 7,364 6,007
Inventories and systems under construction (note 2) 22,153 21,922
Prepaid expenses 3,186 2,474
-------- --------
Total current assets 143,386 137,057
Long-term marketable securities 7,979 16,277
Net investment in leases 67,899 51,825
Film assets 46,321 42,036
Capital assets 43,643 41,360
Goodwill 42,656 43,915
Other assets 12,823 11,889
-------- --------
Total assets $364,707 $344,359
======== ========
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 5,050 $ 7,129
Accrued liabilities 23,102 24,220
Current portion of deferred revenue 38,325 29,067
Income taxes payable 818 318
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 67,295 60,734
Deferred revenue 8,583 13,618
Senior notes 65,000 65,000
Convertible subordinated notes 100,000 100,000
Deferred income taxes 26,323 19,596
-------- --------
Total liabilities 267,201 258,948
-------- --------
MINORITY INTEREST 3,552 2,950
-------- --------
Redeemable preferred shares 1,432 1,344
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (notes 3 and 4)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock 53,880 52,604
Retained earnings 38,828 28,642
Cumulative translation adjustment (186) (129)
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity 92,522 81,117
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $364,707 $344,359
======== ========
(See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements on
pages 7 to 9.)
Page 4
IMAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Amounts in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
REVENUE
Systems $30,890 $20,061 $57,254 $37,979
Films 6,761 10,648 13,823 22,947
Other 5,191 4,731 7,865 7,056
------- ------- ------- -------
42,842 35,440 78,942 67,982
COSTS AND EXPENSES 18,554 17,726 33,877 32,391
------- ------- ------- -------
GROSS MARGIN 24,288 17,714 45,065 35,591
Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,462 7,349 17,896 14,689
Research and development 630 310 1,359 809
Amortization of intangibles 630 614 1,259 1,275
------- ------- ------- -------
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS 14,566 9,441 24,551 18,818
Interest income 1,142 1,346 2,404 2,840
Interest expense (3,330) (3,333) (6,617) (6,632)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain (156) 98 (229) 22
------- ------- ------- -------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST 12,222 7,552 20,109 15,048
Provision for income taxes (5,679) (3,201) (9,147) (6,745)
------- ------- ------- -------
EARNINGS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST 6,543 4,351 10,962 8,303
Minority interest (382) (203) (602) (457)
------- ------- ------- -------
NET EARNINGS $ 6,161 $ 4,148 $10,360 $ 7,846
======= ======= ======= =======
EARNINGS PER SHARE (NOTE 5)
Basic $0.21 $0.14 $0.35 $0.27
Diluted $0.20 $0.14 $0.34 $0.26
(See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements on
pages 7 to 9.)
Page 5
IMAX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
Amounts in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
Six months ended June 30,
1998 1997
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN):
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings $ 10,360 $ 7,846
Items not involving cash:
Depreciation and amortization 8,068 6,650
Deferred income taxes 6,706 4,033
Minority interest 602 457
Amortization of discount on senior notes -- 311
Other 450 (56)
Change in net investment in leases (17,579) (6,288)
Change in deferred revenue on film production 2,799 (6,075)
Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities (4,411) (6,942)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 6,995 (64)
-------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Decrease (increase) in marketable securities 1,296 (38,198)
Increase in film assets (7,712) (10,557)
Purchase of capital assets (5,409) (5,995)
Increase in other assets (2,144) (3,004)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (13,969) (57,754)
-------- --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of long-term debt -- (1,162)
Class C preferred shares dividends paid (386) --
Common shares issued 1,276 4,599
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 890 3,437
-------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (46) 140
-------- --------
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS DURING THE PERIOD (6,130) (54,241)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 64,069 102,589
-------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 57,939 $ 48,348
======== ========
(See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements on
pages 7 to 9.)
Page 6
IMAX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Imax
Corporation and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries. The
nature of the Company's business is such that the results of operations for
the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to
be expected for the fiscal year. In the opinion of management, the
information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary to make the
results of operations for the interim periods a fair statement of such
operations. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's
most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997
which should be consulted for a summary of the significant accounting
policies utilized by the Company.
