Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from  _____  to  _____ 
Commission File Number 001-32622
GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in our charter)
     
Delaware   20-0723270
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
3525 East Post Road, Suite 120, Las Vegas, Nevada 89120
(Address of principal executive offices including Zip code)
(800) 833-7110
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share   New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES o NO þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. YES o NO þ
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 þ NO o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “ large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO þ
As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $320 million.
There were 76,937,863 shares of the registrant’s common stock issued and outstanding as of the close of business on March 4, 2009.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2009 are incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K in response to Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. Except as expressly incorporated by reference, the registrant’s Proxy Statement shall not be deemed to be a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 

 


 

GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
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 Exhibit 12.1
 Exhibit 21.1
 Exhibit 23.1
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

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PART I

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to “Global Cash Access” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. and our respective subsidiaries.

We believe that it is important to communicate our plans and expectations about the future to our shareholders and to the public. Some of the statements we use in this report, and in some of the documents we incorporate by reference in this report, contain forward-looking statements concerning our business operations, economic performance and financial condition, including in particular: our business strategy and means to implement the strategy; the amount of future results of operations, such as revenue, certain expenses, operating margins, income tax rates, shares outstanding, capital expenditures, operating metrics, and earnings per share; our success and our timing in developing and introducing new products or services and expanding our business; and the successful integration of future acquisitions. You can sometimes identify forward looking-statements by our use of the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plan,” “forecast,” “guidance” and similar expressions. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the following matters:  trends in gaming establishment and patron usage of our products; benefits realized by using our products; product development and regulatory approval; gaming regulatory, card association and statutory compliance; consumer collection activities; future competition; future tax liabilities; international expansion; resolution of litigation; dividend policy; new customer contracts and contract renewals; future results of operations (including revenue, expenses, margins, earnings, cash flow and capital expenditures); future interest rates and interest expense; future borrowings; and future equity incentive activity and compensation expense.

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or assumed, including but not limited to the following:  gaming establishment and patron preferences; national and international economic conditions; changes in gaming regulatory, card association and statutory requirements; regulatory approval difficulties; competitive pressures; operational limitations; gaming market contraction; changes to tax laws; uncertainty of litigation outcome; interest rate fluctuation; inaccuracies in underlying operating assumptions; unanticipated expenses or capital needs; technological obsolescence; and employee turnover. In addition, the forward-looking statements regarding out future results of operations are based on our assumptions that revenue will increase in 2009 as a result of our 2008 acquisitions, interest expense will be lower due to lower debt balances and interest rates, and we do not lose key customer relationships. If any of these assumptions prove to be incorrect, the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements regarding our future results of operations are unlikely to be realized. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are included under the heading “Risk Factors” These factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A—Risk Factors of this report, those set forth elsewhere in this report and those set forth in our press releases, reports and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. These cautionary statements qualify all of our forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing our plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update or revise forward-looking statements at some time in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to our forward-looking statements.

 

