10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-K

 

 

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file Number 001-35066

 

 

IMAX Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Canada   98-0140269

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

2525 Speakman Drive,

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 1B1

(905) 403-6500

 

110 E. 59th Street, Suite 2100

New York, New York, USA 10022

(212) 821-0100

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code, telephone numbers)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Exchange on Which Registered

Common Shares, no par value   The New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of class)

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    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 the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting Company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell Company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the common shares of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price of such shares as of the close of trading on June 30, 2013 was $1,407.2 million (56,604,512 common shares times $24.86).

As of January 31, 2014, there were 67,893,045 common shares of the registrant outstanding.

Document Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of the close of IMAX Corporation’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A involving the election of directors and the annual meeting of the stockholders of the registrant (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent described therein.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

IMAX CORPORATION

December 31, 2013

Table of Contents

 

         Page  

PART I

  
Item 1.   Business      4   
Item 1A.   Risk Factors      18   
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments      28   
Item 2.   Properties      29   
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings      30   
Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures      32   

PART II

  
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      33   
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data      37   
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      41   
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      79   
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      81   
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      144   
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures      144   
Item 9B.   Other Information      144   

PART III

  
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      145   
Item 11.   Executive Compensation      145   
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      145   
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      145   
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services      145   

PART IV

  
Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules      145   
Signatures      149   

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

EXCHANGE RATE DATA

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts in this document are expressed in United States (“U.S.”) dollars. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain exchange rates based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Bank of Canada (the “Noon Buying Rate”). Such rates quoted are the number of U.S. dollars per one Canadian dollar and are the inverse of rates quoted by the Bank of Canada for Canadian dollars per U.S. $1.00. The average exchange rate is based on the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during such periods. The Noon Buying Rate on December 31, 2013 was U.S. $0.9402.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  

Exchange rate at end of period

     0.9402        1.0051        0.9833        1.0054        0.9555  

Average exchange rate during period

     0.9713        1.0006        1.0151        0.9709        0.8757  

High exchange rate during period

     1.0164        1.0299        1.0583        1.0054        0.9716  

Low exchange rate during period

     0.9348        0.9599        0.9430        0.9278        0.7692  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements included in this annual report may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business and technology strategies and measures to implement strategies, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of business, operations and technology, plans and references to the future success of IMAX Corporation together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) and expectations regarding the Company’s future operating, financial and technological results. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with the expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, general economic, market or business conditions; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by the Company; the performance of IMAX DMR films; competitive actions by other companies; conditions in the in-home and out-of-home entertainment industries; the signing of theater system agreements; changes in laws or regulations; conditions, changes and developments in the commercial exhibition industry; risks associated with investments and operations in foreign jurisdictions and any future international expansion, including those related to economic, political and regulatory policies of local governments and laws and policies of the United States and Canada; risks related to the Company’s growth and operations in China; the failure to respond to change and advancements in digital technology; the Company’s largest customer accounting for a significant portion of the Company’s revenue and backlog; risks related to new business initiatives; the potential impact of increased competition in the markets within which the Company operates; risks related to the Company’s inability to protect the Company’s intellectual property; risks related to the Company’s implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system; the failure to convert theater system backlog into revenue; risks related to the Company’s dependence on a sole supplier for its analog film; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this annual report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and actual results or anticipated developments by the Company may not be realized, and even if substantially realized, may not have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

IMAX®, IMAX® Dome, IMAX® 3D, IMAX® 3D Dome, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, An IMAX Experience®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, IMAX DMR®, DMR®, IMAX nXos®, IMAX think big®, think big® and IMAX Is Believing®, are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business

GENERAL

IMAX Corporation, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in motion picture technologies and presentations. IMAX offers a unique end-to-end cinematic solution combining proprietary software, theater architecture and equipment to create the highest-quality, most immersive motion picture experience for which the IMAX brand has become known globally. Top filmmakers and studios utilize IMAX theaters to connect with audiences in innovative ways, and as such, IMAX’s network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the world.

The Company’s principal businesses are:

 

    the design and manufacture of premium theater systems (“IMAX theater systems”) and the sale, lease or contribution of those systems to customers under theater arrangements; and

 

    the Digital Re-Mastering of films into the IMAX format and the exhibition of those films in the IMAX theater network.

IMAX theater systems are based on proprietary and patented technology developed over the course of the Company’s 46-year history. The Company’s customers who purchase, lease or otherwise acquire the IMAX theater systems are theater exhibitors that operate commercial theaters (particularly multiplexes), museums, science centers, or destination entertainment sites. The Company generally does not own IMAX theaters, but licenses the use of its trademarks to exhibitors along with the sale, lease or contribution of its equipment. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters.”

IMAX theater systems combine:

 

    IMAX DMR (Digital Re-Mastering) movie conversion technology, which results in higher image and sound fidelity than conventional cinema experiences;

 

    advanced, high-resolution projectors with specialized equipment and automated theater control systems, which generate significantly more contrast and brightness than conventional theater systems;

 

    large screens and proprietary theater geometry, which result in a substantially larger field of view so that the screen extends to the edge of a viewer’s peripheral vision and creates more realistic images;

 

    sound system components, which deliver more expansive sound imagery and pinpointed origination of sound to any specific spot in an IMAX theater; and

 

    specialized theater acoustics, which result in a four-fold reduction in background noise.

The components together cause audiences in IMAX theaters to feel as if they are a part of the on-screen action, creating a more intense, immersive and exciting experience than a traditional theater.

As a result of the immersiveness and superior image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, the Company’s exhibitor customers typically charge a premium for IMAX DMR films over films exhibited in their other auditoriums. The premium pricing, combined with the higher attendance levels associated with IMAX DMR films, generates incremental box-office for the Company’s exhibitor customers and for the movie studios releasing their films to the IMAX network. The incremental box-office generated by IMAX DMR films has helped establish IMAX as a key premium distribution and marketing platform for Hollywood blockbuster films, which is separate and distinct from their wider theatrical release.

The Company believes the IMAX theater network is the most extensive premium theater network in the world with 837 theater systems (720 commercial, 117 institutional) operating in 57 countries as at December 31, 2013. This compares to 731 theater systems (617 commercial, 114 institutional) operating in 53 countries as at December 31, 2012. The success of the Company’s digital and joint revenue sharing strategies and the strength of its film slate has enabled the Company’s theater network to expand significantly, with the Company’s overall network increasing by 180% and the Company’s commercial network increasing by 302% from the beginning of 2008. In 2013 and 2012, the Company signed theater agreements for 277 and 142 systems, respectively, which is expected to drive additional growth in 2014 and thereafter.

The Company has identified approximately 1,700 IMAX zones worldwide. The Company believes that these zones present the potential for the IMAX theater network to grow significantly from the 701 commercial multiplex IMAX theaters operating as of December 31, 2013. While the Company continues to grow domestically, particularly in small to mid-tier markets, a significant

 

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portion of the Company’s recent growth has come from international markets, a trend that the Company anticipates will continue into the future. In 2013, 83.8% of the Company’s 277 new theater signings were for theaters in international markets. Key international growth markets include Greater China (which includes the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau), India, Latin America (which includes South America, Central America and Mexico) and Eastern and Western Europe. In fact, 2013 marked the first year in the Company’s history that revenue and gross box-office derived from outside the United States and Canada exceeded revenues and gross box-office from the United States and Canada.

Greater China continues to be the Company’s second-largest and fastest-growing market. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had 173 theaters operating in Greater China and an additional 239 theaters (includes 2 upgrades) in backlog which represent 58.7% of the Company’s current backlog and which are scheduled to be installed in Greater China by 2021. The Company continues to invest in joint revenue sharing arrangements with select partners to ensure ongoing revenue in this key market. In 2013, the Company and Wanda Cinema Line Corporation (“Wanda”) announced amendments of the parties’ original 2011 joint revenue sharing arrangement for an additional 120 IMAX theaters to be located throughout China. The most recent expansion brings Wanda’s total commitment to 210 IMAX theater systems, of which 195 are under the parties’ joint revenue sharing arrangement. The Company believes that the China market presents opportunities for additional growth with favorable market trends, including government initiatives to foster cinema screen growth, to support the film industry and to increase the number of Hollywood films distributed in China. Recent initiatives include a 2012 agreement with the U.S. to permit 14 additional IMAX or 3D format films to be distributed in China each year and to permit distributors to receive higher distribution fees. The Company cautions, however, that its expansion in China faces a number of challenges. See Risk Factors – “The Company faces risks in connection with the continued expansion of its business in China” in Item 1A. In 2011, the Company formed IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd (“IMAX China”) to facilitate the Company’s expansion in China. As at December 31, 2013, IMAX China had offices in Shanghai and Beijing and total of 57 employees.

Over the years, several technological breakthroughs have established IMAX as an important distribution platform for Hollywood’s biggest event films. These include:

 

    DMR – IMAX’s proprietary DMR technology digitally converts live-action digital films or 35mm to its large-format, while meeting the Company’s high standards of image and sound quality. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company will receive a percentage, which generally ranges from 10-15%, of net box-office receipts of a film from the film studio in exchange for the conversion of the film to the IMAX DMR format and for access to the IMAX distribution platform. At December 31, 2013, the Company had released 157 IMAX DMR films since the introduction of IMAX DMR in 2002. The number of films released on an annual basis that have been converted through the DMR process has increased significantly in recent years with the advent of digital technology that reduced the DMR conversion time and with the strengthening of the Company’s relationships with major Hollywood studios. Accordingly, 38 films converted through the IMAX DMR process were released in 2013, as compared to 35 in 2012 and 6 in 2007.

 

    IMAX Digital Projection SystemThe Company introduced its digital xenon projection system in 2008. Prior to 2008, all of IMAX’s large format projectors were film-based and required analog film prints. The IMAX digital projection system, which operates without the need for such film prints, was designed specifically for use by commercial multiplex operators and allows operators to reduce the capital and operating costs required to run an IMAX theater without sacrificing the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. By making The IMAX Experience more accessible for commercial multiplex operators, the introduction of the IMAX digital projection system paved the way for a number of important joint revenue sharing arrangements which have allowed the Company to rapidly expand its theater network. Since announcing that the Company was developing digital projection technology, the vast majority of the Company’s theater system signings have been for digital systems. As at December 31, 2013, the Company has signed agreements for 1,041 xenon-based digital systems since 2007 (including the upgrade of film-based systems), 220 of which were signed in 2013 alone. As at December 31, 2013, 696 IMAX digital xenon projection systems were in operation, an increase of 23.4% over the 564 digital projection systems in operation as at December 31, 2012.

As one of the world’s leaders in entertainment technology, the Company strives to remain at the forefront of advancements in cinema technology. Accordingly, one of the Company’s key short-term initiatives is the development of a next-generation laser-based digital projection system, which it plans to begin rolling out by the end of 2014. In order to develop the laser-based digital projection system, the Company obtained exclusive rights to certain laser projection technology and other technology with applicability in the digital cinema field from Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak”) in 2011 and entered a co-development arrangement with Barco N.V. (“Barco”) to co-develop a laser-based digital projection system that incorporates Kodak technology in 2012. The Company believes that these arrangements with Kodak and Barco will enable IMAX laser projectors to present greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, and consume less power and last longer than existing digital technology. The Company also believes that a laser projection solution will be the first IMAX digital projection system capable of illuminating the largest screens in its network. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had 62 laser-based digital theater systems in its backlog.

 

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The Company is also undertaking new lines of business, particularly in the area of in-home theater entertainment. In 2013, the Company announced two new initiatives, including a joint venture with TCL Multimedia Technology Holding Limited (“TCL”) to design, develop, manufacture and sell a premium home theater system and an investment in PRIMA Cinema Inc., a maker of proprietary systems that transmit current theatrical releases for home viewing. The Company and TCL expect to launch the new home theater system, which will incorporate components of IMAX’s projection and sound technology adapted for a broader home environment as well as PRIMA technology, in China and other select global markets in 2015. The Company also recently began marketing and selling a niche product, the IMAX Private Theatre, a cinema-grade, ultra-premium home theater system.

In addition to the design and manufacture of premium theater systems, the Company is also engaged in the production and distribution of original large-format films, the provision of services in support of the IMAX theater network, the provision of post-production services for large-format films, the operation of three IMAX theaters and, from time-to-time the conversion of two-dimensional (“2D”) and three-dimensional (“3D”) Hollywood feature films for exhibition on IMAX theater systems around the world. IMAX Corporation, a Canadian corporation, was formed in March 1994 as a result of an amalgamation between WGIM Acquisition Corp. and the former IMAX Corporation (“Predecessor IMAX”). Predecessor IMAX was incorporated in 1967.

PRODUCT LINES

The Company believes it is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of specialty premium projection and sound system components for large-format theaters around the world, as well as a significant producer and distributor of large-format films. The Company’s theater systems include specialized IMAX projectors, advanced sound systems and specialty screens. The Company derives its revenues from:

 

    IMAX theater systems (design, manufacture, sale or lease of, and provision of services related to, its theater systems);

 

    Films (production and digital re-mastering of films, the distribution of film products to the IMAX theater network, post-production and print services for films);

 

    Joint revenue sharing arrangements (the provision of its theater system to an exhibitor in exchange for a certain percentage of theater revenue and, in some cases, a small upfront or initial payment);

 

    Theater system maintenance (the use of maintenance services related to its theater systems); and

 

    Other activities, which include theater operations (owning equipment, operating, managing or participating in the revenues of IMAX theaters), the sale of after-market parts and camera rentals.

Segmented information is provided in note 19 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

IMAX Systems, Theater System Maintenance and Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

The Company’s primary products are its theater systems. The Company’s digital projection systems include a projector that offers superior image quality and stability and a digital theater control system, a 6-channel, digital audio system delivering up to 12,000 watts of sound; a screen with a proprietary coating technology, and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning equipment. IMAX’s digital projection system also operates without the need for analog film prints. Traditional IMAX film-based theater systems contain the same components as the digital projection systems but include a rolling loop 15/70-format projector and require the use of analog film prints. Since its introduction in 2008, the vast majority of the Company’s theater sales have been digital systems and the Company expects that virtually all of its future theater systems sales will be IMAX digital systems. Furthermore, a majority of the Company’s existing film-based theater systems have been upgraded, at a cost to the exhibitor, to an IMAX digital system. As part of the arrangement to sell or lease its theater systems, the Company provides extensive advice on theater planning and design and supervision of installation services. Theater systems are also leased or sold with a license for the use of the world-famous IMAX brand. Historically, IMAX theater systems come in five configurations:

 

    the GT projection systems, film-based theater systems for the largest IMAX theaters;

 

    the SR systems, film-based theater systems for smaller theaters than the GT systems;

 

    the IMAX MPX systems, which are film-based systems targeted for multiplex theaters (“MPX” theater systems);

 

    the IMAX digital systems, which are digital-based systems; and

 

    theater systems featuring heavily curved and tilted screens that are used in dome-shaped theaters.

 

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The GT, SR, IMAX MPX and IMAX digital systems are “flat” screens that have a minimum of curvature and tilt and can exhibit both 2D and 3D films, while the screen components in dome shaped theaters are 2D only and are popular with the Company’s institutional clients. All IMAX theaters, with the exception of dome configurations, feature a steeply inclined floor to provide each audience member with a clear view of the screen. The Company holds patents on the geometrical design of IMAX theaters.

The Company’s film-based projectors use the largest commercially available film format (15-perforation film frame, 70mm), which is nearly ten times larger than conventional film (4-perforation film frame, 35mm) and therefore are able to project significantly more detail on a larger screen. The Company believes these projectors, which utilize the Company’s rolling loop technology, are unsurpassed in their ability to project film with maximum steadiness and clarity with minimal film wear, while substantially enhancing the quality of the projected image. As a result, the Company’s projectors deliver a higher level of clarity and detail as compared to conventional movies and competing projectors in order to compete and evolve with the market.

The Company’s digital projection system provides a premium and differentiated experience to moviegoers that is consistent with what they have come to expect from the IMAX brand, while providing for the compelling economics and flexibility that digital technology affords. The relatively low cost of a digital file delivery (approximately $100 per movie per system compared to $30 thousand per 2D print and $60 thousand per 3D print for an IMAX analog film print) ensures programming flexibility, which in turn allows theaters to program significantly more IMAX DMR films per year. More programming increases customer choice and potentially increases total box-office revenue significantly. In 2013, 38 films converted through the IMAX DMR process were released to the IMAX theater network as compared to 35 in 2012 and 6 films in 2007. To date, the Company has contracted for the release of 14 DMR films to its theater network for 2014, however, the Company expects a similar number of films to be released to the network in 2014 as experienced in 2013. The Company remains in active discussions with all the major studios regarding future titles for 2014 and beyond. The Company expects to announce additional local language IMAX DMR films to be released to the IMAX theater network in 2014 and beyond. Supplementing the Company’s film slate of Hollywood DMR titles with appealing local DMR titles is an important component of the Company’s international film strategy.

To complement its viewing experience, the Company provides digital sound system components which are specifically designed for IMAX theaters. These components are among the most advanced in the industry and help to heighten the realistic feeling of an IMAX presentation, thereby providing IMAX theater systems with an important competitive edge over other theater systems. The Company believes it is a world leader in the design and manufacture of digital sound system components for applications including traditional movie theaters, auditoriums and IMAX theaters.

The Company’s arrangements for theater system equipment involve either a lease or sale. As part of the purchase or lease of an IMAX theater system, the Company also advises the customer on theater design, supervises the installation of the theater systems and provides projectionists with training in using the equipment. The supervision of installation requires that the equipment also be put through a complete functional start-up and test procedure to ensure proper operation. Theater owners or operators are responsible for providing the theater location, the design and construction of the theater building, the installation of the system components and any other necessary improvements, as well as the theater’s marketing and programming. The Company’s typical arrangement also includes trademark license rights whose term tracks the term of the underlying agreement. The theater system equipment components (including the projector, sound system, screen system, and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine), theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and trademark rights are all elements of what the Company considers the system deliverable (the “System Deliverable”). For a separate fee, the Company provides ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services for the theater system. The Company’s contracts are generally denominated in U.S. dollars, except in Canada, China, Japan and parts of Europe, where contracts are sometimes denominated in local currency.

The Company offers certain commercial clients joint revenue sharing arrangements, pursuant to which the Company provides the System Deliverable in return for a portion of the customer’s IMAX box-office receipts, and in some cases, concession revenue and a small upfront or initial payment. Pursuant to these revenue-sharing arrangements, the Company retains title to the theater system equipment components and the applicable rent payments are contingent, instead of fixed or determinable, on film performance. The initial term of IMAX theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 13 years and are renewable by the customer for one or more additional terms of between 5 and 10 years. The Company has the right to remove the equipment for non-payment or other defaults by the customer. The contracts are generally non-cancellable by the customer unless the Company fails to perform its obligations. In rare cases, the contract provides certain performance thresholds that, if not met by either party, allows the other party to terminate the agreement. By offering arrangements in which exhibitors do not need to invest the significant initial capital required of a lease or a sale arrangement, the Company has been able to expand its theater network at a significantly faster pace than it had previously. As at December 31, 2013, the Company has entered into joint revenue sharing arrangements for 645 systems with 38 partners, 382 of which were in operation as at December 31, 2013.

 

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Leases generally have a 10-year initial term and are typically renewable by the customer for one or more additional 5 to 10-year terms. Under the terms of the typical lease agreement, the title to the theater system equipment (including the projector, the sound system and the projection screen) remains with the Company. The Company has the right to remove the equipment for non-payment or other defaults by the customer. The contracts are generally not cancelable by the customer unless the Company fails to perform its obligations.

The Company also enters into sale agreements with its customers. Under a sales agreement, the title to the theater system remains with the customer. In certain instances, however, the Company retains title or a security interest in the equipment until the customer has made all payments required under the agreement.

The typical lease or sales arrangement provides for three major sources of cash flows for the Company: (i) initial fees; (ii) ongoing minimum fixed and contingent fees; and (iii) ongoing maintenance and extended warranty fees. Initial fees generally are received over the period of time from the date the arrangement is executed to the date the equipment is installed and customer acceptance has been received. However, in certain cases, the payments of the initial fee may be scheduled over a period of time after the equipment is installed and customer acceptance has been received. Ongoing minimum fixed and contingent fees and ongoing maintenance and extended warranty fees are generally received over the life of the arrangement and are usually adjusted annually based on changes in the local consumer price index. The ongoing minimum fixed and contingent fees generally provide for a fee which is the greater of a fixed amount or a certain percentage of the theater box-office. The terms of each arrangement vary according to the configuration of the theater system provided, the cinema market and the film distribution market relevant to the geographic location of the customer.

In 2012, Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd., the parent company of Wanda Cinema Line Corporation (“Wanda”), acquired AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“AMC”). Prior to this transaction, AMC and Wanda were, respectively, the Company’s first and third largest customers. Under common ownership, Wanda and AMC together is the Company’s largest customer, representing approximately 13.9%, 12.2% and 14.1% of the Company’s total revenue in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, Wanda and AMC together represented approximately 31% of the Company’s backlog as of December 31, 2013. See Risk Factors – “Under common ownership, Wanda and AMC together account for a significant and growing portion of the Company’s revenue and backlog. A deterioration in the Company’s relationship with Wanda and/or AMC could materially, adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.” in Item 1A.

Sales Backlog.

The Company’s sales backlog is as follows:

 

     December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  
     Number of
Systems
    Dollar Value
(in thousands)
     Number of
Systems
    Dollar Value
(in thousands)
 

Sales and sales-type lease arrangements

     144     $ 177,956        139      $ 168,101   

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     263        51,983        137        31,652   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     407  (1)    $ 229,939        276  (2)    $ 199,753   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes 23 upgrades to a digital theater system, in an existing IMAX theater location (3 xenon and 20 laser, of which 4 are under joint revenue sharing arrangements).
(2) Includes 11 upgrades to a digital theater system, in an existing IMAX theater location (6 xenon and 5 laser).

The number of theater systems in the backlog reflects the minimum number of commitments from signed contracts. The Company believes that the contractual obligations for theater system installations that are listed in sales backlog are valid and binding commitments. Signed contracts for theater systems are listed as sales backlog prior to the time of revenue recognition. The value of sales backlog does not include revenue from theaters in which the Company has an equity-interest, operating leases, letters of intent or long-term conditional theater commitments. The value of sales backlog represents the total value of all signed theater system agreements that are expected to be recognized as revenue in the future. Sales backlog includes initial fees along with the estimated present value of contractual fixed minimum fees due over the term, however it excludes amounts allocated to maintenance and extended warranty revenues as well as fees in excess of contractual minimums that may be received in the future. The value of theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements is excluded from the dollar value of sales backlog, although certain theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements provide for contracted upfront payments and therefore carry a backlog value based on those payments, which is reflected in the table above.

 

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The following chart shows the number of the Company’s theater systems by configuration, opened theater network base and backlog as at December 31:

 

     2013     2012  
     Theater
Network
Base
     Backlog     Theater
Network
Base
     Backlog  

Flat Screen (2D)

     22         —          22         —     

Dome Screen (2D)

     58         —          61         —     

IMAX 3D Dome (3D)

     2         —          2         —     

IMAX 3D GT (3D)

     41         —          63         1   

IMAX 3D SR (3D)

     18         —          19         —     

IMAX MPX (3D)

     —           —          —           3   

IMAX Digital: Xenon (3D)

     696         345  (1)      564         267   

IMAX Digital: Laser (3D)

     —           62  (2)      —           5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     837         407        731         276   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes 3 upgrades from film-based theater systems to digital theater systems in existing IMAX theater locations (all institutional)
(2) Backlog includes 20 upgrades to IMAX digital laser theater systems from IMAX digital xenon theater systems in existing IMAX theater locations (12 commercial and 8 institutional)

The Company estimates that it will install a similar number of new theater systems (excluding digital upgrades) as the Company installed in 2013. The Company’s installation estimates includes scheduled systems from backlog, as well as the Company’s estimate of installations from arrangements that will sign and install in the same calendar year. The Company cautions, however, that theater system installations may slip from period to period over the course of the Company’s business, usually for reasons beyond its control.

IMAX Flat Screen and IMAX Dome Theater Systems. As at December 31, 2013, there were 82 IMAX flat screen and IMAX Dome theater systems in the IMAX network, as compared to 85 IMAX flat screen and IMAX Dome theater systems as at December 31, 2012. IMAX flat screen and IMAX Dome systems primarily have been installed in institutions such as museums and science centers. Flat screen IMAX theaters were introduced in 1970, while IMAX Dome theaters, which are designed for tilted dome screens, were introduced in 1973. There have been several significant proprietary and patented enhancements to these systems since their introduction.

IMAX 3D GT and IMAX 3D SR Theater Systems. IMAX 3D theaters utilize a flat screen 3D system, which produces realistic 3D images on an IMAX screen. The Company believes that the IMAX 3D theater systems offer consumers one of the most realistic 3D experiences available today. To create the 3D effect, the audience uses either polarized or electronic glasses that separate the left-eye and right-eye images. The IMAX 3D projectors can project both 2D and 3D films, allowing theater owners the flexibility to exhibit either type of film.

As at December 31, 2013, there were 59 IMAX 3D GT and IMAX 3D SR theater systems in operation compared to 82 IMAX 3D GT and IMAX 3D SR theater systems in operation as at December 31, 2012. The decrease in the number of 3D GT and 3D SR theater systems is largely attributable to the conversion of existing 3D GT and 3D SR theater systems to IMAX digital theater systems.

IMAX MPX Theater Systems. In 2003, the Company launched a large-format theater system designed specifically for use in multiplex theaters. Known as IMAX MPX, this theater system had lower capital and operating costs than other IMAX theater systems and was intended to improve a multiplex owner’s financial returns and to allow for the installation of IMAX theater systems in markets that might previously not have been able to support one. The IMAX digital theater system has supplanted the IMAX MPX theater system as the Company’s multiplex product. Accordingly, all IMAX MPX theater systems have been upgraded to IMAX digital theater systems.

 

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IMAX Digital: Xenon Theater Systems. In July 2008, the Company introduced a proprietary IMAX xenon-based digital projection system that it believes delivers higher quality imagery compared with other digital systems and that is consistent with the Company’s brand. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had installed 696 xenon-based digital theater systems, including 130 upgrades, and has an additional 345 xenon-based digital theater systems in its backlog.

IMAX Digital: Laser Theater Systems. One of the Company’s key initiatives is the development of a next-generation laser-based digital projection system, which it plans to begin rolling out at the end of 2014. The Company believes the IMAX laser projectors will present greater brightness and clarity, a wider colour gamut and deeper blacks, and consume less power and last longer than existing digital technology, capable of illuminating the largest screens in the IMAX theater network. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had 62 laser-based digital theater systems in its backlog.

Films

Film Production and Digital Re-mastering (IMAX DMR)

In 2002, the Company developed a proprietary technology to digitally re-master Hollywood films into IMAX digital cinema package format or 15/70-format film for exhibition in IMAX theaters at a modest cost that is incurred by the Company. This system, known as IMAX DMR, digitally enhances the image resolution of motion picture films for projection on IMAX screens while maintaining or enhancing the visual clarity and sound quality to levels for which The IMAX Experience is known. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company will receive a percentage, which generally ranges from 10-15%, of net box-office receipts of a film from the film studio in exchange for the conversion of the film to the IMAX DMR format and for access to IMAX’s premium distribution and marketing platform. The box-office performance of IMAX DMR releases has positioned IMAX theaters as a key premium distribution platform for Hollywood films, which is separate and distinct from their wider theatrical release.

Factors other than the IMAX DMR format, and IMAX’s proprietary projection and sound technology, are increasingly differentiating IMAX content from other film content. Filmmakers are choosing IMAX cameras to shoot selected scenes to increase the audience’s immersion in the film and taking advantage of the unique dimensions of the IMAX screen by shooting the film in a larger aspect ratio. Several recent films have featured select sequences shot with IMAX cameras including Star Trek Into Darkness: An IMAX 3D Experience, released in May 2013 and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: The IMAX Experience, released in November 2013 as well as The Dark Knight Rises: The IMAX Experience in July 2012, which featured over an hour of footage shot with IMAX cameras. In addition, several recent movies, including Oblivion: The IMAX Experience in 2013 and Skyfall: The IMAX Experience in 2012, have featured footage taking advantage of the larger projected IMAX aspect ratio. IMAX theaters therefore serve as an additional distribution platform for Hollywood films, just as home video and pay-per-view are ancillary distribution platforms. In some cases, the Company may also have certain distribution rights to the films produced using its IMAX DMR technology.

The IMAX DMR process involves the following:

 

    in certain instances, scanning, at the highest possible resolution, each individual frame of the movie and converting it into a digital image;

 

    optimizing the image using proprietary image enhancement tools;

 

    enhancing the digital image using techniques such as sharpening, color correction, grain and noise removal and the elimination of unsteadiness and removal of unwanted artifacts;

 

    recording the enhanced digital image onto IMAX 15/70-format film or IMAX digital cinema package (“DCP”) format; and

 

    specially re-mastering the sound track to take full advantage of the unique sound system of IMAX theater systems.

The first IMAX DMR film, Apollo 13: The IMAX Experience, produced in conjunction with Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment, was released in September 2002 to 48 IMAX theaters. One of the more recent IMAX DMR films, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: An IMAX 3D Experience was released to 528 IMAX theaters. Since the release of Apollo 13: The IMAX Experience, an additional 156 IMAX DMR films have been released to the IMAX theater network as at December 31, 2013.

Recent advances in the IMAX DMR process allow the re-mastering process to meet aggressive film production schedules. The Company has decreased the length of time it takes to reformat a film with its IMAX DMR technology. Apollo 13: The IMAX Experience, released in September 2002, was re-mastered in 16 weeks, while certain current films can be re-mastered in less than one week. The IMAX DMR conversion of simultaneous, or “day-and-date” releases are done in parallel with the movie’s filming and editing, which is necessary for the simultaneous release of an IMAX DMR film with the domestic release to conventional theaters.

 

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The original soundtrack of a film to be released to the IMAX network is re-mastered for the IMAX five or six-channel digital sound systems for the IMAX DMR release. Unlike the soundtracks played in conventional theaters, IMAX re-mastered soundtracks are uncompressed and full fidelity. IMAX sound systems use proprietary loudspeaker systems and proprietary surround sound configurations that ensure every theater seat is in a good listening position.

The Company believes that its international expansion is an important driver of future growth for the Company. In fact, during the year ended December 31, 2013, 54.0% of the Company’s gross box-office from IMAX DMR films was generated in international markets, which was the first time in the Company’s history that international gross box-office exceeded gross box-office from the United States and Canada. The Company believes that the growth in international box-office has been bolstered by the Company’s strategy of supplementing the Company’s film slate of Hollywood DMR titles with appealing local IMAX DMR releases in select markets. In 2013, the Company released nine local language IMAX DMR films, including five in China and one in each of Japan, Russia, France, and India, compared with five local-language IMAX DMR films in 2012, including four in China and one in France. The Company expects to announce additional local language IMAX DMR films to be released to the IMAX network in 2014 and beyond.

In 2013, 38 films were converted through the IMAX DMR process and released to theaters in the IMAX network by film studios as compared to 35 films in 2012. These films were:

 

    The Grandmaster: The IMAX Experience (Jet Tone Films and Sil-Metropole Organization, January 2013, China only);

 

    Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters: An IMAX 3D Experience (Paramount Pictures, January 2013);

 

    Top Gun: An IMAX 3D Experience (Paramount Pictures, February 2013);

 

    Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons: An IMAX 3D Experience (Bingo Movie Development Ltd, February 2013, China only);

 

    A Good Day to Die Hard: The IMAX Experience (Twentieth Century Fox, February 2013);

 

    Jack the Giant Slayer: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, March 2013);

 

    Oz: The Great and Powerful: An IMAX 3D Experience (Walt Disney Pictures, March 2013);

 

    G.I. Joe: Retaliation: An IMAX 3D Experience (Paramount Pictures, March 2013);

 

    Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods: An IMAX 3D Experience (Toei Animation Company, March 2013, Japan only);

 

    Jurassic Park: An IMAX 3D Experience (Universal Pictures, April 2013);

 

    Oblivion: The IMAX Experience (Universal Pictures, April 2013);

 

    Iron Man 3: An IMAX 3D Experience (Walt Disney Pictures, May 2013);

 

    Star Trek: Into Darkness: An IMAX 3D Experience (Paramount Pictures, May 2013);

 

    Fast & Furious 6: The IMAX Experience (Universal Pictures, May 2013, select international markets);

 

    After Earth: The IMAX Experience (Columbia Pictures, May 2013);

 

    Man of Steel: The IMAX Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, June 2013);

 

    World War Z: An IMAX 3D Experience (Paramount Pictures, June 2013, select international markets);

 

    Despicable Me 2: An IMAX 3D Experience (Universal Pictures, July 2013, select international markets);

 

    White House Down: The IMAX Experience (Sony Pictures, July 2013, select international markets);

 

    Man of Tai Chi: The IMAX Experience (China Film Group, Wanda Group, Village Roadshow, July 2013, China only);

 

    Lone Ranger: The IMAX Experience (Walt Disney Pictures, July 2013, select international markets);

 

    Pacific Rim: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, July 2013);

 

    Elysium: The IMAX Experience (Sony Pictures, August 2013);

 

    The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: The IMAX Experience (Sony Pictures, August 2013);

 

    Riddick Sequel: The IMAX Experience (Universal Pictures, September 2013);

 

    The Wizard of Oz: An IMAX 3D Experience (Picturehouse, September 2013);

 

    Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon: An IMAX 3D Experience (Huayi Bros., September 2013, China only);

 

    Metallica Through the Never: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, September 2013);

 

    Gravity: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, October 2013);

 

    Stalingrad: An IMAX 3D Experience (AR Films, October 2013, Russia and the CIS only);

 

    Captain Phillips: The IMAX Experience (Sony Pictures, October 2013);

 

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    The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet: An IMAX 3D Experience (Epithète Films., October 2013, France only);

 

    Thor: The Dark World: An IMAX 3D Experience (Walt Disney Pictures, October 2013, select international markets);

 

    Ender’s Game: The IMAX Experience (Lionsgate, November 2013);

 

    The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: The IMAX Experience (Lionsgate, November 2013);

 

    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, December 2013);

 

    Dhoom 3: The IMAX Experience (Yash Raj Films, December 2013, India only); and

 

    Police Story: An IMAX 3D Experience (China Vision, December 2013, China only).

In addition, in conjunction with MacGillivray Freeman Films (“MFF”), the Company did a limited release of an IMAX original production, Journey to the South Pacific, on November 27, 2013. A broader release of Journey to the South Pacific is scheduled in 2014.

To date, the Company has announced the following 14 DMR films to be released in 2014 to the IMAX theater network:

 

    Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit: The IMAX Experience (Paramount Pictures, January 2014);

 

    I, Frankenstein: An IMAX 3D Experience (Lionsgate, January 2014);

 

    The Monkey King: The IMAX Experience (Global Star Productions, January 2014, China only);

 

    Robocop: The IMAX Experience (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc., February 2014);

 

    300: Rise of an Empire: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, March 2014);

 

    Divergent: The IMAX Experience (Summit Entertainment, March 2014);

 

    Noah: The IMAX Experience (Paramount Pictures, March 2014);

 

    Captain America: The Winter Soldier: An IMAX 3D Experience (Marvel Entertainment, April 2014);

 

    The Amazing Spider-Man 2: An IMAX 3D Experience (Sony Pictures, May 2014);

 

    Godzilla: The IMAX Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, May 2014);

 

    Edge of Tomorrow: The IMAX Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, June 2014);

 

    Transformers: Age of Extinction: An IMAX 3D Experience (Paramount Pictures, June 2014);

 

    Interstellar: The IMAX Experience (Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, November 2014); and

 

    The Hobbit: There and Back Again: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, December 2014).

The Company remains in active negotiations with all of the major Hollywood studios for additional films to fill out its short and long-term film slate, and anticipates that a similar number of IMAX DMR films will be released to the IMAX network in 2014 as were released in 2013.

In addition, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Pictures (“WB”), the Company will release an IMAX original production, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, on April 4, 2014.

The Company expects to announce additional local language IMAX DMR films to be released to the IMAX theater network in 2014 and beyond. Supplementing the Company’s film slate of Hollywood DMR titles with appealing local DMR titles is an important component of the Company’s international film strategy.

Film Distribution

The Company is also a distributor of large-format films, primarily for its institutional theater partners. The Company generally distributes films which it produces or for which it has acquired distribution rights from independent producers. The Company receives either a percentage of the theater box-office receipts or a fixed amount as a distribution fee.

Films produced by the Company are typically financed through third parties, whereby the Company will generally receive a film production fee in exchange for producing the film and a distribution fee for distributing the film. The ownership rights to such films may be held by the film sponsors, the film investors and/or the Company. As at December 31, 2013, the Company’s film library consisted of 303 IMAX original films, which cover such subjects as space, wildlife, music, history and natural wonders. The Company currently has distribution rights with respect to 45 of such films. Large-format films that have been successfully distributed by the Company include: Journey to the South Pacific, which had a limited release in November 2013 and has grossed $0.1 million as at the end of 2013; To the Arctic 3D, which was released in April 2012 and has grossed over $21.6 million as at the end of 2013; Born to be Wild 3D, which was released by the Company and WB in April 2011 and has grossed over $36.0 million as at the end of 2013; Hubble 3D, which was

 

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released by the Company and WB in March 2010 and has grossed over $59.6 million as at the end of 2013; Under the Sea 3D, which was released by the Company and WB in February 2009 and has grossed over $47.3 million as at the end of 2013; Deep Sea 3D, which was released by the Company and WB in March 2006 and has grossed more than $95.5 million as at the end of 2013; SPACE STATION, which was released in April 2002 and has grossed over $123.7 million as at the end of 2013 and T-REX: Back to the Cretaceous, which was released by the Company in 1998 and has grossed over $103.9 million as at the end of 2013. Large-format films have significantly longer exhibition periods than conventional commercial films and many of the films in the large-format library have remained popular for many decades, including the films To Fly! (1976), Grand Canyon — The Hidden Secrets (1984and The Dream Is Alive (1985).

Film Post-Production

IMAX Post/DKP Inc. (formerly David Keighley Productions 70MM Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, provides film post-production and quality control services for large-format films (whether produced internally or externally), and digital post-production services.

Other

Theater Operations

As at December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had four owned and operated theaters on leased premises. In addition, the Company has a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses. The Company also provides management services to two theaters. On January 30, 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack theater.

Cameras

The Company rents its proprietary 2D and 3D large-format film and digital cameras to third party production companies. The Company also provides production technical support and post-production services for a fee. All IMAX 2D and 3D film cameras run 65mm negative film, exposing 15 perforations per frame and resulting in an image area nearly 10x larger than standard 35mm film. The Company’s film-based 3D camera, which is a patented, state-of-the-art dual and single filmstrip 3D camera, is among the most advanced motion picture cameras in the world and is the only 3D camera of its kind. The IMAX 3D camera simultaneously shoots left-eye and right-eye images and enables filmmakers to access a variety of locations, such as underwater or aboard aircraft. The Company has also recently developed a high speed 3D digital camera which utilizes a pair of the world’s largest digital sensors.

Due to the increasing success major Hollywood filmmakers have had with IMAX cameras, the Company has identified the development and manufacture of additional IMAX cameras as an important research and development initiative.

The Company maintains cameras and other film equipment and also offers production advice and technical assistance to both documentary and Hollywood filmmakers.

MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS

The Company markets its theater systems through a direct sales force and marketing staff located in offices in Canada, the United States, Greater China, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company has agreements with consultants, business brokers and real estate professionals to locate potential customers and theater sites for the Company on a commission basis. During 2012, the Company re-invested in its brand with a consumer brand marketing campaign that encompasses social media, in-theater marketing and Internet advertising. During 2013, the Company restructured its Marketing team to improve efficiency, partner more closely with exhibitors and studios and improve direct-to-consumer communication efforts. The Company has developed a significant and growing social media presence and is making heavy use of digital communications to reach a global audience, with a particular emphasis on China.

 

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The commercial multiplex theater segment of the Company’s theater network is now its largest segment, comprising 701 IMAX theaters, or 83.8%, of the 837 IMAX theaters open as at December 31, 2013. The Company’s institutional customers include science and natural history museums, zoos, aquaria and other educational and cultural centers. The Company also sells or leases its theater systems to theme parks, private home theaters, tourist destination sites, fairs and expositions (the Commercial Destination segment). At December 31, 2013, approximately 49.3% of all opened IMAX theaters were in locations outside of the United States and Canada. The following table outlines the breakdown of the theater network by type and geographic location as at December 31:

 

     2013 Theater Network Base      2012 Theater Network Base  
     Commercial
Multiplex
     Commercial
Destination
     Institutional      Total      Commercial
Multiplex
     Commercial
Destination
     Institutional      Total  

United States

     319        6        55        380        290        6        57        353  

Canada

     34        2        8        44        34        2        7        43  

Greater China(1)

     150        —          23        173        108        —          20        128  

Western Europe

     49        7        11        67        42        7        11        60  

Asia (excluding Greater China)

     61        3        7        71        52        3        7        62  

Russia & the CIS

     40        —          —          40        32        —          —          32  

Latin America(2)

     25        —          11        36        19        —          10        29  

Rest of the World

     23        1        2        26        21        1        2        24  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(3)

     701        19        117        837        598        19        114        731  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Greater China includes the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
(2) Latin America includes South America, Central America and Mexico.
(3) Includes 382 and 316 theater systems in operation as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under joint revenue sharing arrangements.

For information on revenue breakdown by geographic area, see note 19 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8. The Company’s foreign operations are subject to certain risks. See “Risk Factors – The Company conducts business internationally which exposes it to uncertainties and risks that could negatively affect its operations and sales” and “Risk Factors – The Company faces risks in connection with the continued expansion of its business in China” in Item 1A. The Company’s two largest customers as at December 31, 2013, collectively represent 37.6% of the Company’s network base of theaters and 19.9% of revenues.

INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION

In recent years, as the motion picture industry has transitioned from film projection to digital projection, a number of companies have introduced digital 3D projection technology and, since 2008, an increasing number of Hollywood features have been exhibited using these technologies. According to the National Association of Theater Owners, as at December 31, 2013, there were approximately 16,277 conventional-sized screens in North American multiplexes equipped with such digital 3D systems. In 2008, the Company introduced its proprietary digitally-based projector which is capable of 2D and 3D presentations on large screens and which comprises the majority of its current (and, the Company expects, virtually all of its future) theater system sales. Over the last several years, a number of commercial exhibitors have introduced their own large screen branded theaters. In addition, the Company has historically competed with manufacturers of large-format film projectors. The Company believes that all of these alternative film formats deliver images and experiences that are inferior to The IMAX Experience.

The Company may also face competition in the future from companies in the entertainment industry with new technologies and/or substantially greater capital resources to develop and support them. The Company also faces in-home competition from a number of alternative motion picture distribution channels such as home video, pay-per-view, video-on-demand, DVD, Internet and syndicated and broadcast television. The Company further competes for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including gaming, sporting events, concerts, live theater, social media and restaurants.

The Company believes that its competitive strengths include the value of the IMAX brand name, the premium IMAX consumer experience, the design, quality and historic reliability rate of IMAX theater systems, the return on investment of an IMAX theater, the number and quality of IMAX films that it distributes, the relationships the Company maintains with prominent Hollywood filmmakers, a number of whom desire to film portions of their movies with IMAX cameras, the quality of the sound system components included with the IMAX theater, the availability of Hollywood event films to IMAX theaters through IMAX DMR technology, consumer loyalty and the level of the Company’s service and maintenance and extended warranty efforts. The Company believes that all of the best performing premium theaters in the world are IMAX theaters.

 

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THE IMAX BRAND

The world-famous IMAX brand stands for the highest-quality, most immersive motion picture entertainment. Consumer research conducted for the Company in the U.S. by a third-party research firm shows that the IMAX brand is known for cutting-edge technology and an experience that immerses audiences in the movie. The research also shows that the brand inspires strong consumer loyalty and that consumers place a premium on it, often willing to travel significantly farther and pay more for The IMAX Experience than for a conventional movie. The Company believes that its significant brand loyalty among consumers provides it with a strong, sustainable position in the exhibition industry. Recognition of the IMAX brand name cuts across geographic and demographic boundaries. The Company believes that the strength of the IMAX brand has resulted in IMAX DMR films significantly outperforming other formats on a per screen basis.

The Company believes the strength of the IMAX brand is an asset that has helped to establish the IMAX theater network as a unique and desirable release window for Hollywood movies. In 2013, the Company reinvested in its brand with consumer brand marketing that encompassed social media, in-theater marketing and traditional and digital advertising. The company also recruited a team of seasoned international marketing talent to improve the global reach and relevance of its marketing activities.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company believes that it is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies with significant proprietary expertise in digital and film-based projection and sound system component design, engineering and imaging technology, particularly in 3D. During 2012 and 2013, the Company increased its level of research and development as it is developing its next-generation laser-based projection system which is expected to provide greater brightness and clarity, a wider colour gamut and deeper blacks, while consuming less power and lasting longer than existing digital technology, to ensure that the Company continues to provide the highest quality, premier movie going experience available to consumers. A higher level of research and development is expected to continue in 2014 to support the development of the laser-based digital projection system. In addition, the Company plans to continue research and development activity in the future in other areas considered important to the Company’s continued commercial success, including further improving the reliability of its projectors, developing and manufacturing more IMAX cameras, enhancing the Company’s 2D and 3D image quality, expanding the applicability of the Company’s digital technology, developing IMAX theater systems’ capabilities in both home and live entertainment and further enhancing the IMAX theater and sound system design through the addition of more channels, improvements to the Company’s proprietary tuning system and mastering processes.

The motion picture industry has been, and will continue to be, affected by the development of digital technologies, particularly in the areas of content creation (image capture), post-production, digital re-mastering (such as IMAX DMR), distribution and display (projection). As such, the Company has made significant investments in digital technologies, including the development of a proprietary technology to digitally enhance image resolution and quality of motion picture films, the creation of an IMAX digital projector and the licensing of prominent laser illumination technology. Accordingly, the Company holds a number of patents, patents pending and other intellectual property rights in these areas. In addition, the Company holds numerous digital patents and relationships with key manufacturers and suppliers in digital technology.

In order to keep the Company at the forefront of digital technology, the Company has made strategic investments in laser technology. In 2011, the Company announced the completion of a deal in which it secured certain license rights to a portfolio of intellectual property in the digital cinema field owned by the Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak”). The transaction involves exclusive rights to technology related to laser projection as well as rights in the digital cinema field to a broader range of Kodak technology. On February 7, 2012, the Company announced an agreement with Barco N.V. (“Barco”) to co-develop a laser-based digital projection system that incorporates Kodak technology. The Company believes that these arrangements with Kodak and Barco will enable IMAX laser projectors to present greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, and consume less power and last longer than existing digital technology. The Company believes that a laser projection solution will be the first IMAX digital projection system capable of illuminating the largest screens in its network, which are currently film-based, and will enhance the access of these screens to the full array of IMAX digital content. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had 62 laser-based digital theater systems in its backlog.

In 2009, the Company developed its first 3D digital camera primarily for use in IMAX documentary productions. Portions of Born to Be Wild 3D were filmed with the IMAX 3D digital camera and the camera has subsequently been used to film portions of a new wildlife documentary, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar scheduled to be released in 2014. Due to the increasing success major Hollywood filmmakers have had with IMAX cameras, the Company has identified the development and manufacture of additional IMAX cameras as an important research and development initiative. To that end, the Company is also in early stages of development of an IMAX 2D digital camera for use by Hollywood directors who are seeking IMAX differentiation for portions of their movies.

 

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The Company expects to deploy its proprietary expertise in image technology and 3D technology, as well as its proprietary film content and the IMAX brand, for applications in in-home entertainment technology. In December 2013, the Company announced a joint venture with TCL to design, develop, manufacture and sell a premium home theater system. The premium home theater system is expected to incorporate 4K projection technology, as well as components of IMAX’s projection and sound technology adapted for a broader home environment. The premium home theater system will also incorporate PRIMA technology that will enable the viewing of current theatrical releases that have been digitally re-mastered with IMAX enhancement technology.

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recorded research and development expenses of $14.8 million, $11.4 million and $7.8 million, respectively. As at December 31, 2013, 90 of the Company’s employees were connected with research and development projects.

MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE

Projector Component Manufacturing

The Company assembles the projector of its theater systems at its office in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (near Toronto). The Company develops and designs all of the key elements of the proprietary technology involved in this component. Fabrication of a majority of parts and sub-assemblies is subcontracted to a group of carefully pre-qualified third-party suppliers. Manufacture and supply contracts are signed for the delivery of the component on an order-by-order basis. The Company believes its significant suppliers will continue to supply quality products in quantities sufficient to satisfy its needs. The Company inspects all parts and sub-assemblies, completes the final assembly and then subjects the projector to comprehensive testing individually and as a system prior to shipment. In 2013, these projectors, including the Company’s digital projection system, had reliability rates based on scheduled shows of approximately 99.9%.

Sound System Component Manufacturing

The Company develops, designs and assembles the key elements of its theater sound system component. The standard IMAX theater sound system component comprises parts from a variety of sources, with approximately 50% of the materials of each sound system attributable to proprietary parts provided under original equipment manufacturers agreements with outside vendors. These proprietary parts include custom loudspeaker enclosures and horns, specialized amplifiers, and signal processing and control equipment. The Company inspects all parts and sub-assemblies, completes the final assembly and then subjects the sound system component to comprehensive testing individually and as a system prior to shipment.

Screen and Other Components

The Company purchases its screen component and glasses cleaning equipment from third parties. The standard screen system component is comprised of a projection screen manufactured to IMAX specifications and a frame to hang the projection screen. The proprietary glasses cleaning machine is a stand-alone unit that is connected to the theater’s water and electrical supply to automate the cleaning of 3D glasses.

Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services

The Company also provides ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services to IMAX theater systems. These arrangements are usually for a separate fee, although the Company often includes free service in the initial year of an arrangement. The maintenance and extended warranty arrangements include service, maintenance and replacement parts for theater systems.

To support the IMAX theater network, the Company has personnel stationed in major markets throughout the world who provide periodic and emergency maintenance and extended warranty services on existing theater systems. The Company provides various levels of maintenance and warranty services, which are priced accordingly. Under full service programs, Company personnel typically visit each theater every six months to provide preventative maintenance, cleaning and inspection services and emergency visits to resolve problems and issues with the theater system. Under some arrangements, customers can elect to participate in a service partnership program whereby the Company trains a customer’s technician to carry out certain aspects of maintenance. Under such shared maintenance arrangements, the Company participates in certain of the customer’s maintenance checks each year, provides a specified number of emergency visits and provides spare parts, as necessary. For digital systems, the Company provides pre-emptive maintenance through minor bug fixes, and also provides remote system monitoring and a network operations center that provides continuous access to product experts.

 

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PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

The Company’s inventions cover various aspects of its proprietary technology and many of these inventions are protected by Letters of Patent or applications filed throughout the world, most significantly in the United States, Canada, Belgium, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The subject matter covered by these patents, applications and other licenses encompasses theater design and geometry, electronic circuitry and mechanisms employed in projectors and projection equipment (including 3D projection equipment), a method for synchronizing digital data, a method of generating stereoscopic (3D) imaging data from a monoscopic (2D) source, a process for digitally re-mastering 35mm films into large-format, a method for increasing the dynamic range and contrast of projectors, a method for visibly seaming or superimposing images from multiple projectors and other inventions relating to digital projectors. In 2011, the Company entered into a deal in which it secured the exclusive license rights from Kodak to a portfolio of more than 50 patent families covering laser projection technology as well as certain exclusive rights to a broad range of Kodak patents in the field of digital cinema. The Company has been and will continue to be diligent in the protection of its proprietary interests.

As at December 31, 2013, the Company holds or licenses 99 patents, has 35 patents pending in the United States and has corresponding patents or filed applications in many countries throughout the world. While the Company considers its patents to be important to the overall conduct of its business, it does not consider any particular patent essential to its operations. Certain of the Company’s patents in the United States, Canada and Japan for improvements to the IMAX projection system components expire between 2016 and 2028.

The Company owns or otherwise has rights to trademarks and trade names used in conjunction with the sale of its products, systems and services. The following trademarks are considered significant in terms of the current and contemplated operations of the Company: IMAX®, IMAX® Dome, IMAX® 3D, IMAX® 3D Dome, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, An IMAX Experience®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, IMAX DMR®, DMR®, IMAX nXos®, IMAX think big®, think big® and IMAX Is Believing. These trademarks are widely protected by registration or common law throughout the world. The Company also owns the service mark IMAX THEATRETM.

EMPLOYEES

The Company had 541 employees as at December 31, 2013, compared to 526 employees as at December 31, 2012. Both employee counts exclude hourly employees at the Company’s owned and operated theaters.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company makes available, free of charge, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K as soon as reasonably practicable after such filings have been made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, as well as obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Reports may be obtained through the Company’s website at www.imax.com or by calling the Company’s Investor Relations Department at 212-821-0100.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

If any of the risks described below occurs, the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The risks described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks not presently known to the Company or that it deems immaterial, may also impair its business or operations.

The Company depends principally on commercial movie exhibitors to purchase or lease IMAX theater systems, to supply box-office revenue under joint revenue sharing arrangements and under its sales and sales-type lease agreements and to supply venues in which to exhibit IMAX DMR films and the Company can make no assurances that exhibitors will continue to do any of these things.

The Company’s primary customers are commercial multiplex exhibitors, whose systems represent 95.3% of the 407 systems in the Company’s backlog as at December 31, 2013. The Company is unable to predict if, or when, they or other exhibitors will purchase or lease IMAX theater systems or enter into joint revenue sharing arrangements with the Company, or whether any of the Company’s existing customers will continue to do any of the foregoing. If exhibitors choose to reduce their levels of expansion or decide not to purchase or lease IMAX theater systems or enter into joint revenue sharing arrangements with the Company, the Company’s revenues would not increase at an anticipated rate and motion picture studios may be less willing to convert their films into the Company’s format for exhibition in commercial IMAX theaters. As a result, the Company’s future revenues and cash flows could be adversely affected.

The success of the IMAX theater network is directly related to the availability and success of IMAX DMR films for which there can be no guarantee.

An important factor affecting the growth and success of the IMAX theater network is the availability of films for IMAX theaters and the box-office performance of such films. The Company itself produces only a small number of such films and, as a result, the Company relies principally on films produced by third party filmmakers and studios, both Hollywood and local language features converted into the Company’s large format using the Company’s IMAX DMR technology. In 2013, 38 IMAX DMR films were released by studios to the worldwide IMAX theater network. There is no guarantee that filmmakers and studios will continue to release films to the IMAX theater network, or that the films they produce will be commercially successful. The steady flow and successful box-office performance of IMAX DMR releases have become increasingly important to the Company’s financial performance as the number of joint revenue sharing arrangements included in the overall IMAX network has grown considerably. The Company is increasingly directly impacted by box-office results for the films released to the IMAX network through its joint revenue sharing arrangements as well as through the percentage of the box-office receipts the Company receives from the studios releasing IMAX DMR films, and the Company’s continued ability to find suitable partners for joint revenue share arrangements and to sell IMAX theater systems also depends on the number and commercial success of films released to its network. The commercial success of films released to IMAX theaters depends on a number of factors outside of the Company’s control, including whether the film receives critical acclaim, the timing of its release, the success of the marketing efforts of the studio releasing the film and consumer preferences. Moreover, films can be subject to delays in production or changes in release schedule, which can negatively impact the number, timing and quality of IMAX DMR and IMAX original films released to the IMAX theater network.

The introduction of new, competing products and technologies could harm the Company’s business.

The out-of-home entertainment industry is very competitive, and the Company faces a number of competitive challenges. According to the National Association of Theater Owners, as at December 31, 2013, there were approximately 16,277 conventional-sized screens in North American multiplexes equipped with digital 3D systems. In addition, some commercial exhibitors have introduced their own branded, large-screen 3D auditoriums and in many cases have marketed those auditoriums as having the same quality or attributes as an IMAX theater. The Company also may face competition in the future from companies in the entertainment industry with new technologies and/or substantially greater capital resources to develop and support them. If the Company is unable to continue to deliver a premium movie-going experience, or if other technologies surpass those of the Company, the Company may be unable to continue to produce theater systems which are premium to, or differentiated from, other theater systems. If the Company is unable to produce a differentiated theater experience, consumers may be unwilling to pay the price premiums associated with the cost of IMAX theater tickets and box-office performance of IMAX films may decline. Declining box-office performance of IMAX films would materially and adversely harm the Company’s business and prospects. The Company also faces in-home competition from a number of alternative motion picture distribution channels such as home video, pay-per-view, video-on-demand, DVD, Internet and syndicated and broadcast television. The Company further competes for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including gaming, sporting events, concerts, live theater, social media and restaurants.

 

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Failure to respond adequately or in a timely fashion to changes and advancements in digital technology could negatively affect the Company’s business.

There have been a number of advancements in the digital cinema field in recent years. In order to keep pace with these changes and in order to continue to provide an experience which is premium to and differentiated from conventional cinema experiences, the Company has made, and expects to continue to make, significant investments in digital technology in the form of research and development and the acquisition of third party intellectual property and/or proprietary technology. Recently, the Company has made significant investments in laser technology as part of its effort to develop a next-generation laser-based digital projection system. The process of developing new technologies is inherently uncertain, and the Company can provide no assurance its investments will result in commercially viable advancements to the Company’s existing products or in commercially successful new products, or that any such advancements or products will be developed within the timeframe expected.

The Company conducts business internationally, which exposes it to uncertainties and risks that could negatively affect its operations, sales and future growth prospects.

A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are generated by customers located outside the United States and Canada. Approximately 53%, 48% and 46% of its revenues were derived outside of the United States and Canada in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In fact, 2013 marked the first year in the Company’s history that revenues and gross box-office derived from outside the United States and Canada exceeded revenues and gross box-office from the United States and Canada. As at December 31, 2013, approximately 86.5% of IMAX theater systems arrangements in backlog are scheduled to be installed in international markets. Accordingly, the Company expects to expand its international operations to account for an increasingly significant portion of its revenues in the future. There are a number of risks associated with operating in international markets that could negatively affect the Company’s operations, sales and future growth prospects. These risks include:

 

    new restrictions on access to markets, both for theater systems and films;

 

    unusual or burdensome foreign laws or regulatory requirements or unexpected changes to those laws or requirements;

 

    fluctuations in the value of foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar and potential currency devaluations;

 

    new tariffs, trade protection measures, import or export licensing requirements, trade embargoes and other trade barriers;

 

    imposition of foreign exchange controls in such foreign jurisdictions;

 

    dependence on foreign distributors and their sales channels;

 

    difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;

 

    local business practices that can present challenges to compliance with applicable anti-corruption and bribery laws;

 

    difficulties in establishing market-appropriate pricing;

 

    adverse changes in monetary and/or tax policies;

 

    poor recognition of intellectual property rights;

 

    inflation;

 

    requirements to provide performance bonds and letters of credit to international customers to secure system component deliveries; and

 

    political, economic and social instability.

 

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As the Company begins to expand the number of its theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements in international markets, the Company’s revenues from its international operations will become increasingly dependent on the box-office performance of its films. In addition, as the Company’s international network has expanded, the Company has signed deals with movie studios in other countries to convert their films to the Company’s large format and release them to IMAX theaters. The Company may be unable to select films which will be successful in international markets or unsuccessful in selecting the right mix of Hollywood and local DMR films in a particular country or region. Also, conflicts in international release schedules may make it difficult to release every IMAX film in certain markets. Finally, box-office reporting in certain countries may be less accurate and therefore less reliable than in the United States and Canada.

The Company faces risks in connection with the continued expansion of its business in China.

At present, Greater China is the Company’s second-largest and fastest growing market. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had 173 theaters operating in Greater China with an additional 239 theaters (includes 2 upgrades) in backlog that are scheduled to be installed in Greater China by 2021. The Company has made, and continues to make significant investments in its China business. In 2011, the Company formed IMAX China, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which as of December 31, 2013 had offices in Shanghai and Beijing and 57 employees. In 2013, the Company and Wanda Cinema Line Corporation (“Wanda”) announced amendments of the parties’ original 2011 joint revenue sharing arrangement for an additional 120 IMAX theaters to be located throughout China. The most recent expansion brings Wanda’s total commitment to 210 IMAX theater systems, of which 195 are under the parties’ joint revenue sharing arrangement, and which makes it the Company’s largest single international partnership to date. In addition, the Company has released an increasing number of Chinese IMAX DMR films to its growing network in Greater China in recent years, including 5 films in 2013. In October 2013, the Company also announced its joint venture with TCL to design, develop and manufacture a premium home theater system, which is set to further expand the scope of the Company’s operations in China. As the Company continues to further its commitment to China, it is increasingly exposed to risks in that region. These risks include changes in laws and regulations, currency fluctuations, increased competition and changes in economic conditions, including those related to consumer spending. Adverse developments in these areas could cause the Company to lose some or all of its investment in China and could cause the Company to fail to achieve anticipated growth.

Moreover, certain risks and uncertainties of doing business in China are solely within the control of the Chinese government, and Chinese law regulates both the scope of the Company’s investment in China and the business conducted by it within China. For instance, the Chinese government regulates both the number and timing or terms of Hollywood films released to the China market. The Company cannot provide assurance that the Chinese government will continue to permit the release of IMAX films in China or that the timing of IMAX releases will be favorable to the Company. There are also uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of laws and regulations and the enforceability of intellectual property and contract rights in China. If the Company were unable to navigate China’s regulatory environment, including with respect to its current customs inquiry, or if the Company were unable to enforce its intellectual property or contract rights in China, the Company’s business could be adversely impacted. See note 13(g) “Contingencies and Guarantees” of the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for more information.

Under common ownership, Wanda and AMC together account for a significant and growing portion of the Company’s revenue and backlog. A deterioration in the Company’s relationship with Wanda and/or AMC could materially, adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operation.

In 2012, Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd (“Dalian Wanda”), the parent company of Wanda Cinema Line (“Wanda”), acquired AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“AMC”). Prior to the acquisition, AMC and Wanda were, respectively, the Company’s first and third largest customers. In December 2013, AMC completed an initial public offering of approximately 20% of its outstanding shares, with Dalian Wanda retaining the approximately 80% remaining. Under common ownership, Wanda and AMC together represent approximately 13.9%, 12.2% and 14.1% of the Company’s total revenue in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. On December 18, 2013, Wanda exercised its option to expand its joint revenue sharing arrangement with IMAX with 80 additional IMAX theater systems. With the latest expansion of the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangement with Wanda, Wanda and AMC together represented approximately 31% of the Company’s backlog as of December 31, 2013. The share of the Company’s revenue that is generated by Wanda and AMC is expected to continue to grow as the significant number of Wanda theater systems currently in backlog are opened. No assurance can be given that either Wanda and/or AMC will continue to purchase theater systems and/or enter into joint revenue sharing arrangements with the Company and if so, whether contractual terms will be affected. If the Company does business with either Wanda and/or AMC less frequently or on less favorable terms than currently, the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.

The Company is undertaking new lines of business and these new business initiatives may not be successful.

The Company is undertaking new lines of business. These initiatives represent new areas of growth for the Company and could include the offering of new products and services that may not be accepted by the market. Some areas of potential growth for the Company are in the field of in-home entertainment technology, which is an intensively competitive business and which is dependent on consumer demand, over which the Company has no control. If any new business in which the Company invests or attempts to develop does not progress as planned, the Company may be adversely affected by investment expenses that have not led to the anticipated results, by the distraction of management from its core business or by damage to its brand or reputation.

 

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In addition, these initiatives may involve the formation of joint ventures and business alliances. While the Company seeks to employ the optimal structure for each such business alliance, the alliance may require a high level of cooperation with and reliance on our partners and there is a possibility that the Company may have disagreements with its relevant partner with respect to financing, technological management, product development, management strategies or otherwise. Any such disagreement may cause the joint venture or business alliance to be terminated.

The Company may not be able to adequately protect its intellectual property, and competitors could misappropriate its technology or brand, which could weaken its competitive position.

The Company depends on its proprietary knowledge regarding IMAX theater systems and digital and film technology. The Company relies principally upon a combination of copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws, restrictions on disclosures and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary and intellectual property rights. These laws and procedures may not be adequate to prevent unauthorized parties from attempting to copy or otherwise obtain the Company’s processes and technology or deter others from developing similar processes or technology, which could weaken the Company’s competitive position and require the Company to incur costs to secure enforcement of its intellectual property rights. The protection provided to the Company’s proprietary technology by the laws of foreign jurisdictions may not protect it as fully as the laws of Canada or the United States. The lack of protection afforded to intellectual property rights in certain international jurisdictions may be increasingly problematic given the extent to which future growth of the Company is anticipated to come from foreign jurisdictions. Finally, some of the underlying technologies of the Company’s products and system components are not covered by patents or patent applications.

The Company owns or licenses patents issued and patent applications pending, including those covering its digital projector, digital conversion technology and laser illumination technology. The Company’s patents are filed in the United States, often with corresponding patents or filed applications in other jurisdictions, such as Canada, China, Belgium, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The patent applications pending may not be issued or the patents may not provide the Company with any competitive advantages. The patent applications may also be challenged by third parties. Several of the Company’s issued patents in the United States, Canada and Japan for improvements to IMAX projectors, IMAX 3D Dome and sound system components expire between 2016 and 2028. Any claims or litigation initiated by the Company to protect its proprietary technology could be time consuming, costly and divert the attention of its technical and management resources.

The IMAX brand stands for the highest quality, most immersive motion picture entertainment. Protecting the IMAX brand is a critical element in maintaining the Company’s relationships with studios and its exhibitor clients. Though the Company relies on a combination of trademark and copyright law as well as its contractual provisions to protect the IMAX brand, those protections may not be adequate to prevent erosion of the brand over time, particularly in foreign jurisdictions. Erosion of the brand could threaten the demand for the Company’s products and services and impair its ability to grow future revenue streams.

The Company’s implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system may adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations or the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

The Company began implementation of a new ERP system in the first quarter of 2013. When implementation is complete, the new ERP system is expected to deliver a new generation of work processes and information systems. However, ERP implementations are complex and time-consuming projects that involve substantial expenditures on system software and implementation activities that take several years. ERP implementations also require transformation of business and financial processes in order to reap the benefits of the ERP system. If the Company does not effectively implement the ERP system as planned or if the system does not operate as intended, it could adversely affect the Company’s operations, financial reporting systems, the Company’s ability to produce financial reports, and/or the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. The Company continues to review the implementation effort as well as the impact on its internal controls over financial reporting and, where appropriate, is making changes to these controls over financial reporting to address these system changes.

General political, social and economic conditions can affect the Company’s business by reducing both revenue generated from existing IMAX theater systems and the demand for new IMAX theater systems.

The Company’s success depends in part on general political, social and economic conditions and the willingness of consumers to purchase tickets to IMAX movies. If going to the movies becomes less popular, the Company’s business could be adversely affected. In addition, our operations could be adversely affected if consumers’ discretionary income falls as a result of an economic downturn.

 

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In recent years, the majority of the Company’s revenue has been directly derived from the box-office revenues of its films. Accordingly, any decline in attendance at commercial IMAX theaters could materially and adversely affect several sources of key revenue streams for the Company.

The Company also depends on the sale and lease of IMAX theater systems to commercial movie exhibitors to generate revenue. Commercial movie exhibitors generate revenues from consumer attendance at their theaters, which depends on the willingness of consumers to visit movie theaters and spend discretionary income at movie theaters. In the event of declining box-office and concession revenues, commercial exhibitors may be less willing to invest capital in new IMAX theaters.

The Company may experience adverse effects due to exchange rate fluctuations.

A substantial portion of the Company’s revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, while a substantial portion of its expenses are denominated in Canadian dollars. The Company also generates revenues in Chinese Yuan Renminbi, Euros and Japanese Yen. While the Company periodically enters into forward contracts to hedge its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. and the Canadian dollar, the Company may not be successful in reducing its exposure to these fluctuations. The use of derivative contracts is intended to mitigate or reduce transactional level volatility in the results of foreign operations, but does not completely eliminate volatility.

The issuance of the Company’s common shares and the accumulation of shares by certain shareholders could result in the loss of the Company’s ability to use certain of the Company’s net operating losses.

As at December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $14.8 million of U.S. consolidated federal tax and certain other state tax net operating loss carryforwards. Realization of some or all of the benefit from these U.S. net tax operating losses is dependent on the absence of certain “ownership changes” of the Company’s common shares. An “ownership change,” as defined in the applicable federal income tax rules, would place possible limitations, on an annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses to offset any future taxable income that the Company may generate. Such limitations, in conjunction with the net operating loss expiration provisions, could significantly reduce or effectively eliminate the Company’s ability to use its U.S. net operating losses to offset any future taxable income.

The Company’s revenues from existing customers are derived in part from financial reporting provided by its customers, which may be inaccurate or incomplete, resulting in lost or delayed revenues.

The Company’s revenue under its joint revenue sharing arrangements, a portion of the Company’s payments under lease or sales arrangements and its film license fees are based upon financial reporting provided by its customers. If such reporting is inaccurate, incomplete or withheld, the Company’s ability to receive the appropriate payments in a timely fashion that are due to it may be impaired. The Company’s contractual ability to audit IMAX theaters may not rectify payments lost or delayed as a result of customers not fulfilling their contractual obligations with respect to financial reporting.

There is collection risk associated with payments to be received over the terms of the Company’s theater system agreements.

The Company is dependent in part on the viability of its exhibitors for collections under long-term leases, sales financing agreements and joint revenue sharing arrangements. Exhibitors or other operators may experience financial difficulties that could cause them to be unable to fulfill their contractual payment obligations to the Company. As a result, the Company’s future revenues and cash flows could be adversely affected.

The Company may not convert all of its backlog into revenue and cash flows.

At December 31, 2013, the Company’s sales backlog included 407 theater systems, consisting of 144 systems under sales arrangements and 263 theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements. The Company lists signed contracts for theater systems for which revenue has not been recognized as sales backlog prior to the time of revenue recognition. The total value of the sales backlog represents all signed theater system sale or lease agreements that are expected to be recognized as revenue in the future and includes initial fees along with the present value of fixed minimum ongoing fees due over the term, but excludes contingent fees in excess of fixed minimum ongoing fees that might be received in the future and maintenance and extended warranty fees. Notwithstanding the legal obligation to do so, not all of the Company’s customers with which it has signed contracts may accept delivery of theater systems that are included in the Company’s backlog. This could adversely affect the Company’s future revenues and cash flows. In addition, customers with theater system obligations in backlog sometimes request that the Company agree to modify or reduce such obligations, which the Company has agreed to in the past under certain circumstances. Customer requested delays in the installation of theater systems in backlog remain a recurring and unpredictable part of the Company’s business.

 

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The Company is dependent on a single supplier, the Eastman Kodak Company, for its analog film.

Kodak is the Company’s sole supplier of analog film. Kodak has stated publicly that it intends to continue to own and operate its film products business, and to date, Kodak has continued to supply the Company with analog film. However, the Company can provide no assurance that Kodak either will continue to supply analog film under terms acceptable to the Company, or that it will continue to manufacture film at all. Furthermore, Fujifilm Corporation, which had been another significant supplier of analog film to the movie industry, announced in September 2012 that it would cease production for motion pictures beginning in March 2013. Although the Company expects to release only a very small number of analog film prints in 2014, as of December 31, 2013, the Company had 141 film-based theaters in its network, and the Company also uses analog film in its film-based cameras. Without a sufficient supply of analog film, the Company may be unable to supply film prints to its film-based theater customers, and it may be unable to utilize its film-based cameras for shooting IMAX films.

The Company’s operating results and cash flow can vary substantially from quarter to quarter and could increase the volatility of its share price.

The Company’s operating results and cash flow can fluctuate substantially from quarter to quarter. In particular, fluctuations in theater system installations and gross box-office performance of IMAX DMR content can materially affect operating results. Factors that have affected the Company’s operating results and cash flow in the past, and are likely to affect its operating results and cash flow in the future, include, among other things:

 

    the timing of signing and installation of new theater systems;

 

    the timing and commercial success of films distributed to the Company’s theater network;

 

    the demand for, and acceptance of, its products and services;

 

    the recognition of revenue of sales and sales-type leases;

 

    the classification of leases as sales-type versus operating leases;

 

    the volume of orders received and that can be filled in the quarter;

 

    the level of its sales backlog;

 

    the signing of film distribution agreements;

 

    the financial performance of IMAX theaters operated by the Company’s customers and by the Company;

 

    financial difficulties faced by customers, particularly customers in the commercial exhibition industry;

 

    the magnitude and timing of spending in relation to the Company’s research and development efforts and related investments as well as new business initiatives; and

 

    the number and timing of joint revenue sharing arrangement installations, related capital expenditures and timing of related cash receipts.

Most of the Company’s operating expenses are fixed in the short term. The Company may be unable to rapidly adjust its spending to compensate for any unexpected shortfall in sales, joint revenue sharing arrangements revenue or IMAX DMR revenue which would harm quarterly operating results, although the results of any quarterly period are not necessarily indicative of its results for any other quarter or for a full fiscal year.

 

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The Company’s theater system revenue can vary significantly from its cash flows under theater system sales or lease agreements.

The Company’s theater systems revenue can vary significantly from the associated cash flows. The Company often provides financing to customers for theater systems on a long-term basis through long-term leases or notes receivables. The terms of leases or notes receivable are typically 10 years. The Company’s sale and lease-type agreements typically provide for three major sources of cash flow related to theater systems:

 

    initial fees, which are paid in installments generally commencing upon the signing of the agreement until installation of the theater systems;

 

    ongoing fees, which are paid monthly after all theater systems have been installed and are generally equal to the greater of a fixed minimum amount per annum and a percentage of box-office receipts; and

 

    ongoing annual maintenance and extended warranty fees, which are generally payable commencing in the second year of theater operations.

Initial fees generally make up the vast majority of cash received under theater system sales or lease agreements for a theater arrangement.

For sales and sales-type leases, the revenue recorded is generally equal to the sum of initial fees and the present value of minimum ongoing fees due under the agreement. Cash received from initial fees in advance of meeting the revenue recognition criteria for the theater systems is recorded as deferred revenue. Contingent fees are recognized as they are reported by the theaters after annual minimum fixed fees are exceeded.

Leases that do not transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership to the customer are classified as operating leases. For these leases, initial fees and minimum fixed ongoing fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent fees are recognized as they are reported by the theaters after annual minimum fixed fees are exceeded.

As a result of the above, the revenue set forth in the Company’s financial statements does not necessarily correlate with the Company’s cash flow or cash position. Revenues include the present value of future contracted cash payments and there is no guarantee that the Company will receive such payments under its lease and sale agreements if its customers default on their payment obligations.

The Company’s stock price has historically been volatile and declines in market price, including as a result a market downturn, may negatively affect its ability to raise capital, issue debt, secure customer business and retain employees.

The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and its publicly traded shares have in the past experienced, and may continue to experience, significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility could reduce the market price of its common stock, regardless of the Company’s operating performance. A decline in the capital markets generally, or an adjustment in the market price or trading volumes of the Company’s publicly traded securities, may negatively affect its ability to raise capital, issue debt, secure customer business or retain employees. These factors, as well as general economic and geopolitical conditions, may have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Company’s publicly traded securities.

The credit agreement governing the Company’s senior secured credit facility contains significant restrictions that limit its operating and financial flexibility.

The credit agreement governing the Company’s senior secured credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit its ability to:

 

    incur additional indebtedness;

 

    pay dividends and make distributions;

 

    repurchase stock;

 

    make certain investments;

 

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    transfer or sell assets;

 

    create liens;

 

    enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

    issue or sell stock of subsidiaries;

 

    create dividend or other payment restrictions affecting restricted subsidiaries; and

 

    merge, consolidate, amalgamate or sell all or substantially all of its assets to another person.

These restrictive covenants impose operating and financial restrictions on the Company that limit the Company’s ability to engage in acts that may be in the Company’s long-term best interests.

The Company is subject to impairment losses on its film assets.

The Company amortizes its film assets, including IMAX DMR costs capitalized using the individual film forecast method, whereby the costs of film assets are amortized and participation costs are accrued for each film in the ratio of revenues earned in the current period to management’s estimate of total revenues ultimately expected to be received for that title. Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its estimates of ultimate revenues on a title-by-title basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization of the film assets and write-downs or impairments of film assets. Results of operations in future years include the amortization of the Company’s film assets and may be significantly affected by periodic adjustments in amortization rates.

The Company is subject to impairment losses on its inventories.

The Company records write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation and anticipated market acceptance of the Company’s current and pending theater systems. Since the Company introduced a proprietary digitally-based IMAX projection system, increased customer acceptance and preference for the Company’s digital projection system may subject existing film-based inventories to further write-downs (resulting in lower margins) as these theater systems become less desirable in the future.

If the Company’s goodwill or long lived assets become impaired the Company may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.

Under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company reviews its long lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is required to be qualitatively assessed at least annually and when events or changes in circumstances arise or can be quantitatively tested for impairment. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances include (but are not limited to) a decline in stock price and market capitalization, declines in future cash flows, and slower growth rates in the Company’s industry. The Company may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in its financial statements during the period in which any impairment of its goodwill or long lived assets is determined.

Changes in accounting and changes in management’s estimates may affect the Company’s reported earnings and operating income.

U.S. GAAP and accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations for many aspects of the Company’s business, such as revenue recognition, film accounting, accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits, accounting for income taxes, and treatment of goodwill or long lived assets, are highly complex and involve many subjective judgments. Changes in these rules, their interpretation, management’s estimates, or changes in the Company’s products or business could significantly change its reported future earnings and operating income and could add significant volatility to those measures, without a comparable underlying change in cash flow from operations. See “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7.

 

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The Company relies on its key personnel, and the loss of one or more of those personnel could harm its ability to carry out its business strategy.

The Company’s operations and prospects depend in large part on the performance and continued service of its senior management team. The Company may not find qualified replacements for any of these individuals if their services are no longer available. The loss of the services of one or more members of the Company’s senior management team could adversely affect its ability to effectively pursue its business strategy.

Because the Company is incorporated in Canada, it may be difficult for plaintiffs to enforce against the Company liabilities based solely upon U.S. federal securities laws.

The Company is incorporated under the federal laws of Canada, some of its directors and officers are residents of Canada and a substantial portion of its assets and the assets of such directors and officers are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for U.S. plaintiffs to effect service within the United States upon those directors or officers who are not residents of the United States, or to realize against them or the Company in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability under the U.S. federal securities laws. In addition, it may be difficult for plaintiffs to bring an original action outside of the United States against the Company to enforce liabilities based solely on U.S. federal securities laws.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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Item 2. Properties

The Company’s principal executive offices are located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, New York, New York, and Santa Monica, California. The Company’s principal facilities are as follows:

 

    

Operation

  

Own/Lease

  

Expiration

 
Mississauga, Ontario(1)    Headquarters, Administrative, Assembly and Research and Development    Own      N/A   
Santa Monica, California    Sales, Marketing, Film Production and Post-Production    Lease      2015   
Beijing, China    Sales    Lease      2015   
New York, New York    Executive    Lease      2019   
Tokyo, Japan    Sales, Marketing and Maintenance    Lease      2014   
Shanghai, China    Sales, Marketing, Maintenance and Administrative    Lease      2014   
Moscow, Russia    Sales    Lease      2014   
London, United Kingdom    Sales    Lease      2014   

 

(1) This facility is subject to a charge in favor of Wells Fargo Bank in connection with a secured term and revolving credit facility (see note 11 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8).

The lease on the Company’s current facility in Santa Monica, California is scheduled to expire 2015. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company anticipates purchasing land and commencing construction of a new Los Angeles-area facility in Playa Vista. The Company anticipates that construction of the new Playa Vista facility will be completed in 2015. A significant portion of the project is expected to be financed through a construction loan and related facility.

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In March 2005, the Company, together with Three-Dimensional Media Group, Ltd. (“3DMG”), filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division, against In-Three, Inc. (“In-Three”) alleging patent infringement. On March 10, 2006, the Company and In-Three entered into a settlement agreement settling the dispute between the Company and In-Three. Despite the settlement reached between the Company and In-Three, co-plaintiff 3DMG refused to dismiss its claims against In-Three. Accordingly, the Company and In-Three moved jointly for a motion to dismiss the Company’s and In-Three’s claims. On August 24, 2010, the Court dismissed all of the claims pending between the Company and In-Three, thus dismissing the Company from the litigation.

On May 15, 2006, the Company initiated arbitration against 3DMG before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in New York (the “ICDR”), alleging breaches of the license and consulting agreements between the Company and 3DMG. On June 15, 2006, 3DMG filed an answer denying any breaches and asserting counterclaims that the Company breached the parties’ license agreement. On June 21, 2007, the ICDR unanimously denied 3DMG’s Motion for Summary Judgment filed on April 11, 2007 concerning the Company’s claims and 3DMG’s counterclaims. The proceeding was suspended on May 4, 2009 due to failure of 3DMG to pay fees associated with the proceeding. The proceeding was further suspended on October 11, 2010 pending resolution of reexamination proceedings currently pending involving one of 3DMG’s patents. The Company will continue to pursue its claims vigorously and believes that all allegations made by 3DMG are without merit. The Company further believes that the amount of loss, if any, suffered in connection with the counterclaims would 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 the arbitration.

In January 2004, the Company and IMAX Theatre Services Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, commenced an arbitration seeking damages before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chambers of Commerce (the “ICC”) with respect to the breach by Electronic Media Limited (“EML”) of its December 2000 agreement with the Company. In June 2004, the Company commenced a related arbitration before the ICC against EML’s affiliate, E-City Entertainment (I) PVT Limited (“E-City”), seeking damages as a result of E-City’s breach of a September 2000 lease agreement. An arbitration hearing took place in November 2005 against E-City which considered all claims by the Company. On February 1, 2006, the ICC issued an award on liability finding unanimously in the Company’s favor on all claims. Further hearings took place in July 2006 and December 2006. On August 24, 2007, the ICC issued an award unanimously in favor of the Company in the amount of $9.4 million, consisting of past and future rents owed to the Company under its lease agreements, plus interest and costs. In the award, the ICC upheld the validity and enforceability of the Company’s theater system contract. The Company thereafter submitted its application to the arbitration panel for interest and costs. On March 27, 2008, the arbitration panel issued a final award in favor of the Company in the amount of $11.3 million, plus an additional $2,512 each day in interest from October 1, 2007 until the date the award is paid, which the Company is seeking to enforce and collect in full. In July 2008, E-City commenced a proceeding in Mumbai, India seeking an order that the ICC award may not be recognized in India. The Company has opposed that application on a number of grounds and seeks to have the ICC award recognized in India. On June 24, 2011, the Company commenced an application to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for recognition of the final award. On December 2, 2011, the Ontario court issued an order recognizing the final award and requiring E-City to pay the Company $30,000 to cover the costs of the application. On January 18, 2012, the Company filed an application in New York State Supreme Court seeking recognition of the Ontario order in New York. On April 11, 2012, the New York court issued an order granting the Company’s application leading to an entry of $15.5 million judgment in favor of the Company on May 4, 2012. On January 30, 2013, the Company filed an action in the New York Supreme Court seeking to collect the amount due under the New York judgment from certain entities and individuals affiliated with E-City. On June 13, 2013, the Bombay High Court ruled that it has jurisdiction over the proceeding but on November 19, 2013, the Supreme Court of India stayed proceedings in the High Court pending Supreme Court review of the High Court’s ruling. The defendants in the New York action have answered and objected to the Company’s petition, and they have moved to dismiss for improper service of process. The New York Court heard oral arguments on August 20, 2013 and has taken the matter under advisement.