2. INVENTORIES AND SYSTEMS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
Raw materials $ 8,851 $ 6,943
Work-in-process 12,752 14,508
Finished goods 550 471
------- -------
$22,153 $21,922
======= =======
3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
From time to time the Company engages in hedging activities to reduce the
impact of fluctuations in foreign currencies on its profitability and cash
flow. The credit risk exposure associated with these activities would be
limited to all unrealized gains on contracts based on current market
prices. The Company believes that this credit risk has been minimized by
dealing with highly rated financial institutions.
To fund Canadian dollar costs through January 2000, the Company had entered
into forward exchange contracts as at June 30, 1998 to hedge the conversion
of $43.0 million of its cash flow into Canadian dollars at an average
exchange rate of Canadian $1.41 per U.S. dollar. In addition, the
Company had entered into forward exchange contracts as at June 30, 1998 to
hedge the conversion of 149 million Yen of its cash flow in 1998 and 1999
into U.S. dollars at an average exchange rate of 134 Yen per U.S. dollar.
The Company has also entered into foreign currency swap transactions to
hedge minimum lease payments receivable under sales-type lease contracts
denominated in Japanese Yen and French Francs. These swap transactions fix
the foreign exchange rates on conversion of 168 million Yen at 98 Yen per
U.S. dollar through September 2004 and on 17.4 million Francs at 5.1 Francs
per U.S. dollar through September 2005.
These hedging contracts are expected to be held to maturity; however, if
they were terminated on June 30, 1998, the Company would have realized a
loss of approximately $1.4 million based on the then prevailing exchange
rates.
Page 7
IMAX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT'D)
In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
(unaudited)
4. CONTINGENCIES
a) In April 1994, Compagnie France Film Inc. filed a claim against the Company
in the Superior Court in the District of Montreal, in the Province of
Quebec, alleging breach of contract and bad faith in respect of an
agreement which the plaintiff claims it entered into with the Company for
the establishment of an IMAX theater in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Until
December 1993, Predecessor Imax was in negotiations with the plaintiff and
another unrelated party for the establishment of an IMAX theater in Quebec
City. In December 1993, Predecessor Imax executed a system lease agreement
with the other party. During the negotiations, both parties were aware of
the other party's interest in also establishing an IMAX theater in Quebec
City. The plaintiffs claimed damages of Canadian $4.6 million, representing
the amount of profit they claimed they were denied due to their inability
to proceed with an IMAX theater in Quebec City, together with expenses
incurred in respect of this project and pre-judgment interest.
Compagnie France Film had also incorporated a shell company, 3101-8450
Quebec Inc. ("3101"). 3101 was to, among other things, enter into a lease
for the proposed IMAX theater site. In November 1993, while negotiations
between Compagnie France Film and the Company were still ongoing, 3101
entered into a lease for the site. 3101 defaulted on the lease and the
landlord sued 3101 in an unrelated action to which the Company was not a
party. In February 1996, 3101 was found liable to pay the landlord damages
in the amount of Canadian $2.5 million. Subsequent to that judgment 3101
intervened in the lawsuit between Compagnie France Film and the Company in
order to claim from the Company damages in the amount of Canadian $2.5
million.
The Company disputed these claims and the suit went to trial in January
1998. In a decision rendered in April 1998, the Court dismissed the
plaintiffs' claims with costs. In May 1998, Compagnie France Film Inc. and
3101 both filed appeals of the April 1998 decision to the Court of Appeal.
The Company believes that it will be successful in responding to these
appeals and the ultimate loss, if any, will not have a material impact on
the financial position or results of operations of the Company, although no
assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of this
litigation.
(b) On February 26, 1996, Iwerks Entertainment, Inc. filed a complaint against
the Company alleging violations under the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act,
tortious interference with contracts and prospective economic advantage,
and unfair competition. The plaintiff was seeking unquantified damages,
injunctive relief and restitution. All claims against the Company were
dismissed in a summary judgement in April 1998. In May 1998, Iwerks
Entertainment, Inc. filed an appeal of this decision. The amount of the
loss, if any, cannot be determined at this time.