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. (“the Company” or “Holdings”) is a holding company, the principal asset of which is the capital stock of Global Cash Access, Inc. (“GCA”). GCA directly or indirectly owns all of the assets and either all or a majority of the equity interests of the subsidiaries that operate our business. These subsidiaries include Cash Systems, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), Cash Systems, Inc. (a Minnesota corporation), Global Cash Access (Canada), Inc. (“GCA Canada”), Global Cash Access (UK) Ltd. (“GCA UK”), Global Cash Access (BVI), Inc. (“GCA BVI”), Arriva Card, Inc. (“Arriva”), Global Cash Access Switzerland A.G. (“GCA Switzerland”), Global Cash Access (Belgium), S.A. (“GCA Belgium”), Innovative Funds Transfer, LLC (“IFT”) Global Cash Access (HK) Ltd. (“GCA HK”), GCA (Macau), S.A. (“GCA Macau”), Global Cash Access (South Africa)(Pty.) Ltd. (“GCA SA”), Global Cash Access (Panama), Inc., Game Financial Caribbean, N.V. and Global Cash Access (Belize), Limited (“GCA Belize”). IFT is a joint venture that is 60% owned by GCA and 40% owned by International Game Technology (“IGT”). Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company” and “our business” refer to Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
Overview
We are a provider of cash access products and related services to the gaming industry in the United States and several international markets. Our products and services provide gaming establishment patrons access to cash through a variety of methods, including Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”) cash withdrawals, credit card cash advances, point-of-sale (“POS”) debit card transactions, check verification and warranty services and money transfers. In addition, we also provide products and services that improve credit decision-making, automate cashier operations and enhance patron marketing activities for gaming establishments. Commencing in the third quarter of 2006, we began offering, through Arriva, the Arriva Card, a private-label revolving credit card aimed at consumers who perform cash advance transactions in gaming establishments. On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business. The Company has since actively marketed the Arriva business for sale. The assets associated with the Company’s Arriva operations have been segregated and reported as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of operations for the Arriva line of business have been classified to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. See further discussion in Note 12 of notes to consolidated financial statements.
We provide cash access products and related services at gaming establishments worldwide. In general, our contracts with gaming establishments are exclusive and range in duration from one to three years.
In 2008, we processed over 103.4 million transactions, which resulted in approximately $23.5 billion in cash being disbursed to gaming patrons. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we generated revenues and operating income from continuing operations of $671.6 million and $78.6 million, respectively. A summary of our financial information is contained in Note 15 of notes to consolidated financial statements.
We began our operations in July 1998 as a joint venture limited liability company among M&C International, entities affiliated with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) and First Data Corporation (“First Data”). In September 2000, Bank of America sold its entire ownership interest in us to M&C International and First Data. In March 2004, all of our outstanding ownership interests were contributed to a holding company, and all of First Data’s ownership interest in us was redeemed. Simultaneously, Bank of America reacquired an ownership interest in us (the “Recapitalization”). In May 2004, M&C International sold a portion of its ownership interest to a number of private equity investors, including entities affiliated with Summit Partners, and we converted from a limited liability company to a corporation (the “Private Equity Restructuring”). In September 2005, we completed an initial public offering of our common stock. In 2007, M&C International distributed its holdings of our common stock to its two principals, Karim Maskatiya and Robert Cucinotta.
Our principal executive offices are located at 3525 East Post Road, Suite 120, Las Vegas, Nevada 89120. Our telephone number is (800) 833-7110. Our Internet web site address is http://www.gcainc.com. The information on our web site is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Our Business
Our cash access products and services enable three primary types of electronic payment transactions: ATM cash withdrawals, credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions. As of December 31, 2008, patrons could complete any of these three transactions at many of our Casino Cash Plus 3-in-1 ATMs, or 3-in-1 Enabled redemption devices. In addition, patrons can complete credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions at any of our QuikCash kiosks, all of which we own. We also provide check verification and warranty services to gaming establishments that cash patron checks. Commencing in the third quarter of 2006, through Arriva, we began offering the Arriva Card, a private-label revolving credit card aimed at consumers who perform cash advance transactions in gaming establishments. On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business. The Company has since actively marketed the Arriva business for sale.

 