The Company and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in eight purported class action lawsuits filed between August 11, 2006 and September 18, 2006, alleging violations of U.S. federal securities laws. These eight actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”). On January 18, 2007, the Court consolidated all eight class action lawsuits and appointed Westchester Capital Management, Inc. as the lead plaintiff and Abbey Spanier Rodd & Abrams, LLP as lead plaintiff’s counsel. On October 2, 2007, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint. The amended complaint, brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ between February 27, 2003 and July 20, 2007 (the “U.S. Class”), alleges primarily that the defendants engaged in securities fraud by disseminating materially false and misleading statements during the class period regarding the Company’s revenue recognition of theater system installations, and failing to disclose material information concerning the Company’s revenue recognition practices. The amended complaint also added PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s auditors, as a defendant. On April 14, 2011, the Court issued an

 

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order appointing The Merger Fund as the lead plaintiff and Abbey Spanier Rodd & Abrams, LLP as lead plaintiff’s counsel. On November 2, 2011, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding containing the terms and conditions of a settlement of this action. On January 26, 2012, the parties executed and filed with the Court a formal stipulation of settlement and proposed form of notice to the class, which the Court preliminarily approved on February 1, 2012. Under the terms of the settlement, members of the U.S. Class who did not opt out of the settlement will release defendants from liability for all claims that were alleged in this action or could have been alleged in this action or any other proceeding (including the action in Canada as described in (d) of this note (the “Canadian Action”) relating to the purchase of IMAX securities on the NASDAQ from February 27, 2003 and July 20, 2007 or the subject matter and facts relating to this action. As part of the settlement and in exchange for the release, defendants will pay $12.0 million to a settlement fund which amount will be funded by the carriers of the Company’s directors and officers insurance policy and by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. On March 26, 2012, the parties executed and filed with the Court an amended formal stipulation of settlement and proposed form of notice to the class, which the court preliminarily approved on March 28, 2012. On June 20, 2012, the Court issued an order granting final approval of the settlement. The settlement is conditioned on the Company’s receipt of an order from the court in the Canadian Action, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, (the “Canadian Court”) excluding from the class in the Canadian Action every member of the class in both actions who has not opted out of the U.S. settlement. A hearing on the motion for the order occurred on July 30, 2012 before the Canadian Court and on March 19, 2013, the Canadian Court issued a decision granting the Company’s motion to exclude from the class in the Canadian Action every member of the classes in both actions who has not opted out of the U.S. settlement. However, no final order will be granted by the Court until the plaintiffs in the Canadian Action have exhausted their appeals.

A class action lawsuit was filed on September 20, 2006 in the Canadian Court against the Company and certain of its officers and directors, alleging violations of Canadian securities laws. This lawsuit was brought on behalf of shareholders who acquired the Company’s securities between February 17, 2006 and August 9, 2006. The lawsuit seeks $210.0 million in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as costs. For reasons released December 14, 2009, the Canadian Court granted leave to the plaintiffs to amend their statement of claim to plead certain claims pursuant to the Securities Act (Ontario) against the Company and certain individuals and granted certification of the action as a class proceeding. These are procedural decisions, and do not contain any conclusions binding on a judge at trial as to the factual or legal merits of the claim. Leave to appeal those decisions was denied. The Company believes the allegations made against it in the statement of claim are meritless and will vigorously defend the matter, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of such proceedings. The Company’s directors’ and officers’ insurance policy provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses incurred in connection with this lawsuit as well as potential damages awarded, if any, subject to certain policy limits, exclusions and deductibles.

On June 26, 2013, the Company filed suit against GDC Technology (USA) LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “GDC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging trade secret misappropriation, unjust enrichment and unfair competition and seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and punitive damages. This action is based on GDC’s commercial exploitation of large format digital theater projection system and film conversion technologies, which the lawsuit alleges were stolen from the Company by its former employee, Gary Tsui, and then provided by Tsui to various technology companies in China. The Company’s action against GDC alleges that GDC is now knowingly and actively using these trade secrets and marketing large format film projection systems and conversion technology that the Company is informed and believes were derived from and incorporate the trade secrets stolen by Tsui. On August 12, 2013, in light of the complicating effects of the interwoven corporate relationships among the GDC defendants on federal diversity jurisdiction, the Company voluntarily dismissed the federal court action and filed a complaint in the Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging the same set of operative facts and same causes of action that had been contained in the District Court action. GDC has been served with the lawsuit, but has not yet filed its response. The lawsuit is at a very early stage, and the Company cannot predict the timing or outcome of this matter at this time.

The Company is also involved in litigation against Gary Tsui (“Tsui”) and related parties in both Canada and China based on Tsui’s theft and use of the Company’s trade secrets. The Company filed a lawsuit against Tsui and other related individuals and entities in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on December 8, 2009, through which the Company sought injunctive relief to prohibit Tsui from disclosing or using the Company’s confidential and proprietary information and from competing with the Company. The Company is also seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The Ontario Court awarded the injunctive relief sought by the Company on December 22, 2009. On April 30, 2013, a warrant was issued for Tsui’s arrest based on his refusal to comply with the orders of the Ontario court, including with respect to the continued use of the Company’s trade secrets. The Ontario action is to proceed to trial in mid-2014, though all of Tsui’s defenses were stricken by the Ontario court in a January 2012 contempt order. The Company also initiated suits against Tsui and related parties in Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court in Beijing, China on February 16, 2013 and December 3, 2013, seeking relief similar to that sought in the Ontario action. The actions in Canada and China remain ongoing.

In March 2013, IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd. (“IMAX China”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in China, received notice from the Shanghai office of the General Administration of Customs that it had been selected for a customs audit. The Company is unable to assess the potential impact, if any, of the audit at this time.

 

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In addition to the matters described above, the Company is currently involved in other legal proceedings or governmental inquiries 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 of any such proceedings.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common shares are listed for trading under the trading symbol “IMAX” on the NYSE. Prior to February 11, 2011, the Company’s common shares were listed for trading on the NASDAQ. The common shares are also listed on the TSX under the trading symbol “IMX.” The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices per share for the common shares on NYSE and the TSX.

 

     U.S. Dollars  
     High      Low  

NYSE

     

Year ended December 31, 2013

     

Fourth quarter

   $ 30.83      $ 25.84  

Third quarter

   $ 30.24      $ 24.70  

Second quarter

   $ 28.74      $ 23.80  

First quarter

   $ 26.80      $ 22.67  

Year ended December 31, 2012

     

Fourth quarter

   $ 23.20      $ 20.23  

Third quarter

   $ 25.34      $ 19.21  

Second quarter

   $ 25.03      $ 19.19  

First quarter

   $ 26.43      $ 17.83  
     Canadian Dollars  
     High      Low  

TSX

     

Year ended December 31, 2013

     

Fourth quarter

   $ 32.47      $ 26.77  

Third quarter

   $ 31.05      $ 25.83  

Second quarter

   $ 29.43      $ 24.99  

First quarter

   $ 27.41      $ 22.31  

Year ended December 31, 2012

     

Fourth quarter

   $ 23.22      $ 19.76  

Third quarter

   $ 25.73      $ 18.89  

Second quarter

   $ 24.64      $ 19.94  

First quarter

   $ 26.15      $ 18.03  

As at January 31, 2014, the Company had approximately 258 registered holders of record of the Company’s common shares.

Over the last four years, the Company has not paid, nor does the Company have any current plans to pay, cash dividends on its common shares. The payment of dividends by the Company is subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the Company’s indebtedness (see note 11 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7). The payment of any future dividends will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

 

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Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s Equity Compensation Plan as at December 31, 2013:

 

     Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
     Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
     Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (a))
 

Plan Category

   (a)      (b)      (c)  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     6,527,261      $ 21.31        4,003,462  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     nil         nil         nil   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     6,527,261      $ 21.31        4,003,462  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the total cumulative shareholder return for $100 invested (assumes that all dividends were reinvested) in common shares of the Company against the cumulative total return of the NYSE Composite Index, the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the Bloomberg Hollywood Reporter Index on December 31, 2008 to the end of the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

LOGO

 

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CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the common shares by a holder of common shares that is an individual resident of the United States or a United States corporation (a “U.S. Holder”). This discussion does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to investors subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (including, for example, owners of 10.0% or more of the voting shares of the Company).

Distributions on Common Shares

In general, distributions (without reduction for Canadian withholding taxes) paid by the Company with respect to the common shares will be taxed to a U.S. Holder as dividend income to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Company (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). Subject to certain limitations, under current law dividends paid to non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation as long as the Company is considered to be a “qualified foreign corporation”. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States. The amount of a distribution that exceeds the earnings and profits of the Company will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common shares and thereafter as taxable capital gain. Corporate holders generally will not be allowed a deduction for dividends received in respect of distributions on common shares. Subject to the limitations set forth in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, as modified by the U.S.-Canada Income Tax Treaty, U.S. Holders may elect to claim a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability for Canadian income tax withheld from dividends. Alternatively, U.S. Holders may claim a deduction for such amounts of Canadian tax withheld.

Disposition of Common Shares

Upon the sale or other disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and such holder’s tax basis in the common shares. Gain or loss upon the disposition of the common shares will be long-term if, at the time of the disposition, the common shares have been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations

This summary is applicable to a holder or prospective purchaser of common shares who, for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any applicable treaty and at all relevant times, is not (and is not deemed to be) resident in Canada, does not (and is not deemed to) use or hold the common shares in, or in the course of, carrying on a business in Canada, and is not an insurer that carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere.

This summary is based on the current provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada), the regulations thereunder, all specific proposals to amend such Act and regulations publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof and the Company’s understanding of the administrative policies and assessing practices published in writing by the Canada Revenue Agency prior to the date hereof. This summary does not otherwise take into account any change in law or administrative policy or assessing practice, whether by judicial, governmental, legislative or administrative decision or action, nor does it take into account other federal or provincial, territorial or foreign tax consequences, which may vary from the Canadian federal income tax considerations described herein.

This summary is of a general nature only and it is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder of the common shares and no representation with respect to Canadian federal income tax consequences to any holder of common shares is made herein. Accordingly, prospective purchasers and holders of the common shares should consult their own tax advisers with respect to their individual circumstances.

Dividends on Common Shares

Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 25.0% (subject to reduction under the provisions of any applicable tax treaty) will be payable on dividends (or amounts paid or credited on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, dividends) paid or credited to a

 

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holder of common shares. Under the Canada - U.S. Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Canada - U.S. Income Tax Treaty”) the withholding tax rate is generally reduced to 15.0% for a holder entitled to the benefits of the Canada - U.S. Income Tax Treaty who is the beneficial owner of the dividends (or 5.0% if the holder is a company that owns at least 10.0% of the common shares).

Capital Gains and Losses

Subject to the provisions of any relevant tax treaty, capital gains realized by a holder on the disposition or deemed disposition of common shares held as capital property will not be subject to Canadian tax unless the common shares are taxable Canadian property (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)), in which case the capital gains will be subject to Canadian tax at rates which will approximate those payable by a Canadian resident. Common shares generally will not be taxable Canadian property to a holder provided that, at the time of the disposition or deemed disposition, the common shares are listed on a designated stock exchange (which currently includes the TSX) unless at any time within the 60 month period immediately preceding such time (a) any combination of (i) such holder, (ii) persons with whom such holder did not deal at arm’s length or (iii) a partnership in which such holder or any such persons holds a membership interest either directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships, owned 25.0% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of the Company and (b) more than 50% of the fair market value of the common shares was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of (i) real or immovable property situated in Canada, (ii) Canadian resource properties, (iii) timber resource properties, and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of paragraphs (i) to (iii), whether or not the property exists. In certain circumstances set out in the Income Tax Act (Canada), the common shares may be deemed to be taxable Canadian property. Under the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Treaty, a holder entitled to the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Treaty and to whom the common shares are taxable Canadian property will not be subject to Canadian tax on the disposition or deemed disposition of the common shares unless at the time of disposition or deemed disposition, the value of the common shares is derived principally from real property situated in Canada.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The selected financial data set forth below is derived from the consolidated financial information of the Company. The financial information has been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All financial information referred to herein is expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)    2013     2012(1)     2011(1)     2010(1)     2009(1)  

Statements of Operations Data:

          

Revenues

          

Equipment and product sales

   $ 78,663     $ 78,161     $ 85,016     $ 72,578     $ 57,304  

Services

     139,464       135,071       105,262       121,026       78,874  

Rentals

     61,293       61,268       34,810       46,936       25,758  

Finance income

     8,142       7,523       6,162       4,789       4,235  

Other(2)

     375       732       3,848       400       1,862  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     287,937       282,755       235,098       245,729       168,033  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses applicable to revenues

          

Equipment and product sales(3)(4)

     37,517       37,538       38,742       36,394       29,040  

Services(3)(4)

     68,844       70,570       66,972       60,287       46,542  

Rentals(4)

     16,973       21,402       14,301       11,111       10,093  

Other

     —         —         1,018       32       635  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     123,334       129,510       121,033       107,824       86,310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

     164,603       153,245       114,065       137,905       81,723  

Selling, general and administrative expenses(5)(6)

     82,669       81,560       73,157       78,757       56,500  

Provision for arbitration award(7)

     —         —         2,055       —         —    

Research and development

     14,771       11,411       7,829       6,249       3,755  

Amortization of intangibles

     1,618       706       465       513       546  

Receivable provisions, net of recoveries

     445       524       1,570       1,443       1,067  

Asset impairments(8)

     —         —         20       —         180  

Impairment of available-for-sale investment(9)

     —         150       —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     65,100       58,894       28,969       50,943       19,675  

Interest income

     55       85       57       399       98  

Interest expense

     (1,345     (689     (1,827     (1,886     (13,845

Loss on repurchase of Senior Notes due December 2010(10)

     —         —         —         —         (579
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     63,810       58,290       27,199       49,456       5,349  

(Provision for) recovery of income taxes(11)

     (16,629     (15,079     (9,293     52,574       (274

Loss from equity-accounted investments

     (2,757     (1,362     (1,791     (493     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

     44,424       41,849       16,115       101,537       5,075  

Net loss from discontinued operations(1)

     (309     (512     (855     (297     (347
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 44,115     $ 41,337     $ 15,260     $ 101,240     $ 4,728  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share - basic and diluted:

          

Net income per share - basic:

          

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 0.66     $ 0.64     $ 0.25     $ 1.60     $ 0.10  

Net loss from discontinued operations

     —         (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 0.66     $ 0.63     $ 0.24     $ 1.59     $ 0.09  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share - diluted:

          

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 0.64     $ 0.62     $ 0.23     $ 1.52     $ 0.09  

Net loss from discontinued operations

     —         (0.01     (0.01     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 0.64     $ 0.61     $ 0.22     $ 1.52     $ 0.09  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(1) In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company has reclassified the Nyack owned and operated theater operations from continuing operations to discontinued operations. As a result, the respective prior years’ figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. In 2009, the Company closed its owned and operated Vancouver and Tempe IMAX theaters. The net loss from the operation of these three theaters are reflected as discontinued operations. See note 22 of the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for more information.
(2) The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that typically contain customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater systems. Each year, during the period of time between signing and theater system installation, certain customers are unable to, or elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons, including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the customer and/or the Company may terminate the arrangement by default or by entering into a consensual buyout. In these situations the parties are released from their future obligations under the arrangement, and the initial payments that the customer previously made to the Company and recognized as revenue are typically not refunded. In addition, the Company enters into agreements with customers to terminate their obligations for a theater system configuration and enter into a new arrangement for a different configuration. Other revenues from settlement arrangements were $0.4 million, $0.7 million, $3.8 million, $0.4 million, and $1.9 million in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(3) In 2013, the Company recognized a charge of $0.5 million in costs and expenses applicable to revenues for the write-down of certain service parts and film-based inventories. Included for the periods 2009 through 2013 are the following inventory write-downs:

 

     2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  

Equipment and product sales

   $ 274      $ 795      $ —        $ 827      $ 48  

Services

     170        103        —          172        849  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 444      $ 898      $ —        $ 999      $ 897  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(4) The Company recorded advertising, marketing, and commission costs for the periods 2009 through 2013 as listed below:

 

     2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  

Equipment and product sales

   $ 2,522      $ 2,690      $ 2,394      $ 1,925      $ 2,041  

Services

     4,552        4,773        5,648        2,793        2,381  

Rentals

     3,582        3,382        5,432        4,236        3,405  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Advertising, marketing, and commission costs

   $ 10,656      $ 10,845      $ 13,474      $ 8,954      $ 7,827  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(5) Includes share-based compensation expense of $11.9 million, $13.1 million, $11.7 million, $26.0 million and $17.5 million for 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(6) In 2013, the Company amended its Canadian postretirement plan to reduce future benefits provided under the plan. As a result of this amendment, the Company recognized a pre-tax curtailment gain of $2.2 million. See note 21(d) of the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for more information.
(7) In 2011, the Company recorded a provision of $2.1 million regarding an award issued in connection with an arbitration proceeding brought against the Company, relating to agreements entered into in 1994 and 1995 by its former Ridefilm subsidiary, whose business the Company discontinued through a sale to a third party in March 2001. The award was vacated as the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement in which the parties agreed to dismiss any outstanding disputes among them.
(8) In 2013, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $nil. Asset impairment charges related to the impairment of assets of certain theater operations amounted to $nil, less than $0.1 million, less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million in 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, after the Company assessed the carrying value of certain assets.

 

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(9) In 2012, the Company recognized a $0.2 million other-than-temporary impairment of its available-for-sale investment as the value is not expected to recover based on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost. See note 20(b) of the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for more information.
(10) In 2009, the Company repurchased all of its outstanding $160.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 9.625% Senior Notes. The Company paid cash to reacquire its bonds, thereby releasing the Company from further obligations to various holders under the indenture governing the Senior Notes. The Company accounted for the bond repurchase in accordance with the Debt Topic of the FASB ASC whereby the net carrying amount of the debt extinguished was the face value of the bonds adjusted for any unamortized premium, discount and costs of issuance, which resulted in a loss of $0.6 million.
(11) The recovery for income taxes in the year ended December 31, 2010 includes a net non-cash income tax benefit of $55.5 million related to a decrease in the valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets and other tax adjustments. This release of the valuation allowance was recorded after it was determined that realization of this deferred income tax benefit is now more likely than not based on current and anticipated future earnings trends.

BALANCE SHEET DATA

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    As at December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 29,546      $ 21,336      $ 18,138      $ 30,390      $ 20,081  

Total assets(1)

   $ 481,145      $ 421,872      $ 407,249      $ 349,948      $ 247,546  

Total indebtedness

   $ —        $ 11,000      $ 55,083      $ 17,500      $ 50,000  

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 319,585      $ 253,079      $ 189,868      $ 155,878      $ 42,135  

 

(1) Includes the assets of discontinued operations.

 

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QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)    2013  
     Q1(1)     Q2(1)     Q3(1)     Q4  

Revenues

   $ 49,666     $ 81,713     $ 51,507     $ 105,051  

Costs and expenses applicable to revenues

     23,476       38,078       24,055       37,725  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

   $ 26,190     $ 43,635     $ 27,452     $ 67,326  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 2,961     $ 11,855     $ 1,737     $ 27,871  

Net loss from discontinued operations

     (100     (39     (128     (42
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 2,861     $ 11,816     $ 1,609     $ 27,829  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share - basic

   $ 0.04     $ 0.18     $ 0.03     $ 0.41  

Net income per share - diluted

   $ 0.04     $ 0.17     $ 0.03     $ 0.40  
     2012  
     Q1(1)     Q2(1)     Q3(1)     Q4(1)  

Revenues

   $ 55,312     $ 69,949     $ 80,079     $ 77,415  

Costs and expenses applicable to revenues

     28,318       30,939       35,267       34,986  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

   $ 26,994     $ 39,010     $ 44,812     $ 42,429  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 2,642     $ 11,211     $ 14,973     $ 13,023  

Net loss from discontinued operations

     (133     (177     (62     (140
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 2,509     $ 11,034     $ 14,911     $ 12,883  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share - basic

   $ 0.04     $ 0.17     $ 0.23     $ 0.20  

Net income per share - diluted

   $ 0.04     $ 0.16     $ 0.22     $ 0.19  

 

(1) In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company reclassified the Nyack owned and operated theater operations from continuing operations to discontinued operations. As a result, the respective prior period’s figures have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

GENERAL

IMAX Corporation, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in motion picture technologies and presentations. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters.” IMAX offers a unique end-to-end cinematic solution combining proprietary software, theater architecture and equipment to create the highest-quality, most immersive motion picture experience for which the IMAX® brand has become known globally. Top filmmakers and studios utilize IMAX theaters to connect with audiences in innovative ways, and, as such, IMAX’s network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the world. As of December 31, 2013 there were 837 IMAX theater systems (701 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations, 117 institutional) operating in 57 countries. This compares to 731 theater systems (598 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations, 114 institutional) operating in 53 countries as of December 31, 2012.

IMAX theater systems combine:

 

    IMAX DMR (Digital Re-Mastering) movie conversion technology, which results in higher image and sound fidelity than conventional cinema experiences;

 

    advanced, high-resolution projectors with specialized equipment and automated theater control systems, which generate significantly more contrast and brightness than conventional theater systems;

 

    large screens and proprietary theater geometry, which result in a substantially larger field of view so that the screen extends to the edge of a viewer’s peripheral vision and creates more realistic images;

 

    sound system components, which deliver more expansive sound imagery and pinpointed origination of sound to any specific spot in an IMAX theater; and

 

    specialized theater acoustics, which result in a four-fold reduction in background noise.

The components together cause audiences in IMAX theaters to feel as if they are a part of the on-screen action, creating a more intense, immersive and exciting experience than in a traditional theater.

As a result of the immersiveness and superior image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, the Company’s exhibitor customers typically charge a premium for IMAX DMR films over films exhibited in their other auditoriums. The premium pricing, combined with the higher attendance levels associated with IMAX DMR films, generates incremental box-office for the Company’s exhibitor customers and for the movie studios releasing their films to the IMAX network. The incremental box-office generated by IMAX DMR films has helped establish IMAX as a key premium distribution and marketing platform for Hollywood blockbuster films. Driven by the advent of digital technology that reduced the IMAX DMR conversion time and with the strengthening of the Company’s relationships with the major studios, the number of IMAX DMR films released to the theater network per year has increased to 38 films in 2013, up from 35 films in 2012 and 6 films in 2007. The Company expects to release a similar number of IMAX DMR films in 2014 as compared to 2013.

As one of the world’s leaders in entertainment technology, the Company strives to remain at the forefront of advancements in cinema technology. Accordingly, one of the Company’s key short-term initiatives is the development of a next-generation laser-based digital projection system, which it plans to begin rolling out by the end of 2014. In order to develop the laser-based digital projection system, the Company obtained exclusive rights to certain laser projection technology and other technology with applicability in the digital cinema field from Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak”) in 2011 and entered a co-development arrangement with Barco N.V. (“Barco”) to co-develop a laser-based digital projection system that incorporates Kodak technology in 2012. The Company believes that these arrangements with Kodak and Barco will enable IMAX laser projectors to present greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, and consume less power and last longer than existing digital technology. The Company also believes that a laser projection solution will be the first IMAX digital projection system capable of illuminating the largest screens in its network.

The Company is undertaking new lines of business, particularly in the area of in-home theater entertainment. In 2013, the Company announced two new initiatives in the area of in-home entertainment, including a joint venture with TCL Multimedia Technology Holding Limited (“TCL”) to design, develop, manufacture and sell a premium home theater system and an investment in PRIMA Cinema Inc., a maker of proprietary system that transmit current theatrical releases for home viewing. The Company and TCL expect to launch the new home theater system, which will incorporate components of IMAX’s projection and sound technology adapted for a broader home environment as well as PRIMA technology, in China and other select global markets in 2015. The Company also recently began marketing and selling the IMAX Private Theatre, a cinema-grade, ultra-premium home theater system.

 

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Important factors that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Richard L. Gelfond uses in assessing the Company’s business and prospects include:

 

    the signing, installation and financial performance of theater system arrangements (particularly its joint revenue sharing arrangements);

 

    film performance and the securing of new film projects (particularly IMAX DMR films);

 

    revenue and gross margins from the Company’s operating segments;

 

    operating leverage;

 

    earnings from operations as adjusted for unusual items that the Company views as non-recurring;

 

    short- and long-term cash flow projections;

 

    the continuing ability to invest in and improve the Company’s technology to enhance its differentiation of presentation versus other cinematic experiences; and

 

    the overall execution, reliability and consumer acceptance of The IMAX Experience, related technologies and new initiatives.

The primary revenue sources for the Company can be categorized into two main groups: theater systems and films. On the theater systems side, the Company derives revenues from theater exhibitors primarily through either a sale or sales-type lease arrangement or a joint revenue sharing arrangement. Theater exhibitors also pay for associated maintenance and extended warranty services. The Company also derives a small portion of other revenues from the operation of its own theaters, the provision of aftermarket parts for its system components, and camera rentals. Film revenue is derived primarily from film studios for the provision of film production and digital re-mastering services for exhibition on IMAX theater systems around the world. The Company derives other film revenues from the distribution of certain films and the provision of post-production services.

IMAX Theater Systems: IMAX Systems (Sales and Sales-type Leases), Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements and Theater System Maintenance

One of the Company’s principal businesses is the design, manufacture and delivery of premium theater systems (“IMAX theater systems”). The theater system equipment components (including the projection system, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine), theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and the use of the IMAX brand are all elements of what the Company considers the system deliverable (the “System Deliverable”). The IMAX theater systems are based on proprietary and patented technology developed over the course of the Company’s 46-year history. The Company’s customers who purchase, lease or otherwise acquire the IMAX theater systems through joint revenue sharing arrangements are theater exhibitors that operate commercial theaters (particularly multiplexes), museums, science centers, or destination entertainment sites. The Company generally does not own IMAX theaters, but licenses the use of its trademarks along with the sale, lease or contribution of the IMAX theater system.

IMAX Systems

The Company provides IMAX theater systems to customers on a sales or long-term lease basis, typically with an initial 10-year term. These agreements typically comprise of initial fees and ongoing fees (which can include a fixed minimum amount per annum and contingent fees in excess of the minimum payments), as well as maintenance and extended warranty fees. The initial fees vary depending on the system configuration and location of the theater and are paid to the Company in installments between the time of system signing and the time of system installation, which is when the total of these fees, in addition to the present value of future annual minimum payments, are recognized as revenue. Ongoing fees are paid over the term of the contract, commencing after the theater system has been installed and are equal to the greater of a fixed minimum amount per annum or a percentage of box-office receipts. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Typically, ongoing fees are indexed to a local consumer price index. Finance income is derived over the term of a financed sale or sales-type lease arrangement as the unearned income on that financed sale or sales-type lease is earned.

Under a sales agreement, title to the theater system equipment components passes to the customer. In certain instances, however, the Company retains title or a security interest in the equipment until the customer has made all payments required under the agreement. Under the terms of a sales-type lease agreement, title to the theater system equipment components remains with the Company. The Company has the right to remove the equipment for non-payment or other defaults by the customer.

 

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The revenue earned from customers under the Company’s theater system sales or lease agreements varies from quarter to quarter and year to year based on a number of factors, including the number and mix of theater system configurations sold or leased, the timing of installation of the theater systems, the nature of the arrangement and other factors specific to individual contracts.

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

The Company also provides IMAX theater systems to customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements. Under these arrangements the Company provides the IMAX theater system in return for a portion of the customer’s IMAX box-office receipts and, in some cases, concession revenues and/or a small upfront or initial payment. Pursuant to these revenue-sharing arrangements, the Company retains title to the theater system equipment components and the applicable rent payments, rather than being fixed or determinable, are contingent on film performance. The initial term of IMAX theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 13 years and are renewable by the customer for one or more additional terms of between 5 and 10 years. The Company has the right to remove the equipment for non-payment or other defaults by the customer. The contracts are non-cancellable by the customer unless the Company fails to perform its obligations.

The introduction of joint revenue sharing arrangements has been an important factor in the expansion of the Company’s commercial theater network, which has grown by approximately 302% since the beginning of 2008. Joint revenue sharing arrangements allow commercial theater exhibitors to install IMAX theater systems without the significant initial capital investment required in a sale or sales-type lease arrangement. Joint revenue sharing arrangements drive recurring cash flows and earnings for the Company, as customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements pay the Company a portion of their ongoing box-office. The Company funds its joint revenue sharing arrangements through cash flows from operations and the Company’s credit facility. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had 382 theaters in operation under joint revenue sharing arrangements, a 20.9% increase as compared to the 316 joint revenue sharing arrangements open as at December 31, 2012. The Company also had contracts in backlog for an additional 263 theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements as at December 31, 2013.

The revenue earned from customers under the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements can vary from quarter to quarter and year to year based on a number of factors including film performance, the mix of theater system configurations, the timing of installation of these theater systems, the nature of the arrangement, the location, size and management of the theater and other factors specific to individual arrangements. Ongoing revenue from theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements is derived from box-office results and concession revenues reported by the theater operator, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Theater System Maintenance

For all IMAX theaters, theater owners or operators are also responsible for paying the Company an annual maintenance and extended warranty fee. Under these arrangements, the Company provides proactive and reactive maintenance services to every theater in its network to ensure that each presentation is up to the highest IMAX quality standard. Annual maintenance fees are paid throughout the duration of the term of the theater agreements and are typically indexed to a local consumer price index.

Other Theater Revenues

The Company derives a small portion of its revenues from other sources. As at December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had four owned and operated theaters. However, on January 30, 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of one of these owned and operated theaters in Nyack, New York. In addition, the Company has a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses and provides management services to two theaters. The Company also rents its proprietary 2D and 3D large-format film and digital cameras to third party production companies. The Company maintains cameras and other film equipment and also offers production advice and technical assistance to both documentary and Hollywood filmmakers. Additionally, the Company generates revenues from the sale of after-market parts and 3D glasses.

Revenue from theater system arrangements is recognized at a different time from when cash is collected. See “Critical Accounting Policies” below for further discussion on the Company’s revenue recognition policies.

 

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IMAX Theater Network

The following table outlines the breakdown of the theater network by type and geographic location as at December 31:

 

     2013 Theater Network Base      2012 Theater Network Base  
     Commercial
Multiplex
     Commercial
Destination
     Institutional      Total      Commercial
Multiplex
     Commercial
Destination
     Institutional      Total  

United States

     319        6        55        380        290        6        57        353  

Canada

     34        2        8        44        34        2        7        43  

Greater China(1)

     150        —          23        173        108        —          20        128  

Asia (excluding Greater China)

     61        3        7        71        52        3        7        62  

Western Europe

     49        7        11        67        42        7        11        60  

Russia & the CIS

     40        —          —          40        32        —          —          32  

Latin America(2)

     25        —          11        36        19        —          10        29  

Rest of the World

     23        1        2        26        21        1        2        24  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     701        19        117        837        598        19        114        731  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Greater China includes China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
(2) Latin America includes South America, Central America and Mexico.

As of December 31, 2013, 50.7% of IMAX systems in operation were located in the United States and Canada compared to 54.2% as at the end of last year. The commercial exhibitor market in the United States and Canada represents an important customer base for the Company in terms of both collections under existing arrangements and potential future theater system contracts. The Company has targeted these operators for the sale or sales-type lease of its IMAX digital projection system, as well as for joint revenue sharing arrangements. While the Company is pleased with its progress in the U.S. and Canadian exhibitor markets, there is no assurance that the Company’s progress in these markets will continue, particularly as a higher percentage of these markets are penetrated. To minimize the Company’s credit risk in this area, the Company retains title to the underlying theater systems leased, performs initial and ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and makes ongoing provisions for its estimates of potentially uncollectible amounts.

The Company believes that over time its commercial multiplex theater network could grow to approximately 1,700 IMAX theaters worldwide from 701 commercial multiplex IMAX theaters operating as of December 31, 2013. While the Company continues to grow in the United States and Canada, it believes that the majority of its future growth will come from international markets. As at December 31, 2013, 49.3% of IMAX theater systems in operation were located within international markets (defined as all countries other than the United States and Canada), up from 45.8% as at December 31, 2012. In fact, 2013 marked the first year in the Company’s history that revenues and gross box-office derived from outside the United States and Canada exceeded revenues and gross box-office from the United States and Canada. Risks associated with the Company’s international business are described in Risk Factors – “The Company conducts business internationally, which exposes it to uncertainties and risks that could negatively affect its operations, sales and future growth prospects” in Item 1A of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K.

Greater China continues to be the Company’s second-largest and fastest-growing market. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had 173 theaters operating in Greater China with an additional 239 theaters (includes 2 upgrades) in backlog, representing 58.7% of the Company’s current backlog, that are scheduled to be installed in Greater China by 2021. The Company continues to invest in joint revenue sharing arrangements with select partners to ensure ongoing revenue in this key market. In 2013, the Company and Wanda Cinema Line Corporation (“Wanda”) announced amendments of the parties’ original 2011 joint revenue sharing arrangement for an additional 120 IMAX theaters to be located throughout China. The most recent expansion brings Wanda’s total commitment to 210 IMAX theater systems, of which 195 are under the parties’ joint revenue sharing arrangement. The Company believes that the China market presents opportunities for additional growth with favorable market trends, including government initiatives to foster cinema screen growth, to support the film industry and to increase the number of Hollywood films distributed in China, including a 2012 agreement with the U.S. to permit 14 additional IMAX or 3D format films to be distributed in China each year and to permit distributors to receive higher distribution fees. The Company cautions, however, that its expansion in China faces a number of challenges. See Risk Factors – “The Company faces risks in connection with the continued expansion of its business in China” in Item 1A of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K. In 2011, the Company formed IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd (“IMAX China”) to facilitate the Company’s expansion in China. December 31, 2013, IMAX China had offices in Shanghai and Beijing and total of 57 employees.

 

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The following table outlines the breakdown of the Commercial Multiplex theater network by arrangement type and geographic location as at December 31:

 

     2013      2012  
     IMAX Commercial Multiplex Theater Network      IMAX Commercial Multiplex Theater Network  
     JRSA      Sale / Sales-
type lease
     Total      JRSA      Sale / Sales-
type lease
     Total  

Domestic Total (United States & Canada)

     237        116        353        212        112        324  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International:

                 

Greater China

     85        65        150        54        54        108  

Asia (excluding Greater China)

     30        31        61        26        20        46  

Western Europe

     29        20        49        24        18        42  

Russia & the CIS

     —          40        40        —          32        32  

Latin America

     —          25        25        —          19        19  

Rest of the World

     1        22        23        —          27        27  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International Total

     145        203        348        104        170        274  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Worldwide Total

     382        319        701        316        282        598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2013, 237 (2012 — 212) of the 382 (2012 — 316) theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements in operation, or 62.0% (2012 — 67.1%) were located in the United States and Canada, with the remaining 145 (2012 — 104) or 38.0% of arrangements being located in international markets. The Company continues to seek to expand its network of theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements, particularly in select international markets.

Sales Backlog

The Company’s current sales backlog is as follows:

 

     December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  
     Number of
Systems
    Dollar Value
(in thousands)
     Number of
Systems
    Dollar Value
(in thousands)
 
         

Sales and sale-type lease arrangements

     144     $ 177,956        139     $ 168,101  

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     263        51,983        137        31,652  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     407 (1)    $ 229,939        276 (2)    $ 199,753  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes 23 upgrades to a digital theater system, in an existing IMAX theater location (3 xenon and 20 laser, of which 4 are under joint revenue sharing arrangements).
(2) Includes 11 upgrades to a digital theater system, in an existing IMAX theater location (6 xenon and 5 laser).

The number of theater systems in the backlog reflects the minimum number of commitments from signed contracts. The dollar value fluctuates depending on the number of new theater system arrangements signed from quarter to quarter, which adds to backlog, and its installation and acceptance of theater systems and the settlement of contracts, both of which reduce backlog. Sales backlog typically represents the fixed contracted revenue under signed theater system sale and lease agreements that the Company believes will be recognized as revenue upon installation and acceptance of the associated theater. Sales backlog includes initial fees along with the estimated present value of contractual ongoing fees due over the lease term; however, it excludes amounts allocated to maintenance and extended warranty revenues as well as fees in excess of contractual ongoing fees that may be received in the future. The value of sales backlog does not include revenue from theaters in which the Company has an equity interest, operating leases, letters of intent or long-term conditional theater commitments. The value of theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements is excluded from the dollar value of sales backlog, although certain theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements provide for contracted upfront payments and therefore carry a backlog value based on those payments. The Company believes that the contractual obligations for theater system installations that are listed in sales backlog are valid and binding commitments.

 

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From time to time, in the normal course of its business, the Company will have customers who are unable to proceed with a theater system installation for a number of reasons, including the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the agreement with the customer is terminated or amended. If the agreement is terminated, once the Company and the customer are released from all their future obligations under the agreement, all or a portion of the initial rents or fees that the customer previously made to the Company are recognized as revenue.

The following table outlines the breakdown of the total backlog by arrangement type and geographic location as at December 31:

 

     2013     2012  
     JRSA      Sale / Lease      Total     JRSA      Sale / Lease      Total  

Domestic Total (United States & Canada)

     33        22        55        39        16        55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International:

                

Greater China

     200        39        239        80        42        122   

Asia (excluding Greater China)

     17        22        39        14        19        33   

Western Europe

     10        3        13        4        1        5   

Russia & the CIS

     —          19        19        —          23        23   

Latin America

     —          32        32        —          35        35   

Rest of the World

     3        7        10        —          3        3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International Total

     230        122        352        98        123        221   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Worldwide Total

     263        144        407 (1)      137        139        276 (2) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes 23 upgrades to a digital theater system, in an existing IMAX theater location (3 xenon and 20 laser, of which 4 are under joint revenue sharing arrangements).
(2) Includes 11 upgrades to a digital theater system, in an existing IMAX theater location (6 xenon and 5 laser).

Approximately 86.5% of IMAX theater system arrangements in backlog as at December 31, 2013 are scheduled to be installed in international markets (2012 – 80.1%).

 

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The following reflects the Company’s signings and installations for the years ended December 31:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Theater System Signings:

    

Full new sales and sale-type lease arrangements

     56        43   

New joint revenue sharing arrangements

     190        78   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total new theaters

     246        121   

Upgrades of IMAX theater systems

     31 (1)      21 (2) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total theater signings

     277       142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Theater System Installations:

    

Full new sales and sale-type lease arrangements

     47 (3)      47   

New joint revenue sharing arrangements

     65       60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total new theaters

     112 (3)      107   

Upgrades of IMAX theater systems

     21 (1)      18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total theater installations

     133       125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes upgrades to xenon-based digital systems under short-term operating lease arrangements (10 signings, 10 installations).
(2) Includes 3 IMAX theaters acquired from another existing customer that had been operating under a joint revenue sharing arrangement. These theaters were purchased from the Company under a sales arrangement.
(3) Includes the following items: (i) one new xenon-based digital system under a short-term operating lease arrangement; (ii) one theater system which has increased the Company’s institutional theater network; and (iii) one IMAX Private Theater (the first of its kind in the IMAX theater network).

The Company estimates that it will install a similar number of new theater systems (excluding digital upgrades) as the Company installed in 2013. The Company’s installation estimates includes scheduled systems from backlog, as well as the Company’s estimate of installations from arrangements that will sign and install in the same calendar year. The Company cautions, however, that theater system installations may slip from period to period over the course of the Company’s business, usually for reasons beyond its control.

Films: Digital Re-Mastering (IMAX DMR) and other film revenue

Digital Re-Mastering (IMAX DMR)

In 2002, the Company developed a proprietary technology to digitally re-master Hollywood films into IMAX digital cinema package format or 15/70-format film for exhibition in IMAX theaters at a modest cost that is incurred by the Company. This system, known as IMAX DMR, digitally enhances the image resolution of motion picture films for projection on IMAX screens while maintaining or enhancing the visual clarity and sound quality to levels for which The IMAX Experience is known. This technology enabled the IMAX theater network to release Hollywood films simultaneously with their broader domestic release. The development of this technology was critical in helping the Company execute its strategy of expanding its commercial theater network by establishing IMAX theaters as a key, premium distribution platform for Hollywood films. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company receives a percentage of net box-office receipts of any commercial films released in the IMAX network, which range from 10-15%, from a film studio for the conversion of the film to the IMAX DMR format and access to its premium distribution platform.

IMAX films benefit from enhancements made by individual filmmakers exclusively for the IMAX release, and filmmakers and studios have increasingly sought IMAX-specific enhancements to generate interest in and excitement for their films. Such enhancements include shooting selected scenes with IMAX cameras to increase the audience’s immersion in the film and taking

 

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advantage of the unique dimensions of the IMAX screen by shooting the film in a larger aspect ratio and early release windows exclusively in IMAX. Several recent films have featured select sequences shot with IMAX cameras including Star Trek Into Darkness: An IMAX 3D Experience, released in May 2013 and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: The IMAX Experience in November 2013, as well as, The Dark Knight Rises: The IMAX Experience in July 2012, which featured over an hour of footage shot with IMAX cameras. In addition, several recent movies, including Oblivion: The IMAX Experience in 2013 and Skyfall: The IMAX Experience in 2012 have featured footage taking advantage of the larger projected IMAX aspect ratio.

The original soundtrack of a film to be released to the IMAX network is re-mastered for the IMAX five or six-channel digital sound systems for the IMAX DMR release. Unlike the soundtracks played in conventional theaters, IMAX re-mastered soundtracks are uncompressed and full fidelity. IMAX sound systems use proprietary loudspeaker systems and proprietary surround sound configurations that ensure every theater seat is in a good listening position.

The Company believes that its international expansion is an important driver of future growth for the Company. In fact, during 2013, 54.0% of the Company’s gross box-office from IMAX DMR films was generated in international markets, as compared to 49.3% in 2012. To support growth in international markets, the Company has sought to bolster its international film strategy, supplementing the Company’s film slate of Hollywood DMR titles with appealing local IMAX DMR releases in select markets. During 2013, the Company released nine local language IMAX DMR films, including five in China and one in each of Japan, Russia, France, and India. In 2012, five local-language IMAX DMR films were released, including four in China and one in France. The Company expects to announce additional local language IMAX DMR films to be released to the IMAX network in 2014 and beyond.