(c) In addition to the litigation described above, the Company is currently
involved in other litigation which, in the opinion of the Company's
management, will not materially affect the Company's financial position or
future operating results, although no assurance can be given with respect
to the ultimate outcome for any such litigation.
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE
(a) Pursuant to shareholders' approval at the Annual and Special Meeting held
on May 6, 1997 the Company's shares were split on a 2-for-1 basis in May
1997. Earnings per share data for the prior year periods give effect to the
stock split as if it had taken place at the beginning of the respective
period.
Page 8
IMAX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT'D)
In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997
(unaudited)
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONT'D)
(b) Reconciliations of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted
per-share computations are as follows:
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------------- ------------- --------------- ---------
Net earnings available to common
shareholders:
Net earnings $ 6,161 $ 4,148 $ 10,360 $ 7,846
Less:
Accrual of dividends on preferred shares (43) (43) (86) (85)
Accretion of discount of preferred shares (44) (40) (88) (78)
------- ------- -------------- -------
Net earnings used in computing basic earnings 6,074 4,065 10,186 7,683
per share
Interest expense on Convertible Subordinated 885 -- 885 --
Notes, net of tax ------- ------- -------------- -------
Net earnings used in computing diluted $ 6,959 $ 4,065 $ 11,071 $ 7,683
earnings per share ======= ======= ============== =======
Weighted average number of common shares (000's):
Issued and outstanding at beginning of period 29,115 27,912 29,115 27,885
Weighted average shares issued in the period 138 286 103 165
------- ------- -------------- -------
Weighted average used in computing basic 29,253 28,198 29,218 28,050
earnings per share
Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares 1,205 1,849 1,218 1,856
assumed acquired under the Treasury Stock
Method
Assumed conversion of Convertible Subordinated 4,671 -- 2,336 --
Notes ------- ------- -------------- -------
Weighted average used in computing diluted 35,129 30,047 32,772 29,906
earnings per share ======= ======= ============== =======
Common shares potentially issuable pursuant to the Convertible
Subordinated Notes were excluded from the above computations for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 and the three and six months ended
June 30, 1997 since they would have had an antidilutive effect on
earnings per share.
6. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting
Comprehensive Income, became effective for the Company's 1998 fiscal year.
Comprehensive income items include certain gains and losses, such as
foreign currency translation adjustments, that bypass the Company's net
earnings and are accumulated directly in shareholders' equity.
Comprehensive income was $6,112,000 and $4,302,000 for the three months
ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively and $10,327,000 and $7,930,000
for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Page 9
IMAX CORPORATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THEATER SIGNINGS AND BACKLOG
During the second quarter of 1998, the Company signed contracts for eight IMAX
theater systems valued at $28.8 million, representing a 26% increase over the
$22.9 million value of the 15 theater systems contracts (including six theaters
in which the Company had an equity interest) signed in the second quarter of
1997. The Company does not attribute any value to theaters in which it has an
equity interest in its signings totals. For the six months ended June 30, 1998,
the Company signed contracts for 21 theater systems valued at $60.5 million, a
25% increase over the $48.5 million value of the 24 contracts (including six
theaters in which the Company had an equity interest) signed in the prior year
period. As a result of these theater signings, the Company's sales backlog grew
to $189.2 million at June 30, 1998, a 2% increase from $185.8 million at March
31, 1998 and an 8% increase from $175.4 million at December 31, 1997.
The Company's sales backlog at June 30, 1998 represented contracts for 82
theater systems, including the upgrade of one existing theater to IMAX 3D. Most
of the 36 IMAX 3D SR theater systems in backlog represent theater systems
contracted for under multi-theater exhibitor agreements and may be replaced in
backlog by larger IMAX 3D theater systems when specific theater locations are
determined in the future. There are 14 theater systems in backlog which will be
located at theaters in which the Company has an equity interest. The Company's
sales backlog will vary from quarter to quarter depending on the signing of new
systems which adds to backlog and the delivery of systems which reduces backlog.