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ATM Cash Withdrawals
ATM cash withdrawal transactions represent the largest category of electronic payment transactions that we process, as measured by dollar and transaction volume. In an ATM cash withdrawal, a patron directly accesses funds from a device enabled with our ATM service by either using an ATM card to withdraw funds from his or her bank account or using a credit card to access his or her line of credit; in either event the patron must use the Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) associated with such card. Our processor then routes the transaction request through an electronic funds transfer (“EFT”) network to the patron’s bank or issuer. Depending upon a number of factors, including the patron’s account balance or credit limit and daily withdrawal limit (which is usually $300 to $500 during a 24-hour period and is determined by the patron’s bank or issuer), the bank or issuer will either decline or authorize the transaction. If the transaction is authorized, then the ATM-enabled device dispenses the cash to the customer. For a transaction using an ATM card, the patron’s bank account is debited by the amount of cash disbursed plus a service fee that we assess the patron for the use of ATM service. For a transaction using a credit card, the patron’s credit card account is charged by the amount of cash disbursed plus a service fee that we assess the patron for the use of our ATM service. The service fee is currently a fixed dollar amount and not a percentage of the transaction size. In most circumstances we pay a fee to our gaming establishment customer for the right to operate on its premises. We also receive a fee, which we refer to as reverse interchange, from the patron’s bank for accommodating the bank’s customer.
Credit Card Cash Advances and POS Debit Card Transactions
Patrons can also perform credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions using many of our enabled devices. A patron’s credit card cash advance limit is usually a sub-limit of the total credit line and is set by the card-issuing bank. These limits vary significantly and can be larger or smaller than the POS debit limit. A credit card cash advance transaction obligates the patron to repay the issuing bank over time on terms that are preset by the cardholder agreement. A patron’s POS debit card allows him or her to make cash withdrawals at the point of sale in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of funds in his or her account or a daily limit that is generally five to ten times as large as the patron’s daily ATM limit. A POS debit card transaction immediately reduces the balance in the patron’s account.
When a patron requests a credit card cash advance or POS debit card transaction, our processor routes the transaction request through one of the card associations (e.g., VISA or MasterCard) or EFT networks (e.g., Star, Interlink or Maestro) to the issuing bank. Depending upon several factors, such as the available credit or bank account balance, the transaction is either authorized or declined by the issuing bank. If authorized, the patron’s bank account is debited or their credit card balance is increased by an amount equal to the funds requested plus a service fee that we charge the patron. The service fee is a percentage of the transaction size. If the transaction is authorized, the device informs the patron that the transaction has been approved. The device instructs the patron to proceed to the gaming establishment’s cashier to complete the transaction, because credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions must currently be completed in face-to-face environments and a unique signature must be received in order to comply with rules of the card associations. Once at the cashier, the patron acknowledges payment of the fee and authorizes the transaction by placing his or her signature on a money order issued by our money order provider and made payable to the gaming establishment in an amount equal to the face amount and receives the face amount in cash. We remit the face amount to our money order provider and retain the fee. The gaming establishment deposits the money order in its own bank, and after a period of two to three days, the money order is presented to our money order provider for payment. In general, we pay the gaming establishment a portion of the service fee as a commission for the right to operate on their premises, although this payment as percentage of the fee is generally smaller for credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions than for ATM withdrawals. In addition, we are obligated to pay interchange fees to the issuing bank and processing costs related to the electronic payment transaction.
Check Verification and Warranty Services
Although the usage of checks relative to other forms of payment is declining, patrons still cash checks at gaming establishments to fund their gaming play. When a patron presents a check at the cashier, the gaming establishment can (a) accept or deny the transaction based on its own customer information and at its own risk; (b) obtain third-party verification information about the check writer and the check to manage its risk; or (c) obtain a warranty on payment of the check which entitles the gaming establishment to reimbursement of the full face amount of the check if it is dishonored.`
There are a number of check verification services. One such service is our Central Credit database, which is used primarily by gaming establishments to make credit issuing decisions. Central Credit maintains information on the check cashing history of many gaming establishment patrons. In general, we do not charge separately for check verification queries to our Central Credit database on a per transaction basis, but rather charge a fixed monthly subscription fee.
If a gaming establishment chooses to have a check warranted, it sends a request to a check warranty service provider, asking whether it will warrant the check. If the check warranty service provider warrants payment on the check, the gaming establishment is obligated to pay a fee for that service. The gaming establishment then pays the patron the face amount and deposits the check. If the check is dishonored by the patron’s bank, the gaming establishment invokes the warranty, and the check warranty service provider purchases the check from the gaming establishment for the face amount and then pursues collection activities on its own.

 

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We currently provide check warranty services on two platforms: TRS Recovery Services (formerly known as TeleCheck Recovery Services, Inc.) (“TeleCheck”) and Central Credit Check Warranty. Our Central Credit Check Warranty product is currently the larger of the two platforms as measured by face amount of checks warranted. Under our agreement with TeleCheck, we receive all of the check warranty revenue and we pay a portion of TeleCheck’s operating expenses and warranty expenses. Operating expenses are fixed at a percentage of check warranty revenues. Warranty expenses are defined as any amounts paid by TeleCheck to gaming establishments to purchase dishonored checks. Our agreement further provides that TeleCheck will pay us the actual collections realized within 120 days after a check is purchased, subject to the obligation to pay us a guaranteed minimum amount of dishonored checks. In our Central Credit Check Warranty product, we receive all of the warranty revenue and incur all of the warranty risk, collection responsibility and operating expenses. We use and pay certain third party services to assist us in the warranty decision and the collection processes.
Central Credit
In addition to the three primary types of electronic payment transactions described above, a small number of gaming establishment patrons choose to access funds through credit extended by the gaming establishment. Central Credit is a gaming patron credit bureau specifically designed for the gaming industry to allow gaming establishments to improve their credit-granting decisions. Our Central Credit database contains gaming patron credit history and transaction data on gaming patrons. Our gaming credit reports are comprised of information recorded from patron credit histories at hundreds of gaming establishments. We provide such information to gaming establishments, who use that data, among other things, to determine if or how much credit they will grant credit to a patron. At a gaming establishment’s request, we can augment the information provided in our gaming credit reports with traditional credit reports or bank ratings provided by third-party consumer credit bureaus and bank reporting agencies. We charge our customers for access to gaming patron credit reports on a monthly basis; our fees are a combination of a fixed minimum fee plus per-transaction charges for certain requests.
Other
We also market money transfer services that allow patrons to receive money transfers at gaming establishments and provide information services that automate cashier operations and enhance patron marketing activities. In the third quarter of 2006, we launched the Arriva Card, a credit card for consumers who perform cash advance transactions in gaming establishments. CIT Bank was the issuer of the card and provided the credit to the customers, while Arriva is the administrator and servicer of Arriva Card accounts. As servicer, we earn interest and other fees from customers related to the use of their Arriva Cards. On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business. The Company has since actively marketed the Arriva business for sale.
ATM Cash Withdrawals
Our Products and Services
Our customer solutions consist of cash access products and services, information services and cashless gaming products.
         