To date, the Company has announced the following 14 DMR films to be released in 2014 to the IMAX theater network:

 

    Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit: The IMAX Experience (Paramount Pictures, January 2014);

 

    I, Frankenstein: An IMAX 3D Experience (Lionsgate, January 2014);

 

    The Monkey King: The IMAX Experience (Global Star Productions, January 2014, China only);

 

    Robocop: The IMAX Experience (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc., February 2014);

 

    300: Rise of an Empire: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, March 2014);

 

    Divergent: The IMAX Experience (Summit Entertainment, March 2014);

 

    Noah: The IMAX Experience (Paramount Pictures, March 2014);

 

    Captain America: The Winter Soldier: An IMAX 3D Experience (Marvel Entertainment, April 2014);

 

    The Amazing Spider-Man 2: An IMAX 3D Experience (Sony Pictures, May 2014);

 

    Godzilla: The IMAX Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, May 2014);

 

    Edge of Tomorrow: The IMAX Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, June 2014);

 

    Transformers: Age of Extinction: An IMAX 3D Experience (Paramount Pictures, June 2014);

 

    Interstellar: The IMAX Experience (Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, November 2014); and

 

    The Hobbit: There and Back Again: An IMAX 3D Experience (Warner Bros. Pictures, December 2014).

The Company remains in active negotiations with all of the major Hollywood studios for additional films to fill out its short and long-term film slate, and anticipates that a similar number of IMAX DMR films will be released to the IMAX network in 2014 as were released in 2013.

In addition, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Pictures, the Company will release an IMAX original production, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, on April 4, 2014.

Other Film Revenues: Film Distribution and Post-Production

The Company is also a distributor of large-format films, primarily for its institutional theater partners. The Company generally distributes films which it produces or for which it has acquired distribution rights from independent producers. The Company receives either a percentage of the theater box-office receipts or a fixed amount as a distribution fee.

Films produced by the Company are typically financed through third parties, whereby the Company will generally receive a film production fee in exchange for producing the film and a distribution fee for distributing the film. The ownership rights to such films may be held by the film sponsors, the film investors and/or the Company. The Company utilizes third-party funding for the majority of original films it produces and distributes. In 2012, the Company, along with WB and MFF released an original title, To the Artic 3D. In 2011, the Company, along with WB, released Born to be Wild 3D. In

 

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January 2013, the Company announced an agreement with MFF to jointly finance, market and distribute up to four films (with an option for four additional films) produced by MFF to be released exclusively to IMAX theaters. The agreement will ensure IMAX’s institutional theater partners access to a steady flow of the highest-quality, large-format documentaries over the years to come. One of the four films produced under the MFF agreement, Journey to the South Pacific had a limited release in November 2013. A broader release of Journey to the South Pacific is scheduled in 2014.

IMAX Post/DKP Inc. (formerly David Keighley Productions 70MM Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, provides film post-production and quality control services for large-format films (whether produced internally or externally), and digital post-production services.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those related to selling prices associated with the individual elements in multiple element arrangements; residual values of leased theater systems; economic lives of leased assets; allowances for potential uncollectibility of accounts receivable, financing receivables and net investment in leases; write-downs for inventory obsolescence; ultimate revenues for film assets; impairment provisions for film assets, long-lived assets and goodwill; depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment; useful lives of intangible assets; pension plan and post retirement assumptions; accruals for contingencies including tax contingencies; valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets; and, estimates of the fair value and expected exercise dates of stock-based payment awards. Management bases its estimates on historical experience, future expectations and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates due to uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature, and differences may be material. The Company’s significant accounting policies are discussed in note 2 to its audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K.

The Company considers the following significant estimates, assumptions and judgments to have the most significant effect on its results:

Revenue Recognition

The Company generates revenue from various sources as follows:

 

    design, manufacture, sale and lease of proprietary theater systems for IMAX theaters principally owned and operated by commercial and institutional customers located in 57 countries as at December 31, 2013;

 

    production, digital re-mastering, post-production and/or distribution of certain films shown throughout the IMAX theater network;

 

    operation of certain IMAX theaters primarily in the United States;

 

    provision of other services to the IMAX theater network, including ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services for IMAX theater systems; and

 

    other activities, which includes short-term rental of cameras and aftermarket sales of projector system components.

Multiple Element Arrangements

The Company’s revenue arrangements with certain customers may involve multiple elements consisting of a theater system (projector, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine); services associated with the theater system including theater design support, supervision of installation, and projectionist training; a license to use of the IMAX brand; 3D glasses; maintenance and extended warranty services; and licensing of films. The Company evaluates all elements in an arrangement to determine what are considered typical deliverables for accounting purposes and which of the deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on the applicable accounting guidance in the Leases Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”); the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC; the Entertainment – Films

 

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Topic of the FASB ASC; and the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC. If separate units of accounting are either required under the relevant accounting standards or determined to be applicable under the Revenue Recognition Topic, the total consideration received or receivable in the arrangement is allocated based on the applicable guidance in the above noted standards.

Theater Systems

The Company has identified the projection system, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine, theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and the use of the IMAX brand to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting (“the System Deliverable”). When an arrangement does not include all the elements of a System Deliverable, the elements of the System Deliverable included in the arrangement are considered by the Company to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting. The Company is not responsible for the physical installation of the equipment in the customer’s facility; however, the Company supervises the installation by the customer. The customer has the right to use the IMAX brand from the date the Company and the customer enter into an arrangement.

The Company’s System Deliverable arrangements involve either a lease or a sale of the theater system. Consideration in the Company’s arrangements that are not joint revenue sharing arrangements, consists of upfront or initial payments made before and after the final installation of the theater system equipment and ongoing payments throughout the term of the lease or over a period of time, as specified in the arrangement. The ongoing payments are the greater of an annual fixed minimum amount or a certain percentage of the theater box-office. Amounts received in excess of the annual fixed minimum amounts are considered contingent payments. The Company’s arrangements are non-cancellable, unless the Company fails to perform its obligations. In the absence of a material default by the Company, there is no right to any remedy for the customer under the Company’s arrangements. If a material default by the Company exists, the customer has the right to terminate the arrangement and seek a refund only if the customer provides notice to the Company of a material default and only if the Company does not cure the default within a specified period.

For arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2011, consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the unit’s relative selling prices. The Company uses vender-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. VSOE is established for the Company’s System Deliverable, maintenance and extended warranty services and film license arrangements. The Company uses a best estimate of selling price (BESP) for units of accounting that do not have VSOE or third party evidence of selling price. The Company determines BESP for a deliverable by considering multiple factors including the Company’s historical pricing practices, product class, market competition and geography.

Sales Arrangements

For arrangements qualifying as sales, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed, and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

The initial revenue recognized consists of the initial payments received and the present value of any future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments that have been attributed to this unit of accounting. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

The Company has also agreed, on occasion, to sell equipment under lease or at the end of a lease term. Consideration agreed to for these lease buyouts is included in revenues from equipment and product sales, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and title to the theater system passes from the Company to the customer.

Lease Arrangements

The Company uses the Leases Topic of the FASB ASC to evaluate whether an arrangement is a lease and the classification of the lease. Arrangements not within the scope of the accounting standard are accounted for either as a sales or services arrangement, as applicable.

For lease arrangements, the Company determines the classification of the lease in accordance with the Leases Topic of the FASB ASC. A lease arrangement that transfers substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to ownership of the equipment is classified

 

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as a sales-type lease based on the criteria established in the accounting standard; otherwise the lease is classified as an operating lease. Prior to commencement of the lease term for the equipment, the Company may modify certain payment terms or make concessions. If these circumstances occur, the Company reassesses the classification of the lease based on the modified terms and conditions.

For sales-type leases, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized when the lease term commences, which the Company deems to be when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed, and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of the written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

The initial revenue recognized for sales-type leases consists of the initial payments received and the present value of future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments computed at the interest rate implicit in the lease. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

For operating leases, initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For operating leases, the lease term is considered to commence when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed, and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of the written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements with upfront payments that qualify for classification as sales and sales-type leases are recognized in accordance with the sales and sales-type lease criteria discussed above. Contingent revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements are recognized as box-office results and concessions revenues are reported by the theater operator, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Equipment and components allocated to be used in future joint revenue sharing arrangements, as well as direct labor costs and an allocation of direct production costs, are included in assets under construction until such equipment is installed and in working condition, at which time the equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the joint revenue sharing arrangement and the equipment’s anticipated useful life.

Finance Income

Finance income is recognized over the term of the lease or over the period of time specified in the sales arrangement, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Finance income recognition ceases when the Company determines that the associated receivable is not collectible.

Finance income is suspended when the Company identifies a theater that is delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once the collectibility issues are resolved the Company will resume recognition of finance income.

Terminations, Consensual Buyouts and Concessions

The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that provide for customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater system. During the period of time between signing and the installation of the theater system, which may extend several years, certain customers may be unable to, or elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the arrangement may be terminated under the default provisions of the arrangement or by mutual agreement between the Company and the customer (a “consensual buyout”). Terminations by default are situations when a customer does not meet the payment obligations under an arrangement and the Company retains the amounts paid by the customer. Under a consensual buyout, the Company and the customer agree, in writing, to a settlement and to release each other of any further obligations under the arrangement or an arbitrated settlement is reached. Any initial payments retained or additional payments received by the Company are recognized as revenue when the settlement arrangements are executed and the cash is received, respectively. These termination and consensual buyout amounts are recognized in Other revenues.

 

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In addition, the Company could agree with customers to convert their obligations for other theater system configurations that have not yet been installed to arrangements to acquire or lease the IMAX digital theater system. The Company considers these situations to be a termination of the previous arrangement and origination of a new arrangement for the IMAX digital theater system. For all arrangements entered into or modified prior to the date of adoption of the amended FASB ASC 605-25, the Company continues to defer an amount of any initial fees received from the customer such that the aggregate of the fees deferred and the net present value of the future fixed initial and ongoing payments to be received from the customer equals the selling price of the IMAX digital theater system to be leased or acquired by the customer. Any residual portion of the initial fees received from the customer for the terminated theater system is recorded in Other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed. Under the amended FASB ASC 605-25, as described in note 2(m) to the accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements, for all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption, the total arrangement consideration to be received is allocated on a relative selling price basis to the digital upgrade and the termination of the previous theater system. The arrangement consideration allocated to the termination of the existing arrangement is recorded in Other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed.

The Company may offer certain incentives to customers to complete theater system transactions including payment concessions or free services and products such as film licenses or 3D glasses. Reductions in, and deferral of, payments are taken into account in determining the sales price either by a direct reduction in the sales price or a reduction of payments to be discounted in accordance with the Leases or Interests Topic of the FASB ASC. Free products and services are accounted for as separate units of accounting. Other consideration given by the Company to customers are accounted for in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC.

Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services

Maintenance and extended warranty services may be provided under a multiple element arrangement or as a separately priced contract. Revenues related to these services are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period and are recognized in Services revenues. Maintenance and extended warranty services includes maintenance of the customer’s equipment and replacement parts. Under certain maintenance arrangements, maintenance services may include additional training services to the customer’s technicians. All costs associated with this maintenance and extended warranty program are expensed as incurred. A loss on maintenance and extended warranty services is recognized if the expected cost of providing the services under the contracts exceeds the related deferred revenue.

Other

The Company recognizes revenue in Services revenue from its owned and operated theaters resulting from box-office ticket and concession sales as tickets are sold, films are shown and upon the sale of various concessions. The sales are cash or credit card transactions with theatergoers based on fixed prices per seat or per concession item.

In addition, the Company enters into commercial arrangements with third party theater owners resulting in the sharing of profits and losses which are recognized in Service revenues when reported by such theaters. The Company also provides management services to certain theaters and recognizes revenue over the term of such services.

Revenues on camera rentals are recognized in Rental revenue over the rental period.

Revenue from the sale of 3D glasses is recognized in Equipment and product sales revenue when the 3D glasses have been delivered to the customer.

Other service revenues are recognized in Service revenues when the performance of contracted services is complete.

Film Production and IMAX DMR Services

In certain film arrangements, the Company produces a film financed by third parties, whereby the third party retains the copyright and the Company obtains exclusive distribution rights. Under these arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive a fixed fee or to retain as a fee the excess of funding over cost of production (the “production fee”). The third parties receive a portion of the revenues received by the Company from distributing the film, which is charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services. The production fees are deferred, and recognized as a reduction in the cost of the film, based on the ratio of the Company’s distribution revenues recognized in the current period to the ultimate distribution revenues expected from the film.

 

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Revenue from film production services where the Company does not hold the associated distribution rights are recognized in Service revenues when performance of the contractual service is complete, provided there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Revenues from digitally re-mastering (IMAX DMR) films where third parties own or hold the copyrights and the rights to distribute the film are derived in the form of processing fees and recoupments calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts generated from the re-mastered films. Processing fees are recognized as Service revenues when the performance of the related re-mastering service is completed, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Recoupments, calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts, are recognized as Services revenues when box-office receipts are reported by the third party that owns or holds the related film rights, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Losses on film production and IMAX DMR services are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services in the period when it is determined that the Company’s estimate of total revenues to be realized by the Company will not exceed estimated total production costs to be expended on the film production and the cost of IMAX DMR services.

Film Distribution

Revenue from the licensing of films is recognized in Services revenues when persuasive evidence of a licensing arrangement exists, the film has been completed and delivered, the license period has begun, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. When license fees are based on a percentage of box-office receipts, revenue is recognized when box-office receipts are reported by exhibitors, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Film Post-Production Services

Revenues from post-production film services are recognized in Services revenue when performance of the contracted services is complete provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Allowances for Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivables

Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable are based on the Company’s assessment of the collectibility of specific customer balances, which is based upon a review of the customer’s credit worthiness, past collection history and the underlying asset value of the equipment, where applicable. Interest on overdue accounts receivable is recognized as income as the amounts are collected.

The Company monitors the performance of the theaters to which it has leased or sold theater systems which are subject to ongoing payments. When facts and circumstances indicate that there is a potential impairment in the accounts receivable, net investment in lease or a financing receivable, the Company will evaluate the potential outcome of either renegotiations involving changes in the terms of the receivable or defaults on the existing lease or financed sale agreements. The Company will record a provision if it is considered probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the arrangement or a renegotiated lease amount will cause a reclassification of the sales-type lease to an operating lease.

When the net investment in lease or the financing receivable is impaired, the Company will recognize a provision for the difference between the carrying value in the investment and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted using the effective interest rate for the net investment in the lease or the financing receivable. If the Company expects to recover the theater system, the provision is equal to the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the equipment.

When the minimum lease payments are renegotiated and the lease continues to be classified as a sales-type lease, the reduction in payments is applied to reduce unearned finance income.

These provisions are adjusted when there is a significant change in the amount or timing of the expected future cash flows or when actual cash flows differ from cash flow previously expected.

Once a net investment in lease or financing receivable is considered impaired, the Company does not recognize interest income until the collectibility issues are resolved. When finance income is not recognized, any payments received are applied against outstanding gross minimum lease amounts receivable or gross receivables from financed sales.

 

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Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, determined on an average cost basis, and net realizable value except for raw materials, which are carried out at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Finished goods and work-in-process include the cost of raw materials, direct labor, theater design costs, and an applicable share of manufacturing overhead costs.

The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. The costs related to theater systems under operating lease arrangements and joint revenue sharing arrangements are transferred from inventory to assets under construction in property, plant and equipment when allocated to a signed joint revenue sharing arrangement or when the arrangement is first classified as an operating lease.

The Company records write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation, growth prospects within the customers’ ultimate marketplace and anticipated market acceptance of the Company’s current and pending theater systems.

Finished goods inventories can contain theater systems for which title has passed to the Company’s customer, under the contract, but the revenue recognition criteria as discussed above have not been met.

Asset Impairments

The Company performs a qualitative, and when necessary quantitative, impairment test on its goodwill on an annual basis, coincident with the year-end, as well as in quarters where events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Goodwill impairment is assessed at the reporting unit level by comparing the unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the unit. The Company completed a full quantitative analysis as required by ASC 350 – “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (Step 1) in 2010. The carrying values of each unit are subject to allocations of certain assets and liabilities that the Company has applied in a systematic and rational manner. The fair value of the Company’s units is assessed using a discounted cash flow model. The model is constructed using the Company’s budget and long-range plan as a base. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of its reporting units and certain select quantitative calculations against its current long range plan to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (Step 0). As at December 31, 2013, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values and no qualitative factors existed during the year to indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of its reporting units are less than its respective carrying amount. Significant estimates and judgment are involved in the impairment test.

Long-lived asset impairment testing is performed at the lowest level of an asset group at which identifiable cash flows are largely independent. In performing its review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.

The Company’s estimates of future cash flows involve anticipating future revenue streams, which contain many assumptions that are subject to variability, as well as estimates for future cash outlays, the amounts of which, and the timing of which are both uncertain. Actual results that differ from the Company’s budget and long-range plan could result in a significantly different result to an impairment test, which could impact earnings.

Foreign Currency Translation

Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations which are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense transactions are translated at exchange rates prevalent at the transaction date. In 2013, the Company determined that the functional currency of one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had changed from the Company’s reporting currency to the currency of the nation in which it domiciled. The adjustment attributable to current-rate translation of non-monetary assets as of the date of the change was reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The functional currency of its other wholly-owned subsidiaries continues to be the United States dollar. Such exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of earnings in the period in which they arise.

 

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Foreign currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in OCI and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations.

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefit Obligations Assumptions

The Company’s pension plan and postretirement benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial concepts, within the framework of the Compensation – Retirement Benefits Topic of the FASB ASC. A critical assumption to this accounting is the discount rate. The Company evaluates this critical assumption annually or when otherwise required to by accounting standards. Other assumptions include factors such as expected retirement date, mortality rate, rate of compensation increase, and estimates of inflation.

The discount rate enables the Company to state expected future cash payments for benefits as a present value on the measurement date. The guideline for setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed from a large population of high-quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves.

The discount rate used is a key assumption in the determination of the pension benefit obligation and expense. A 1.0% change in the discount rate used could result in a $2.3 million — $2.8 million increase or decrease in the pension benefit obligation with a corresponding benefit or charge recognized in other comprehensive income in the year.

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation

As at December 31, 2013, the Company had net deferred income tax assets of $24.3 million. The Company’s management assesses realization of its deferred tax assets based on all available evidence in order to conclude whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Available evidence considered by the Company includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s historical operating results, projected future operating results, reversing temporary differences, contracted sales backlog at December 31, 2013, changing business circumstances, and the ability to realize certain deferred tax assets through loss and tax credit carry-back and carry-forward strategies.

When there is a change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax assets, the Company would adjust the applicable valuation allowance in the period when such change occurs.

Tax Exposures

The Company is subject to ongoing tax exposures, examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, the Company may incur additional tax expense based upon the outcomes of such matters. In addition, when applicable, the Company adjusts tax expense to reflect the Company’s ongoing assessments of such matters which require judgment and can materially increase or decrease its effective rate as well as impact operating results. The Company provides for such exposures in accordance with Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation generally includes stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”).

The Company estimates the fair value of stock option and SAR awards on the date of grant using fair value measurement techniques. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (the “Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock option and SAR awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no

 

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vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options and SARs have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the Binomial Model best provides an accurate measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options and SARs. Although the fair value of employee stock options and SARs are determined in accordance with the Equity topic of the FASB ASC using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See note 3 to the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K for information regarding the Company’s recent changes in accounting policies and the impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements impacting the Company.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On January 30, 2014, the Company’s lease with respect to its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater ended and the Company has decided not to renew the lease. In 2013, revenues for the Nyack IMAX theater were $1.3 million (2012 — $1.5 million, 2011 — $1.5 million) and the Company recognized a loss of $0.3 million, net of a tax recovery of $0.2 million, in 2013 (2012 — loss of $0.5 million, 2011 — loss of $0.9 million) from the operation of the theater. The transactions of the Company’s owned and operated Nyack theater are reflected as discontinued operations. The remaining assets and liabilities of the Nyack owned and operated theater are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2013 and are disclosed in note 22 to the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K.

ASSET IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES (RECOVERIES)

The following table identifies the Company’s charges (recoveries) relating to the impairment of assets:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    2013     2012     2011  

Asset impairments

      

Property, plant and equipment

   $ —       $ —       $ 20  

Other charges (recoveries):

      

Accounts receivable

     (35     606       333  

Financing receivables

     480       (82     1,237  

Inventories

     444       898       —    

Impairment of available-for-sale investment

     —         150       —    

Property, plant and equipment

     384       18       356  

Other intangible assets

     63       11       —    

Other assets

     —         6       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total asset impairments and other charges

   $ 1,336     $ 1,607     $ 1,946  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Asset Impairments

The Company records asset impairment charges for property, plant and equipment after an assessment of the carrying value of certain asset groups in light of their future expected cash flows. No such charges were recognized in 2013 and 2012. During 2011, the Company recorded total asset impairment charges of less than $0.1 million as the Company recognized that the carrying values for the assets exceeded the expected undiscounted future cash flows.

Other Charges (Recoveries)

The Company recorded a $0.5 million provision (2012 — $0.9 million; 2011 — $nil) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues due to a reduction in the net realizable value of its inventories. These charges primarily resulted from a reduction in the net realizable value of its film-based projector inventories and certain service part inventories due to a further market shift away from film-based projector systems.

 

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The Company recorded a net recovery of less than $0.1 million in 2013 (2012 — $0.6 million provision; 2011 — $0.3 million provision) in accounts receivable based on the Company’s ongoing assessment of the collectability of specific customer balances.

In 2013, the Company also recorded a net provision of $0.5 million in financing receivables (2012 — $0.1 million recovery; 2011 — $1.2 million provision). Provisions of the Company’s financing receivables is recorded when the collectibility associated with certain financing receivables is uncertain. These provisions are adjusted when there is a significant change in the amount or timing of the expected future cash flows or when actual cash flows differ from cash flows previously expected.

In 2012, the Company recognized a $0.2 million other-than-temporary impairment of its available-for-sale investment as the value is not expected to recover based on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost. After assessment, no such impairment was required in 2013.

In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $0.4 million (2012 — less than $0.1 million; 2011 — $0.4 million) reflecting assets that no longer meet capitalization requirements as the assets were no longer in use.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In this report, the Company presents adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share as supplemental measures of performance of the Company, which are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. The Company presents adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share because it believes that they are important supplemental measures of its comparable controllable operating performance and it wants to ensure that its investors fully understand the impact of its stock-based compensation (net of any related tax impact) on its net income. The Company presents gross margin from its joint revenue sharing arrangements segment excluding initial launch costs because it believes that it is an important supplemental measure used by management to evaluate ongoing joint revenue sharing arrangement theater performance. Management uses these measures to review operating performance on a comparable basis from period to period. However, these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net income and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management, including the Company’s CEO, who is the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (as defined in the Segment Reporting Topic of the FASB ASC), assesses segment performance based on segment revenues, gross margins and film performance. Selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development costs, amortization of intangibles, receivables provisions (recoveries), write-downs net of recoveries, interest income, interest expense and tax (provision) recovery are not allocated to the segments. As identified in note 19 to the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K, the Company has the following seven reportable segments identified by category of product sold or service provided:

 

    IMAX Theater Systems

 

    The IMAX systems segment, which is comprised of the design, manufacture, sale or lease of IMAX theater projection system equipment.

 

    The theater system maintenance segment, which is comprised of the maintenance of IMAX theater projection system equipment in the IMAX theater network.

 

    The joint revenue sharing arrangements segment, which is comprised of the provision of IMAX theater projection system equipment to exhibitors in exchange for a certain percentage of box-office receipts, and in some cases, concession revenue and/or a small upfront or initial payment.

 

    The other segment, which includes certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items.

 

    Film

 

    The film production and IMAX DMR segment, which is comprised of the production of films and performance of film re-mastering services.

 

    The film distribution segment, which includes the distribution of films for which the Company has distribution rights.

 

    The film post-production segment, which includes the provision of film post-production and film print services.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K.

The Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations has been organized by the Company into two primary reporting groups – IMAX Theater Systems and Film. Each of the Company’s reportable segments, as identified above, have been classified into one of these broader reporting groups for purposes of MD&A discussion. The Company believes that this approach is consistent with management’s view of the business and is not expected to have an impact on the readers’ ability to understand the Company’s business. Management feels that a discussion and analysis based on its reporting groups is significantly more relevant as the Company’s consolidated statements of operations captions combine results from several segments.

 

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The following table sets forth the breakdown of revenue and gross margin by category:

 

     Revenue      Gross Margin  
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)    Years Ended December 31,      Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012(3)      2011(3)      2013      2012(3)      2011(3)  

IMAX Theater Systems

                 

IMAX Systems

                 

Sales and sales-type leases(1)

   $ 65,944      $ 69,988      $ 81,310      $ 35,652      $ 36,974      $ 45,251  

Ongoing rent, fees, and finance income(2)

     14,245        13,417        11,890        13,388        13,271        11,678  

Other

     11,182        13,019        11,393        102        1,057        510  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     91,371        96,424        104,593        49,142        51,302        57,439  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Theater System Maintenance

     31,978        28,629        24,840        12,096        10,970        9,437  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

     64,130        57,526        30,764        44,565        37,308        17,605  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Film

                 

Production and IMAX DMR

     83,496        78,050        50,592        56,088        49,355        23,574  

Film distribution and post-production

     16,962        22,126        24,309        2,712        4,310        6,010  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     100,458        100,176        74,901        58,800        53,665        29,584  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 287,937      $ 282,755      $ 235,098      $ 164,603      $ 153,245      $ 114,065  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes initial payments and the present value of fixed minimum payments from equipment, sales and sales-type lease transactions.
(2) Includes rental income from operating leases, contingent rents from operating and sales-type leases, contingent fees from sales arrangements and finance income.
(3) In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company has reclassified the revenue and costs and expenses applicable to revenues from continuing operations, previously included in its IMAX Theater Systems – Other segment, to discontinued operations. As a result, the respective prior years’ figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2013 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2012

The Company reported net income of $44.1 million or $0.66 per basic share and $0.64 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to net income of $41.3 million or $0.63 per basic share and $0.61 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2012. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes a $11.9 million charge or $0.17 per diluted share (2012 — $13.1 million or $0.19 per diluted share) for stock-based compensation. Adjusted net income, which consists of net income excluding the impact of stock-based compensation and the related tax impact, was $55.7 million or $0.81 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to adjusted net income of $54.3 million or $0.80 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2012. A reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, to adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share is presented in the table below:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012  
     Net Income     Diluted EPS      Net Income     Diluted EPS  

Net income

   $ 44,115     $ 0.64      $ 41,337     $ 0.61  

Add:

         

Stock-based compensation

     11,928       0.17        13,113       0.19  

Tax expense on items listed above

     (344     —          (160     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net income

   $ 55,699     $ 0.81      $ 54,290     $ 0.80  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

       68,961          67,933  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Revenues and Gross Margin

The Company’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased 1.8% to $287.9 million from $282.8 million in 2012, largely due to an increase in revenues from the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements, production and DMR, and theater system maintenance segments, offset partially by a decrease in revenue from the IMAX systems segment. The gross margin across all segments in 2013 was $164.6 million, or 57.2% of total revenue, compared to $153.3 million, or 54.2% of total revenue in 2012.

IMAX Systems

IMAX systems revenue decreased 5.2% to $91.4 million in 2013 as compared to $96.4 million in 2012. Revenue from sales and sales-type leases decreased 5.8% to $65.9 million in 2013 from $70.0 million in 2012. The Company recognized revenue on 45 full, new theater systems which qualified as either sales or sales-type leases in 2013, with a total value of $54.9 million, versus 47 full, new theater systems in 2012 with a total value of $60.7 million. Additionally, the Company recognized revenue on the installation of 5 xenon-based digital upgrades in 2013, with a total value of $3.2 million, as compared to 12 xenon-based digital upgrades and one 3D GT upgrade (from a 2D GT system) in 2012, with a total value of $5.4 million. Digital upgrades typically have lower sales prices and gross margin than full theater system installations. The Company has decided to offer digital upgrades at lower selling prices for strategic reasons since the Company believes that digital theater systems increase flexibility and profitability for the Company’s existing exhibition customers. In 2013, the Company installed and recognized one used 3D GT theater system with a total value of $1.2 million. There were no used theater systems installed in the year ended December 31, 2012.

Average revenue per full, new sales and sales-type lease systems was $1.2 million in 2013, compared to $1.3 million 2012. Average revenue per digital upgrade was $0.6 million in 2013, as compared to $0.4 million in 2012. The average revenue per full, new sales and sales-type lease systems varies depending upon the number of theater system commitments with a single respective exhibitor, an exhibitor’s location or other various factors.

 

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The breakdown in mix of sales and sales-type lease and joint revenue sharing arrangements (see discussion below) installations by theater system configuration for 2013 and 2012 is outlined in the table below:

 

     2013      2012  

New IMAX xenon-based digital theater systems - installed and recognized

    

Sales and sales-types lease arrangements

     46 (1)(2)      47   

Short-term operating lease arrangement

     1 (3)      —     

Joint revenue sharing arrangement

     65 (3)      60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total new theater systems

     112        107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

IMAX xenon-based digital theater system upgrades - installed and recognized

    

Sales and sales-types lease arrangements

     5        13 (4) 

Short-term operating lease arrangement

     13 (3)      —     

Joint revenue sharing arrangement

     3 (3)      2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total upgraded theater systems

     21        15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

IMAX xenon-based digital theater system upgrades - installed and deferred

     —          3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total theater systems installed

     133        125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes one used IMAX 3D GT system resulting in an addition to the Company’s institutional theater network.
(2) Includes one IMAX Private Theater, the first of its kind in the Company’s theater network.
(3) Reflects xenon-based digital system configurations, which will be upgraded to a laser-based digital system configuration at a future date.
(4) Includes one upgrade under a sale arrangement from a 2D GT projection system to a 3D projection system

Revenues from sales and sales-type leases include settlement revenue of $0.4 million in 2013 as compared to $0.7 million in 2012.

IMAX theater system margin from full, new sales and sales-type lease systems, excluding the impact of settlements, was 63.3% in 2013, as compared to 62.4% in 2012. Gross margin from digital upgrades was $1.3 million in 2013, as compared to $1.4 million in 2012. In addition, in 2012, the Company incurred a charge of $1.7 million for equipment to enable certain theaters to elect to exhibit certain films in either digital or analog format. Furthermore, in 2013, the Company recorded a write-down of certain film-based projector inventories of $0.3 million, as compared to $0.8 million in 2012.

In 2013, the Company recognized revenue for 10 theater systems under a digital upgrade sales arrangement which were previously installed, but for which revenue recognition was deferred. The arrangement provided the customer with standard digital upgrades, which were installed, and a number of as-of-yet undeveloped upgrades. The Company’s policy is to defer revenue recognition until the upgrade right expires, if applicable, or a digital upgrade is delivered. In 2013, the upgrade right in the agreement expired resulting in the contract consideration becoming fixed. Therefore, the Company recognized revenue and gross margin of $3.1 million and a loss of $0.3 million, respectively, from these 10 theater systems which qualify as sales.

In 2013, one of the Company’s customers acquired an IMAX theater from another existing customer that had been operating under a joint revenue sharing arrangement. This theater was purchased from the Company under a sale arrangement. As a result of this sale transaction, the Company recorded revenue and margin of $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The above-referenced theater was included in the Company’s 2013 signings total. In 2012, one of the Company’s customers acquired 3 IMAX theaters from another existing customer that had been operating under a joint revenue sharing arrangement. These theaters were purchased from IMAX under a sales arrangement. As a result of this sale transaction, the Company recorded revenue and margin of $3.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The above-referenced theaters were included in the Company’s 2012 signings total. In addition, during the 2012 comparative period, the Company recognized the xenon-based digital upgrade of two theaters under a joint revenue sharing arrangement, which were previously operated under sales/sales-type lease arrangements.

Ongoing rent revenue and finance income increased to $14.2 million in 2013 compared to $13.4 million in 2012. Gross margin for ongoing rent and finance income increased to $13.4 million in 2013 from $13.3 million in 2012. Contingent fees included in this caption amounted to $3.7 million and $3.0 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Other revenue decreased to $11.2 million in 2013 as compared to $13.0 million in 2012, largely due to a decrease in revenue from the Company’s after-market sales of 3D glasses. Other revenue primarily includes revenue generated from the Company’s theater operations, camera rental business and after-market sales of projection system parts and 3D glasses.

 

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The gross margin on other revenue was $1.0 million lower in 2013 as compared to 2012, primarily due to a lower level of after-market sales.

Theater System Maintenance

Theater system maintenance revenue increased 11.7% to $32.0 million in 2013, as compared to $28.6 million in 2012. Theater system maintenance gross margin increased to $12.1 million in 2013 from $11.0 million in 2012. In 2013, the Company recorded a write-down of $0.2 million for certain service parts inventories as compared to $0.1 million in 2012. Maintenance margins vary depending on the mix of theater system configurations in the theater network and the timing and the date(s) of installation and/or service.

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

Revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements increased 11.5% to $64.1 million in 2013, as compared to $57.5 million in 2012. The Company ended the year with 382 theaters operating under joint revenue sharing arrangements, as compared to 316 theaters at the end of 2012, an increase of 20.9%. The increase in revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements was largely due to the greater number of theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements in operation as compared to the prior year. During 2013, the Company installed 65 full, new theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements, as compared to 60 full new theaters during 2012.

The gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements in 2013 increased 19.5% to $44.6 million compared to $37.3 million in 2012. Included in the calculation of the 2013 gross margin were certain advertising, marketing and commission costs primarily associated with new theater launches of $3.6 million, as compared to $3.4 million for such expenses in 2012. Adjusted gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements, which excludes these expenses from both periods, was $48.1 million in 2013, compared to $40.7 million in 2012. A reconciliation of gross margin from the joint revenue sharing arrangement segment, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, to adjusted gross margin is presented in the table below:

 

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)    2013      2012  

Gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements

   $ 44,565      $ 37,308  

Add:

     

Advertising, marketing and commission costs

     3,582        3,382  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements

   $ 48,147      $ 40,690  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Film

Revenue from the Company’s film segments was $100.5 million in 2013 and $100.2 million in 2012. Gross box-office generated by IMAX DMR films increased 17.1% to $726.6 million in 2013 from $620.6 million in 2012, largely driven by continued network growth. Film production and IMAX DMR revenues increased 7.0% to $83.5 million in 2013 from $78.1 million in 2012. Gross box-office per screen for 2013 averaged $1,150,900, in comparison to $1,153,200 in 2012. In 2013, gross box-office was generated primarily from the exhibition of 44 films listed below (38 new and 6 carryovers), as compared to 39 (35 new and 4 carryover) films exhibited in 2012:

 

2013 Films Exhibited

  

2012 Films Exhibited

The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience    Happy Feet Two: An IMAX 3D Experience
Skyfall: The IMAX Experience    Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol: The IMAX Experience
Life of Pi: An IMAX 3D Experience    The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn: An IMAX
CZ12: An IMAX 3D Experience    3D Experience
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: An IMAX 3D Experience    Flying Swords of Dragon Gate: An IMAX 3D Experience
Les Misérables: The IMAX Experience    Underworld: Awakening: An IMAX 3D Experience
The Grandmaster: The IMAX Experience    Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: An IMAX 3D Experience
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters: An IMAX 3D Experience    The Lorax: An IMAX 3D Experience
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons: An IMAX 3D    John Carter: An IMAX 3D Experience
Experience    The Hunger Games: An IMAX 3D Experience
Top Gun: An IMAX 3D Experience    Wrath of the Titans: An IMAX 3D Experience
A Good Day to Die Hard: The IMAX Experience    Titanic: An IMAX 3D Experience
Jack the Giant Slayer: An IMAX 3D Experience    Houba! On the Trail of the Marsupilami: The IMAX Experience
Oz: The Great and Powerful: An IMAX 3D Experience    Battleship: The IMAX Experience
G.I. Joe: Retaliation: An IMAX 3D Experience    The Avengers: An IMAX 3D Experience
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods: An IMAX 3D Experience    Dark Shadows: The IMAX Experience
Jurassic Park: An IMAX 3D Experience    Men In Black III: An IMAX 3D Experience
Oblivion: The IMAX Experience    Prometheus: An IMAX 3D Experience
Iron Man 3: An IMAX 3D Experience    Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted: An IMAX 3D Experience
Star Trek Into Darkness: An IMAX 3D Experience    Rock of Ages: The IMAX Experience
Fast & Furious 6: The IMAX Experience    The Amazing Spiderman: An IMAX 3D Experience
After Earth: The IMAX Experience    The Dark Knight Rises: The IMAX Experience
Man of Steel: An IMAX 3D Experience    Total Recall: The IMAX Experience
World War Z: An IMAX 3D Experience    The Bourne Legacy: The IMAX Experience
Despicable Me 2: An IMAX 3D Experience    Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: The IMAX
White House Down: The IMAX Experience    Experience
Man of Tai Chi: The IMAX Experience    Resident Evil: Retribution: An IMAX 3D Experience
Lone Ranger: The IMAX Experience    Tai Chi 0: An IMAX 3D Experience
Pacific Rim: An IMAX 3D Experience    Frankenweenie: An IMAX 3D Experience
Elysium: An IMAX 3D Experience    Paranormal Activity 4:The IMAX Experience
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: An IMAX 3D Experience    Tai Chi Hero: An IMAX 3D Experience
Riddick: An IMAX 3D Experience    Cloud Atlas: The IMAX Experience
The Wizard of Oz: An IMAX 3D Experience    Skyfall: The IMAX Experience
Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon: An IMAX 3D    Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away: An IMAX 3D Experience
Experience    The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2: The IMAX
Metallica Through the Never: An IMAX 3D Experience    Experience
Gravity: An IMAX 3D Experience    Back to 1942: The IMAX Experience
Stalingrad: An IMAX 3D Experience    Rise of the Guardians: An IMAX 3D Experience
Captain Phillips: The IMAX Experience    Life of Pi: An IMAX 3D Experience
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet: An IMAX 3D Experience    CZ12: An IMAX 3D Experience
Thor: The Dark World: An IMAX 3D Experience    The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: An IMAX 3D Experience
Ender’s Game: The IMAX Experience    Les Misérables: The IMAX Experience
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: The IMAX Experience   
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: An IMAX 3D Experience   
Dhoom 3: The IMAX Experience   
Police Story: An IMAX 3D Experience   

Other revenues attributable to the film segment decreased 23.3% to $17.0 million in 2013 from $22.1 million in 2012. This decrease was largely due to the result of the limited release of one IMAX original film in 2013. In November 2013, in conjunction with MFF, the Company did a limited release of an IMAX original production, Journey to the South Pacific whereas in 2012, the Company released the original film To the Arctic 3D. Journey to the South Pacific will be distributed to additional IMAX theaters in 2014, as well as the Company’s latest original film Island of Lemurs: Madagascar.

 

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The Company’s gross margin from its film segments increased 9.6% in 2013 to $58.8 million from $53.7 million in 2012. Film production and IMAX DMR gross margins increased to $56.1 million from $49.4 million. Other gross margin attributable to the film segment was $2.7 million in 2013 as compared to $4.3 million in 2012.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $82.7 million in 2013, as compared to $81.6 million in 2012. The $1.1 million increase experienced from the prior year comparative period was largely the result of the following:

 

    a $2.4 million increase in salaries and benefits and other staff costs, net of lower travel and entertainment costs of $0.7 million;

 

    a $1.9 million increase due to a change in foreign exchange rates. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $0.7 million for net foreign exchange gains/losses related to the translation of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and unhedged foreign currency forward contracts as compared to a gain of $1.2 million recorded in 2012. See note 15(b) of the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K for more information; and

 

    a $0.2 million net increase in other general corporate expenditures.

These increases were partially offset by:

 

    a $2.2 million decrease resulting from a gain on the curtailment of Canadian postretirement benefits; and;

 

    a $1.2 million decrease in the Company’s stock-based compensation charges.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses increased to $14.8 million in 2013 compared to $11.4 million in 2012 and are primarily attributable to the development of the Company’s new laser-based digital projection system. The Company is developing its next-generation laser projector, which is expected to provide greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, while consuming less power and lasting longer than existing digital technology, to ensure that the Company continues to provide the highest quality, premier movie going experience available to consumers. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had 62 laser-based digital theater systems in its backlog.

A high level of research and development is expected to continue throughout 2014 as the Company continues its efforts to develop its next-generation laser-based projection system. In addition, the Company plans to continue research and development activity in the future in other areas considered important to the Company’s continued commercial success, including further improving the reliability of its projectors, developing IMAX theater systems’ capabilities in both home and live entertainment, developing more IMAX cameras, enhancing the Company’s 2D and 3D image quality, expanding the applicability of the Company’s digital technology, and further enhancing the IMAX theater and sound system design through the addition of more channels, improvements to the Company’s proprietary tuning system and mastering processes.

Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries

Receivable provisions, net of recoveries for accounts receivable and financing receivables amounted to a net provision of $0.4 million in 2013, as compared to $0.5 million in 2012.

The Company’s accounts receivables and financing receivables are subject to credit risk. These receivables are concentrated with the leading theater exhibitors and studios in the film entertainment industry. To minimize the Company’s credit risk, the Company retains title to underlying theater systems leased, performs initial and ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and makes ongoing provisions for its estimate of potentially uncollectible amounts. Accordingly, the Company believes it has adequately protected itself against exposures relating to receivables and contractual commitments.

 

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Asset Impairments and Other Charges

The Company did not record any asset impairment charge in 2013 and 2012, against property, plant and equipment after the Company assessed the carrying value of certain assets in its theater operations segment in light of their future expected cash flows. The Company recognized that the carrying values for the assets did not exceed the expected undiscounted future cash flows.

In 2012, the Company recognized a $0.2 million other-than-temporary impairment of its available-for-sale investment as the value is not expected to recover based on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost. No such charge was recognized in 2013.

In 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded a charge of $0.4 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, reflecting assets that no longer meet capitalization requirements as the assets were no longer in use.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest income was $0.1 million in 2013, as compared to $0.1 million in 2012.

Interest expense was $1.3 million in 2013, as compared to $0.7 million in 2012. Consistent with its historical financial reporting, the Company has elected to classify interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, as part of the interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations rather than income tax expense. In 2013 and 2012, the Company recovered less than $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in potential interest and penalties associated with its provision for uncertain tax positions. Also included in interest expense is the amortization of deferred finance costs in the amount of $0.5 million and $0.2 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s policy is to defer and amortize all the costs relating to debt financing which are paid directly to the debt provider, over the life of the debt instrument.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate and varies from year to year primarily as a result of numerous permanent differences, investment and other tax credits, the provision for income taxes at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions, enacted statutory tax rate increases or reductions in the year, changes due to foreign exchange, changes in the Company’s valuation allowance based on the Company’s recoverability assessments of deferred tax assets, and favorable or unfavorable resolution of various tax examinations.