Sales backlog represents the minimum revenues under signed system sale and lease
agreements that will be recognized as revenue as the associated theater systems
are delivered. The minimum revenue comprises the upfront fees plus the present
value of the minimum royalties due under sales-type lease agreements for the
first 10 years of the initial lease term. The value of sales backlog does not
include revenues from theaters in which the Company has an equity interest,
letters of intent, IMAX(R) Ridefilm(TM) system contracts or long-term
conditional theater commitments.
As of June 30, 1998, there were 26 IMAX Ridefilm theaters in operation and a
backlog of 15 IMAX Ridefilm systems, including six upgrades.
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 VERSUS THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
The Company reported net earnings of $6.2 million or $0.20 per share on a
diluted basis for the second quarter of 1998 compared to $4.1 million or $0.14
per share on a diluted basis for the second quarter of 1997. Earnings per share
information for the prior year period has been adjusted for the 2-for-1 stock
split which became effective by May 27, 1997 and the adoption of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 128 which became effective by December 15, 1997.
The Company's revenues for the second quarter of 1998 increased 21% to $42.8
million from $35.4 million in the corresponding quarter last year as a result of
growth in systems revenue which more than offset a decline in film revenue.
Systems revenue, which includes revenue from theater system sales and leases,
royalties and maintenance fees, increased approximately 54% to $30.9 million in
the second quarter of 1998 from $20.1 million in the same quarter last year. The
Company delivered eight theater systems in the second quarter of 1998 versus
five theater systems in the second quarter of 1997. Revenues recognized in the
second quarter of 1998 reflect a higher average value of theater systems
contracts compared to 1997 due to a greater proportion of IMAX 3D systems.
Recurring revenues from royalties (net of arrears billings in the second quarter
of 1997) and maintenance fees increased approximately 14% in the second quarter
over the corresponding period last year as a result of growth in the IMAX
theater network.
Page 10
IMAX CORPORATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
(CONT'D)
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 VERSUS THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
(CONT'D)
Film revenue comprises revenue recognized from film production, film
distribution and film post-production activities. Film revenue decreased 37% to
$6.8 million in the second quarter of 1998 from $10.6 million in the same
quarter last year due to a reduction in film distribution revenue. Film
distribution revenue was lower in the second quarter of 1998 compared to the
second quarter of 1997 due to the timing of film releases. The Company's major
1998 film releases will not occur until later in the year while the Company had
two very successful films in distribution in the second quarter of 1997.
Other revenues increased 10% to $5.2 million from $4.7 million in the prior year
quarter due mainly to increased camera rental activities. The Company delivered
two IMAX Ridefilm systems in the second quarter of 1998 versus three IMAX
Ridefilm systems in the second quarter last year.
Gross margin for the second quarter of 1998 was $24.3 million, or 57% of total
revenue, compared to $17.7 million, or 50% of total revenue, in the
corresponding quarter last year. The increase in gross margin as a percentage
of total revenue is due to the higher proportion of systems revenue (which is
generally higher margin than film and other revenues) in the second quarter of
1998 compared to the corresponding quarter in 1997.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $8.5 million in the second
quarter of 1998 compared to $7.3 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in 1998 over 1997
resulted from several factors including an increase in affiliate relations
initiatives, an increase in performance-based compensation and staffing
additions to the Company's film department, particularly in marketing and
distribution.
Research and development expenses amounted to $0.6 million in the second quarter
of 1998 compared to $0.3 million in the second quarter of last year. Research
and development expenses incurred in the second quarter of 1997 were lower than
historical levels as some of the Company's technical staff had been redirected
to the design and production of the new IMAX 3D SR theater system and were not
engaged in research and development activities.
The effective tax rate on earnings before taxes differs from the statutory tax
rate and will vary from quarter to quarter primarily as a result of the
amortization of goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes, and the
provision of income taxes at different tax rates in foreign and other provincial
jurisdictions.