Cash Access Products and Services   Information Services   Cashless Gaming Products
 
       
     Casino Cash Plus 3-in-1 ATM
 
     Central Credit
 
     3-in-1 Enabled Redemption Devices
 
       
     QuikCash
 
     QuikCash Plus Web
 
     Powercash
 
       
     Check verification and warranty
 
     QuikReports
   
 
       
     Money transfers
 
     QuikMarketing
   

 

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Cash Access Products and Services
We provide gaming establishments with the ability to enable their patrons to access cash through a variety of products and services.
Casino Cash Plus 3-in-1 ATM is an unmanned, cash-dispensing machine that offers patrons a quick way to access cash through ATM cash withdrawals, POS debit card transactions and credit card cash advances directly or using our patented “3-in-1 rollover” functionality. Our patented “3-in-1 rollover” functionality allows a gaming patron to easily convert an unsuccessful ATM cash withdrawal into a POS debit card transaction or a credit card cash advance. When a patron is denied a standard ATM transaction, our “3-in-1 rollover” functionality automatically provides the option of obtaining funds via a POS debit card transaction or a credit card cash advance. For authorized ATM transactions, the Casino Cash Plus 3-in-1 ATM dispenses cash to the patron. For successful POS debit card transactions and credit card cash advances, once the transaction is authorized, the Casino Cash Plus 3-in-1 ATM instructs the patron to proceed to the casino cashier, who completes the transaction by undertaking certain procedures in accordance with the rules of the major card associations, printing the money order, and dispensing cash to the patron. In addition to our own ATM, we have a strategic alliance with Capital One, N.A. (“Capital One”), pursuant to which we have incorporated our “3-in-1 rollover” functionality into Capital One ATMs and redemption devices that are located in gaming establishments. As of December 31, 2008, we had incorporated our “3-in-1 rollover” functionality into 162 Capital One ATMs and redemption devices that are located in gaming establishments.
QuikCash is the brand name of our stand-alone, non-ATM cash advance kiosks for the gaming industry. Our QuikCash kiosks are customer-activated terminals that provide patrons with access to credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions. Once the transaction is authorized, the patron is instructed to proceed to the casino cashier, who undertakes certain procedures in accordance with the rules of the major card associations, prints the money order, and dispenses cash to the patron.
Check verification and warranty services allow gaming establishments to manage or eliminate risk on patron checks that they cash. A gaming establishment can query our Central Credit database to review the check cashing history of a gaming establishment patron before deciding whether to cash the patron’s check. If the gaming establishment wants additional protection against loss, it can seek a warranty on payment of the check. We have an exclusive relationship with TeleCheck to market check warranty services to gaming establishments. As an alternative to TeleCheck’s check warranty service, we have developed our own Central Credit Check Warranty service that is based upon our Central Credit database, our proprietary patron transaction database, third-party risk analytics and actuarial assumptions.
Money transfer services are provided through a contractual relationship with Western Union Financial Services, Inc. (“Western Union”). We are the worldwide exclusive marketer to the gaming industry of Western Union’s electronic and paper-based systems for receiving funds transfers at gaming establishments. Western Union contracts directly with gaming establishments and we receive a monthly payment based upon the number of transactions completed.
Information Services
We market our information services to gaming establishments to improve credit decision-making, to automate cashier operations and to enhance patron marketing activities.