In 2013, there was a $1.4 million increase in the Company’s estimates of the recoverability of its deferred tax assets based on an analysis of both positive and negative evidence including projected future earnings, as compared to a $0.1 million increase in the valuation allowance in the prior year comparative period. The Company recorded an income tax provision of $16.6 million for 2013, of which $0.1 million is related to a decrease in its provision for uncertain tax positions. For 2012, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $15.1 million, of which $0.8 million was related to a decrease in its provision for uncertain tax positions.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, after considering all available evidence, both positive (including recent profits, projected future profitability, backlog, carryforward periods for utilization of net operating loss carryovers and tax credits, discretionary deductions and other factors) and negative (including cumulative losses in past years and other factors), it was concluded that the valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets should be decreased by approximately $1.4 million. The remaining $4.8 million balance in the valuation allowance as at December 31, 2013 is primarily attributable to certain U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryovers and federal tax credits that may expire without being utilized.

The Company anticipates utilizing the majority of its currently-available tax attributes over the next year. If utilized the related valuation allowance release would be recorded against other equity.

Equity-Accounted Investments

The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323. December 31, 2013, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for investments with a total carrying value of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million). For the year ended December 31, 2013, gross revenues, cost of revenue and net loss for these investments were $6.6 million, $26.0 million and $26.3 million, respectively (2012 — $9.0 million, $12.7 million and $13.4 million, respectively). The Company recorded its proportionate share of the net loss which amounted to $2.8 million for 2013 compared to $1.4 million in 2012.

 

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Discontinued Operations

On January 30, 2014, the Company’s lease with respect to its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater ended and the Company has decided not to renew the lease. In 2013, revenues for the Nyack IMAX theater were $1.3 million (2012 — $1.5 million) and the Company recognized a loss of $0.3 million, net of a tax recovery of $0.2 million (2012 — loss of $0.5 million) from the operation of the theater. The transactions of the Company’s owned and operated Nyack theater are reflected as discontinued operations.

Pension Plan

The Company has an unfunded defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), covering Messrs. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler, the Company’s former Co-CEO and current Chairman of its Board of Directors. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had an unfunded and accrued projected benefit obligation of approximately $18.3 million (December 31, 2012 — $20.4 million) in respect of the SERP.

The net periodic benefit cost was $0.6 million and $0.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

 

     Years ended December 31  
     2013      2012  

Interest cost

   $ 196      $ 272  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     444        365  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pension expense

   $ 640      $ 637  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The plan experienced an actuarial gain of $2.3 million and a loss of $1.1 million during 2013 and 2012, respectively, resulting primarily from the continuing change in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) published annuity interest rates year-over-year used to determine the lump sum payment under the plan.

Under the terms of the SERP, if Mr. Gelfond’s employment is terminated other than for cause (as defined in his employment agreement), he is entitled to receive SERP benefits in the form of a lump sum payment. SERP benefit payments to Mr. Gelfond are subject to a deferral for six months after the termination of his employment, at which time Mr. Gelfond will be entitled to receive interest on the deferred amount credited at the applicable federal rate for short-term obligations. Effective January 1, 2013, the term of Mr. Gelfond’s current employment agreement was extended through December 31, 2016, although Mr. Gelfond has not informed the Company that he intends to retire at that time. Under the terms of the arrangement, no compensation earned beginning in 2011 is to be included in calculating this entitlement under the SERP.

The Company has a postretirement plan to provide health and welfare benefits to Canadian employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had an unfunded benefit obligation of $2.3 million (December 31, 2012 — $4.6 million). In 2013, the Company amended the Canadian postretirement plan to reduce future benefits provided under the plan. As a result of this change, the Company postretirement liability was reduced by $2.6 million, resulting in a pre-tax curtailment gain of $2.2 million. See note 21(d) to the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K for additional information.

In July 2000, the Company agreed to maintain health benefits for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler upon retirement. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had an unfunded benefit obligation recorded of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $0.5 million).

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company estimates the fair value of stock option and SAR awards on the date of grant using fair value measurement techniques. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized under FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”) for 2013 and 2012 was $11.9 million and $13.1 million, respectively.

 

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Years Ended December 31, 2012 versus Years Ended December 31, 2011

The Company reported net income of $41.3 million or $0.63 per basic share and $0.61 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to net income of $15.3 million or $0.24 per basic share and $0.22 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2011. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes a $13.1 million charge, or $0.19 per diluted share (2011 — $11.7 million or $0.17 per diluted share) for stock-based compensation. Net income for December 31, 2011 also includes a one-time $2.1 million pre-tax charge ($0.03 per diluted share) due to an arbitration award arising from an arbitration proceeding brought against the Company in connection with a discontinued subsidiary. Adjusted net income, which consists of net income excluding the impact of the stock-based compensation expense, the charge for arbitration award and the related tax impact, was $54.3 million or $0.80 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to adjusted net income of $28.0 million or $0.41 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2011. A reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, to adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share is presented in the table below:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011  
     Net Income     Diluted EPS      Net Income     Diluted EPS  

Reported net income

   $ 41,337     $ 0.61      $ 15,260     $ 0.22  

Adjustments:

         

Stock-based compensation

     13,113       0.19        11,681       0.17  

Provision for arbitration award

     —         —          2,055       0.03  

Tax impact on items listed above

     (160     —          (973     (0.01 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net income

   $ 54,290     $ 0.80      $ 28,023     $ 0.41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

       67,933          67,859  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Revenues and Gross Margin

The Company’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased 20.3% to $282.8 million from $235.1 million in 2011 due in large part to increases in revenue from the Company’s film and joint revenue sharing arrangement segments, partially offset by lower revenue from the IMAX systems segment. The gross margin across all segments in 2012 was $153.2 million, or 54.2% of total revenue, compared to $114.1 million, or 48.5% of total revenue in 2011. The increase in gross margin is attributable to improved operating leverage and continued theater network growth.

IMAX Systems

IMAX systems revenue decreased 10.5% to $83.4 million in 2012 as compared to $93.2 million in 2011.

Revenue from sales and sales-type leases decreased 13.9% to $70.0 million in 2012 from $81.3 million in 2011, resulting primarily from the installation of fewer digital upgrades and slightly fewer systems under sales and sales-type leases as compared to the prior year. The Company recognized revenue on 12 digital upgrades and one 3D GT upgrade (from a 2D GT system) in 2012, with a total value of $5.4 million, as compared to 25 digital upgrades in 2011 with a total value of $11.6 million. Digital upgrades have lower sales prices and gross margin than a full theater installation. The Company has decided to offer digital upgrades at lower selling prices for strategic reasons since the Company believes that digital systems increase flexibility and profitability for the Company’s existing exhibition customers. The Company recognized revenue on 47 full, new theater systems which qualified as either sales or sales-type leases in 2012, with a total value of $60.7 million, as compared to 50 in 2011 with a total value of $63.4 million. There were no used systems installed in 2012, as compared to one used system with a total value of $1.2 million in 2011.

Average revenue per full, new sales and sales-type lease system was $1.3 million in 2012, which is consistent with the $1.3 million experienced in 2011. Average revenue per digital upgrade was $0.4 million in 2012, as compared to $0.5 million in 2011.

 

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The breakdown in mix of sales and sales-type lease, operating lease and joint revenue sharing arrangement installations by theater system configuration in 2012 and 2011 is outlined in the table below:

 

     2012     2011  

New IMAX xenon-based digital theater systems - installed and recognized

    

Sales and sales-types lease arrangements

     47       51 (2) 

Joint revenue sharing arrangement

     60       86  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total new theater systems

     107       137  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

IMAX xenon-based digital theater system upgrades - installed and recognized

    

Sales and sales-types lease arrangements

     13 (1)      25  

Joint revenue sharing arrangement

     2       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total upgraded theater systems

     15       25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

IMAX xenon-based digital theater system upgrades - installed and deferred

     3       8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total theater systems installed

     125        170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes one upgrade under a sale arrangement from a 2D GT projection system to a 3D projection system
(2) Includes one used IMAX 3D GT theater system.

As noted in the table above, 3 and 8 theater systems under a digital upgrade sales arrangement were installed in 2012 and 2011, respectively, but revenue recognition was deferred. The arrangement contained provisions providing the customer with standard digital upgrades, which were installed, and a number of as-of-yet undeveloped upgrades. The Company’s policy is such that once the fair value for the undeveloped upgrade is established, the Company allocates total contract consideration, including any upgrade revenues, between the delivered and undelivered elements on a relative fair value basis and recognizes the revenue allocated to the delivered elements with their associated costs. If the arrangement is materially modified in the future such that contract consideration becomes fixed, the arrangement in its entirety would be subject to the provisions of the amended ASC 605-25 and the Company would be required to develop, absent an established selling price or third party evidence of the selling price for the undeveloped specified upgrade, a best estimated selling price for the undeveloped specified upgrade, allocate the arrangement’s consideration on a relative selling price allocation basis, and recognize revenue on the delivered elements based on that allocation.

Revenues from sales and sales-type leases include settlement revenue of $0.7 million in 2012 as compared to $3.8 million in 2011. The amount recognized in 2012 is a result of agreements entered into with customers to terminate their existing obligations pertaining to a theater in the IMAX network, whereas settlement revenue recognized in 2011 primarily relates to a consensual buyout for one uninstalled theater system.

In 2012, one of the Company’s customers acquired 3 IMAX theaters from another existing customer that had been operating under a joint revenue sharing arrangement. These theaters were purchased from IMAX under a sales arrangement. As a result of this sale transaction, the Company recorded revenue and margin of $3.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively. These above-referenced theaters were included in the Company’s 2012 signings total. In addition, during the period the Company recognized the digital upgrade of two theaters under a joint revenue sharing arrangement, which theaters were previously operated under sales/sales-type lease arrangements.

Gross margin from IMAX sales and sales-type lease systems (including new, upgrades and settlements) was $37.0 million, or 52.8% in 2012 compared to $45.3 million, or 55.7% in 2011. Gross margin from full, new sales and sales-type leases, excluding the impact of settlements and upgrades decreased to 62.4% in 2012 from 66.0% in 2011. The gross margin on digital upgrades was $1.4 million in 2012 in comparison with $2.6 million in 2011, which is a reflection of the number of systems upgraded, the particular systems upgraded and the costs associated with such upgrades in their respective periods. There were no used systems installed during 2012, compared to one used system with a gross margin of $0.1 million installed and recognized in 2011. In addition, in 2012, the Company incurred a charge of $1.7 million for equipment to enable certain theaters to elect to exhibit films in either digital or analog format. Furthermore, in 2012, the Company recorded a write-down of certain film-based projector inventories of $0.8 million. No such costs were experienced in 2011.

Ongoing rent revenue and finance income increased to $13.4 million in 2012 from $11.9 million in 2011. Gross margin for ongoing rent and finance income increased to $13.3 million in 2012 from $11.7 million in 2011. Contingent fees included in this caption amounted to $3.0 million and $2.7 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Other revenue increased to $13.0 million in 2012 compared to $11.4 million in 2011. Other revenue primarily includes revenue generated from the Company’s owned and operated theaters, camera rentals and after- market sales of projection system parts and 3D glasses.

The gross margin on other revenue was $0.5 million higher in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Theater System Maintenance

Theater system maintenance revenue increased 15.3% to $28.6 million in 2012 as compared to $24.8 million in 2011. Theater system maintenance gross margin increased to $11.0 million in 2012 from $9.4 million in 2011. The increase in revenue and gross margin, respectively, was primarily due to the larger theater network. Maintenance revenue continues to grow as the number of theaters in the IMAX network expands. Maintenance margins vary depending on the mix of theater system configurations in the theater network and the timing and the date(s) of installation and/or service. In 2012, the Company recorded a write-down of $0.1 million for certain service parts inventories as compared to $nil in 2011.

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

Revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements increased 87.0% to $57.5 million in 2012 compared to $30.8 million in 2011. The Company ended the year with 316 theaters operating under joint revenue sharing arrangements as compared to 257 theaters at the end of 2011, an increase of 23.0%. The increase in revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements was primarily due to the higher per-screen gross box-office realized from the films released to joint revenue sharing theaters and the increase in the number of theaters in the IMAX theater network from the prior year. During 2012, the Company installed 60 full, new theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements, as compared to 86 full new theaters during 2011.

The gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements in 2012 increased 111.9% to $37.3 million compared to $17.6 million in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher revenues experienced in 2012 compared to 2011, as well as lower advertising, marketing and selling expenses. Included in the calculation of the 2012 gross margin were certain advertising, marketing, and selling expenses primarily associated with new theater launches of $3.4 million, as compared to $5.4 million for such expenses in 2011 Adjusted gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements, which excludes these expenses from both periods, was $40.7 million in 2012, compared to $23.0 million in 2011. A reconciliation of gross margin from the joint revenue sharing arrangement segment, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, to adjusted gross margin is presented in the table below:

 

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)    2012      2011  

Gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements

   $ 37,308      $ 17,605  

Add:

     

Advertising, marketing and selling expenses

     3,382        5,432  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted gross margin from joint revenue sharing arrangements

   $ 40,690      $ 23,037  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Film

The Company’s total revenues from its three film segments increased 33.7% to $100.2 million in 2012 from $74.9 million in 2011 and the related gross margin increased 81.4% in 2012 to $53.7 million from $29.6 million in 2011.

Film production and IMAX DMR revenues increased 54.3% to $78.1 million in 2012 from $50.6 million in 2011. The increase in film production and IMAX DMR revenues was primarily due to an increase in the number of theaters in the IMAX theater network as well as higher gross box-office from the films released during the period. Global gross box-office generated by IMAX DMR films increased 48.8% to $620.6 million in 2012 versus $417.2 million in 2011. IMAX DMR gross box-office per screen for 2012 averaged $1,153,200 globally, in comparison to $1,069,300 in 2011.

Film production and IMAX DMR gross margins more than doubled to $49.4 million, or 63.2% of revenues, from $23.6 million, or 46.6% of revenues in 2011 largely due to an increase in IMAX DMR revenue coupled with a relatively consistent level of DMR costs as compared to the prior year.

 

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In 2012, gross box-office was generated primarily from the exhibition of 39 films listed below (35 new and 4 carryovers), as compared to 26 (25 new and 1 carryover) films exhibited in 2011:

 

2012 Films Exhibited

  

2011 Films Exhibited

Happy Feet Two: An IMAX 3D Experience    TRON: Legacy: An IMAX 3D Experience
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol: The IMAX Experience    The Green Hornet: An IMAX 3D Experience
The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn: An IMAX 3D    Tangled: An IMAX 3D Experience
Experience    Sanctum: An IMAX 3D Experience
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate: An IMAX 3D Experience    I Am Number Four: The IMAX Experience
Underworld: Awakening: An IMAX 3D Experience    Mars Needs Moms: An IMAX 3D Experience
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: An IMAX 3D Experience    Sucker Punch: The IMAX Experience
The Lorax: An IMAX 3D Experience    Fast Five: The IMAX Experience
John Carter: An IMAX 3D Experience    Thor: An IMAX 3D Experience
The Hunger Games: An IMAX 3D Experience    Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: An IMAX 3D
Wrath of the Titans: An IMAX 3D Experience    Experience
Titanic: An IMAX 3D Experience    The Founding of a Party: The IMAX Experience
Houba! On the Trail of the Marsupilami: The IMAX Experience    Kung Fu Panda 2: An IMAX 3D Experience
Battleship: The IMAX Experience    Super 8: The IMAX Experience
The Avengers: An IMAX 3D Experience    Cars 2: An IMAX 3D Experience
Dark Shadows: The IMAX Experience    Transformers: Dark of the Moon: An IMAX 3D Experience
Men In Black III: An IMAX 3D Experience    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II: An IMAX 3D
Prometheus: An IMAX 3D Experience    Experience
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted: An IMAX 3D Experience    Final Destination 5: An IMAX 3D Experience
Rock of Ages: The IMAX Experience    Cowboys & Aliens : The IMAX Experience
The Amazing Spiderman: An IMAX 3D Experience    Sector 7: An IMAX 3D Experience
The Dark Knight Rises: The IMAX Experience    Contagion: The IMAX Experience
Total Recall: The IMAX Experience    Real Steel: The IMAX Experience
The Bourne Legacy: The IMAX Experience    Puss in Boots: An IMAX 3D Experience
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: The IMAX    Happy Feet Two: An IMAX 3D Experience
Experience    Flying Swords of Dragon Gate: An IMAX 3D Experience
Resident Evil: Retribution: An IMAX 3D Experience    Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol: The IMAX Experience

Tai Chi 0: An IMAX 3D Experience

Frankenweenie: An IMAX 3D Experience

   The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn: An IMAX 3D Experience
Paranormal Activity 4:The IMAX Experience   
Tai Chi Hero: An IMAX 3D Experience   
Cloud Atlas: The IMAX Experience   
Skyfall: The IMAX Experience   
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away: An IMAX 3D Experience   
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2: The IMAX Experience   
Back to 1942: The IMAX Experience   
Rise of the Guardians: An IMAX 3D Experience   
Life of Pi: An IMAX 3D Experience   
CZ12: An IMAX 3D Experience   
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: An IMAX 3D Experience   
Les Misérables: The IMAX Experience   

 

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Film distribution revenues decreased 11.5% to $14.2 million in 2012 from $16.1 million in 2011, primarily due to lower box-office performance. In 2012, the Company released an original title, To the Arctic 3D; during 2011, the Company released the original film Born To Be Wild 3D. Film post-production revenues decreased 4.0% to $7.9 million in 2012 from $8.2 million in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in third party business.

The film distribution margin of $2.4 million in 2012 was lower than the $3.0 million experienced in 2011, primarily due to the decrease in film distribution revenues. Film post-production gross margin decreased by $1.0 million due to a decrease in third party business as compared to the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $81.6 million in 2012, as compared to $73.2 million in 2011. The $8.4 million increase experienced from the prior year comparative period was largely the result of the following:

 

    a $8.6 million increase in staff-related costs and compensation costs, including increased staffing (resulting in part from increased staffing costs of $3.5 million from the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in China) and normal merit increases;

 

    a $3.8 million increase from brand-related advertising and promotion in 2012 as compared to the prior year; and

 

    a $1.4 million increase in the Company’s stock-based compensation.

These increases were offset by:

 

    a $2.5 million decrease due to a change in foreign exchange rates. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a foreign exchange gain of $1.2 million for net foreign exchange gains/losses related to the translation of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and unhedged foreign currency forward contracts as compared to a loss of $1.3 million recorded in 2011. See note 16(b) of the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2012 Form 10-K for more information; and

 

    a $2.9 million decrease in legal, professional and other general corporate expenditures.

Provision for Arbitration Award

During 2011, the Company recorded a provision of $2.1 million regarding an award issued in connection with an arbitration proceeding brought against the Company. The arbitration related to agreements entered into in 1994 and 1995 by the Company’s former Ridefilm subsidiary, whose business the Company discontinued through a sale to a third party in March 2001. The award was vacated as the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement in which the parties agreed to dismiss any outstanding disputes among them.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses increased to $11.4 million in 2012 compared to $7.8 million in 2011 and are primarily attributable to the development of the Company’s new laser-based digital projection system. The Company is developing its next-generation laser projectors, which is expected to provide greater brightness and clarity, a wider colour gamut and deeper blacks, while consuming less power and lasting longer than existing digital technology, to ensure that the Company continues to provide the highest quality, premier movie-going experience available to consumers. In 2011, the Company announced the completion of a deal in which it secured certain exclusive license rights to a portfolio of intellectual property in the digital cinema field owned by Kodak, which supports the Company’s efforts to develop a next-generation laser digital projection system.

A high level of research and development is expected to continue in 2013 as the Company continues its efforts to develop its next-generation laser-based projection system. In addition, the Company plans to continue research and development activity in the future in other areas considered important to the Company’s continued commercial success, including further improving the reliability of its projectors, developing and manufacturing more IMAX cameras, enhancing the Company’s 2D and 3D image quality, expanding the applicability of the Company’s digital technology, developing IMAX theater systems’ capabilities in both home and live entertainment and further enhancing the IMAX theater and sound system design through the addition of more channels, improvements to the Company’s proprietary tuning system and mastering processes.

 

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Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries

Receivable provisions, net of recoveries for accounts receivable and financing receivables, amounted to a net provision of $0.5 million in 2012, as compared to $1.6 million in 2011.

The Company’s accounts receivables and financing receivables are subject to credit risk. These receivables are concentrated with the leading theater exhibitors and studios in the film entertainment industry. To minimize the Company’s credit risk, the Company retains title to underlying theater systems leased, performs initial and ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and makes ongoing provisions for its estimate of potentially uncollectible amounts. Accordingly, the Company believes it has adequately protected itself against exposures relating to receivables and contractual commitments.

Asset Impairments and Other Charges

The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $nil, compared to less than $0.1 million in the prior year, against property, plant and equipment after the Company assessed the carrying value of certain assets in its theater operations segment in light of their future expected cash flows. The Company recognized that the carrying values for the assets exceeded the expected undiscounted future cash flows.

In 2012, the Company recognized a $0.2 million other-than-temporary impairment of its available-for-sale investment as the value is not expected to recover based on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost.

In 2012, the Company recorded a less than $0.1 million charge as compared to a $0.4 million charge in the prior year comparative period reflecting assets that no longer meet capitalization requirements as the assets were no longer in use.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest income was $0.1 million in 2012, as compared to less than $0.1 million in 2011.

Interest expense decreased to $0.7 million in 2012, as compared to $1.8 million in 2011. Consistent with its historical financial reporting, the Company has elected to classify interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, as part of the interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations rather than income tax expense. The Company recovered approximately $0.8 million and expensed $0.1 million in potential interest and penalties associated with its provision for uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Also included in interest expense is the amortization of deferred finance costs in the amount of $0.2 million and $0.4 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s policy is to defer and amortize all the costs relating to debt financing which are paid directly to the debt provider, over the life of the debt instrument.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate and varies from year to year primarily as a result of numerous permanent differences, investment and other tax credits, the provision for income taxes at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions, enacted statutory tax rate increases or reductions in the year, changes due to foreign exchange, changes in the Company’s valuation allowance based on the Company’s recoverability assessments of deferred tax assets, and favorable or unfavorable resolution of various tax examinations.

Due to a change in enacted tax rates, the Company recorded an increase to deferred tax assets and a decrease to the deferred tax provision of $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. In 2012, there was an overall $0.1 million decrease, of which less than $0.1 million increase was included in the provision and a $0.2 million decrease was included in the loss from discontinued operations. The Company’s estimates of the recoverability of its deferred tax assets are based on an analysis of both positive and negative evidence including projected future earnings. In 2011, the Company recorded an overall $1.9 million decrease in the valuation allowance, of which $1.5 million was recorded through the provision and $0.6 million was included in shareholders’ equity and a $0.2 million increase was recorded in the loss from discontinued operations, resulting from the utilization of loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences against income in the prior year comparative period. The Company recorded an income tax provision of $15.1 million for 2012, of which $0.8 million is related to a decrease in its provision for uncertain tax positions. For 2011, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $9.3 million, of which $0.1 million was related to a decrease in is provision for uncertain tax positions.

 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2012, after considering all available evidence, both positive (including recent profits, projected future profitability, backlog, carryforward periods for utilization of net operating loss carryovers and tax credits, discretionary deductions and other factors) and negative (including cumulative losses in past years and other factors), it was concluded that the valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets should be increased by approximately $0.1 million. The remaining $6.1 million balance in the valuation allowance as at December 31, 2012 is primarily attributable to certain U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryovers and federal tax credits that likely will expire without being utilized.

The Company anticipates utilizing the majority of its currently-available tax attributes over the next two years.

Equity-Accounted Investments

The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323. December 31, 2012, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for an investment with a carrying value of $3.0 million (December 31, 2011- $4.1 million). For the year ended December 31, 2012, gross revenues, cost of revenue and net loss for the investment were $9.0 million, $12.7 million and $13.4 million, respectively (2011 — $2.3 million, $9.8 million and $17.7 million, respectively). The Company recorded its proportionate share of the net loss which amounted to $1.4 million for 2012 compared to $1.8 million in 2011.

Discontinued Operations

On January 30, 2014, the Company’s lease with respect to its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater ended and the Company has decided not to renew the respective lease. In 2012, revenues for the Nyack IMAX theater were $1.5 million (2011 — $1.5 million) and the Company recognized a loss of $0.5 million (2011 — loss of $0.9 million) from the operation of the theater. The transactions of the Company’s owned and operated Nyack theater are reflected as discontinued operations.

Pension Plan

The Company has an unfunded defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), covering Messrs. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler, the Company’s former Co-CEO and current Chairman of its Board of Directors. As at December 31, 2012, the Company had an unfunded and accrued projected benefit obligation of approximately $20.4 million (December 31, 2011 — $19.0 million) in respect of the SERP.

The net periodic benefit cost was $0.6 million and $0.5 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

 

     Years ended December 31  
     2012      2011  

Interest cost

   $ 272      $ 279  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     365        214  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pension expense

   $ 637      $ 493  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The plan experienced an actuarial loss of $1.1 million and $0.6 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively, resulting primarily from the continuing decrease in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) published annuity interest rates year-over-year used to determine the lump sum payment under the plan.

Under the terms of the SERP, if Mr. Gelfond’s employment is terminated other than for cause, he is entitled to receive SERP benefits in the form of a lump sum payment. SERP benefit payments to Mr. Gelfond are subject to a deferral for six months after the termination of his employment, at which time Mr. Gelfond will be entitled to receive interest on the deferred amount credited at the applicable federal rate for short-term obligations.

The Company has a postretirement plan to provide health and welfare benefits to Canadian employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. As at December 31, 2012, the Company had an unfunded benefit obligation of $4.6 million (December 31, 2011 — $4.1 million).

In July 2000, the Company agreed to maintain health benefits for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler upon retirement. As at December 31, 2012, the Company had an unfunded benefit obligation recorded of $0.5 million (December 31, 2011 — $0.5 million).

 

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Stock-Based Compensation

The Company utilizes the Binomial Model to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options and SARs have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the Binomial Model best provides an accurate measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options and SARs. Although the fair value of employee stock options and SARs are determined in accordance with the Equity topic of the FASB ASC using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized under FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”) for 2012 and 2011 was $13.1 million and $11.9 million, respectively.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Credit Facility

On February 7, 2013, the Company amended and restated the terms of its existing senior secured credit facility (the “Prior Credit Facility”). The amended and restated facility (the “Credit Facility”), with a scheduled maturity of February 7, 2018, has a maximum borrowing capacity of $200.0 million. The Prior Credit Facility had a maximum borrowing capacity of $110.0 million. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries serve as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the present and future assets of the Company and the Guarantors.

The Company’s indebtedness under the Credit Facility includes the following:

 

     December 31,      December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Revolving Loan

   $ —        $ 11,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total amounts drawn and available under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2013 were $nil and $200.0 million (December 31, 2012 – $11.0 million and $99.0 million).

The terms of the Credit Facility are set forth in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), dated February 7, 2013, among the Company, the Guarantors, the lenders named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as agent and issuing lender (Wells Fargo, together with the lenders named therein, the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner and in various collateral and security documents entered into by the Company and the Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors has also entered into a guarantee in respect of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility permits the Company to undertake up to $150.0 million in stock buybacks and dividends, provided certain covenants in the Credit Agreement are maintained. In the event that the Company undertakes stock buybacks or makes dividend payments, any amounts outstanding under the revolving portion of the Credit Facility up to the first $75.0 million of any such stock buybacks and dividend payments will be converted to a term loan.

The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at (i) LIBOR plus a margin of (a) 1.50%, 1.75% or 2.00% depending on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum, or (ii) Wells Fargo’s prime rate plus a margin of 0.50% per annum. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay a Commitment Fee (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum of between 0.25% and 0.50% of the unused portion of the Credit Facility, depending on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio. Term loans, if any, under the Credit Facility must be repaid under a 5-year straight line amortization, with a balloon payment due at maturity. The Company is required to provide an interest rate hedge for 50% of any term loans outstanding after January 1, 2015. Under the Credit Facility, the effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 for the revolving term loan portion was 2.41% (2012 – 2.42%).

The Credit Facility provides that the Company will be required to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 1.1:1. The Company will also be required to maintain minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $80.0 million on December 31, 2013, which increases to $90.0 million on December 31, 2014, and $100.0 million on December 31, 2015. The Company must also maintain a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 2.25:1 on December 31, 2013, which requirement decreases to 2.0:1 on December 31, 2014, and 1.75:1 on December 31, 2015. The Company was in compliance with all of these requirements at December 31, 2013. The ratio of total debt to EBITDA was nil:1 as at December 31, 2013, where Total Debt (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is the sum of all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments and was $nil. EBITDA is calculated as follows:

 

EBITDA per Credit Facility:       
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)       

Net income

   $ 44,115  

Add:

  

Loss from equity accounted investments

     2,757  

Provision for income taxes(1)

     16,470  

Interest expense, net of interest income

     1,290  

Depreciation and amortization, including film asset amortization(2)

     36,685  

Write-downs, net of recoveries including receivable provisions(2)

     1,336  

Stock and other non-cash compensation

     12,685  

Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefits

     (2,185
  

 

 

 
   $ 113,153  
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes a tax recovery in discontinued operations of $0.2 million.
(2) See note 18 to the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K.

 

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The Credit Facility contains typical affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the ability of the Company and the guarantors to: incur certain additional indebtedness; make certain loans, investments or guarantees; pay dividends; make certain asset sales; incur certain liens or other encumbrances; conduct certain transactions with affiliates and enter into certain corporate transactions.

The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default, including upon an acquisition or change of control or upon a change in the business and assets of the Company or a Guarantor that in each case is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or a guarantor. If an event of default occurs and is continuing under the Credit Facility, the Lenders may, among other things, terminate their commitments and require immediate repayment of all amounts owed by the Company.

Letters of Credit and Other Commitments

As at December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2012 — $nil), under the Credit Facility.

The Company also has a $10.0 million facility for advance payment guarantees and letters of credit through the Bank of Montreal for use solely in conjunction with guarantees fully insured by EDC (the “Bank of Montreal Facility”). The Bank of Montreal Facility is unsecured and includes typical affirmative and negative covenants, including delivery of annual consolidated financial statements within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year. The Bank of Montreal Facility is subject to periodic annual reviews. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding of $0.3 million under the Bank of Montreal Facility as compared to $0.9 million as at December 31, 2012.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As at December 31, 2013, the Company’s principal sources of liquidity included cash and cash equivalents of $29.5 million, the Credit Facility, anticipated collection from trade accounts receivable of $73.1 million including receivables from theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements and DMR agreements with studios, anticipated collection from financing receivables due in the next 12 months of $19.8 million and payments expected in the next 12 months on existing backlog deals. As at December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any amount drawn on the Credit Facility (with remaining availability of $200.0 million). There were $nil letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding under the Credit Facility and $0.3 million under the Bank of Montreal Facility.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company’s operations provided cash of $55.0 million and the Company used cash of $38.3 million to fund capital expenditures, principally to build equipment for use in joint revenue sharing arrangements, to purchase other intangible assets, including costs to develop the Company’s new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, and to purchase property, plant and equipment. Based on management’s current operating plan for 2014, the Company expects to continue to use cash to deploy additional theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements and to fund DMR agreements with studios. Cash flows from joint revenue sharing arrangements are derived from the theater box-office receipts and concession revenues and the Company invested directly in the roll out of 65 new theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements in 2013.

 

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The Company believes that cash flow from operations together with existing cash and borrowing available under the Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund the Company’s business operations, including its strategic initiatives relating to existing joint revenue sharing arrangements for the next 12 months.

The Company’s operating cash flow will be adversely affected if management’s projections of future signings for theater systems and film performance, theater installations and film productions are not realized. Since the Company’s future cash flows are based on estimates and there may be factors that are outside of the Company’s control (see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K), there is no guarantee that the Company will continue to be able to fund its operations through cash flows from operations. Under the terms of the Company’s typical sale and sales-type lease agreement, the Company receives substantial cash payments before the Company completes the performance of its obligations. Similarly, the Company receives cash payments for some of its film productions in advance of related cash expenditures.

Operating Activities

The Company’s net cash provided by operating activities is affected by a number of factors, including the proceeds associated with new signings of theater system lease and sale agreements in the year, costs associated with contributing systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the box-office performance of films distributed by the Company and/or released to IMAX theaters, increases or decreases in the Company’s operating expenses, including research and development, and the level of cash collections received from its customers.

Cash provided by operating activities amounted to $55.0 million in 2013. Changes in other non-cash operating assets as compared to 2012 include: an increase of $31.0 million in accounts receivable; an increase of $13.4 million in financing receivables; a decrease of $1.9 million in inventories; a decrease of $0.2 million in prepaid expenses; and a $0.4 million decrease in insurance recoveries receivable and a $0.1 million decrease in commissions and other deferred selling expenses offset by a $0.3 million increase in other assets. Changes in other operating liabilities as compared to December 31, 2012 include: an increase in deferred revenue of $2.5 million related to backlog payments received in the current year, offset partially by amounts relieved from deferred revenue related to theater system installations; an increase in accounts payable of $7.2 million; and a decrease of $1.3 million in accrued liabilities which is net of $2.4 million for stock-based compensation payments in the year.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $42.3 million in 2013, which includes an investment in joint revenue sharing equipment of $22.8 million, purchases of $13.0 million in property, plant and equipment, an investment in new business ventures of $4.0 million and an increase in other intangible assets of $2.5 million. Net cash used in investment activities amounted to $35.5 million in 2012.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities in 2013, amounted to $4.4 million as compared to $34.8 million in 2012, which includes net bank indebtedness repayments of $11.0 million, fees paid of $2.2 million relating to the Credit Facility amendment and $0.2 million in share issuance expenses. These payments were offset by proceeds from the issuance of common shares resulting from stock option exercises of $9.0 million.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures, including the Company’s investment in joint revenue sharing equipment, purchase of property, plant and equipment, net of sales proceeds, other intangible assets and investments in film assets were $59.2 million in 2013 as compared to $52.0 million in 2012. In 2014 the Company anticipates continued capital expenditures due in large part to the roll-out of theaters pursuant to joint revenue sharing arrangements. The Company anticipates a higher level of capital expenditures in 2014 primarily as a result of the Company’s purchase of land and construction of its new facility in Playa Vista. A significant portion of the Playa Vista project is expected to be financed through a construction loan and related facility, which will offset the cash outlay associated with the project. See “Properties” in Item 2 in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K.

Prior Year Cash Flow Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $73.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. Changes in other non-cash operating assets as compared to 2011 include: an increase of $7.3 million in financing receivables; a decrease of $4.1 million in accounts receivable; an increase of $0.4 million in inventories; an increase of $0.7 million in prepaid expenses; and a $0.1 million increase in other assets which includes a $0.4 million decrease in insurance recoveries receivable, a $0.3 million decrease in

 

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commissions and other deferred selling expenses and a $0.8 million decrease in other assets. Changes in other operating liabilities as compared to December 31, 2011 include: a decrease in deferred revenue of $0.5 million related to backlog payments received in the current year, offset by amounts relieved from deferred revenue related to theater system installations; a decrease in accounts payable of $8.1 million; and a decrease of $2.3 million in accrued liabilities.

Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to $35.5 million, which includes an investment in joint revenue sharing equipment of $23.3 million, purchases of $6.1 million in property, plant and equipment, an additional investment in business ventures of $0.4 million and an increase in other intangible assets of $5.8 million. Net cash used in financing activities in 2012 amounted to $34.8 million, primarily due to the net repayment of bank indebtedness of $44.0 million.

Capital expenditures including the Company’s investment in joint revenue sharing equipment, purchase of property, plant and equipment net of sales proceeds and investments in film assets were $52.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2012.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Payments to be made by the Company under contractual obligations are as follows:

 

     Payments Due by Period  
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Total
Obligations
     2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      Thereafter  

Pension obligations(1)

   $ 19,228      $ —         $ —        $ —        $ 19,228      $ —        $ —    

Credit Facility(2)

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Operating lease obligations(3)

     10,066        6,454        1,537        695        533        533        314  

Purchase obligations(4)

     11,834        11,829        2        3        —          —          —    

Postretirement benefits obligations(5)

     2,737        99        114        127        143        154        2,100  

Capital lease obligations(6)

     2        2        —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 43,867      $ 18,384      $ 1,653      $ 825      $ 19,904      $ 687      $ 2,414  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The SERP assumptions are that Mr. Gelfond will receive a lump sum payment six months after retirement at the end of the current term of his employment agreement (December 31, 2016), although Mr. Gelfond has not informed the Company that he intends to retire at that time.
(2) Interest on the Credit Facility is payable quarterly in arrears based on the applicable variable rate and is not included above.
(3) The Company’s total minimum annual rental payments to be made under operating leases, mostly consisting of rent at the Company’s properties in New York and Santa Monica, and at the various owned and operated theaters.
(4) The Company’s total payments to be made under binding commitments with suppliers and outstanding payments to be made for supplies ordered but yet to be invoiced.
(5) In 2013, the Company amended the Canadian postretirement plan to reduce future benefits provided under the plan. As a result of this change, the Company’s postretirement liability was reduced by $2.6 million, resulting in a pre-tax curtailment gain in 2013 of $2.2 million.
(6) The Company’s total minimum annual payments to be made under capital leases, mostly consisting of payments for IT hardware and various other fixed assets.

 

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Pension and Postretirement Obligations

The Company has an unfunded defined benefit pension plan, the SERP, covering Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had an unfunded and accrued projected benefit obligation of approximately $18.3 million (December 31, 2012 — $20.4 million) in respect of the SERP.

On August 1, 2010, the Company made a lump sum payment to Mr. Wechsler in accordance with the terms of the plan, representing a settlement of Mr. Wechsler’s entitlement under the SERP. Under the terms of the SERP, if Mr. Gelfond’s employment is terminated other than for cause, he is entitled to receive SERP benefits in the form of a lump sum payment. SERP benefit payments to Mr. Gelfond are subject to a deferral for six months after the termination of his employment, at which time Mr. Gelfond will be entitled to receive interest on the deferred amount credited at the applicable federal rate for short-term obligations. Effective January 1, 2013, the term of Mr. Gelfond’s current employment agreement was extended through December 31, 2016, although Mr. Gelfond has not informed the Company that he intends to retire at that time. Under the terms of the arrangement, no compensation earned beginning in 2011 is to be included in calculating his entitlement under the SERP.

The Company has a postretirement plan to provide health and welfare benefits to Canadian employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had an unfunded benefit obligation of $2.1 million (December 31, 2012 — $4.6 million). In 2013, the Company amended the Canadian postretirement plan to reduce future benefits provided under the plan. As a result of this change, the Company’s postretirement liability was reduced by $2.6 million, resulting in a pre-tax curtailment gain of $2.2 million. See note 21(d) in Item 8 of the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K for additional details.

In July 2000, the Company agreed to maintain health benefits for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler upon retirement. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had an unfunded benefit obligation of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $0.5 million).

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

There are currently no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Factors about Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, which could affect operating results, financial position and cash flows. Market risk is the potential change in an instrument’s value caused by, for example, fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates. The Company’s primary market risk exposure is the risk of unfavorable movements in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar, the Canadian dollar and the Chinese Yuan Renminbi. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

A majority of the Company’s revenue is denominated in U.S. dollars while a significant portion of its costs and expenses is denominated in Canadian dollars. A portion of the Company’s net U.S. dollar cash flows is converted to Canadian dollars to fund Canadian dollar expenses through the spot market. The Company has incoming cash flows from its revenue generating theaters and ongoing operating expenses in China through its wholly-owned subsidiary IMAX Shanghai Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd. In Japan, the Company has ongoing Yen-denominated operating expenses related to its Japanese operations. Net Renminbi and Japanese Yen cash flows are converted to U.S. dollars through the spot market. The Company also has cash receipts under leases denominated in Japanese Yen, Euros and Canadian dollars.

The Company manages its exposure to foreign exchange rate risks through the Company’s regular operating and financing activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. These derivative financial instruments are utilized to hedge economic exposures as well as reduce earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from shifts in market rates.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a foreign exchange net loss of $0.7 million as compared with a foreign exchange net gain of $1.2 million in 2012, associated with the translation of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and unhedged foreign exchange contracts.

 

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The Company entered into a series of foreign currency forward contracts to manage the Company’s risks associated with the volatility of foreign currencies. The forward contract have settlement dates throughout 2014. In addition, at December 31, 2013, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts to manage foreign currency risk on future anticipated Canadian dollar expenditures that were not considered foreign currency hedges by the Company. Foreign currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations. The notional value of foreign currency hedging instruments at December 31, 2013 was $23.6 million (December 31, 2012 — $8.1 million). A loss of $1.0 million was recorded to Other Comprehensive Income with respect to the depreciation/appreciation in the value of these contracts in 2013 (2012 — gain of $0.7 million). A loss of $0.3 million was reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to selling, general and administrative expenses in 2013 (2012 — gain of $0.2 million). Appreciation or depreciation on forward contracts not meeting the requirements for hedge accounting in the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses.

For all derivative instruments, the Company is subject to counterparty credit risk to the extent that the counterparty may not meet its obligations to the Company. To manage this risk, the Company enters into derivative transactions only with major financial institutions.

At December 31, 2013, the Company’s financing receivables and working capital items denominated in Canadian dollars, Renminbi, Yen and Euros was $30.2 million. Assuming a 10% appreciation or depreciation in foreign currency exchange rates from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 2013, the potential change in the fair value of foreign currency-denominated financing receivables and working capital items would have been $3.0 million. A significant portion of the Company’s selling, general, and administrative expenses is denominated in Canadian dollars. Assuming a 1% change appreciation or depreciation in foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 2013, the potential change in the amount of selling, general, and administrative expenses would be $0.1 million for every $10.0 million in Canadian denominated expenditures.

Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company’s earnings are also affected by changes in interest rates due to the impact those changes have on its interest income from cash, and its interest expense from variable-rate borrowings under the Credit Facility.

As at December 31, 2013, the Company borrowings under the Credit Facility were $nil (December 31, 2012 — $11.0 million).

The Company’s largest exposure with respect to variable rate debt comes from changes in LIBOR. The Company had variable rate debt instruments representing approximately 6.5% of its total liabilities as at December 31, 2012. No such comparative is available for 2013 as the Company did not have any variable rate debt instruments as at December 31, 2013. If interest rates available to the Company increased by 10%, the Company’s interest expense would increase by approximately less than $0.1 million and interest income from cash would increase by approximately less than $0.1 million. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on the Company’s cash balances at December 31, 2013.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     80   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2013 and 2012

     81   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     82   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     83   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     84   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     85   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     86   

************

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders of IMAX Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IMAX Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. In addition, we have audited the financial statements schedule listed in the index appearing under item 15 (a) (2). We also have audited IMAX Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting under Item 9A of its 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-k. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements, the financial statements schedule and the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of IMAX Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statements schedule listed in the index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also, in our opinion, IMAX Corporation and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by COSO.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

Toronto, Ontario

February 20, 2014

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 29,546     $ 21,336  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $887 (December 31, 2012 — $1,564)

     73,074       42,007  

Financing receivables (notes 4 and 20(c))

     107,110       94,193  

Inventories (note 5)

     9,825       15,794  

Prepaid expenses

     3,602       3,833  

Film assets (note 6)

     7,076       3,737  

Property, plant and equipment (note 7)

     132,847       113,610  

Other assets (notes 8, 20(d) and 20(e))

     27,034       23,963  

Deferred income taxes (note 9)

     24,259        36,461  

Goodwill

     39,027       39,027  

Other intangible assets (note 10)

     27,745       27,911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets (note 22(c))

   $ 481,145      $ 421,872  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Bank indebtedness (note 11)

   $ —        $ 11,000  

Accounts payable

     19,396       15,144  

Accrued and other liabilities (notes 6, 12(a), 12(c), 13, 14(c), 20(b), 20(d), 21, and 23)

     65,232        68,695  

Deferred revenue

     76,932       73,954  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities (note 22(c))

     161,560        168,793  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (notes 12 and 13)

    

Shareholders’ equity

    

Capital stock (note 14) common shares — no par value. Authorized — unlimited number.

    

Issued and outstanding — 67,841,233 (December 31, 2012 — 66,482,425)

     327,313       313,744  

Other equity

     36,452       28,892  

Deficit

     (43,051     (87,166

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,129     (2,391
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     319,585        253,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 481,145      $ 421,872  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements)

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Revenues

      

Equipment and product sales

   $ 78,663     $ 78,161     $ 85,016  

Services (note 15(c))

     139,464       135,071       105,262  

Rentals (note 15(c))

     61,293       61,268       34,810  

Finance income

     8,142       7,523       6,162  

Other (note 15(a))

     375       732       3,848  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     287,937       282,755       235,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses applicable to revenues (note 2(m))

      

Equipment and product sales

     37,517       37,538       38,742  

Services (note 15(c))

     68,844       70,570       66,972  

Rentals

     16,973       21,402       14,301  

Other

     —          —          1,018  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     123,334       129,510       121,033  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

     164,603       153,245       114,065  

Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 15(b)) (including share-based compensation expense of $11.9 million, $13.1 million and $11.7 million for 2013, 2012, 2011, respectively)

     82,669       81,560       73,157  

Provision for arbitration award

     —          —          2,055  

Research and development

     14,771       11,411       7,829  

Amortization of intangibles

     1,618       706       465  

Receivable provisions, net of recoveries (note 16)

     445       524       1,570  

Asset impairments (note 17)

     —          —          20  

Impairment of available-for-sale investment

     —          150       —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     65,100       58,894       28,969  

Interest income

     55       85       57  

Interest expense (note 9(g))

     (1,345     (689     (1,827
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations before income taxes

     63,810       58,290       27,199  

Provision for income taxes

     (16,629     (15,079     (9,293

Loss from equity-accounted investments

     (2,757     (1,362     (1,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     44,424       41,849       16,115  

Net loss from discontinued operations (note 22)

     (309     (512     (855
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 44,115     $ 41,337     $ 15,260  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share - basic and diluted: (note 14(d))

      

Net income per share - basic:

      

Net income per share from continuing operations

   $ 0.66     $ 0.64     $ 0.25  

Net loss per share from discontinued operations

     —          (0.01 )     (0.01 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 0.66     $ 0.63     $ 0.24  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share - diluted:

      

Net income per share from continuing operations

   $ 0.64     $ 0.62     $ 0.23  

Net loss per share from discontinued operations

     —          (0.01 )     (0.01 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 0.64     $ 0.61     $ 0.22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements)

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Net income

   $  44,115     $  41,337     $  15,260  

Unrealized defined benefit plan actuarial gain (loss) (note 21(a))

     2,277       (1,104     (603

Amortization of defined benefit plan actuarial loss (note 21(a))

     444       365       214  

Unrealized postretirement benefit plans actuarial loss (notes 21(c) and 21(d))

     (169 )     (129     (234

Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan (note 21(d))

     398       —          —     

Unrealized net (loss) gain from cash flow hedging instruments (note 20(d))

     (1,031     716       (162

Realization of cash flow hedging net loss (gain) upon settlement (note 20(d))

     312       (236     (684

Foreign currency translation adjustments (note 2)

     (115     —          —     

Change in market value of available-for-sale investment (note 20(b))

     (350     338       (488

Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment (note 20(b))

     —          150       —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

     1,766       100       (1,957

Income tax (expense) recovery related to other comprehensive income (loss) (note 9(h))

     (504     43       446  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 45,377     $ 41,480     $ 13,749  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements)

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Cash provided by (used in):

      

Operating Activities

      

Net income

   $ 44,115     $ 41,337     $ 15,260  

Net loss from discontinued operations (note 22)

     309       512       855  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:

      

Depreciation and amortization (notes 18(c) and 19(a))

     37,172       32,788       25,163  

Write-downs, net of recoveries (notes 18(d) and 19(a))

     1,336       1,607       1,946  

Change in deferred income taxes

     12,899        14,724       7,994  

Stock and other non-cash compensation

     12,685       14,220       12,814  

Provision for arbitration award

     —         —         2,055  

Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain)

     1,183       (329     1,255  

Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefits (note 21(d))

     (2,185     —         —    

Loss from equity-accounted investments

     2,757       1,362       1,791  

Gain on non-cash contribution to equity-accounted investees

     —         —         (404

Investment in film assets

     (20,935     (16,817     (12,256

Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities (note 18(a))

     (33,755     (15,262     (49,379

Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

     (548     (512     (847
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     55,033       73,630       6,247  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities

      

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (13,016     (6,055     (5,528

Investment in joint revenue sharing equipment

     (22,775     (23,257     (33,290

Investment in new business ventures

     (4,000     (381     (2,483

Acquisition of other intangible assets

     (2,486     (5,826     (22,206
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (42,277     (35,519     (63,507
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities

      

Increase in bank indebtedness (note 11)

     12,000       9,917       75,083  

Repayment of bank indebtedness (note 11)

     (23,000     (54,000     (37,500

Common shares issued - stock options exercised (note 14(b))

     8,970       8,920       7,864  

Proceeds from disgorgement of stock sale profits

     —         314       —    

Credit facility amendment fees paid

     (2,151     —         (306

Share issuance expenses

     (202     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (4,383     (34,849     45,141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash

     (163     (64     (133
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during year

     8,210       3,198       (12,252

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     21,336       18,138       30,390  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 29,546     $ 21,336     $ 18,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements)

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Common
Shares Issued
and
Outstanding
     Capital
Stock
    Other
Equity
    Deficit     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance as at December 31, 2010

     64,145,573      $  292,977     $ 7,687     $ (143,763   $ (1,023   $  155,878  

Net income

     —          —         —         15,260       —         15,260  

Other comprehensive loss, before tax

     —          —         —         —         (1,957     (1,957

Income tax recovery related to other comprehensive loss (note 9(h))

     —          —         —         —         446        446   

Paid-in capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))

     —          —         2,375       —         —         2,375  

Employee stock options exercised

     763,056        5,173       (731     —         —         4,442  

Non-employee stock options exercised

     144,111        5,245       (1,823     —         —         3,422  

Paid-in capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))

     —          —         9,391       —         —         9,391  

Utilization of windfall tax benefits from employee stock options (note 9(f))

     —          —         611       —         —         611  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2011

     65,052,740      $ 303,395     $ 17,510     $ (128,503   $ (2,534   $ 189,868  

Net income

     —          —         —         41,337       —         41,337  

Other comprehensive income, before tax

     —          —         —         —         100        100   

Income tax recovery related to other comprehensive income (note 9(h))

     —          —         —         —         43        43   

Paid-in capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))

     —          —         115       —         —         115  

Employee stock options exercised

     1,414,685        9,946       (1,279     —         —         8,667  

Non-employee stock options exercised

     15,000        403       (150     —         —         253  

Paid-in capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))

     —          —         12,359       —           12,359  

Disgorgement of profit

     —          —         314       —         —         314  

Utilization of windfall tax benefits from employee stock options (note 9(f))

     —          —         23       —         —         23  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2012

     66,482,425      $ 313,744     $ 28,892     $ (87,166   $ (2,391   $ 253,079  

Net income

     —          —         —         44,115       —         44,115  

Other comprehensive income, before tax

     —          —         —         —         1,766        1,766   

Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income (note 9(h))

     —          —         —         —         (504     (504

Paid-in capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))

     —          —         174       —         —         174  

Employee stock options exercised

     1,291,347        12,044       (3,455     —         —         8,589  

Non-employee stock options exercised

     25,000        613       (232     —         —         381  

Paid-in capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))

     —          —         9,150       —         —         9,150  

Paid-in capital for restricted share units granted (note 14(c))

     —          —         2,120       —         —         2,120  

Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))

     42,461        1,114       (1,215     —         —         (101

Share issuance expenses

     —          (202     —         —         —         (202

Utilization of windfall tax benefits from employee stock options (note 9(f))

     —          —         1,018       —         —         1,018  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2013

     67,841,233      $ 327,313     $ 36,452     $ (43,051   $ (1,129   $ 319,585   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements)

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1. Description of the Business

IMAX Corporation together with its consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an entertainment technology company specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies, whose principal activities are the:

 

    design, manufacture, sale and lease of proprietary theater systems for IMAX theaters principally owned and operated by commercial and institutional customers located in 57 countries as at December 31, 2013;

 

    production, digital re-mastering, post-production and/or distribution of certain films shown throughout the IMAX theater network;

 

    provision of other services to the IMAX theater network, including ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services for IMAX theater systems;

 

    operation of certain theaters primarily in the United States; and

 

    other activities, which includes short-term rental of cameras and aftermarket sales of projector system components.

The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters.”

The Company’s revenues from equipment and product sales include the sale and sales-type leasing of its theater systems and sales of their associated parts and accessories, contingent rentals on sales-type leases and contingent additional payments on sales transactions.

The Company’s revenues from services include the provision of maintenance and extended warranty services, digital re-mastering services, film production and film post-production services, film distribution, and the operation of certain theaters.

The Company’s rentals include revenues from the leasing of its theater systems that are operating leases, contingent rentals on operating leases, joint revenue sharing arrangements and the rental of the Company’s cameras and camera equipment.

The Company’s finance income represents interest income arising from the sales-type leases and financed sales of the Company’s theater systems.

The Company’s other revenues include the settlement of contractual obligations with customers.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(a) Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries which the Company has identified as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.

The Company has evaluated its various variable interests to determine whether they are VIEs as required by the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”). The Company has 9 film production companies that are VIEs. For 2 of the Company’s film production companies, the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of these entities as the Company has the power to direct the activities of the respective VIE that most significantly impact the respective VIE’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that

 

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could potentially be significant to the respective VIE or the right to receive benefits from the respective VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE. The Company continues to consolidate these entities, with no material impact on the operating results or financial condition of the Company, as these production companies have total assets of $nil (December 31, 2012 — $nil) and total liabilities of $nil as at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $nil). For the other 7 film production companies which are VIEs, the Company did not consolidate these film entities since it does not have the power to direct activities and does not absorb the majority of the expected losses or expected residual returns. The Company equity accounts for these entities. As at December 31, 2013, these 7 VIEs have total assets and total liabilities of $5.2 million (December 31, 2012 — $15.9 million). Earnings of the investees included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations amounted to $nil in 2013 (2012 — $nil). The carrying value of these investments in VIEs that are not consolidated is $nil at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $nil). A loss in value of an investment other than a temporary decline is recognized as a charge to the consolidated statement of operations. The Company’s exposure, which is determined based on the level of funding contributed by the Company and the development stage of the respective film, is $1.5 million at December 31, 2013 (2012 — $0.9 million).

The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”) and ASC 320 “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”), as appropriate. At December 31, 2013, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for an investment with a carrying value of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million). In 2013, the Company has contributed $1.4 million, net of its share of costs, to a new business venture. This venture is still in the early-stage of start-up. The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore these entities have not been consolidated. In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $1.5 million which meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under ASC 320 and is recorded at its fair value of $1.0 million at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $1.4 million). This investment is classified as an available-for-sale investment. In 2013, the Company invested $2.5 million in the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under ASC 325 – “Investments – Others” (“ASC 325”) and accrued $0.5 million pertaining to warrants related to the respective investment. The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is $5.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions, including all unrealized intercompany profits on transactions with equity-accounted investees, have been eliminated.

In 2013, the Company determined that the functional currency of one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had changed from the Company’s reporting currency to the currency of the nation is which it is domiciled. As a result, in accordance with the FASB ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters”, the adjustment attributable to the current-rate translation of non-monetary assets as of the date of the change was reported in other comprehensive income.

(b) Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to: selling prices associated with the individual elements in multiple element arrangements; residual values of leased theater systems; economic lives of leased assets; allowances for potential uncollectibility of accounts receivable, financing receivables and net investment in leases; provisions for inventory obsolescence; ultimate revenues for film assets; impairment provisions for film assets, long-lived assets and goodwill; depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment; useful lives of intangible assets; pension plan assumptions; accruals for contingencies including tax contingencies; valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets; and, estimates of the fair value of stock-based payment awards.

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments convertible to a known amount of cash and with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

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(d) Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivables

Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable are based on the Company’s assessment of the collectibility of specific customer balances, which is based upon a review of the customer’s credit worthiness, past collection history and the underlying asset value of the equipment, where applicable. Interest on overdue accounts receivable is recognized as income as the amounts are collected.

For trade accounts receivable that have characteristics of both a contractual maturity of one year or less, and arose from the sale of other goods or services, the Company charges off the balance against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is known that a provided amount will not be collected.

The Company monitors the performance of the theaters to which it has leased or sold theater systems which are subject to ongoing payments. When facts and circumstances indicate that there is a potential impairment in the net investment in lease or a financing receivable, the Company will evaluate the potential outcome of either renegotiations involving changes in the terms of the receivable or defaults on the existing lease or financed sale agreements. The Company will record a provision if it is considered probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the arrangement or a renegotiated lease amount will cause a reclassification of the sales-type lease to an operating lease.

When the net investment in lease or the financing receivable is impaired, the Company will recognize a provision for the difference between the carrying value in the investment and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted using the effective interest rate for the net investment in the lease or the financing receivable. If the Company expects to recover the theater system, the provision is equal to the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the equipment.

When the minimum lease payments are renegotiated and the lease continues to be classified as a sales-type lease, the reduction in payments is applied to reduce unearned finance income.

These provisions are adjusted when there is a significant change in the amount or timing of the expected future cash flows or when actual cash flows differ from cash flow previously expected.

Once a net investment in lease or financing receivable is considered impaired, the Company does not recognize interest income until the collectibility issues are resolved. When finance income is not recognized, any payments received are applied against outstanding gross minimum lease amounts receivable or gross receivables from financed sales. Once the collectability issues are resolved, the Company will once again commence the recognition of interest income.

(e) Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, determined on an average cost basis, and net realizable value except for raw materials, which are carried at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Finished goods and work-in-process include the cost of raw materials, direct labor, theater design costs, and an applicable share of manufacturing overhead costs.

The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. The costs related to theater systems under operating lease arrangements and joint revenue sharing arrangements are transferred from inventory to assets under construction in property, plant and equipment when allocated to a signed joint revenue sharing arrangement or when the arrangement is first classified as an operating lease.

The Company records provisions for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation, growth prospects within the customers’ ultimate marketplace and anticipated market acceptance of the Company’s current and pending theater systems.

Finished goods inventories can contain theater systems for which title has passed to the Company’s customer (as the theater system has been delivered to the customer) but the revenue recognition criteria as discussed in note 2(m) have not been met.

(f) Film Assets

Costs of producing films, including labor, allocated overhead, capitalized interest, and costs of acquiring film rights are recorded as film assets and accounted for in accordance with Entertainment-Films Topic of the FASB ASC. Production financing provided by third parties that acquire substantive rights in the film is recorded as a reduction of the cost of the production. Film assets are amortized and participation costs are accrued using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues

 

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bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues. Estimates of ultimate revenues are prepared on a title-by-title basis and reviewed regularly by management and revised where necessary to reflect the most current information. Ultimate revenues for films include estimates of revenue over a period not to exceed ten years following the date of initial release.

Film exploitation costs, including advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.

Costs, including labor and allocated overhead, of digitally re-mastering films where the copyright is owned by a third party and the Company shares in the revenue of the third party are included in film assets. These costs are amortized using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues from the re-mastered film.

The recoverability of film assets is dependent upon commercial acceptance of the films. If events or circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of a film asset is less than the unamortized film costs, the film asset is written down to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value of its film assets using a discounted cash flow model.

(g) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Theater system components (1)

           over the equipment’s anticipated useful life (7 to 20 years)

Camera equipment

           5 to 10 years

Buildings

           20 to 25 years

Office and production equipment

           3 to 5 years

Leasehold improvements

           over the shorter of the initial term of the underlying leases plus any reasonably assured renewal terms, and the useful life of the asset

 

(1) includes equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements.

Equipment and components allocated to be used in future operating leases and joint revenue sharing arrangements, as well as direct labor costs and an allocation of direct production costs, are included in assets under construction until such equipment is installed and in working condition, at which time the equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the joint revenue sharing arrangement and the equipment’s anticipated useful life.

The Company reviews the carrying values of its property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review of recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.

A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs are recognized in the period in which the liability and costs are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made using a discounted cash flow model. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and subsequently amortized over the asset’s useful life. The liability is accreted over the period to expected cash outflows.

 

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(h) Other Assets

Other assets include insurance recoverable, deferred charges on debt financing, deferred selling costs that are direct and incremental to the acquisition of sales contracts, foreign currency derivatives, lease incentives and investments in new business ventures.

Costs of debt financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective interest method.

Selling costs related to an arrangement incurred prior to recognition of the related revenue are deferred and expensed to costs and expenses applicable to revenues upon: (i) recognition of the contract’s theater system revenue; or (ii) abandonment of the sale arrangement.

Foreign currency derivatives are accounted for at fair value using quoted prices in closed exchanges (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy).

The Company may provide lease incentives to certain exhibitors which are essential to entering into the respective lease arrangement. Lease incentives include payments made to or on behalf of the exhibitor. These lease incentives are recognized as a reduction in rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Investments in new business ventures are accounted for using ASC 323 as described in note 2(a). The Company currently accounts for its 10.1% investment in 3net, a 3D television channel operated by a limited liability corporation owned by the Company and its joint venture investment with TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited, using the equity method of accounting. The Company accounts for in-kind contributions to its equity investment in accordance with ASC 845 “Non-Monetary Transactions” (“ASC 845”) whereby if the fair value of the asset or assets contributed is greater than the carrying value a partial gain shall be recognized.

The Company’s investment in debt securities is classified as an available-for-sale investment in accordance with ASC 320. Unrealized holding gains and losses for this investment is excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized. Realization occurs upon sale of a portion of or the entire investment. The investment is impaired if the fair value is less than cost, which is assessed in each reporting period. When the Company intends to sell a specifically identified beneficial interest, a write-down for other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings.

The Company’s investment in preferred shares, which meets the criteria for classification as an equity security in accordance with ASC 325, is accounted for at cost. The Company records the related warrants at fair value upon recognition date. Warrants are recognized over the term of the agreement.

(i) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of its reporting units and certain select quantitative calculations against its current long-range plan to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (Step 0). The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carry amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. When necessary, impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the fair value of each identifiable asset and liability in the reporting unit to the total fair value of the reporting unit. Any impairment loss is expensed in the consolidated statement of operations and is not reversed if the fair value subsequently increases.

 

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(j) Other Intangible Assets

Patents, trademarks and other intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 10 years except, for intangible assets that have an identifiable pattern of consumption of the economic benefit of the asset, which are amortized over the consumption pattern.

The Company reviews the carrying values of its other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.

(k) Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue represents cash received prior to revenue recognition criteria being met for theater system sales or leases, film contracts, maintenance and extended warranty services, film related services and film distribution.

(l) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the change is enacted. Investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.

The Company assesses realization of deferred income tax assets and, based on all available evidence, concludes whether it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount of deferred income tax assets not considered to be realizable.

The Company is subject to ongoing tax exposures, examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, the Company may incur additional tax expense based upon the outcomes of such matters. In addition, when applicable, the Company adjusts tax expense to reflect the Company’s ongoing assessments of such matters which require judgment and can materially increase or decrease its effective rate as well as impact operating results. The Company provides for such exposures in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC.

(m) Revenue Recognition

Multiple Element Arrangements

The Company’s revenue arrangements with certain customers may involve multiple elements consisting of a theater system (projector, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine); services associated with the theater system including theater design support, supervision of installation, and projectionist training; a license to use of the IMAX brand; 3D glasses; maintenance and extended warranty services; and licensing of films. The Company evaluates all elements in an arrangement to determine what are considered deliverables for accounting purposes and which of the deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on the applicable accounting guidance in the Leases Topic of the FASB ASC; the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC; the Entertainment – Films Topic of FASB ASC; and the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB. If separate units of accounting are either required under the relevant accounting standards or determined to be applicable under the Revenue Recognition Topic, the total consideration received or receivable in the arrangement is allocated based on the applicable guidance in the above noted standards.

 

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Theater Systems

The Company has identified the projection system, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine, theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and the use of the IMAX brand to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting (the “System Deliverable”). When an arrangement does not include all the elements of a System Deliverable, the elements of the System Deliverable included in the arrangement are considered by the Company to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting. The Company is not responsible for the physical installation of the equipment in the customer’s facility; however, the Company supervises the installation by the customer. The customer has the right to use the IMAX brand from the date the Company and the customer enter into an arrangement.

The Company’s System Deliverable arrangements involve either a lease or a sale of the theater system. Consideration for the System Deliverable, other than for those delivered pursuant to joint revenue sharing arrangements, consist of upfront or initial payments made before and after the final installation of the theater system equipment and ongoing payments throughout the term of the lease or over a period of time, as specified in the arrangement. The ongoing payments are the greater of an annual fixed minimum amount or a certain percentage of the theater box-office. Amounts received in excess of the annual fixed minimum amounts are considered contingent payments. The Company’s arrangements are non-cancellable, unless the Company fails to perform its obligations. In the absence of a material default by the Company, there is no right to any remedy for the customer under the Company’s arrangements. If a material default by the Company exists, the customer has the right to terminate the arrangement and seek a refund only if the customer provides notice to the Company of a material default and only if the Company does not cure the default within a specified period.

For arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2011, consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the unit’s relative selling prices. The Company uses vender-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. VSOE is established for the Company’s System Deliverable, maintenance and extended warranty services and film license arrangements. The Company uses a best estimate of selling price (BESP) for units of accounting that do not have VSOE or third party evidence of selling price. The Company determines BESP for a deliverable by considering multiple factors including the Company’s historical pricing practices, product class, market competition and geography.

Sales Arrangements

For arrangements qualifying as sales, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

The initial revenue recognized consists of the initial payments received and the present value of any future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments that have been attributed to this unit of accounting. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

The Company has also agreed, on occasion, to sell equipment under lease or at the end of a lease term. Consideration agreed to for these lease buyouts is included in revenues from equipment and product sales, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and title to the theater system passes from the Company to the customer.

Lease Arrangements

The Company uses the Leases Topic of FASB ASC to evaluate whether an arrangement is a lease within the scope of the accounting standard. Arrangements not within the scope of the accounting standard are accounted for either as a sales or services arrangement, as applicable.

 

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For lease arrangements, the Company determines the classification of the lease in accordance with the Lease Topic of FASB ASC. A lease arrangement that transfers substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to ownership of the equipment is classified as a sales-type lease based on the criteria established by the accounting standard; otherwise the lease is classified as an operating lease. Prior to commencement of the lease term for the equipment, the Company may modify certain payment terms or make concessions. If these circumstances occur, the Company reassesses the classification of the lease based on the modified terms and conditions.

For sales-type leases, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized when the lease term commences, which the Company deems to be when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of the written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

The initial revenue recognized for sales-type leases consists of the initial payments received and the present value of future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments computed at the interest rate implicit in the lease. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

For operating leases, initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For operating leases, the lease term is considered to commence when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements with upfront payments that qualify for classification as sales and sales-type leases are recognized in accordance with the sales and sales-type lease criteria discussed above. Contingent revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements are recognized as box-office results and concessions revenues are reported by the theater operator, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Finance Income

Finance income is recognized over the term of the sales-type lease or financed sales receivable, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Finance income recognition ceases when the Company determines that the associated receivable is not collectible.

Finance income is suspended when the Company identifies a theater that is delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once the collectability issues are resolved the Company will resume recognition of finance income.

Improvements and Modifications

Improvements and modifications to the theater system after installation are treated as separate revenue transactions, if and when the Company is requested to perform these services. Revenue is recognized for these services when the performance of the services has been completed, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Cost of Equipment and Product Sales

Theater systems and other equipment subject to sales-type leases and sales arrangements includes the cost of the equipment and costs related to project management, design, delivery and installation supervision services as applicable. The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. In addition, the Company defers direct selling costs such as sales commissions and other amounts related to these contracts until the related revenue is recognized. These costs included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales, totaled $2.5 million in 2013 (2012 – $2.7 million, 2011 – $2.4 million). The cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs was $35.0 million in 2013 (2012 – $34.8 million, 2011 – $36.3 million). The Company may have warranty obligations at or after the time revenue is recognized which require replacement of certain parts that do not affect the functionality of the theater system or services. The costs for warranty obligations for known issues are accrued as charges to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales at the time revenue is recognized based on the Company’s past historical experience and cost estimates.

 

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Cost of Rentals

For theater systems and other equipment subject to an operating lease or placed in a theater operators’ venue under a joint revenue sharing arrangement, the cost of equipment and those costs that result directly from and are essential to the arrangement, is included within property, plant and equipment. Depreciation and impairment losses, if any, are included in cost of rentals based on the accounting policy set out in note 2(g). Commissions are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals in the month they are earned, which is typically the month of installation. These costs totaled $1.9 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.5 million, 2011 — $2.3 million). Direct advertising and marketing costs for each theater are charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals as incurred. These costs totaled $1.7 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.9 million, 2011 — $3.2 million).

Terminations, Consensual Buyouts and Concessions

The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that contain customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater system. During the period of time between signing and the installation of the theater system, which may extend several years, certain customers may be unable to, or may elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the arrangement may be terminated under the default provisions of the arrangement or by mutual agreement between the Company and the customer (a “consensual buyout”). Terminations by default are situations when a customer does not meet the payment obligations under an arrangement and the Company retains the amounts paid by the customer. Under a consensual buyout, the Company and the customer agree, in writing, to a settlement and to release each other of any further obligations under the arrangement or an arbitrated settlement is reached. Any initial payments retained or additional payments received by the Company are recognized as revenue when the settlement arrangements are executed and the cash is received, respectively. These termination and consensual buyout amounts are recognized in Other revenues.

In addition, the Company could agree with customers to convert their obligations for other theater system configurations that have not yet been installed to arrangements to acquire or lease the IMAX digital theater system. The Company considers these situations to be a termination of the previous arrangement and origination of a new arrangement for the IMAX digital theater system. For all arrangements entered into or modified prior to the date of adoption of the amended FASB ASC 605-25, the Company continues to defer an amount of any initial fees received from the customer such that the aggregate of the fees deferred and the net present value of the future fixed initial and ongoing payments to be received from the customer equals the selling price of the IMAX digital theater system to be leased or acquired by the customer. Any residual portion of the initial fees received from the customer for the terminated theater system is recorded in other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed. Under the amended FASB ASC 605-25, for all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption, the total arrangement consideration to be received is allocated on a relative selling price basis to the digital upgrade and the termination of the previous theater system. The arrangement consideration allocated to the termination of the existing arrangement is recorded in Other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed.

The Company may offer certain incentives to customers to complete theater system transactions including payment concessions or free services and products such as film licenses or 3D glasses. Reductions in, and deferral of, payments are taken into account in determining the sales price either by a direct reduction in the sales price or a reduction of payments to be discounted in accordance with the Leases or Interests Topic of the FASB ASC. Free products and services are accounted for as separate units of accounting. Other consideration given by the Company to customers are accounted for in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC.

Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services

Maintenance and extended warranty services may be provided under a multiple element arrangement or as a separately priced contract. Revenues related to these services are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period and are recognized in Services revenues. Maintenance and extended warranty services includes maintenance of the customer’s equipment and replacement parts. Under certain maintenance arrangements, maintenance services may include additional training services to the customer’s technicians. All costs associated with this maintenance and extended warranty program are expensed as incurred. A loss on maintenance and extended warranty services is recognized if the expected cost of providing the services under the contracts exceeds the related deferred revenue.

 

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Film Production and IMAX DMR Services

In certain film arrangements, the Company produces a film financed by third parties whereby the third party retains the copyright and the Company obtains exclusive distribution rights. Under these arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive a fixed fee or to retain as a fee the excess of funding over cost of production (the “production fee”). The third parties receive a portion of the revenues received by the Company from distributing the film, which is charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services. The production fees are deferred, and recognized as a reduction in the cost of the film based on the ratio of the Company’s distribution revenues recognized in the current period to the ultimate distribution revenues expected from the film. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing totaled $4.2 million in 2013 (2012 — $3.3 million, 2011 — $3.8 million) and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred.

Revenue from film production services where the Company does not hold the associated distribution rights are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contractual service is complete, provided there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Revenues from digitally re-mastering (IMAX DMR) films where third parties own or hold the copyrights and the rights to distribute the film are derived in the form of processing fees and recoupments calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts generated from the re-mastered films. Processing fees are recognized as Services revenues when the performance of the related re-mastering service is completed provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Recoupments, calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts, are recognized as Services revenue when box-office receipts are reported by the third party that owns or holds the related film rights, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.

Losses on film production and IMAX DMR services are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services in the period when it is determined that the Company’s estimate of total revenues to be realized by the Company will not exceed estimated total production costs to be expended on the film production and the cost of IMAX DMR services.

Film Distribution

Revenue from the licensing of films is recognized in Services revenues when persuasive evidence of a licensing arrangement exists, the film has been completed and delivered, the license period has begun, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. When license fees are based on a percentage of box-office receipts, revenue is recognized when box-office receipts are reported by exhibitors, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing, totaled $0.4 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.5 million, 2011 — $1.9 million) and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred.

Film Post-Production Services

Revenues from post-production film services are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contracted services is complete provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Other

The Company recognizes revenue in Services revenues from its owned and operated theaters resulting from box-office ticket and concession sales as tickets are sold, films are shown and upon the sale of various concessions. The sales are cash or credit card transactions with theatergoers based on fixed prices per seat or per concession item.

In addition, the Company enters into commercial arrangements with third party theater owners resulting in the sharing of profits and losses which are recognized in Services revenues when reported by such theaters. The Company also provides management services to certain theaters and recognizes revenue over the term of such services.

Revenues on camera rentals are recognized in Rental revenues over the rental period.

Revenue from the sale of 3D glasses is recognized in Equipment and product sales revenue when the 3D glasses have been delivered to the customer.

 

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Other service revenues are recognized in Service revenues when the performance of contracted services is complete.

(n) Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and primarily include projector and sound parts, labor, consulting fees, allocation of overheads and other related materials which pertain to the Company’s development of ongoing product and services. Research and development costs pertaining to fixed and intangible assets that have alternative future uses are capitalized and amortized under their related policies.

(o) Foreign Currency Translation

Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations which are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense transactions are translated at exchange rates prevalent at the transaction date. In 2013, the Company determined that the functional currency of one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had changed from the Company’s reporting currency to the currency of the nation in which it is domiciled. As a result, in accordance with the FASB ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters”, the adjustment attributable to current-rate translation of non-monetary assets as of the date of the change was reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The functional currency of its other wholly-owned subsidiaries continues to be the United States dollar. Such exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of earnings in the period in which they arise.

Foreign currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations.

(p) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation generally includes stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). Stock-based compensation is recognized in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 505, “Equity” and Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.”

The Company estimates the fair value of stock option and SAR awards on the date of grant using fair value measurement techniques such as an option-pricing model. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the employee award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock option and SAR awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the Binomial Model best provides a fair measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options. See note 14(c) for the assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards.

Stock-based compensation expense includes compensation cost for employee stock-based payment awards granted and all modified, repurchased or cancelled employee awards. In addition, compensation expense includes the compensation cost, based on the grant-date fair value calculated for pro forma disclosures under ASC 718-10-55, for the portion of awards for which required service had not been rendered that were outstanding. Compensation expense for these employee awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Codification requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if subsequent information indicates that the actual forfeitures are likely to be different from previous estimates. The Company utilizes the market yield on U.S. treasury securities (also known as nominal rate) over the contractual term of the instrument being issued.

 

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Stock Options

As the Company stratifies its employees into homogeneous groups in order to calculate fair value under the Binomial Model, ranges of assumptions used are presented for expected option life and annual termination probability. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model; various groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected volatility rate is estimated based on a blended volatility method which takes into consideration the Company’s historical share price volatility, the Company’s implied volatility which is implied by the observed current market prices of the Company’s traded options and the Company’s peer group volatility. The Company utilizes an expected term method to determine expected option life based on such data as vesting periods of awards, historical data that includes past exercise and post-vesting cancellations and stock price history.

The Company’s policy is to issue new shares from treasury to satisfy stock options which are exercised.

Restricted Share Units

The Company’s RSUs have been classified as equity in accordance with Topic 505. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Company’s SARs have been classified as liabilities in accordance with Topic 505. The Company utilizes the Binomial Model to determine the value of these instruments settleable in cash.

Awards to Non-Employees

Stock-based awards for services provided by non-employees are accounted for based on the fair value of the services received or the stock-based award, whichever is more reliably determinable. If the fair value of the stock-based award is used, the fair value is measured at the date of the award and remeasured until the earlier of the date that the Company has a performance commitment from the non-employees, the date performance is completed, or the date the awards vest.

(q) Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). As the Company’s SERP is unfunded, as at December 31, 2013, a liability is recognized for the projected benefit obligation.

Assumptions used in computing the defined benefit obligations are reviewed annually by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost. Prior service costs resulting from the pension plan inception or amendments are amortized over the expected future service life of the employees, cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employees, and current service costs are expensed when earned. The remaining weighted average future service life of the employee used in computing the defined benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 3.0 years.

For defined contribution pension plans, required contributions by the Company are recorded as an expense.

A liability is recognized for the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation of the postretirement benefits plan. Assumptions used in computing the accumulated benefit obligation are reviewed by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Current service cost is recognized as incurred and actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost.

 

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(r) Guarantees

The FASB ASC Guarantees Topic requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of certain guarantees. Disclosures as required under the accounting guidance have been included in note 13(i).

3. New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes

Adoption of New Accounting Policies

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2013-01”). The purpose of the amendment is to address implementation issues about the scope of FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210) - Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” “(ASU 2011-11”). ASU 2011-11 and ASU 2013-01 were issued in an effort to provide greater comparability within disclosures between entities reporting in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that have offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities. Entities will be required to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. An entity is required to apply the amendments in ASU 2013-01 for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. It is to be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). The amendments in ASU 2013-02 require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. For public entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, “Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2013-10”). The amendments in ASU 2013-10 are to permit the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to U.S. government (UST) and London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The amendment also removes the restriction of using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. For public entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company adopted the amended standard on July 17, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued FASB Accounting Standard Codification Updates

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date” (“ASU 2013-04”). The purpose of ASU 2013-04 is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors, as well as the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an

 

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Investment in a Foreign Entity” (“ASU 2013-05”). The purpose of ASU 2013-05 is to resolve the diversity in practice in relation to the treatment of the release of cumulative translation adjustments (“CTA”) upon sale (in full or part) of a foreign investment. It applies to the release of the CTA into net income when a parent either sells a part of all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.

In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205): Liquidation Basis of Accounting” (“ASU 2013-07”). The amendments of ASU 2013-07 require an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent and to present relevant information about an entity’s expected resources in liquidation by measuring and presenting assets at the amount of the expected cash proceeds from liquidation. The amendments are effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. Standards should be applied prospectively from the day liquidation becomes imminent. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2013-11”). The amendments of ASU 2013-11 provide entities with guidance of how to present a provision for uncertain tax positions in the financial statements when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.

In December 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-12, “Definition of a Public Business Entity” (“ASU 2013-12”). The amendments of ASU 2013-12 provide entities with a single definition of a Public Business Entity for use in future financial accounting and reporting guidance in 2014 and onwards. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.

 

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4. Lease Arrangements

(a) General Terms of Lease Arrangements

A number of the Company’s leases are classified as sales-type leases. Certain arrangements that are legal sales are also classified as sales-type leases as certain clauses within the arrangements limit transfer of title or provide the Company with conditional rights to the system. The customer’s rights under the Company’s lease arrangements are described in note 2(m). The Company classifies its lease arrangements at inception of the arrangement and, if required, after a modification of the lease arrangement, to determine whether they are sales-type leases or operating leases. Under the Company’s lease arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company’s lease portfolio terms are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 20 years with renewal provisions from inception. Except for those sales arrangements that are classified as sales-type leases, the Company’s leases generally do not contain an automatic transfer of title at the end of the lease term. The Company’s lease arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the lease term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty generally after the first year of the lease until the end of the lease term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement’s shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company.

The Company has assessed the nature of its joint revenue sharing arrangements and concluded that, based on the guidance in the Revenue Recognition Topic of the ASC, the arrangements contain a lease. Under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 13 years with renewal provisions. Title to equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements does not transfer to the customer. The Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty throughout the term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement’s shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company.

 

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(b) Financing Receivables

Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales of theater systems are as follows:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Gross minimum lease payments receivable

   $ 17,475     $ 18,880  

Unearned finance income

     (3,052     (4,705
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Minimum lease payments receivable

     14,423       14,175  

Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts

     (806     (1,130
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment in leases

     13,617       13,045  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross financed sales receivables

     129,398       114,492  

Unearned finance income

     (35,669     (33,278
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financed sales receivables

     93,729       81,214  

Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts

     (236     (66
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net financed sales receivables

     93,493       81,148  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financing receivables

   $ 107,110     $ 94,193  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net financed sales receivables due within one year

   $ 17,335     $ 10,482  

Net financed sales receivables due after one year

   $ 76,158     $ 70,666  

In 2013, the financed sales receivables had a weighted average effective interest rate of 9.8% (2012 — 8.7%).

(c) Contingent Fees

Contingent fees that meet the Company’s revenue recognition policy, from customers under various arrangements, have been reported in revenue as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Sales

   $ 2,493      $ 1,797      $ 976  

Sales-type leases

     184        308        517  

Operating leases

     1,009        930        1,232  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal - sales, sales-type leases and operating leases

     3,686        3,035        2,725  

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     64,130        57,526        30,764  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 67,816      $ 60,561      $ 33,489  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(d) Future Minimum Rental Payments

Future minimum rental payments receivable from operating and sales-type leases at December 31, 2013, for each of the next five years are as follows:

 

     Operating Leases      Sales-Type Leases  

2014

   $ 2,075      $ 3,000  

2015

     1,637        2,215  

2016

     1,180        2,011  

2017

     1,121        1,700  

2018

     1,442        1,600  

Thereafter

     4,560        5,448  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,015      $ 15,974  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Total future minimum rental payments receivable from sales-type leases at December 31, 2013 exclude $1.5 million which represents amounts billed but not yet received.

5. Inventories

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Raw materials

   $ 4,321      $ 5,424  

Work-in-process

     500        338  

Finished goods

     5,004        10,032  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,825      $ 15,794  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2013, finished goods inventory for which title had passed to the customer and revenue was deferred amounted to $1.7 million (December 31, 2012 — $6.8 million). In 2013, the Company recognized revenue for 10 systems under a xenon-based digital upgrade sale arrangement which were previously installed but for which revenue recognition was deferred. Upon recognition of these 10 theater systems, the Company’s finished goods inventory decreased by $3.4 million from December 31, 2012.

Inventories at December 31, 2013 include write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of net realizable value considering future events and conditions of $4.0 million (December 31, 2012 — $4.4 million).

6. Film Assets

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of

$84,363(2012 —$67,363)

   $ 5,583      $ 2,959  

Films in production

     750        380  

Films in development

     743        398  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,076      $ 3,737  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company expects to amortize film costs of $5.0 million for released films within three years from December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million), including $3.0 million, which reflects the portion of the costs of the Company’s completed films that are expected to be amortized within the next year. The amount of participation payments to third parties related to these films that the Company expects to pay during 2014, which is included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2013, is $3.6 million (2012 — $5.8 million).