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 VERSUS SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
The Company reported net earnings of $10.4 million or $0.34 per share on a
diluted basis for the first half of 1998 compared to $7.8 million or $0.26 per
share on a diluted basis for the first half of 1997. Earnings per share
information for the prior year period has been adjusted for the 2-for-1 stock
split which became effective by May 27, 1997 and the adoption of FASB 128 which
became effective by December 15, 1997.
The Company's revenues for the first half of 1998 increased 16% to $78.9 million
from $68.0 million in the corresponding period last year primarily as a result
of increased systems revenue which more than offset a decline in film revenue.
Systems revenue increased approximately 51% to $57.3 million in the first half
of 1998 from $38.0 million in the same period last year as the Company
recognized revenues on 16 theater systems compared to nine theater systems in
the same period last year. Recurring revenues from both royalties (net of
arrears billings in the first half of 1997) and maintenance fees increased 14%
in the first half of 1998 over the prior year period due to growth in the IMAX
theater network.
Page 11
IMAX CORPORATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONT'D)
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 VERSUS SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 (CONT'D)
Film revenue decreased 40% to $13.8 million in the first half of 1998 from $22.9
million in the same period last year due to declines in film production and film
distribution revenues. Film production revenue declined by $5.6 million in the
first half of 1998 versus the first half last year as the Company shifted its
film production resources from third party films to its own film projects. Film
distribution revenue decreased 40% in the first six months of 1998 compared to
the same period last year due to the timing of film releases as the Company's
major 1998 film releases will not occur until later in the year.
Gross margin for the first half of 1998 was $45.1 million, or 57% of total
revenue, compared to $35.6 million, or 52% of total revenue, in the
corresponding period last year. The increase in gross margin as a percentage
of total revenue is primarily due to the higher proportion of systems revenue
(which has generally a higher margin than film and other revenue) in the first
half of 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $17.9 million in the first
half of 1998 compared to $14.7 million in the first half of 1997. The increase
in selling, general and administrative expenses in 1998 over 1997 resulted from
several factors including an increase in performance based compensation,
increased affiliate relations initiatives and staffing additions to the
Company's film area, particularly in marketing and distribution.
Research and development expenses were $1.4 million in the first half of 1998
compared to $0.8 million in the first half last year. The higher level of
expenses in 1998 reflects costs associated with the development of a new sound
system. The research and development expenses incurred in the first half of
1997 were lower than historical levels as some of the Company's technical staff
had been redirected to the design and production of the new IMAX 3D SR theater
system and were not engaged in research and development activities.
The effective tax rate on earnings before taxes differs from the statutory tax
rate and will vary from quarter to quarter primarily as a result of the
amortization of goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes, and the
provision of income taxes at different tax rates in foreign and other provincial
jurisdictions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At June 30, 1998, the Company's principal source of liquidity included cash and
cash equivalents of $57.9 million, marketable securities totalling $25.2
million, trade accounts receivable of $35.6 million, net investment in leases of
$7.4 million due within one year and the amounts receivable under contracts in
backlog which are not yet reflected on the balance sheet. The Company also has
unused lines of credit under a working capital facility of $4.9 million.
The Senior Notes due March 1, 2001 are subject to redemption by the Company, in
whole or in part, at any time on or after March 1, 1998 at redemption prices
expressed as percentages of the principal amount (1998 - 104.29%; 1999 -
102.86%; 2000 - 101.43%) together with interest accrued thereon to the
redemption date. Subject to market conditions, the Company may elect to redeem
some or all of the Senior Notes prior to their maturity as part of a refinancing
of its capital structure.