 

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Improve Credit Decision-Making
Central Credit is the leading gaming patron credit bureau that allows gaming establishments to improve their credit-granting decisions. Our Central Credit database contains decades of gaming patron credit history and transaction data on millions of gaming patrons. Our gaming credit reports are comprised of information recorded from patron experiences at hundreds of gaming establishments. We provide such information to gaming establishments, who use that data, for among other things, to determine if or how much credit they will grant to a patron. To allow gaming establishments to improve their credit-granting decisions, Central Credit offers a variety of tools, including underwriting of gaming patron credit requests, and gaming credit reports. At a gaming establishment’s request, we can augment the information provided in our gaming credit reports with traditional credit reports or bank ratings obtained from third-party consumer credit bureaus and bank reporting agencies.
Automated Cashier Operations
QuikCash Plus (“QCP”) Web is a proprietary browser-based, full service cash access transaction processing system for gaming establishment cashier operations that runs on a gaming establishment’s own computer hardware. Cashiers using QCP Web can process credit card cash advances, POS debit card transactions, check verification and warranty services and money transfer services online through a single terminal. QCP Web reduces cage operating complexity, improves transaction times, saves space by eliminating multiple pieces of hardware and reduces training requirements for cage operators, potentially lowering operating costs for gaming establishments. QCP Web is delivered as an application service with a customizable user interface that allows gaming establishments to add additional workstations by simply connecting them to the application server. In addition, QCP Web can assist gaming establishments in satisfying legal reporting requirements by providing information that may assist in completing required regulatory reports such as Currency Transaction Reports (“CTRs”) and Suspicious Activity Reports (“SARs”).
Enhance Patron Marketing
Gaming establishment marketing professionals can use our patron data to develop, implement and refine their customer loyalty programs. Because we have data on patron cash access activity across multiple gaming establishments, we are uniquely able to help an operator understand how much of a patron’s cash access activity, in aggregate, is being done in other gaming establishments in order to gauge the patron’s loyalty to the gaming establishment.
QuikReports is a browser-based reporting tool that provides marketing professionals with real-time access to, and analysis of, information on patron cash access activity. We provide this information through a secure Internet connection at user-specified levels of detail ranging from aggregated summary information to individual cash access transactions. For example, an operator may use QuikReports to focus its marketing efforts on target patrons by generating a report of the patrons who accessed the greatest amounts of cash at the operator’s gaming establishment during a specified period, and comparing the amounts of cash accessed at the operator’s gaming establishments with the aggregate amounts of cash accessed at other gaming establishments that are part of our network. A gaming establishment may also use QuikReports to monitor or analyze the cash access activities of its patrons to determine peak periods, the relative popularity of various cash access methods, or the traffic volumes, at particular machines in particular locations.
QuikMarketing. Through our QuikMarketing service, we query our proprietary patron transaction database using criteria supplied by the gaming establishment. We then assist in the distribution through a third-party mailhouse of gaming establishment-supplied marketing materials to patrons in our database that match target patron criteria supplied by the gaming establishment. Our proprietary patron transaction database includes information that is captured from transactions we process in which personal information is available; ATM transactions are not included. Patrons may “opt out” of having their names included in QuikMarketing mailing lists
Cashless Gaming Products
A recent trend in gaming has been the movement towards cashless gaming as a more efficient means for gaming operators to manage their slot machine operations. Cashless gaming, also known as “ticket-in-ticket-out” (“TITO”), reduces the amount of cash utilized in slot machines by dispensing bar-coded tickets instead of cash for jackpots and cash-outs. To capitalize on the movement towards cashless gaming initiatives, we have developed, together with our strategic partners, products that facilitate an efficient means of accessing funds in a cashless gaming environment. Our cash access services are platform independent and our existing infrastructure has been designed to be adaptable to new platforms and/or operating environments.

 