 

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7. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

     As at December 31, 2013  
   Cost      Accumulated
Depreciation
     Net Book
Value
 
        

Equipment leased or held for use

        

Theater system components(1)(2)(3)(4)

   $ 158,192      $ 51,537      $ 106,655  

Camera equipment(7)

     4,591        2,736        1,855  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     162,783        54,273        108,510  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets under construction(5)

     8,055        —          8,055  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other property, plant and equipment

        

Land

     1,593        —          1,593  

Buildings

     15,832        10,410        5,422  

Office and production equipment(6)

     27,190        18,707        8,483  

Leasehold improvements

     9,884        9,100        784  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     54,499        38,217        16,282  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 225,337      $ 92,490      $ 132,847  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As at December 31, 2012  
     Cost      Accumulated
Depreciation
     Net Book
Value
 
        

Equipment leased or held for use

        

Theater system components(1)(2)(3)

   $ 131,240      $ 39,140      $ 92,100  

Camera equipment(7)

     4,668        4,306        362  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     135,908        43,446        92,462  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets under construction(5)

     6,910        —          6,910  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other property, plant and equipment

        

Land

     1,593        —          1,593  

Buildings

     15,242        9,864        5,378  

Office and production equipment(6)

     25,777        19,779        5,998  

Leasehold improvements

     9,734        8,465        1,269  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     52,346        38,108        14,238  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 195,164      $ 81,554      $ 113,610  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $14.3 million (2012 — $8.1 million) and accumulated depreciation of $8.6 million (2012 — $7.3 million) that are leased to customers under operating leases.
(2) Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $138.1 million (2012 — $118.5 million) and accumulated depreciation of $38.4 million (2012 — $29.2 million) that are used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
(3) In 2013 and 2012, the Company identified and wrote off less than $0.1 million and $10.6 million, respectively of theater system components that are no longer in use and fully amortized.
(4) During 2013, the Company signed an amending agreement governing one of its joint revenue sharing arrangements which increased the length of the term for all IMAX theater systems under that arrangement from 10 to 13 years. As a result, the Company adjusted the estimated useful life of its IMAX digital projection systems in use for those joint revenue sharing theaters, on a prospective basis, to reflect the change in term from 10 years to 13 years. This has resulted in decreased depreciation expense of $0.7 million in 2013 and $1.4 million in each of the next 5 years as the theater systems will now be depreciated over a longer estimated useful life.

 

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(5) Included in assets under construction are components with costs of $4.8 million (2012 — $4.1 million) that will be utilized to construct assets to be used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
(6) Fully amortized office and production equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2013, the Company identified and wrote off $0.3 million of office and production equipment that is no longer in use.
(7) Fully amortized camera equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2013 and 2012, the Company identified and wrote off $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively of camera equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.

8. Other Assets

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Insurance recoverable (note 13)

   $ 11,094      $ 11,474  

Lease incentives provided to theaters

     5,172        4,554  

Investment in new business ventures

     5,380        1,350  

Commissions and other deferred selling expenses

     2,586        2,645  

Deferred charges on debt financing

     2,218        569  

Equity-accounted investments

     404        3,074  

Foreign currency derivatives

     —          297  

Other

     180        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 27,034      $ 23,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

9. Income Taxes

(a) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes by tax jurisdiction are comprised of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Canada

   $ 51,593     $ 55,477     $ 23,023  

United States

     678       3,148       9,510  

China

     12,012       (476     (5,722

Other

     (473     141       388  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 63,810     $ 58,290     $ 27,199  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(b) The provision for income taxes related to income from continuing operations is comprised of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Current:

      

Canada

   $ (1,068   $ (370   $ (1,174

United States

     (144     15        (125

China

     (2,317     —          —     

Other

     (201     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (3,730     (355     (1,299
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:(1)

  

 

Canada

     (13,148     (14,441     (8,586

United States

     214        (420     (838

China

     (252     137        1,430   

Other

     337       —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (12,899     (14,724     (7,994
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (16,629   $ (15,079   $ (9,293
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(1) For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company has decreased the valuation allowance by $1.4 million (2012 - $0.1 million increase) relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards, of which $0.3 million was recorded to deferred income tax expense and $1.0 million was recorded to share capital. Also included in the provision for income taxes is the deferred tax related to amounts recorded in and reclassified from other comprehensive income in the year of $0.6 million.

(c) The provision for income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount that would have resulted by applying the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rates to earnings due to the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Income tax provision at combined statutory rates

   $ (16,914   $ (15,447   $ (7,684

Adjustments resulting from:

      

Non-deductible stock based compensation

     (2,603     (3,166     (2,752

Other non-deductible/non-includable items

     (341     12       (246

Decrease in valuation allowance relating to current year temporary differences

     341       43       1,506  

Withholding and other taxes

     (891     (1,095     (895

Changes to tax reserves

     84       833       99  

U.S. federal and state taxes

     (144     45       (345

Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions

     918       (56     (916

Impact of changes in future enacted tax rates on current year temporary differences

     —         —         (521

Carryforward of investment and other tax credits (non-refundable)

     1,932       2,463       1,526  

Effect of changes in legislation relating to enacted tax rate increases

     —         494       —    

Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments

     11       483       226  

Tax effect of loss from equity-accounted investments

     1,040       463       642  

Other

     (62     (151     67  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes, as reported

   $ (16,629   $ (15,079   $ (9,293
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(d) The net deferred income tax asset is comprised of the following:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 15,377     $ 15,475  

Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards

     6,615       6,101  

Write-downs of other assets

     —         690  

Excess tax over accounting basis in property, plant and equipment and inventories

     (852     14,020  

Accrued pension liability

     5,287       6,615  

Other accrued reserves

     4,138       2,340  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred income tax assets

     30,565       45,241  

Income recognition on net investment in leases

     (1,552     (2,667
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     29,013       42,574  

Valuation allowance

     (4,754     (6,113
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax asset

   $ 24,259     $ 36,461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The gross deferred tax assets include a liability of less than $0.1 million relating to the remaining tax effect resulting from the Company’s defined benefit pension plan, the related actuarial gains and losses, unrealized net gains on cash flow hedging instruments and the unrealized change in market value of available-for-sale investments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Company has not provided Canadian taxes on cumulative earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies that have been reinvested indefinitely. Taxes are provided for earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies when the Company determines that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested.

(e) Estimated net operating loss carryforwards and estimated tax credit carryforwards expire as follows:

 

     Investment Tax
Credits and
Other

Tax Credit
Carryforwards
     Net Operating
Loss
Carryforwards
 

2014

   $ —         $ 11  

2015

     —          20  

2016

     —        

2017

     —           —     

2018

     —           —     

Thereafter

     8,276        49,381  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 8,276      $ 49,412  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Estimated net operating loss carryforwards can be carried forward to reduce taxable income through to 2033. Investment tax credits and other tax credits can be carried forward to reduce income taxes payable through to 2033.

As at December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $14.8 million of U.S. consolidated federal net operating loss carryforwards and certain other state tax net loss carryforwards. Realization of some or all of the benefit from these U.S. net tax operating losses is dependent on the absence of certain “ownership changes” of the Company’s common shares. An “ownership change,” as defined in the applicable federal income tax rules, would place possible limitations, on an annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses to offset any future taxable income that the Company may generate. Such limitations, in conjunction with the net operating loss expiration provisions, could significantly reduce or effectively eliminate the Company’s ability to use its U.S. net operating losses to offset any future taxable income.

(f) Valuation allowance

The provision for income taxes in the year ended December 31, 2013 includes a net income tax recovery of $0.3 million (2012 - $0.1 million provision) in continuing operations related to a decrease in the valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets and other tax adjustments. In 2013, the Company reversed $1.4 million in valuation allowance relating to current period deductible temporary differences and loss carryforwards, of which $0.3 million was included in the provision for income taxes and $1.0 million was included directly to shareholders’ equity. During the year ended December 31, 2013, after considering all available evidence, both positive (including recent and historical profits, projected future profitability, backlog, carryforward periods for utilization of net operating loss carryovers and tax credits, discretionary deductions and other factors) and negative (including cumulative losses in past years and other factors), it was concluded that the valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets should be reversed by approximately $1.4 million (2012 - $0.1 million increase). The remaining $4.8 million (2012 - $6.1 million) balance in the valuation allowance as at December 31, 2013 is primarily attributable to certain U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryovers and federal tax credits that may expire unutilized. If the remaining $14.8 million in U.S. consolidated federal tax net operating loss carryforwards are realized in a future period, the related $4.0 million valuation allowance release will be recorded against Other Equity.

 

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(g) Uncertain tax positions

In connection with the Company’s adoption of FIN 48, as of January 1, 2007, the Company recorded a net increase to its deficit of $2.1 million (including approximately $0.9 million related to accrued interest and penalties) related to the measurement of potential international withholding tax requirements and a decrease in reserves for income taxes. As at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties) of $2.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for international withholding taxes. All of the unrecognized tax benefits could impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could differ from the Company’s accrued position. Accordingly, additional provisions on federal, provincial, state and foreign tax-related matters could be recorded in the future as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) for the years ended December 31, is as follows:

 

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)    2013     2012     2011  

Balance at beginning of the year

   $ 2,286     $ 3,119     $ 3,219  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     210        392       404  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     —          —          16  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     —          (77     —     

Settlements

     —          (38     —    

Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices

     (294     (1,110     (520
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 2,202     $ 2,286     $ 3,119  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consistent with its historical financial reporting, the Company has elected to classify interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, as part of the interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations rather than income tax expense. The Company recovered less than $0.1 million in potential interest and penalties associated with its provision for uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $0.8 million recovery, 2011 - $0.1 million expense).

The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions include Canada, the province of Ontario, the United States (including multiple states) and China.

The Company’s 2008 through 2013 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes, and the 2006 through 2013 tax years remain subject to examination by the appropriate governmental agencies for Canadian federal tax purposes. There are other on-going audits in various other jurisdictions that are not material to the financial statements.

(h) Income Tax Effect on Comprehensive Income

The income tax (expense) benefit related to the following items included in other comprehensive income are:

 

     2013     2012     2011  

Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit plan

   $ (114   $ (91   $ (53

Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on defined benefit plan

     (588     285       145  

Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan

     (100     —         —    

Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans

     43        33       58  

Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment

     —         (19     —    

Change in market value of available-for-sale investment

     45       (42     61  

Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments

     264       (185     45  

Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement

     (80     62       190  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     26       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (504   $ 43     $ 446  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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10. Other Intangible Assets

 

     As at December 31, 2013  
     Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Book
Value
 
        

Patents and trademarks

   $ 8,774      $ 5,741      $ 3,033  

Licenses and intellectual property

     19,950        3,260        16,690  

Other

     8,843        821        8,022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 37,567      $ 9,822      $ 27,745  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As at December 31, 2012  
   Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Book
Value
 
        

Patents and trademarks

   $ 8,499      $ 5,670      $ 2,829  

Licenses and intellectual property

     19,790        1,730        18,060  

Other

     7,022        —          7,022  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 35,311      $ 7,400      $ 27,911  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other intangible assets of $8.8 million are comprised mainly of the Company’s investment in a new enterprise resource planning system, which the Company started amortizing on January 1, 2013. Fully amortized other intangible assets are still in use by the Company. In 2013, the Company identified and wrote off $0.1 million of patents and trademarks that are no longer in use.

During 2013, the Company acquired $2.5 million in other intangible assets. The net book value of these other intangible assets was $2.1 million as at December 31, 2013. The weighted average amortization period for these additions is 10 years.

During 2013, the Company incurred costs of $0.1 million to renew or extend the term of acquired patents and trademarks which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses (2012 - $0.1 million).

The estimated amortization expense for each of the years ended December 31, are as follows:

 

2014

   $ 2,854  

2015

     2,814  

2016

     2,624  

2017

     2,624  

2018

     2,624  

 

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11. Credit Facility

On February 7, 2013, the Company amended and restated the terms of its existing senior secured credit facility (the “Prior Credit Facility”). The amended and restated facility (the “Credit Facility”), with a scheduled maturity of February 7, 2018, has a maximum borrowing capacity of $200.0 million. The Prior Credit Facility had a maximum borrowing capacity of $110.0 million. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries serve as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the present and future assets of the Company and the Guarantors.

The terms of the Credit Facility are set forth in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), dated February 7, 2013, among the Company, the Guarantors, the lenders named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as agent and issuing lender (Wells Fargo, together with the lenders named therein, the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner and in various collateral and security documents entered into by the Company and the Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors has also entered into a guarantee in respect of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility permits the Company to undertake up to $150.0 million in stock buybacks and dividends, provided certain covenants in the Credit Agreement are maintained. In the event that the Company undertakes stock buybacks or makes dividend payments, any amounts outstanding under the revolving portion of the Credit Facility up to the first $75.0 million of any such stock buybacks and dividend payments will be converted to a term loan.

The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at (i) LIBOR plus a margin of (a) 1.50%, 1.75% or 2.00% depending on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum, or (ii) Wells Fargo’s prime rate plus a margin of 0.50% per annum. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay a Commitment Fee (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum of between 0.25% and 0.50% of the unused portion of the Credit Facility, depending on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio. Term loans, if any, under the Credit Facility must be repaid under a 5-year straight line amortization, with a balloon payment due at maturity. The Company is required to provide an interest rate hedge for 50% of any term loans outstanding after January 1, 2015. Under the Credit Facility, the effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 for the revolving loan portion was 2.41%. Under the Prior Credit Facility, the effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 2.42%.

The Credit Facility provides that the Company will be required to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 1.1:1. The Company will also be required to maintain minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $80.0 million on December 31, 2013, which increases to $90.0 million on December 31, 2014, and $100.0 million on December 31, 2015. The Company must also maintain a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 2.25:1 on December 31, 2013, which requirement decreases to 2.0:1 on December 31, 2014, and 1.75:1 on December 31, 2015. The Company was in compliance with all of these requirements at December 31, 2013.

The Credit Facility contains typical affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the ability of the Company and the guarantors to: incur certain additional indebtedness; make certain loans, investments or guarantees; pay dividends; make certain asset sales; incur certain liens or other encumbrances; conduct certain transactions with affiliates and enter into certain corporate transactions.

The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default, including upon an acquisition or change of control or upon a change in the business and assets of the Company or a Guarantor that in each case is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or a Guarantor. If an event of default occurs and is continuing under the Credit Facility, the Lenders may, among other things, terminate their commitments and require immediate repayment of all amounts owed by the Company.

Bank indebtedness includes the following:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Revolving Term Loan

   $ —         $ 11,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total amounts drawn and available under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2013 were $nil and $200.0 million, respectively (December 31, 2012 — $11.0 million and $99.0 million, respectively).

 

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As at December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2012 — $nil), under the Credit Facility.

Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Facility

Under the New Credit Facility, the Company is able to purchase foreign currency forward contracts and/or other swap arrangements. The settlement risk on its foreign currency forward contracts was $0.4 million at December 31, 2013 as the notional value exceeded the fair value of the forward contracts. As at December 31, 2013, the Company has $23.6 million of such arrangements outstanding.

Bank of Montreal Facilities

As at December 31, 2013, the Company has available a $10.0 million facility (December 31, 2012 — $10.0 million) with the Bank of Montreal for use solely in conjunction with the issuance of performance guarantees and letters of credit fully insured by EDC (the “Bank of Montreal Facility”). As at December 31, 2013, the Company has letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding of $0.3 million (2012 — $0.9 million) under the Bank of Montreal Facility.

12. Commitments

(a) The Company’s lease commitments consist of rent and equipment under operating leases. The Company accounts for any incentives provided over the term of the lease. Total minimum annual rental payments to be made by the Company as at December 31, 2013 for each of the years ended December 31, are as follows:

 

     Operating Leases      Capital Leases  

2014

   $ 6,454      $ 2  

2015

     1,537        —    

2016

     695        —    

2017

     533        —    

2018

     533        —    

Thereafter

     314        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 10,066      $ 2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Rent expense was $6.5 million for 2013 (2012 — $6.2 million, 2011 — $4.9 million) net of sublease rental of $nil (2012 —$nil, 2011 — less than $0.1 million).

Recorded in the accrued liabilities balance as at December 31, 2013 is $1.7 million (December 31, 2012 — $2.4 million) related to accrued rent and lease inducements being recognized as an offset to rent expense over the term of the respective leases.

Purchase obligations under long-term supplier contracts as at December 31, 2013 were $11.8 million (December 31, 2012 — $12.1 million).

(b) As at December 31, 2013 the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2012 — $nil), under the Credit Facility. As at December 31, 2013 the Company had letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding of $0.3 million as compared to $0.9 million as at December 31, 2012, under the Bank of Montreal Facility.

(c) The Company compensates its sales force with both fixed and variable compensation. Commissions on the sale or lease of the Company’s theater systems are payable in graduated amounts from the time of collection of the customer’s first payment to the Company up to the collection of the customer’s last initial payment. At December 31, 2013, $1.5 million (December 31, 2012—$1.8 million) of commissions have been accrued and will be payable in future periods.

 

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13. Contingencies and Guarantees

The Company is involved in lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, including those identified below, which arise in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the FASB ASC, the Company will make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes it has adequate provisions for any such matters. The Company reviews these provisions in conjunction with any related provisions on assets related to the claims at least quarterly and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other pertinent information related to the case. Should developments in any of these matters outlined below cause a change in the Company’s determination as to an unfavorable outcome and result in the need to recognize a material provision, or, should any of these matters result in a final adverse judgment or be settled for significant amounts, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, and financial position in the period or periods in which such a change in determination, settlement or judgment occurs.

The Company expenses legal costs relating to its lawsuits, claims and proceedings as incurred.

(a) In March 2005, the Company, together with Three-Dimensional Media Group, Ltd. (“3DMG”), filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division, against In-Three, Inc. (“In-Three”) alleging patent infringement. On March 10, 2006, the Company and In-Three entered into a settlement agreement settling the dispute between the Company and In-Three. Despite the settlement reached between the Company and In-Three, co-plaintiff 3DMG refused to dismiss its claims against In-Three. Accordingly, the Company and In-Three moved jointly for a motion to dismiss the Company’s and In-Three’s claims. On August 24, 2010, the Court dismissed all of the claims pending between the Company and In-Three, thus dismissing the Company from the litigation.

On May 15, 2006, the Company initiated arbitration against 3DMG before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in New York (the “ICDR”), alleging breaches of the license and consulting agreements between the Company and 3DMG. On June 15, 2006, 3DMG filed an answer denying any breaches and asserting counterclaims that the Company breached the parties’ license agreement. On June 21, 2007, the ICDR unanimously denied 3DMG’s Motion for Summary Judgment filed on April 11, 2007 concerning the Company’s claims and 3DMG’s counterclaims. The proceeding was suspended on May 4, 2009 due to failure of 3DMG to pay fees associated with the proceeding. The proceeding was further suspended on October 11, 2010 pending resolution of reexamination proceedings currently pending involving one of 3DMG’s patents. The Company will continue to pursue its claims vigorously and believes that all allegations made by 3DMG are without merit. The Company further believes that the amount of loss, if any, suffered in connection with the counterclaims would 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 the arbitration.

(b) In January 2004, the Company and IMAX Theatre Services Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, commenced an arbitration seeking damages before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chambers of Commerce (the “ICC”) with respect to the breach by Electronic Media Limited (“EML”) of its December 2000 agreement with the Company. In June 2004, the Company commenced a related arbitration before the ICC against EML’s affiliate, E-City Entertainment (I) PVT Limited (“E-City”), seeking damages as a result of E-City’s breach of a September 2000 lease agreement. An arbitration hearing took place in November 2005 against E-City which considered all claims by the Company. On February 1, 2006, the ICC issued an award on liability finding unanimously in the Company’s favor on all claims. Further hearings took place in July 2006 and December 2006. On August 24, 2007, the ICC issued an award unanimously in favor of the Company in the amount of $9.4 million, consisting of past and future rents owed to the Company under its lease agreements, plus interest and costs. In the award, the ICC upheld the validity and enforceability of the Company’s theater system contract. The Company thereafter submitted its application to the arbitration panel for interest and costs. On March 27, 2008, the arbitration panel issued a final award in favor of the Company in the amount of $11.3 million, plus an additional $2,512 each day in interest from October 1, 2007 until the date the award is paid, which the Company is seeking to enforce and collect in full. In July 2008, E-City commenced a proceeding in Mumbai, India seeking an order that the ICC award may not be recognized in India. The Company has opposed that application on a number of grounds and seeks to have the ICC award recognized in India. On June 24, 2011, the Company commenced an application to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for recognition of the final award. On December 2, 2011, the Ontario court issued an order recognizing the final award and requiring E-City to pay the Company $30,000 to cover the costs of the application. On January 18, 2012, the Company filed an application in New York State Supreme Court seeking recognition of the Ontario order in New York. On April 11, 2012, the New York court issued an order granting the Company’s application leading to an entry of $15.5 million judgment in favor of the Company on May 4, 2012. On January 30, 2013, the Company filed an action in the New York Supreme Court seeking to collect the amount due under the New York judgment from certain entities and individuals affiliated with E-City. On June 13, 2013, the Bombay High Court ruled that it has jurisdiction over the proceeding but on November 19, 2013, the Supreme Court of India stayed proceedings in the High Court pending Supreme Court review of the High Court’s ruling. The defendants in the New York action have answered and objected to the Company’s petition, and they have moved to dismiss for improper service of process. The New York Court heard oral arguments on August 20, 2013 and has taken the matter under advisement.

 

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(c) The Company and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in eight purported class action lawsuits filed between August 11, 2006 and September 18, 2006, alleging violations of U.S. federal securities laws. These eight actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”). On January 18, 2007, the Court consolidated all eight class action lawsuits and appointed Westchester Capital Management, Inc. as the lead plaintiff and Abbey Spanier Rodd & Abrams, LLP as lead plaintiff’s counsel. On October 2, 2007, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint. The amended complaint, brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ between February 27, 2003 and July 20, 2007 (the “U.S. Class”), alleges primarily that the defendants engaged in securities fraud by disseminating materially false and misleading statements during the class period regarding the Company’s revenue recognition of theater system installations, and failing to disclose material information concerning the Company’s revenue recognition practices. The amended complaint also added PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s auditors, as a defendant. On April 14, 2011, the Court issued an order appointing The Merger Fund as the lead plaintiff and Abbey Spanier Rodd & Abrams, LLP as lead plaintiff’s counsel. On November 2, 2011, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding containing the terms and conditions of a settlement of this action. On January 26, 2012, the parties executed and filed with the Court a formal stipulation of settlement and proposed form of notice to the class, which the Court preliminarily approved on February 1, 2012. Under the terms of the settlement, members of the U.S. Class who did not opt out of the settlement will release defendants from liability for all claims that were alleged in this action or could have been alleged in this action or any other proceeding (including the action in Canada as described in (d) of this note (the “Canadian Action”) relating to the purchase of IMAX securities on the NASDAQ from February 27, 2003 and July 20, 2007 or the subject matter and facts relating to this action. As part of the settlement and in exchange for the release, defendants will pay $12.0 million to a settlement fund which amount will be funded by the carriers of the Company’s directors and officers insurance policy and by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. On March 26, 2012, the parties executed and filed with the Court an amended formal stipulation of settlement and proposed form of notice to the class, which the court preliminarily approved on March 28, 2012. On June 20, 2012, the Court issued an order granting final approval of the settlement. The settlement is conditioned on the Company’s receipt of an order from the court in the Canadian Action, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, (the “Canadian Court”) excluding from the class in the Canadian Action every member of the class in both actions who has not opted out of the U.S. settlement. A hearing on the motion for the order occurred on July 30, 2012 before the Canadian Court and on March 19, 2013, the Canadian Court issued a decision granting the Company’s motion to exclude from the class in the Canadian Action every member of the classes in both actions who has not opted out of the U.S. settlement. However, no final order will be granted by the Court until the plaintiffs in the Canadian Action have exhausted their appeals.

(d) A class action lawsuit was filed on September 20, 2006 in the Canadian Court against the Company and certain of its officers and directors, alleging violations of Canadian securities laws. This lawsuit was brought on behalf of shareholders who acquired the Company’s securities between February 17, 2006 and August 9, 2006. The lawsuit seeks $210.0 million in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as costs. For reasons released December 14, 2009, the Canadian Court granted leave to the plaintiffs to amend their statement of claim to plead certain claims pursuant to the Securities Act (Ontario) against the Company and certain individuals and granted certification of the action as a class proceeding. These are procedural decisions, and do not contain any conclusions binding on a judge at trial as to the factual or legal merits of the claim. Leave to appeal those decisions was denied. The Company believes the allegations made against it in the statement of claim are meritless and will vigorously defend the matter, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of such proceedings. The Company’s directors’ and officers’ insurance policy provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses incurred in connection with this lawsuit as well as potential damages awarded, if any, subject to certain policy limits, exclusions and deductibles.

(e) On June 26, 2013, the Company filed suit against GDC Technology (USA) LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “GDC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging trade secret misappropriation, unjust enrichment and unfair competition and seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and punitive damages. This action is based on GDC’s commercial exploitation of large format digital theater projection system and film conversion technologies, which the lawsuit alleges were stolen from the Company by its former employee, Gary Tsui, and then provided by Tsui to various technology companies in China. The Company’s action against GDC alleges that GDC is now knowingly and actively using these trade secrets and marketing large format film projection systems and conversion technology that the Company is informed and believes were derived from and incorporate the trade secrets stolen by Tsui. On August 12, 2013, in light of the complicating effects of the interwoven corporate relationships among the GDC defendants on federal diversity jurisdiction, the Company voluntarily dismissed the federal court action and filed a complaint in the Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging the same set of operative facts and same causes of action that had been contained in the District Court action. GDC has been served with the lawsuit, but has not yet filed its response. The lawsuit is at a very early stage, and the Company cannot predict the timing or outcome of this matter at this time.

 

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(f) The Company is also involved in litigation against Gary Tsui (“Tsui”) and related parties in both Canada and China based on Tsui’s theft and use of the Company’s trade secrets. The Company filed a lawsuit against Tsui and other related individuals and entities in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on December 8, 2009, through which the Company sought injunctive relief to prohibit Tsui from disclosing or using the Company’s confidential and proprietary information and from competing with the Company. The Company is also seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The Ontario Court awarded the injunctive relief sought by the Company on December 22, 2009. On April 30, 2013, a warrant was issued for Tsui’s arrest based on his refusal to comply with the orders of the Ontario court, including with respect to the continued use of the Company’s trade secrets. The Ontario action is to proceed to trial in mid-2014, though all of Tsui’s defenses were stricken by the Ontario court in a January 2012 contempt order. The Company also initiated suits against Tsui and related parties in Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court in Beijing, China on February 16, 2013 and December 3, 2013, seeking relief similar to that sought in the Ontario action. The actions in Canada and China remain ongoing.

(g) In March 2013, IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd. (“IMAX China”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in China, received notice from the Shanghai office of the General Administration of Customs that it had been selected for a customs audit. The Company is unable to assess the potential impact, if any, of the audit at this time.

(h) In addition to the matters described above, the Company is currently involved in other legal proceedings or governmental inquiries 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 of any such proceedings.

(i) In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that may contain features that meet the definition of a guarantee. The Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC defines a guarantee to be a contract (including an indemnity) that contingently requires the Company to make payments (either in cash, financial instruments, other assets, shares of its stock or provision of services) to a third party based on (a) changes in an underlying interest rate, foreign exchange rate, equity or commodity instrument, index or other variable, that is related to an asset, a liability or an equity security of the counterparty, (b) failure of another party to perform under an obligating agreement or (c) failure of another third party to pay its indebtedness when due.

Financial Guarantees

The Company has provided no significant financial guarantees to third parties.

Product Warranties

The following summarizes the accrual for product warranties that was recorded as part of accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 32     $ 94  

Warranty redemptions

     (77     (66

Warranties issued

     52       53  

Revisions

     —         (49
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 7     $ 32  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Director/Officer Indemnifications

The Company’s General By-law contains an indemnification of its directors/officers, former directors/officers and persons who have acted at its request to be a director/officer of an entity in which the Company is a shareholder or creditor, to indemnify them, to the extent permitted by the Canada Business Corporations Act, against expenses (including legal fees), judgments, fines and any amount actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which the directors and/or officers are sued as a result of their service, if they acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. The nature of the indemnification prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount it could be required to pay to counterparties. The Company has purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. No amount has been accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with respect to this indemnity.

 

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Other Indemnification Agreements

In the normal course of the Company’s operations, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in transactions such as: theater system lease and sale agreements and the supervision of installation or servicing of the theater systems; film production, exhibition and distribution agreements; real property lease agreements; and employment agreements. These indemnification agreements require the Company to compensate the counterparties for costs incurred as a result of litigation claims that may be suffered by the counterparty as a consequence of the transaction or the Company’s breach or non-performance under these agreements. While the terms of these indemnification agreements vary based upon the contract, they normally extend for the life of the agreements. A small number of agreements do not provide for any limit on the maximum potential amount of indemnification; however, virtually all of the Company’s system lease and sale agreements limit such maximum potential liability to the purchase price of the system. The fact that the maximum potential amount of indemnification required by the Company is not specified in some cases prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount it could be required to pay to counterparties. Historically, the Company has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications and no amounts have been accrued in the consolidated financial statements with respect to the contingent aspect of these indemnities.

 

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14. Capital Stock

(a) Authorized

Common Shares

The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares. The following is a summary of the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions of the common shares.

The holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the directors of the Company, subject to the rights of the holders of any other class of shares of the Company entitled to receive dividends in priority to the common shares.

The holders of the common shares are entitled to one vote for each common share held at all meetings of the shareholders.

(b) Changes during the Year

In 2013, the Company issued 1,316,347 (2012 — 1,429,685, 2011 — 907,167) common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for cash proceeds of $9.0 million (2012 — $8.9 million, 2011 — $7.9 million). In addition, the Company issued 42,461 common shares (net of shares withheld for tax) pursuant to the vesting of RSUs (2012 – nil, 2011 – nil).

(c) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company issues stock-based compensation to eligible employees, directors and consultants under the Company’s 2013 Long- Term Incentive Plan and the China Long-Term Incentive Plan, as described below. No further awards may be granted under the Company’s Stock Option Plan.

On June 11, 2013, the Company’s shareholders approved the IMAX 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“IMAX LTIP”) at the Company’s Annual and Special Meeting. Awards to employees, directors and consultants under the IMAX LTIP may consist of stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and other awards.

The Company’s Stock Option Plan (“SOP”) which shareholders approved in June 2008, permitted the grant of stock options to employees, directors and consultants. As a result of the implementation of the IMAX LTIP on June 11, 2013, stock options will no longer be granted under the SOP.

A separate stock option plan, the China Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “China LTIP”) was adopted by a subsidiary of the Company in October 2012.

The compensation costs recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for these plans were $11.9 million in 2013 (2012 — $13.1 million, 2011 — $11.9 million).

As at December 31, 2013, the Company has reserved a total of 10,530,723 (December 31, 2012— 13,296,485) common shares for future issuance under the SOP and IMAX LTIP. Of the common shares reserved for issuance, there are options in respect of 6,263,121 common shares and RSUs in respect of 264,140 common shares outstanding at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013 options in respect of 3,578,006 common shares were vested and exercisable.

Stock Option Plan

The Company’s policy is to issue new common shares from treasury to satisfy stock options which are exercised.

The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the Binomial Model best provides a fair measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options.

 

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All awards of stock options are made at fair market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant. The fair market value of a common share on a given date means the higher of the closing price of a common share on the grant date (or the most recent trading date if the grant date is not a trading date) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and such national exchange, as may be designated by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Fair Market Value”). The stock options vest within 5 years and expire 10 years or less from the date granted. The SOP and IMAX LTIP provide that vesting will be accelerated if there is a change of control, as defined in each plan and upon certain conditions.

The Company recorded an expense of $8.9 million in 2013 (2012 — $12.4 million, 2011 — $9.4 million) related to stock option grants issued to employees and directors in the IMAX LTIP and SOP plans. No income tax benefit is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for these costs. Total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested employee stock options not yet recognized at December 31, 2013 and the weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized is $14.3 million and 3.0 years respectively (2012 — $20.6 million and 3.6 years, 2011 — $19.9 million and 3.1 years).

The weighted average fair value of all stock options, granted to employees and directors in 2013 at the measurement date was $7.10 per share (2012 — $7.45 per share, 2011 — $9.07 per share). For the years ended December 31, the following assumptions were used to estimate the average fair value of the stock options:

 

     2013   2012   2011

Average risk-free interest rate

   1.63%   1.36%   2.61%

Expected option life (in years)

   4.51 - 4.63   2.89 - 6.26   1.78 - 6.60

Expected volatility

   40%   50%   50%

Annual termination probability

   0% - 8.52%   0% - 8.76%   0% - 8.76%

Dividend yield

   0%   0%   0%

Stock options to Non-Employees

During 2013, an aggregate of 2,500 (2012 — 12,500, 2011 — 103,944) stock options to purchase the Company’s common stock with an average exercise price of $26.28 (2012 — $22.82, 2011 — $27.64) were granted to certain advisors and strategic partners of the Company. These stock options granted have a maximum contractual life of 7 years and vest between one and 5 years. The stock options granted in 2013 were granted under the IMAX LTIP.

As at December 31, 2013 non-employee options outstanding amounted to 76,751 stock options (2012 — 120,001, 2011 — 142,251) with a weighted average exercise price of $15.67 (2012 — $14.14, 2011 — $12.93). 31,509 stock options (2012 — 35,717, 2011 — 50,500) were exercisable with an average weighted exercise price of $12.38 (2012 — $11.57, 2011 — $11.50) and the vested options have an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.5 million (2012 — $0.4 million, 2011 — $0.3 million). The weighted average fair value of stock options granted to non-employees during 2013 at the measurement date was $11.50 per share (2012 — $11.73 per share, 2011 — $13.75 per share), utilizing a Binomial Model with the following underlying assumptions:

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2013     2012     2011  

Average risk-free interest rate

     1.64     1.28     2.38

Contractual option life

     7 years        7 years        6 years   

Average expected volatility

     40     50     50

Dividend yield

     0     0     0

In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $0.2 million, (2012 — $0.1 million, 2011 — $0.9 million) to costs and expenses related to revenues – services and selling, general and administrative expenses related to the non-employee stock options. Included in accrued liabilities is an accrual of $0.1 million for non-employee stock options (December 31, 2012 — $0.1 million).

 

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China Long-Term Incentive Plan (“CLTIP”)

The China LTIP was adopted by a subsidiary of the Company in October 2012. Each stock option issued under the China LTIP represents an opportunity to participate economically in the future growth and value creation of the subsidiary. The China LTIP options issued by the subsidiary (“China Options”) operate in tandem with options granted to certain employees of the subsidiary under the Company’s Stock Option Plan (“SOP Options”).

The China Options vest and become exercisable only upon specified events, including upon the occurrence of a qualified initial public offering or upon a change in control on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the grant date. If such a specified event occurs, the China Options vest over a 5 year period beginning on the date of grant. Upon vesting of the China options, the SOP Options are forfeited. The term of the China Options is 7 years. The total stock option expense associated with the China Options if a specified event and vesting were to occur is $2.7 million.

The SOP Options vest in full if one of the specified events does not occur on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the grant date. Upon vesting of the SOP Options, the China Options are forfeited.

In 2012, an aggregate of 146,623 SOP Options were granted to certain employees in conjunction with the China Options with an average price of $22.39 in accordance with the China LTIP. The SOP Options have a contractual life of 7 years. As at December 31, 2013 there were 146,623 (December 31, 2012 – 146,623) outstanding and unvested SOP Options issued under the China LTIP with a weighted average exercise price of $22.39 (December 31, 2012 – $22.39). The weighted average fair value of the SOP Options granted in 2012 was $6.96 per share. The total fair value of the SOP Options granted with respect to the China LTIP was $1.6 million. The Company is recognizing this expense over a 5 year period. If a performance event occurs, the 146,623 SOP Options issued forfeit immediately and the related charge would be reversed. There were no option awards issued under the China LTIP during 2013.

The Company recorded an expense of $0.3 million (2012 – less than $0.1 million, 2011 – nil) related to SOP Options issued under the China LTIP.

Stock Option Summary

The following table summarizes certain information in respect of option activity under the SOP and IMAX LTIP:

 

           Weighted Average Exercise  
     Number of Shares     Price Per Share  
     2013     2012     2011     2013      2012      2011  

Options outstanding, beginning of year

     7,441,068       7,200,721       6,743,272     $ 18.48      $ 14.60      $ 10.79  

Granted

     375,650       1,833,485       1,547,342       25.29        24.59        28.11  

Exercised

     (1,316,347     (1,429,685     (907,167     6.81        6.24        8.67  

Forfeited

     (228,190     (154,958     (182,726     24.55        23.03        18.00  

Expired

     —         —         —         —          —          —    

Cancelled

     (9,060     (8,495     —         30.90        22.07        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

Options outstanding, end of period

     6,263,121       7,441,068       7,200,721       21.11        18.48        14.60  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

Options exercisable, end of period

     3,578,006       3,480,160       3,467,242       18.56        14.50        9.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

In 2013, the Company cancelled 9,060 stock options from its SOP (2012 — 8,495, 2011 — nil) surrendered by Company employees.

As at December 31, 2013, 5,853,070 options were fully vested or are expected to vest with a weighted average exercise price of $20.79, aggregate intrinsic value of $52.9 million and weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.7 years. As at December 31, 2013, options that are exercisable have an intrinsic value of $40.2 million and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.5 years. The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2013 was $26.7 million (2012 — $23.4 million, 2011 — $16.4 million).

 

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Restricted Share Units

RSUs have been granted to employees, consultants and directors under the IMAX LTIP. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one common share and is the economic equivalent of one common share. The grant date fair value of each RSU is equal to the share price of the Company’s stock at the grant date. The Company recorded an expense of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, related to RSU grants issued to employees and directors in the plan. The annual termination probability assumed for the year ended December 31, 2013, ranged from 0% to 8.52%. In addition, the Company recorded an expense of less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, related to RSU grants issued to certain advisors and strategic partners of the Company.

Total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested RSU’s not yet recognized at December 31, 2013 and the weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized is $4.7 million and 2.9 years. The Company’s actual tax benefits realized for the tax deductions related to the vesting of RSUs was $nil for the year ended December 31, 2013.

RSUs granted under the IMAX LTIP vest between one and four years and expire 10 years or less from the date granted. Vesting of the RSUs is subject to continued employment or service with the Company.

The following table summarizes certain information in respect of RSU activity under the IMAX LTIP:

 

          

Weighted
Average
Grant

Date Fair
Value

 
     Number of Awards     Per Share  

RSUs outstanding, beginning of year

     —       $ —    

Granted

     322,561       26.16  

Vested

     (46,360     26.23  

Forfeited

     (12,061     26.28  
  

 

 

   

RSUs outstanding, end of period

     264,140       26.14  
  

 

 

   

Stock Appreciation Rights

There have been no stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted since 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2013, 118,000 SARs were cash settled for $2.4 million (2012 — 15,000 SARs were cash settled for $0.3 million). The average exercise price for the settled SARs for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6.86 (2012 — $6.86) per SAR. As at December 31, 2013, no SARS were outstanding (December 31, 2012 — 118,000 SARS outstanding with a weighted average fair value of — $16.23). None of the SARs were forfeited, cancelled, or expired for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company accounts for the obligation of these SARs as a liability (December 31, 2013 — nil, December 31, 2012 — $1.9 million), which is classified within accrued liabilities. The Company has recorded an expense of $0.4 million for 2013 (2012 — $0.6 million, 2011 — $1.6 million) to selling, general and administrative expenses related to these SARs. The following assumptions were used for measuring the fair value of the SARs:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Average risk-free interest rate

     n/a         0.72

Expected option life (in years)

     n/a         2.17  

Expected volatility

     n/a         50

Annual termination probability

     n/a         8.52

Dividend yield

     n/a         0

 

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(d) Income per share

Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per-share computations are comprised of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders

   $ 44,424      $ 41,849      $ 16,115  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares (000’s):

        

Issued and outstanding, beginning of period

     66,482        65,053        64,146  

Weighted average number of shares issued during the period

     669        801        358  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per Share

     67,151        65,854        64,504  

Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed

     1,810        2,079        3,355  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per Share

     68,961        67,933        67,859  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

15. Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information

(a) Other Revenues

The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that typically contain customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater systems. During the period of time between signing and theater system installation, certain customers each year are unable to, or elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons, including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the customer and/or the Company may terminate the arrangement by default or by entering into a consensual buyout. In these situations the parties are released from their future obligations under the arrangement, and the initial payments that the customer previously made to the Company are typically not refunded and are recognized as Other Revenues. In addition, the Company enters into agreements with customers to terminate their obligations for additional theater system configurations, which were in the Company’s backlog. Other revenues from settlement arrangements were $0.4 million, $0.7 million and $3.8 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(b) Foreign Exchange

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the December 31, 2013 is $0.7 million for net foreign exchange losses related to the translation of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and unhedged foreign exchange contracts as compared to a net gain of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and a net gain of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. See note 20(d) for additional information.

(c) Collaborative Arrangements

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

In a joint revenue sharing arrangement, the Company receives a portion of a theater’s box-office and concession revenues, and in some cases a small upfront or initial payment, in exchange for placing a theater system at the theater operator’s venue. Under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 13 years with renewal provisions. Title to equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements does not transfer to the customer. The Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty throughout the term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement’s shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company.

 

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The Company has signed joint revenue sharing agreements with 38 exhibitors for a total of 645 theater systems, of which 382 theaters were operating as at December 31, 2013, the terms of which are similar in nature, rights and obligations. The accounting policy for the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements is disclosed in note 2(m).

Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the Company and its customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements are included in Rentals revenue and at December 31, 2013 amounted to $64.1 million (2012 — $57.5 million, 2011 - $30.8 million).

IMAX DMR

In an IMAX DMR arrangement, the Company transforms conventional motion pictures into the Company’s large screen format, allowing the release of Hollywood content to the IMAX theater network. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company will absorb its costs for the digital re-mastering and then recoup this cost from a percentage of the gross box-office receipts of the film, which generally range from 10-15%. The Company does not typically hold distribution rights or the copyright to these films.

In 2013, the majority of IMAX DMR revenue was earned from the exhibition of 38 IMAX DMR films through the IMAX theater network. The accounting policy for the Company’s IMAX DMR arrangements is disclosed in note 2(m).

Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the Company and its customers under IMAX DMR arrangements are included in Services revenues and for December 31, 2013 amounted to $83.5 million (2012 — $78.1 million, 2011 - $50.6 million).