The 5 3/4 % Convertible Subordinated Notes (the "Subordinated Notes") due April
1, 2003 are convertible into common shares of the Company at the option of the
holder at a conversion price of $21.406 per share (equivalent to a conversion
rate of 46.7154 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Subordinated Notes) at any
time prior to maturity. The Subordinated Notes are redeemable at the option of
the Company on or after April 1, 1999 at redemption prices expressed as
percentages of the principal amount (1999 - 103.286%; 2000 - 102.464%; 2001 -
101.643%; 2002 - 100.821%) plus accrued interest. The Subordinated Notes may
only be redeemed by the Company between April 1,
Page 12
IMAX CORPORATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONT'D)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONT'D)
1999 and April 1, 2001 if the last reported market price of the Company's common
shares is equal to or greater than $30 per share for any 20 of the 30
consecutive trading days prior to the notice of redemption. The Subordinated
Notes may be redeemed at any time on or after April 1, 2001 without limitation.
The Company partially funds its operations through cash flow from operations.
Under the terms of the Company's typical theater system lease agreement, the
Company receives cash payments before it completes the performance of its
obligations. Similarly, the Company typically receives cash payments for film
production in advance of related cash expenditures. These cash flows have
generally been adequate to finance the ongoing operations of the Company.
In the first half of 1998, cash provided by operating activities amounted to
$7.0 million after the payment of interest on the Senior and Convertible Notes
totalling $6.1 million. Cash flow from operations also includes an increase of
$2.8 million in funds held for sponsored film productions which will be expended
in future periods.
Cash used in investing activities in the first half of 1998 included: a decrease
of $1.3 million in marketable securities; an increase in film assets of $7.7
million, primarily related to T.rex: Back to The Cretaceous, Galapagos and other
films in development; and expenditures of $5.4 million on capital assets,
principally wholly-owned theaters, cameras, a building expansion at Sonics
Associates and other assets under construction. In November 1997, Sonics
Associates Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, announced a non-binding Memorandum
of Understanding with Creative Technology Ltd. which contemplated the joint
formation of a company to bring Sonics' Surround Sound FX(R) 3D headset and
audio processing technology to the consumer market and the PC mass market. This
Memorandum of Understanding has subsequently lapsed.
During the first half of 1998, cash provided by financing activities included
$1.3 million of proceeds from common shares issued under the Company's stock
option plan partially reduced by a payment of accrued dividends on the Class C
preferred shares totalling $0.4 million.
The Company believes that cash flows from operations together with existing cash
balances and the working capital facility will continue to be sufficient to meet
cash requirements in the foreseeable future.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In April 1994, Compagnie France Film Inc. filed a claim against the Company in
the Superior Court in the District of Montreal, in the Province of Quebec,
alleging breach of contract and bad faith in respect of an agreement which the
plaintiff claims it entered into with the Company for the establishment of an
IMAX theater in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Until December 1993, Imax was in
negotiations with the plaintiff and another unrelated party for the
establishment of an IMAX theater in Quebec City. In December 1993, Predecessor
Imax executed a system lease agreement with the other party. During the
negotiations, both parties were aware of the other party's interest in also
establishing an IMAX theater in Quebec City. The plaintiffs claimed damages of
Canadian $4.6 million, representing the amount of profit they claimed they were
denied due to their inability to proceed with an IMAX theater in Quebec City,
together with expenses incurred in respect of this project and pre-judgement
interest. The Company disputed this claim and filed a defense in response.
Compagnie France Film had also incorporated a shell company, 3101-8450
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IMAX CORPORATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (CONT'D)
Quebec Inc. ("3101"). 3101 was to, among other things, enter into a lease for
the proposed IMAX theater site. In November 1993, while negotiations between
Compagnie France Film and the Company were still ongoing, 3101 entered into a
lease for the site. 3101 defaulted on the lease and the landlord sued 3101 in
an unrelated action to which the Company was not a party. In February 1996,
3101 was found liable to pay the landlord damages in the amount of Canadian $2.5
million. Subsequent to that judgment 3101 intervened in the lawsuit between
Compagnie France Film and the Company in order to claim from the Company damages
in the amount of Canadian $2.5 million. The Company disputed these claims and
the suit went to trial in January 1998. In a decision rendered in April 1998,
the Court dismissed the plaintiffs' claims with costs. In May 1998, the
plaintiffs and 3101 both filed appeals of the decision to the Court of Appeal.