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3-in-1 Enabled Redemption Device is a multi-function patron kiosk, which incorporates our “3-in-1 rollover” functionality for cash access into self-service kiosks for slot ticket redemption services provided by redemption device manufacturers, including NRT Technology Corporation (“NRT”). When a patron presses the cash out button on a cashless slot machine, the patron receives the value of the paper slot ticket dispensed from a printer embedded in the slot machine. The ticket can then be inserted into other slot machines or exchanged for cash at a redemption device. The availability of our cash access services on these slot ticket redemption devices provides us with additional points of contact with gaming patrons at locations that are closer to the slot machines than traditional cash access devices that are typically located on the periphery of the area within the gaming establishment where gaming activity is conducted. These additional points of contact provide gaming patrons with more opportunities to access their cash with less cashier involvement, thereby creating labor cost savings for gaming establishments. In addition, by incorporating our cash access services into a redemption device, we enjoy the benefit of the redemption device manufacturer’s existing relationships with gaming establishments and its sales and marketing efforts directed towards additional gaming establishments. We have the exclusive right to provide cash access services on self-service redemption devices serviced by NRT. We have a similar alliance with Western Money Systems, another provider of slot ticket and player point redemption kiosks, subject to completion of development and regulatory approval. We have an agreement with MCA Processing LLC, an entity controlled by two significant stockholders and former directors, under which we operate. Although we have installed our services on several MCA Processing, LLC devices, we have discontinued any further installations. We have a similar alliance with Glory (U.S.A.) Inc.
Powercash is a product that leverages a player’s loyalty card to enable that player to load funds on that card from their checking accounts, credit cards or debit cards. The player can then use those funds to play at the devices they are using without first obtaining cash.
Credit Card Servicing
On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business, and has since actively marketed the Arriva business for sale. The Arriva Card was a private label credit card issued by CIT Bank. The Arriva Card was structured specifically for use in any gaming establishment in the United States and the Caribbean in which the Company provided cash advance services. The Arriva Card was first issued in July 2006 and the last transaction occurred on April 21, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, there were only 6,155 cardholders of the Arriva Card with the only remaining business being collections of accounts receivable.
Customer Service
We operate a customer service call center from our facility in Las Vegas, Nevada that is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our customer service representatives assist cashier personnel and gaming patrons in their use of our products and services. Through our use of third-party translation services, our customer service representatives can serve gaming establishment customers and patrons in approximately 150 different languages.
Intellectual Property
We believe that the ability to introduce and respond to technological innovation in the gaming industry will be an increasingly important qualification for the future success of any provider of cash access services. Our continued competitiveness will depend on the pace of our product development; our patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret protection; and our relationships with customers. Our business development personnel work with gaming establishments, our joint venture partners, our strategic partners and the suppliers of the financial services upon which our cash access services rely to design and develop innovative cash access products and services and to identify potential new solutions for the delivery and distribution of cash in gaming establishments.
We have four issued United States patents and eight pending United States patent applications. We have nineteen United States trademark registrations, including one registered United States trademark relating to our name. In addition to our United States trademark registrations, we have trademarks already resgistered in the United States that are registered or pending registration in jurisdictions outside the United States. However, we rely principally on unregistered copyrights and trade secrets for protection of our intellectual property.

 

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Our ACMs use biometric facial recognition technology and our patented “3-in-1 rollover” functionality to provide credit card cash advances, POS debit card transactions, ATM cash withdrawals, check cashing and money transfer services at a single, unmanned machine. These technologies are key differentiating technologies from our competitors.
During 2008, the Company made payments for software development and system maintenance to Infonox on the Web (“Infonox”) pursuant to agreements with Infonox. At the time the Company entered into these agreements, Infonox was controlled by Karim Masakatiya and Robert Cucinotta, who were also then members of our Board of Directors, and for a portion of 2008, Infonox was controlled by family members of Mr. Maskatiya. Infonox was acquired by Total System Services, Inc. on November 4,  2008 and is no longer controlled by members of Mr. Maskatiya’s family.
Sales and Marketing
We sell and market our products and services to gaming establishments primarily through the use of a direct sales force. The target customers of our direct sales force are gaming establishments in the United States and in international markets where gaming is conducted. Our target customers include traditional land-based casinos, gaming establishments operated on Native American lands, casinos, riverboats, cruise ships with gaming operations, pari-mutuel wagering facilities and card rooms. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, revenues from our operations outside the United States comprised 2.0%, 3.0% and 3.0% of our revenues.
Our sales and marketing efforts are directed by 13 sales executives, each with business development responsibility for the gaming establishments in those regions. These sales executives target all levels of gaming establishment personnel, including senior executives, finance professionals, marketing staff and cashiers, and seek to educate them on the benefits of our cash access products and services.
The sales executives are supported by 35 field account managers, who provide on site customer service to most of our customers. These field account managers reside in the vicinity of the specific gaming establishments that they support to ensure that they respond to the customer service needs of those gaming establishments.
We also have joint sales efforts with a number of strategic partners, including NRT, Western Money Systems and Capital One, which allow us to market our cash access services to gaming establishments through channels other than our direct sales force.
Competition
We compete with other providers of cash access services to the gaming industry. Our principal competitor in North America is Global Payments Inc. operating as Cash & Win. We also compete with financial institutions, such as U.S. Bancorp and other regional and local banks that operate ATMs on the premises of gaming establishments. Some of these other providers and financial institutions have also established cooperative relationships with each other to expand their service offerings. In markets outside North America, we encounter competition from banks and other financial service companies established in those markets.
We face potential competition from gaming establishments that may choose to operate their own in-house cash access systems rather than outsource to us. In the past, some gaming establishments have operated their own in-house cash access systems. We believe that almost all gaming establishments, however, outsource their cash access service to third-party providers because providing these services is not a core competency of gaming establishment operators, and because gaming establishment operators are unable to achieve the same scale that can be obtained by third-party providers that deploy cash access services across multiple gaming establishments.
We may in the future also face competition from traditional transaction processors, such as First Data, that may choose to enter the gaming patron cash access services market. In connection with our redemption of First Data’s interest in us, First Data agreed not to compete with us prior to March 10, 2007. Given its familiarity with our business, operations and industry as a result of being our majority owner from inception until March 10, 2004, First Data could be a significant competitive threat now that this covenant not to compete has expired. In addition, we may in the future face potential competition from new entrants into the market for cash access products and related services and, subject to certain covenants made by some of the banks that sponsor us into the card associations, competition from such banks during and after expiration of our contracts with such banks. Some of these potential competitors may have a number of significant advantages over us, including greater name recognition and marketing power, longer operating histories, pre-existing relationships with current or potential customers and significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources and access to capital which allow them to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities.