Co-Produced Film Arrangements

In certain film arrangements, the Company co-produces a film with a third party whereby the third party retains the copyright and rights to the film, except that the Company obtains exclusive theatrical distribution rights to the film. Under these arrangements, both parties contribute funding to the Company’s wholly-owned production company for the production of the film and for associated exploitation costs. Clauses in the film arrangements generally provide for the third party to take over the production of the film if the cost of the production exceeds its approved budget or if it appears as though the film will not be delivered on a timely basis.

As at December 31, 2013, the Company has 4 significant co-produced film arrangements which make up greater than 50% of the VIE total assets and liabilities balance of $5.2 million and 3 other co-produced film arrangements, the terms of which are similar. The accounting policies relating to co-produced film arrangements are disclosed in notes 2(a) and 2(m).

In 2013, amounts totaling $2.9 million (2012 —$6.1 million, 2011 - $7.5 million) attributable to transactions between the Company and other parties involved in the production of the films have been included in cost and expenses applicable to revenues-services.

16. Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries

The following table reflects the Company’s receivable provisions net of recoveries recorded in the consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries

   $ (35   $ 606     $ 333  

Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries

     480       (82     1,237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Receivable provisions, net of recoveries

   $ 445     $ 524     $ 1,570  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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17. Asset Impairments

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011(1)  

Property, plant and equipment

   $ —         $ —        $ 20  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ —        $ —        $ 20  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company has reclassified the Nyack owned and operated theater operations from continuing operations to discontinued operations. As a result, asset impairments of less than $0.1 million incurred in 2011 has been reclassified to discontinued operations.

The Company records asset impairment charges against property, plant and equipment after an assessment of the carrying value of certain groups in light of their future expected cash flows.

18. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information

(a) Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Decrease (increase) in:

      

Accounts receivable

   $ (31,032   $ 4,110     $ (7,486

Financing receivables

     (13,397     (7,349     (14,623

Inventories

     1,884       (422     (1,264

Prepaid expenses

     231       (706     (294

Commissions and other deferred selling expenses

     59       322       382  

Insurance recoveries

     380       444       978  

Other assets

     (341     (752     (2,357

Increase (decrease) in:

      

Accounts payable

     7,238       (8,139     5,592  

Accrued and other liabilities(1)

     (1,289     (2,266     (31,013

Deferred revenue

     2,512       (504     706  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (33,755   $ (15,262   $ (49,379
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Decrease in accruals and other liabilities for 2013 includes payments of $2.4 million for stock-based compensation (2012 - $0.3 million, 2011 - $23.7 million).

 

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(b) Cash payments made on account of:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Income taxes

   $ 1,056      $ 1,283      $ 3,349  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest

   $ 315      $ 1,374      $ 1,260  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(c) Depreciation and amortization are comprised of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Film assets (1)

   $ 17,000      $ 15,515      $ 12,934  

Property, plant and equipment

        

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     11,519        10,125        7,098  

Other property, plant and equipment

     4,720        4,440        3,992  

Other intangible assets

     2,854        2,006        465  

Other assets

     592        532        286  

Deferred financing costs

     487        170        388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 37,172      $ 32,788      $ 25,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Included in film asset amortization is a charge of $0.2 million (2012 —$0.1 million, 2011 —$0.5 million) relating to changes in estimates based on the ultimate recoverability of future films.

(d) Write-downs, net of recoveries, are comprised of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Asset impairments

      

Property, plant and equipment(1)

   $ —       $ —       $ 20  

Other charges (recoveries)

      

Accounts receivables

     (35     606       333  

Financing receivables

     480       (82     1,237  

Inventories(2)

     444       898       —    

Impairment of available-for-sale investment

     —         150       —    

Property, plant and equipment(3)

     384       18       356  

Other intangible assets

     63       11       —    

Other assets

     —         6       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,336     $ 1,607     $ 1,946  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Inventory charges

      

Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales

   $ 274     $ 795     $ —    

Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services

     170       103       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 444     $ 898     $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company has reclassified the Nyack owned and operated theater operations from continuing operations to discontinued operations. As a result, asset impairments of less than $0.1 million incurred in 2011 has been reclassified to discontinued operations.

 

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(2) In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million (2012 — $0.9 million, 2011 — $nil, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its film-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.3 million (2012 — $0.8 million, 2011 — $nil). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of $0.2 million (2012 — $0.1 million, 2011 — $nil).
(3) The Company disposed of assets that no longer meet capitalization requirements as the assets were no longer in use. No cash was received for these assets.

19. Segmented Information

The Company has seven reportable segments identified by category of product sold or service provided: IMAX systems; theater system maintenance; joint revenue sharing arrangements; film production and IMAX DMR; film distribution; film post-production; and other. The IMAX systems segment designs, manufactures, sells or leases IMAX theater projection system equipment. The theater system maintenance segment maintains IMAX theater projection system equipment in the IMAX theater network. The joint revenue sharing arrangements segment provides IMAX theater projection system equipment to an exhibitor in exchange for a share of the box-office and concession revenues. The film production and IMAX DMR segment produces films and performs film re-mastering services. The film distribution segment distributes films for which the Company has distribution rights. The film post-production segment provides film post-production and film print services. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters”. The other segment includes certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 2.

Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) who is the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (as defined in the Segment Reporting Topic of the FASB ASC), assesses segment performance based on segment revenues, gross margins and film performance. Selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development costs, amortization of intangibles, receivables provisions (recoveries), write-downs net of recoveries, interest income, interest expense and tax (provision) recovery are not allocated to the segments.

Transactions between the film production and IMAX DMR segment and the film post-production segment are valued at exchange value. Inter-segment profits are eliminated upon consolidation, as well as for the disclosures below.

In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company has reclassified the Nyack owned and operated theater operations from continuing operations to discontinued operations. As a result, the respective prior periods’ figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Transactions between the other segments are not significant.

 

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(a) Operating Segments

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Revenue(1)

        

IMAX theater systems

        

IMAX systems

   $ 80,189      $ 83,405      $ 93,200  

Theater system maintenance

     31,978        28,629        24,840  

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     64,130        57,526        30,764  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     176,297        169,560        148,804  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Films

        

Production and IMAX DMR

     83,496        78,050        50,592  

Distribution

     7,770        14,222        16,074  

Post-production

     9,192        7,904        8,235  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     100,458        100,176        74,901  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

     11,182        13,019        11,393  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 287,937      $ 282,755      $ 235,098  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross margins

        

IMAX theater systems

        

IMAX systems(2)(4)

   $ 49,040      $ 50,245      $ 56,929  

Theater system maintenance(2)

     12,096        10,970        9,437  

Joint revenue sharing arrangements(3)(4)

     44,565        37,308        17,605  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     105,701        98,523        83,971  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Films

        

Production and IMAX DMR(4)

     56,088        49,355        23,574  

Distribution(4)

     1,371        2,356        3,025  

Post-production

     1,341        1,954        2,985  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     58,800        53,665        29,584  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

     102        1,057        510  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 164,603      $ 153,245      $ 114,065  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Depreciation and amortization

        

IMAX systems

   $ 3,287      $ 2,946      $ 1,770  

Theater systems maintenance

     141        212        184  

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     13,535        11,836        7,939  

Films

        

Production and IMAX DMR

     16,298        14,471        12,843  

Distribution

     1,048        1,631        980  

Post-production

     424        608        590  

Other

     347        172        156  

Corporate and other non-segment specific assets

     2,092        912        701  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 37,172      $ 32,788      $ 25,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

        

IMAX systems

   $ 1,109      $ 1,480      $ 1,915  

Theater systems maintenance

     188        103        —    

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     39        24        12  

Films

        

Production and IMAX DMR

     —          —          —    

Other

     —          —          19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,336      $ 1,607      $ 1,946  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

        

IMAX systems

   $ 6,181      $ 2,958      $ 1,076  

Theater system maintenance

     130        36        10  

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

     22,775        23,257        33,290  

Films

        

Production and IMAX DMR

     408        1,175        1,150  

Distribution

     —          178        49  

Post-production

     2,185        —          638  

Other

     2,036        —          719  

Corporate and other non-segment specific assets

     2,076        1,708        1,886  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 35,791      $ 29,312      $ 38,818  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Assets

     

IMAX systems(5)

   $ 170,719      $ 153,201  

Theater systems maintenance(5)

     16,619        14,632  

Joint revenue sharing arrangements(5)

     153,399        125,602  

Films

     

Production and IMAX DMR

     22,315        17,653  

Distribution

     8,675        6,790  

Post-production

     5,351        3,694  

Other

     7,645        3,142  

Corporate and other non-segment specific assets

     96,422        97,158  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 481,145      $ 421,872  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The Company’s two largest customers as at December 31, 2013 collectively represent 19.9% of total revenues (2012 – 15.9%, 2011 – 17.4%).
(2) In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million (2012 – $0.9 million, 2011 – $nil, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its film-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.3 million (2012 – $0.8 million, 2011 – $nil). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of $0.2 million (2012 – $0.1 million, 2011 – $nil).
(3) During 2013, the Company signed an amending agreement governing one of its joint revenue sharing arrangements which increased the length of the term for all IMAX theater systems under that arrangement from 10 to 13 years. As a result, the Company adjusted the estimated useful life of its IMAX digital projection systems in use for those joint revenue sharing theaters, on a prospective basis, to reflect the change in term from 10 years to 13 years. This has resulted in decreased depreciation expense of $0.7 million in 2013 as the theater systems will now be depreciated over a longer estimated useful life.
(4) IMAX systems include marketing and commission costs of $2.5 million, $2.7 million and $2.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Joint revenue sharing arrangements segment margins include advertising, marketing, and commission costs of $3.6 million, $3.4 million and $5.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Production and DMR segment margins include marketing costs of $4.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.8 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Distribution segment margins include marketing costs of $0.4 million, $1.5 million and $1.9 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(5) Goodwill is allocated on a relative fair market value basis to the IMAX systems segment, theater system maintenance segment and joint revenue sharing segment.

 

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(b) Geographic Information

Revenue by geographic area is based on the location of the customer. Revenue related to IMAX DMR is presented based upon the geographic location of the theaters that exhibit the re-mastered films. IMAX DMR revenue is generated through contractual relationships with studios and other third parties and these may not be in the same geographical location as the theater.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Revenue

        

United States

   $ 125,166       $ 126,547      $ 108,666  

Canada

     11,049         19,109        21,232  

Greater China

     56,480         44,922        33,265  

Western Europe

     26,000         26,309        18,895  

Asia (excluding Greater China)

     30,451         28,899        22,186  

Russia & the CIS

     19,600         20,130        16,157  

Latin America

     13,017         9,419        6,051  

Rest of the World

     6,174         7,420        8,646  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 287,937       $ 282,755      $ 235,098  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

No single country in the Rest of the World, Western Europe or Asia (excluding Greater China) classifications comprise more than 5% of total revenue.

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Property, plant and equipment

     

United States

   $ 60,285      $ 55,658  

Canada

     23,687        21,779  

Greater China

     32,958        24,764  

Asia (excluding Greater China)

     9,200        7,134  

Western Europe

     6,012        3,556  

Rest of the World

     705        719  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 132,847      $ 113,610  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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20. Financial Instruments

(a) Financial Instruments

The Company maintains cash with various major financial institutions. The Company’s cash is invested with highly rated financial institutions.

The Company’s accounts receivables and financing receivables are subject to credit risk. The Company’s accounts receivable and financing receivables are concentrated with the theater exhibition industry and film entertainment industry. To minimize the Company’s credit risk, the Company retains title to underlying theater systems leased, performs initial and ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and makes ongoing provisions for its estimate of potentially uncollectible amounts. The Company believes it has adequately provided for related exposures surrounding receivables and contractual commitments.

(b) Fair Value Measurements

The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities due within one year approximate fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s other financial instruments at December 31, are comprised of the following:

 

     As at December 31, 2013     As at December 31, 2012  
     Carrying
Amount
    Estimated
Fair Value
    Carrying
Amount
    Estimated
Fair Value
 

Net financed sales receivable

   $ 93,493     $ 92,043     $ 81,148     $ 78,933  

Net investment in sales-type leases

   $ 13,617     $ 13,214     $ 13,045     $ 13,513  

Available-for-sale investment

   $ 1,000     $ 1,000     $ 1,350     $ 1,350  

Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards

   $ (421   $ (421   $ 297     $ 297  

Foreign exchange contracts — non-designated forwards

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility

   $ —       $ —       $ (11,000   $ (11,000

The carrying value of borrowings under the Credit Facility approximates fair value as the interest rates offered under the Credit Facility are close to December 31, 2013 and 2012 market rates for the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The estimated fair values of the net financed sales receivable and net investment in sales-type leases are estimated based on discounting future cash flows at currently available interest rates with comparable terms (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale investment is determined using the present value of expected cash flows based on projected earnings and other information readily available from the business venture (Level 3 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The discounted cash flow valuation technique is based on significant unobservable inputs of revenue and expense projections, appropriately risk weighted, as the investment is in a start-up entity. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s available-for-sale investment are long-term revenue growth and pretax operating margin. A significant increase (decrease) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a lower or higher fair value measurement.

The fair value of foreign currency derivatives are determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These identical instruments are traded on a closed exchange.

 

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There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2013 or 2012. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale investment measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the period:

 

     Available For Sale
Investments
 
     2013     2012  

Beginning balance, January 1,

   $ 1,350     $ 1,012  

Transfers into/out of Level 3

     —         —    

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)

    

Included in earnings

     —         —    

Included in other comprehensive income

     (350     338  

Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements

     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31,

   $ 1,000     $ 1,350  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date

   $ —       $ (150
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no transfers in or out of the Company’s level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2013.

In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized a $0.2 million other-than-temporary impairment of its available-for-sale investment, in “Impairment of available-for-sale investment” in the consolidated statement of operations, as the value is not expected to recover based on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost.

(c) Financing Receivables

The Company’s net investment in leases and its net financed sale receivables are subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC 310 “Receivables”. Due to differing risk profiles of its net investment in leases and its net financed sales receivables, the Company views its net investment in leases and its net financed sale receivables as separate classes of financing receivables. The Company does not aggregate financing receivables to assess impairment.

The Company monitors the credit quality of each customer on a frequent basis through collections and aging analyses. The Company also holds meetings monthly in order to identify credit concerns and whether a change in credit quality classification is required for the customer. A customer may improve in their credit quality classification once a substantial payment is made on overdue balances or the customer has agreed to a payment plan with the Company and payments have commenced in accordance to the payment plan. The change in credit quality indicator is dependent upon management approval.

The Company classifies its customers into four categories to indicate the credit quality worthiness of its financing receivables for internal purposes only:

Good standing — Theater continues to be in good standing with the Company as the client’s payments and reporting are up-to-date.

Credit Watch — Theater operator has begun to demonstrate a delay in payments, has been placed on the Company’s credit watch list for continued monitoring, but active communication continues with the Company. Depending on the size of outstanding balance, length of time in arrears and other factors, transactions may need to be approved by management. These financing receivables are considered to be in better condition than those receivables related to theaters in the “Pre-approved transactions” category, but not in as good of condition as those receivables in “Good standing.”

Pre-approved transactions only — Theater operator is demonstrating a delay in payments with little or no communication with the Company. All service or shipments to the theater must be reviewed and approved by management. These financing receivables are considered to be in better condition than those receivables related to theaters in the “All transactions suspended” category, but not in as good of condition as those receivables in “Credit Watch.” Depending on the individual facts and circumstances of each customer, finance income recognition may be suspended if management believes the receivable to be impaired.

 

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All transactions suspended — Theater is severely delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once a theater is classified as “All transactions suspended” the theater is placed on nonaccrual status and all revenue recognitions related to the theater are stopped.

The following table discloses the recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator:

 

     As at December 31, 2013      As at December 31, 2012  
     Minimum
Lease
Payments
     Financed
Sales
Receivables
     Total      Minimum
Lease
Payments
     Financed
Sales
Receivables
     Total  

In good standing

   $ 12,318      $ 89,017      $ 101,335      $ 11,508      $ 69,310      $ 80,818  

Credit Watch

     420        3,895        4,315        —          10,930        10,930  

Pre-approved transactions

     288        —          288        467        293        760  

Transactions suspended

     1,397        817        2,214        2,200        681        2,881  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 14,423      $ 93,729      $ 108,152      $ 14,175      $ 81,214      $ 95,389  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

While recognition of finance income is suspended, payments received by a customer are applied against the outstanding balance owed. If payments are sufficient to cover any unreserved receivables, a recovery of provision taken on the billed amount, if applicable, is recorded to the extent of the residual cash received. Once the collectibility issues are resolved and the customer has returned to being in good standing, the Company will resume recognition of finance income.

The Company’s investment in financing receivables on nonaccrual status is as follows:

 

     As at December 31, 2013     As at December 31, 2012  
     Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
    Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
 

Net investment in leases

   $ 1,684      $ (606   $ 2,666      $ (1,130

Net financed sales receivables

     817        (236     1,322        (66
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,501      $ (842   $ 3,988      $ (1,196
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company considers financing receivables with aging between 60-89 days as indications of theaters with potential collection concerns. The Company will begin to focus its review on these financing receivables and increase its discussions internally and with the theater regarding payment status. Once a theater’s aging exceeds 90 days, the Company’s policy is to review and assess collectibility on theater’s past due accounts. Over 90 days past due is used by the Company as an indicator of potential impairment as invoices up to 90 days outstanding could be considered reasonable due to the time required for dispute resolution or for the provision of further information or supporting documentation to the customer.

 

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The Company’s aged financing receivables are as follows:

 

     As at December 31, 2013  
     Accrued
and
Current
     30-89
Days
     90+
Days
     Billed
Financing
Receivables
     Related
Unbilled
Recorded
Investment
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowances
    Recorded
Investment

Net of
Allowances
 

Net investment in leases

   $ 444      $ 218      $ 841      $ 1,503      $ 12,920      $ 14,423      $ (806   $ 13,617  

Net financed sales receivables

     2,502        1,211        3,018        6,731        86,998        93,729        (236     93,493  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,946      $ 1,429      $ 3,859      $ 8,234      $ 99,918      $ 108,152      $ (1,042   $ 107,110  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     As at December 31, 2012  
     Accrued
and
Current
     30-89
Days
     90+
Days
     Billed
Financing
Receivables
     Related
Unbilled
Recorded
Investment
     Total
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowances
    Recorded
Investment
Net of
Allowances
 

Net investment in leases

   $ 144      $ 202      $ 1,240      $ 1,586      $ 12,589      $ 14,175      $ (1,130   $ 13,045  

Net financed sales receivables

     1,063        670        1,267        3,000        78,214        81,214        (66     81,148  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,207      $ 872      $ 2,507      $ 4,586      $ 90,803      $ 95,389      $ (1,196   $ 94,193  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s recorded investment in past due financing receivables for which the Company continues to accrue finance income is as follows:

 

     As at December 31, 2013  
     Accrued
and
Current
     30-89
Days
     90+
Days
     Billed
Financing
Receivables
     Related
Unbilled
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
    Recorded
Investment
Past Due
and Accruing
 

Net investment in leases

   $ 168      $ 108      $ 205      $ 481      $ 4,865      $ (200   $ 5,146  

Net financed sales receivables

     450        469        2,056        2,975        19,282        —         22,257  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 618      $ 577      $ 2,261      $ 3,456      $ 24,147      $ (200   $ 27,403  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     As at December 31, 2012  
     Accrued
and
Current
     30-89
Days
     90+
Days
     Billed
Financing
Receivables
     Related
Unbilled
Recorded
Investment
     Related
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
Past Due
and Accruing
 

Net investment in leases

   $ 11      $ 59      $ 23      $ 93      $ 1,449      $ —        $ 1,542  

Net financed sales receivables

     223        382        864        1,469        16,173        —          17,642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 234      $ 441      $ 887      $ 1,562      $ 17,622      $  —        $ 19,184  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The Company considers financing receivables to be impaired when it believes it to be probable that it will not recover the full amount of principal or interest owing under the arrangement. The Company uses its knowledge of the industry and economic trends, as well as its prior experiences to determine the amount recoverable for impaired financing receivables. The following table discloses information regarding the Company’s impaired financing receivables:

 

    Impaired Financing Receivables
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
    Recorded
Investment
    Unpaid
Principal
    Related
Allowance
    Average
Recorded
Investment
    Interest
Income
Recognized
 

Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:

         

Net financed sales receivables

  $ 535     $ 283     $ (236   $ 545     $ 34  

Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:

         

Net financed sales receivables

    —          —         —         —         —    

Total recorded investment in impaired loans:

         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net financed sales receivables

  $ 535     $ 283     $ (236   $ 545     $ 34  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Impaired Financing Receivables
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
    Recorded
Investment
    Unpaid
Principal
    Related
Allowance
    Average
Recorded
Investment
    Interest
Income
Recognized
 

Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:

         

Net financed sales receivables

  $ 187     $ 220      $ (66   $ 201     $ —    

Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:

         

Net financed sales receivables

    377       13       —         479       22  

Total recorded investment in impaired loans:

         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net financed sales receivables

  $ 564     $ 233      $ (66   $ 680     $ 22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s activity in the allowance for credit losses for the period and the Company’s recorded investment in financing receivables is as follows:

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2013  
    Net Investment
in Leases
    Net Financed
Sales Receivables
 

Allowance for credit losses:

   

Beginning balance

  $ 1,130     $ 66  

Charge-offs

    (624     —    

Provision

    300       170  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $ 806     $ 236  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 806     $ 236  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing receivables:

   

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 14,423     $ 93,729  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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    Year Ended December 31, 2012  
    Net Investment
in Leases
    Net Financed
Sales  Receivables
 

Allowance for credit losses:

   

Beginning balance

  $ 1,833     $ 316   

Charge-offs

    (1,019     (109 )(1)  

Provision

    316       (141 ) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  $ 1,130     $ 66   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,130     $ 66   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing receivables:

   

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 14,174     $ 81,215   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) As a result of a troubled debt restructuring in the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $0.1 million write-down on a $0.5 million recorded investment.

(d) Foreign Exchange Risk Management

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency rates. A majority portion of the Company’s revenues is denominated in U.S. dollars while a substantial portion of its costs and expenses is denominated in Canadian dollars. A portion of the net U.S. dollar cash flows of the Company is periodically converted to Canadian dollars to fund Canadian dollar expenses through the spot market. In China and Japan the Company has ongoing operating expenses related to its operations in Chinese Renminbi and Japanese yen, respectively. Net cash flows are converted to and from U.S. dollars through the spot market. The Company also has cash receipts under leases denominated in Chinese Renminbi, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar and Euros which are converted to U.S. dollars through the spot market. The Company’s policy is to not use any financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

The Company entered into a series of foreign currency forward contracts to manage the Company’s risks associated with the volatility of foreign currencies. Certain of these foreign currency forward contracts met the criteria required for hedge accounting under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC at inception, and continue to meet hedge effectiveness tests at December 31, 2013 (the “Foreign Currency Hedges”), with settlement dates throughout 2014. Foreign currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

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The following tabular disclosures reflect the impact that derivative instruments and hedging activities have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

Notional value of foreign exchange contracts:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

     

Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards

   $ 23,555      $ 8,069  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of derivatives in foreign exchange contracts:

 

          As at December 31,  
    

Balance Sheet Location

   2013     2012  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

       

Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards

  

Other assets

   $  —       $ 297  

Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards

  

Accrued and other liabilities

     (421     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ (421   $ 297  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships are as follows:

 

          Years Ended December 31,  
          2013     2012      2011  

Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards

  

Derivative (Loss) Gain Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)

   $ (1,031   $ 716      $ (162
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ (1,031   $ 716      $ (162
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

    

Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain

Reclassified from AOCI

into Income (Effective Portion)

                   
        Years Ended December 31,  
        2013     2012      2011  

Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   $ (312   $ 236      $ 684  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ (312   $ 236      $ 684  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

          Years Ended
December 31,
 
          2013  

Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards

  

Derivative Loss Recognized In and Out of OCI (Effective Portion)

   $ (486 )
     

 

 

 
      $ (486 )
     

 

 

 

Non Designated Derivatives in Foreign Currency relationships are as follows:

 

          Years Ended December 31,  
    

Location of Derivative Gain (Loss)

   2013      2012      2011  

Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   $  —        $ 1,184      $ (1,014
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $  —        $ 1,184      $ (1,014
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(e) Investments in New Business Ventures

The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 and the FASB ASC 320, as appropriate. As at December 31, 2013, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for an investment with a carrying value of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million). For the year ended December 31, 2013, gross revenues, cost of revenue and net loss for the investment were $6.6 million, $26.0 million and $26.3 million, respectively (2012 — $9.0 million, $12.7 million, and $13.4 million, respectively). The difference between the Company’s investment balance and the amount of underlying equity in net assets owned by the Company amounts to $0.4 million and relates to goodwill. In 2013, the Company has contributed

 

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$1.4 million, net of its share of costs, to a new business venture. This venture is still in the early-stage of start-up. The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore it has not been consolidated. In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $1.5 million which meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under the FASB ASC 320 and is recorded at a total fair value of $1.0 million at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $1.4 million). In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment for its investment of $0.2 million. This investment is classified as an available-for-sale investment. In 2013, the Company invested $2.5 million in the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under ASC 325 and accrued $0.5 million pertaining to warrants related to the respective investment. The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is $5.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.

21. Employees’ Pension and Postretirement Benefits

(a) Defined Benefit Plan

The Company has an unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plan, the SERP, covering Richard L. Gelfond, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company and Bradley J. Wechsler, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. The SERP provides for a lifetime retirement benefit from age 55 determined as 75% of the member’s best average 60 consecutive months of earnings over the member’s employment history. The benefits were 50% vested as at July 2000, the SERP initiation date. The vesting percentage increases on a straight-line basis from inception until age 55. As at December 31, 2013, the benefits of Mr. Gelfond were 100% vested. Upon a termination for cause, prior to a change of control, the executive shall forfeit any and all benefits to which such executive may have been entitled, whether or not vested.

Under the terms of the SERP, if Mr. Gelfond’s employment terminated other than for cause (as defined in his employment agreement), he is entitled to receive SERP benefits in the form of a lump sum payment. SERP benefit payments to Mr. Gelfond are subject to a deferral for six months after the termination of his employment, at which time Mr. Gelfond will be entitled to receive interest on the deferred amount credited at the applicable federal rate for short-term obligations. Effective January 1, 2013 the term of Mr. Gelfond’s current employment agreement was extended through December 31, 2016, although Mr. Gelfond has not informed the Company that he intends to retire at that time. Under the terms of the arrangement, no compensation earned beginning in 2011 is included in calculating his entitlement under the SERP.

The following assumptions were used to determine the obligation and cost status of the Company’s SERP at the plan measurement dates:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Discount rate

     1.45     0.96

Lump sum interest rate:

    

First 20 years

     3.35     2.67

Thereafter

     3.50     3.01

Cost of living adjustment on benefits

     1.20     1.20

The amounts accrued for the SERP are determined as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Projected benefit obligation:

    

Obligation, beginning of year

   $ 20,366     $ 18,990  

Interest cost

     195       272  

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (2,277     1,104  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Obligation, end of year and unfunded status

   $ 18,284     $ 20,366  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table provides disclosure of the pension benefit obligation recorded in the consolidated balance sheets:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Accrued benefits cost

   $ (18,284   $ (20,366

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     646       3,367  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets

   $ (17,638   $ (16,999
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table provides disclosure of pension expense for the SERP for the year ended December 31:

 

     Years ended December 31  
     2013      2012      2011  

Interest cost

     195        272        279  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     444        365        214  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pension expense

   $ 639      $ 637      $ 493  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP was $18.3 million at December 31, 2013 (2012 — $20.4 million).

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Unrealized actuarial loss

   $ 646      $ 3,367      $ 2,628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

No contributions were made for the SERP during 2013. The Company expects interest costs of $0.3 million to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2014.

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current SERP assumptions and the terms of the SERP in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate:

 

2014

   $ —    

2015

     —    

2016

     —    

2017

     19,228  

2018

     —    

Thereafter

     —    
  

 

 

 
   $ 19,228  
  

 

 

 

(b) Defined Contribution Pension Plan

The Company also maintains defined contribution pension plans for its employees, including its executive officers. The Company makes contributions to these plans on behalf of employees in an amount up to 5% of their base salary subject to certain prescribed maximums. During 2013, the Company contributed and expensed an aggregate of $1.3 million (2012 — $1.1 million, 2011 — $1.0 million) to its Canadian plan and an aggregate of $0.3 million (2012 — $0.3 million, 2011 — $0.2 million) to its defined contribution employee pension plan under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

(c) Postretirement Benefits - Executives

The Company has an unfunded postretirement plan for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler. The plan provides that the Company will maintain health benefits for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler until they become eligible for Medicare and, thereafter, the Company will provide Medicare supplemental coverage as selected by Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler.

 

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The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Obligation, beginning of year

   $ 524     $ 502  

Interest cost

     19       13  

Benefits paid

     (17     —    

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (134     9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Obligation, end of year

   $ 392     $ 524  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Interest cost

   $ 19      $ 13      $ 26  

Actuarial loss

     —          9        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 19      $ 22      $ 26  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012      2011  

Unrealized actuarial gain

   $ (134   $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Discount rate

     3.75     4.20     5.30

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2013     2012     2011  

Discount rate

     4.50     4.50     4.50

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:

 

2014

   $ 20  

2015

     22  

2016

     24  

2017

     30  

2018

     32  

Thereafter

     264  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 392  
  

 

 

 

(d) Postretirement Benefits – Canadian Employees

The Company has an unfunded postretirement plan for its Canadian employees upon meeting specific eligibility requirements. The Company will provide eligible participants, upon retirement, with health and welfare benefits.

 

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In February 2013, the Company amended the Canadian post-retirement plan to reduce future benefits provided under the plan. As a result of this change, the Company recognized a pre-tax curtailment gain in the first quarter of 2013 of $2.2 million (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and a reduction in the postretirement liability of $2.6 million.

The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Obligation, beginning of year

   $ 4,606     $ 4,052  

Curtailment gain

     (2,185     —    

Interest cost

     72       194  

Service cost

     27       231  

Benefits paid

     (81     —    

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (95     129  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Obligation, end of year

   $ 2,344     $ 4,606  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012      2011  

Curtailment gain

   $ (2,185   $ —        $ —    

Interest cost

     72       194        183  

Service cost

     27       231        195  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (2,086   $ 425      $ 378  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Unrealized actuarial loss

   $ 303      $ 129      $ 234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Discount rate

     4.50     4.00     4.50

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2013     2012     2011  

Discount rate

     4.00     4.50     5.00

 

The Company expects interest costs of $0.1 million and service costs of less than $0.1 million to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2014.

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:

 

2014

   $ 79  

2015

   $ 92  

2016

   $ 103  

2017

   $ 114  

2018

   $ 121  

Thereafter

   $ 1,835  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,344  
  

 

 

 

 

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22. Discontinued Operations

(a) Nyack Theater

On January 30, 2014, the Company’s lease with respect to its owned and operated Nyack IMAX Theater ended and the Company has decided not to renew the respective lease. The remaining assets and liabilities of the Nyack owned and operated theater that are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2013 are disclosed in note 22(c).

As a result, the prior years’ amounts in the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of cash flows have been adjusted to reflect the reclassification of the owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater as a discontinued operation.

(b) Operating Results for Discontinued Operations

The net earnings from discontinued operations summarized in the consolidated statements of operations, were comprised of the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Services revenue

   $ 1,291     $ 1,535     $ 1,458  

Services cost of sales applicable to revenues

     (1,758     (2,047     (2,305

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (2     —         —    

Asset impairments

     —         —         (8

Interest recovery

     1       —         —    

Tax recovery

     159       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss from discontinued operations

   $ (309   $ (512   $ (855
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(c) Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

The assets and liabilities related to the Nyack theater are included in the consolidated balance sheet of IMAX Corporation and are comprised of the following:

 

     As at December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Cash

   $ 134      $ 197  

Accounts receivable

     9        16  

Inventories

     20        21  

Prepaid expenses

     54        17  

Property, plant and equipment

     —          2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 217      $ 253  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts payable

   $ 147      $ 133  

Accrued liabilities

     701        1,157  

Deferred revenue

     32        32  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 880      $ 1,322  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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23. Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company has accrued costs related to obligations in respect of required reversion costs for its owned and operated theaters under long-term real estate leases which will become due in the future. The Company does not have any legal restrictions with respect to settling any of these long-term leases. A reconciliation of the Company’s liability in respect of required reversion costs is shown below:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012      2011  

Beginning balance, January 1

   $ 249     $ 230      $ 286  

Accretion expense

     6       19        17  

Reduction in asset retirement obligation

     (112     —          (73
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31

   $ 143     $ 249      $ 230  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its CEO and its CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) as at December 31, 2013 and has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. The Company will continue to periodically evaluate its disclosure controls and procedures and will make modifications from time to time as deemed necessary to ensure that information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.

Management has used the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) to assess the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as at December 31, 2013, and has concluded that such internal control over financial reporting were effective as at that date.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2013 as stated in their report on page 80.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company implemented a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The implementation of the new ERP system resulted in material changes to the nature and type of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company reviewed the implementation effort as well as the impact on its internal controls over financial reporting and where appropriate, has made changes to these controls over financial reporting to address these system changes. The Company believes that the internal control changes resulting from the new ERP implementation will improve the overall control environment. There were no other changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the information under the following captions in the Company’s Proxy Statement: “Item No. 1 - Election of Directors;” “Executive Officers;” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance;” “Code of Ethics;” and “Audit Committee.”

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the information under the following captions in the Company’s Proxy Statement: “Compensation Discussion and Analysis;” “Summary Compensation Table;” “Grant of Plan-Based Awards;” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End;” “Options Exercised;” “Pension Benefits;” “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control;” “Compensation of Directors;” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the information under the following captions in the Company’s Proxy Statement: “Equity Compensation Plans;” “Principal Shareholders of Voting Shares;” and “Security Ownership of Directors and Management.”

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the information under the following caption in the Company’s Proxy Statement: “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” “Review, Approval and Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons,” and “Director Independence.”

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the information under the following captions in the Company’s Proxy Statement: “Audit Fees;” “Audit-Related Fees;” “Tax Fees;” “All Other Fees;” and “Audit Committee’s Pre-Approved Policies and Procedures.”

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements filed as part of this Report are included under Item 8 in Part II.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, which covers both the financial statements and financial statement schedule in (a)(2), is included under Item 8 in Part II.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Financial statement schedule for each year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013.

II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

(a)(3) Exhibits

The items listed as Exhibits 10.1 to 10.40 relate to management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

 

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Exhibit

No.

  

Description

    3.1

   Restated Articles of Incorporation of IMAX Corporation, dated July 30, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 (File No. 001-35066).

    3.2

   By-Law No. 1 of IMAX Corporation enacted on June 11, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 8-K, dated June 11, 2013 (File No. 001-35066).

    4.1

   Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 3, 1994, among WGIM Acquisition Corporation, the Selling Shareholders as defined therein, Wasserstein Perella Partners, L.P., Wasserstein Perella Offshore Partners, L.P., Bradley J. Wechsler, Richard L. Gelfond and Douglas Trumbull (the “Selling Shareholders’ Agreement”). Incorporated by referenced to Exhibit 4.1 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

    4.2

   Amendment, dated as of March 1, 1994, to the Selling Shareholders’ Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

    4.3

   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 9, 1999, by and among IMAX Corporation, Wasserstein Perella Partners, L.P., Wasserstein Perella Offshore Partners, L.P., WPPN Inc., the Michael J. Biondi Voting Trust, Bradley J. Wechsler and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by referenced to Exhibit 4.3 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.1

   Stock Option Plan of IMAX Corporation, dated June 18, 2008. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.2

   IMAX Corporation 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan. Incorporated by referenced to Exhibit 10.1 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 8-K, dated June 11, 2013 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.3

   IMAX Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2006 Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.4

   Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1998, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.5

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated July 12, 2000, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.6

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated March 8, 2006, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.7

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2007, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley, J. Wechsler. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.8

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler.

  10.9

   Services Agreement, dated December 11, 2008, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 000-24216).

  10.10

   Services Agreement Amendment, dated February 14, 2011, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.11

   Services Agreement Amendment dated April 1, 2013, between IMAX Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler.

  10.12

   Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1998, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.13

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated July 12, 2000, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.14

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated March 8, 2006, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

 

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  10.15

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2007, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.16

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond.

  10.17

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated December 11, 2008, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 000-24216).

  10.18

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated December 20, 2010, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.19

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated December 12, 2011, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.20

   Employment Renewal Term Sheet, dated December 20, 2013, between IMAX Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond.

  10.21

   Employment Agreement, dated March 9, 2006, between IMAX Corporation and Greg Foster. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.22

   First Amending Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, between IMAX Corporation and Greg Foster.

  10.23

   Second Amending Agreement, dated April 29, 2010, between IMAX Corporation and Greg Foster. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 (File No. 000-24216).

  10.24

   Third Amending Agreement, dated June 12, 2013, between IMAX Corporation and Greg Foster. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.25

   Employment Agreement, dated May 14, 2007, between IMAX Corporation and Joseph Sparacio. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.26

   First Amending Agreement, dated May 14, 2009, between IMAX Corporation and Joseph Sparacio. Incorporated by reference to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 000-24216).

  10.27

   Second Amending Agreement, dated May 14, 2010, between IMAX Corporation and Joseph Sparacio. Incorporated by reference to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 (File No. 000-24216).

  10.28

   Third Amending Agreement, dated January 23, 2012, between IMAX Corporation and Joseph Sparacio. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.29

   Employment Agreement, dated January 31, 2012, between IMAX Corporation and Andrew Cripps.

*10.30

   Employment Renewal Term Sheet, dated January 23, 2014, between IMAX Corporation and Andrew Cripps.

*10.31

   Employment Agreement, dated May 17, 1999, between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister.

*10.32

   Letter Agreement, dated August 21, 2000 between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister.

*10.33

   Amended Employment Agreement, dated April 4, 2001 between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister.

  10.34

   Second Amended Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2004, between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to IMAX Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-113141).

  10.35

   Third Amending Agreement, dated February 14, 2006, between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.36

   Fourth Amending Agreement, dated October 5, 2006, between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister.

 

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*10.37

   Fifth Amending Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister.

  10.38

   Sixth Amending Agreement, dated December 31, 2009, between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 000-24216).

*10.39

   Employment Renewal Term Sheet, dated January 23, 2014, between IMAX Corporation and Robert D. Lister.

  10.40

   Statement of Directors’ Compensation, dated June 5, 2012. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.41

   Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 2, 2011 by and between IMAX Corporation, Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corporation and Export Development Canada. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 20, 2011 (File No. 001-35066).

  10.42

   Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated February 7, 2013, by and between IMAX Corporation, the Guarantors referred to therein, the Lenders referred to therein, Wells Fargo Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35066).

*10.43

   Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2008, by and between IMAX Corporation, Douglas Family Trust, James Douglas and Jean Douglas Irrevocable Descendants’ Trust, James E. Douglas, III, and K&M Douglas Trust.

  10.44

   Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated December 1, 2008, by and between IMAX Corporation, Douglas Family Trust, James Douglas and Jean Douglas Irrevocable Descendants’ Trust, James E. Douglas, III, and K&M Douglas Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to IMAX Corporation’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 000-24216).

*21

   Subsidiaries of IMAX Corporation.

*23

   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

*24

   Power of Attorney of certain directors.

*31.1

   Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002, dated February 20, 2014, by Richard L. Gelfond.

*31.2

   Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002, dated February 20, 2014, by Joseph Sparacio.

*32.1

   Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002, dated February 20, 2014, by Richard L. Gelfond.

*32.2

   Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002, dated February 20, 2014, by Joseph Sparacio.

 

* Filed herewith

 

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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.

 

IMAX CORPORATION
By  

/s/    JOSEPH SPARACIO        

  Joseph Sparacio
  Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 20, 2014

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 indicated on February 20, 2014.

 

/s/    RICHARD L. GELFOND        

    

/s/    JOSEPH SPARACIO        

   

/s/    JEFFREY VANCE        

Richard L. Gelfond

Chief Executive Officer &

Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

    

Joseph Sparacio

Executive Vice President &

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

   

Jeffrey Vance

Senior Vice-President,

Finance & Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

*

    

*

   

*

Bradley J. Wechsler

Chairman of the Board & Director

    

Neil S. Braun

Director

   

Eric A. Demirian

Director

*

    

*

   

*

David W. Leebron

Director

    

Garth M. Girvan

Director

   

Michael Lynne

Director

*

    

*

   

*

Michael MacMillan

Director

    

I. Martin Pompadur

Director

   

Marc A. Utay

Director

 

By  

* /s/    JOSEPH SPARACIO        

  Joseph Sparacio
  (as attorney-in-fact)

 

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IMAX CORPORATION

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     Balance at
beginning
of year
     Additions/
(recoveries)
charged to
expenses
    Other
additions/
(deductions)
(1)
    Balance at
end of year
 

Allowance for net investment in leases

         

Year ended December 31, 2011

   $ 4,838      $ 1,521     $ (4,526   $ 1,833  

Year ended December 31, 2012

   $ 1,833      $ (1,019   $ 316     $ 1,130  

Year ended December 31, 2013

   $ 1,130      $ (624   $ 300     $ 806  
Allowance for financed sale receivables          

Year ended December 31, 2011

   $ 66      $ —       $ 250     $ 316  

Year ended December 31, 2012

   $ 316      $ (109   $ (141   $ 66  

Year ended December 31, 2013

   $ 66      $ —       $ 171     $ 237  
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable          

Year ended December 31, 2011

   $ 1,988      $ 788     $ (936   $ 1,840  

Year ended December 31, 2012

   $ 1,840      $ 606     $ (882   $ 1,564  

Year ended December 31, 2013

   $ 1,564      $ (35   $ (642   $ 887  
Deferred income tax valuation allowance          

Year ended December 31, 2011

   $ 7,929      $ (1,264   $ (611   $ 6,054  

Year ended December 31, 2012

   $ 6,054      $ 93     $ (34   $ 6,113  

Year ended December 31, 2013

   $ 6,113      $ (341   $ (1,018   $ 4,754  

 

(1) Deductions represent write-offs of amounts previously charged to the provision.