The Company believes that the amount of loss, if any, will not have a material
impact on the financial position or results of operation of the Company,
although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of this
litigation.
The Company filed a complaint in August 1994 in the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California claiming that Neil Johnson, NJ Engineering Inc.
and Cinema Technologies Inc. have misappropriated the Company's trade secrets in
the design and manufacture of defendants' 70mm 15-perforation projection
systems. The Company is seeking an injunction against Cinema Technologies Inc.
to prevent shipment of projectors, which incorporate the Company's trade
secrets, in addition to damages. The defendant has brought two motions for
summary judgement, one of which was based on the defendant's statute of
limitations defense and the other based on, among others, the defendant's
contention that the trade secrets at issue were not trade secrets. The court
denied the motion based on the statute of limitations defense, granted the
motion based on the trade secret status issue, and entered a judgement for the
defendants. The Company has filed an appeal of this decision to the U.S. Court
of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit. The appeal was heard in February 1998. The
Court has reserved its decision.
Iwerks Entertainment, Inc. ("Iwerks") filed a complaint against the Company on
February 26, 1996 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of
California alleging violations under the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, and
tortious interference with contracts and prospective economic advantage. Iwerks
was seeking unquantified damages, injunctive relief and restitution. All claims
against the Company were dismissed in a summary judgment in April 1998. In May
1998, Iwerks filed an appeal of this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Ninth Circuit. The amount of loss, if any, cannot be determined at this
time.
In July 1997, Debra B. Altman filed a claim against the Company, and certain
unidentified individuals, in the Superior Court of the State of California for
the County of Los Angeles, alleging breach of contract, breach of implied
covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of implied-in-fact contract,
breach of confidence, constructive fraud, quantum meruit, unjust enrichment and
constructive trust with respect to a film project the plaintiff claims to have
pursued with the Company. The plaintiff sought unquantified damages exceeding
$5 million. The Company disputed this claim and had removed it to the U.S.
District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division. On
August 6, 1998, the parties agreed to settle the action. In management's
opinion, the terms of the settlement will not have a material impact on the
financial position or results of the operation of the Company.
On March 5, 1998, Rosalini Film Productions Inc. filed a claim against the
Company in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California,
alleging breach of written agreement, breach of implied covenant of good faith
and fair dealing, fraud and deceit, negligent misrepresentation, unfair
competition, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit, constructive trust and
declaratory relief with respect to a film project the Plaintiff claimed to have
pursued with the Company. The Plaintiff was seeking unquantified damages. The
Company disputed this claim and intended to vigorously defend this action. In
April 1998, the Plaintiff filed a voluntary dismissal of its claim.
In addition to the litigation described above, the Company is currently involved
in other litigation which, in the opinion of the Company's management, will not
materially affect the Company's financial position or future operating results,
although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome for any
such litigation.
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IMAX CORPORATION
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
At the Annual Meeting of the Company's shareholders held on June 22, 1998,
shareholders represented at the meeting, whether in person or by proxy: (i)
elected Richard L. Gelfond, Miles S. Nadal and Bradley J. Wechsler as Class III
directors of the Company for a term expiring in 2001 (12,341,956 shares voted
for and 266,103 shares withheld); and (ii) appointed Coopers & Lybrand as
auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of
shareholders at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board of Directors (12,519,877
shares voted for and 14,777 shares withheld). The term of the Class I Directors,
John M. Davison, I. Graeme Ferguson, Michael Fuchs and Philip C. Moore, expires
in 2000. The term of the Class II directors, Garth Girvan, Murray Koffler and
Marc Utay, expires in 1999.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed in the three month period ended June
30, 1998.
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SIGNATURES
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.
IMAX CORPORATION
Date: August 13, 1998 By: /S/ John M. Davison
- ----------------------- ----------------------
John M. Davison
Executive Vice President, Operations
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By: /S/ Michael M. Davies
-----------------------------
Michael M. Davies
Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
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