 

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Regulation
Various aspects of our business are subject to gaming regulation and financial services regulation. Depending on the nature of the noncompliance, our failure to comply with these regulations may result in the suspension or revocation of any license or registration at issue, cessation of our service as well as the imposition of civil fines and criminal penalties.
Gaming Regulation
We are subject to a variety of gaming and other regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. As a general matter, we are regulated by gaming commissions or similar authorities at the state or tribal level, such as the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. In some jurisdictions, such as Nevada, we are considered a supplier of “associated equipment” and could be required by the regulatory authorities, in their discretion, to file a license application. In such event, any of our officers, directors or beneficial owners of our securities could be required to apply for a license or a finding of suitability. Most of the jurisdictions in which we operate distinguish between gaming-related suppliers and vendors, such as manufacturers of slot machine or other gaming devices, and non-gaming suppliers and vendors, such as food and beverage purveyors, construction contractors and laundry and linen suppliers. In these jurisdictions, we are typically characterized as a non-gaming supplier or vendor and we must obtain a non-gaming supplier’s or vendor’s license, qualification or approval. The licensure, qualification and approval requirements and the regulations imposed on non-gaming suppliers and vendors are generally less stringent than for gaming-related suppliers and vendors, and as such, we are often subject to a lesser degree of regulation than our customers that directly engage in gaming activities. However, some of the jurisdictions in which we do business do not distinguish between gaming-related and non-gaming related suppliers and vendors, and other jurisdictions categorize our services and/or products as gaming related, and we are subject to the same stringent licensing, qualification or approval requirements and regulations that are imposed upon vendors and suppliers that would be characterized as gaming-related in other jurisdictions. Most state and many tribal gaming regulators require us to obtain and maintain a permit or license to provide our services to gaming establishments. The process of obtaining such permits or licenses often involves substantial disclosure of information about us, our officers, directors and beneficial owners of our securities, and involves a determination by the regulators as to our suitability as a supplier or vendor to gaming establishments.
The expansion of our business, the introduction of new cash access products or services, or changes to applicable rules and regulations may result in us being characterized as a gaming-related supplier or vendor in jurisdictions in which we are now a non-gaming related supplier or vendor. These differences may result in a regulatory characterization of us as a gaming-related supplier or vendor, which would subject us to an increased regulatory burden which could include, but is not limited to: requiring the licensure or finding of suitability of any of our officers, directors, key employees or beneficial owners of our securities; the termination or disassociation with such officer, director, key employee or beneficial owner of our securities that fails to file an application or to obtain a license or finding of suitability; the submission of detailed financial and operating reports; submission of reports of material loans, leases and financing; and, requiring regulatory approval of some commercial transactions such as the transfer or pledge of equity interests in the Company. These regulatory burdens are imposed upon gaming-related suppliers or vendors on an ongoing basis.
Gaming regulatory authorities have broad discretion and can require any beneficial holder of our securities, regardless of the number of shares of common stock or amount of debt securities owned, to file an application, be investigated, and be subject to a determination of suitability. If the beneficial holder of our securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership, or trust, such entity must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of its officers, directors, partners and beneficial owners. Further disclosure by those officers, directors, partners and beneficial owners may be required. Under some circumstances and in some jurisdictions, an institutional investor, as defined in the applicable gaming regulations, that acquires a specified amount of our securities may apply to the regulatory authority for a waiver of these licensure, qualification or finding of suitability requirements, provided the institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor will not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of its business.

 

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The changes in our ownership, management and corporate structure that resulted from the recapitalizations of our ownership in 2004 and our conversion from a limited liability company to a corporation in 2004, required us to notify many of the state and tribal gaming regulators under whose jurisdiction we operate. In many cases, those regulators asked us for further information and explanation of those changes. To date, we believe we have satisfied these inquiries. Given the magnitude of the changes in our ownership that resulted from the recapitalizations, we were required to re-apply for new permits or licenses in some jurisdictions, but were not required to discontinue our operations during the period of re-application. In 2005 we notified many of the state and tribal gaming regulators under whose jurisdictions we operate of our initial public offering of common stock, which required further disclosures or re-applications for new permits or licenses, none of which required us to discontinue our operations in any such jurisdictions. In some jurisdictions we are in the process of obtaining licenses and have yet to receive final approval of such licenses from the applicable regulatory authority. In these jurisdictions, we operate under temporary licenses or without a license. We may not be issued a license in these jurisdictions. Additionally, we operate under temporary approvals in some jurisdictions, as a result of renewal applications or applications filed as a result of our acquisitions of Certegy Gaming Services (“CGS”) and Cash Systems, Inc. (“CSI”).
Financial Services Regulation
Anti-Money Laundering. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and its implementing federal regulations require us to establish and maintain an anti-money laundering program. Our anti-money laundering program includes: (1) internal policies, procedures, and controls designated to identify and report money laundering; (2) a designated compliance officer; (3) an ongoing employee training program; and (4) an independent audit function to test the program.
In addition, the cash access services that we provide are subject to recordkeeping and reporting obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act. Our gaming establishment customers and we are required to file a SAR with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to report any suspicious transaction relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation. To be reportable, the transaction must meet criteria that are designed to identify the hiding or disguising of funds derived from illegal activities. Our gaming establishment customers, in situations where our cash access services are provided through gaming establishment cashier personnel, and we, in situations where we provide our cash access services directly to patrons through satellite cages or booths that we staff and operate, are required to file a CTR of each deposit, withdrawal, exchange of currency or other payment or transfer by, through, or to us which involves a transaction in currency of more than $10,000 in a single day. Our QCP Web product can assist in identifying transactions that give rise to reporting obligations. When we issue or sell drafts for currency in amounts between $3,000 and $10,000, we maintain a record of information about the purchaser, such as the purchaser’s address, Social Security Number and date of birth.
Following the events of September 11, 2001, the United States and other governments have imposed and are considering a variety of new regulations focused on the detection and prevention of money laundering and money transmitting to or from terrorists and other criminals. Compliance with these new regulations may impact our business operations or increase our costs.
Fund Transfers. Our POS debit card transactions and ATM services are subject to the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which provides cardholders with rights with respect to electronic fund transfers, including the right to dispute unauthorized charges, charges that list the wrong date or amount, charges for goods and services that are not accepted or delivered as agreed, math errors and charges for which a cardholder asks for an explanation or written proof of transaction along with a claimed error or request for clarification. We have implemented the necessary policies and procedures in order to comply with the regulatory requirements for fund transfers.
Money Transmitter. Most states require a money transmitter license in order to issue the negotiable instruments that are used to complete credit card cash advance and POS debit card transactions. On November 27, 2006, we entered into an agreement with Integrated Payment Systems, Inc. (“IPS”), whereby IPS appointed us as IPS’s agent to use and sell IPS money orders in connection with credit card and point-of-sale debit card transactions consummated by us for patrons of gaming establishments. This agreement has a three-year term. IPS holds the required money transmitter licenses and is our sole and exclusive provider of money orders. We are entitled to receive monthly commission payments from IPS for money orders used and sold by us and we are obligated to pay transaction fees per money order to IPS.

 

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Credit Reporting. Our Central Credit gaming patron credit bureau services and check verification and warranty services are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 and their implementing rules, which require consumer credit bureaus, such as Central Credit, to provide credit report information to businesses only for certain purposes and to otherwise safeguard credit report information; to disclose to consumers their credit report on request; and to permit consumers to dispute and correct inaccurate or incomplete information in their credit report. These laws and rules also govern the information that may be contained in a consumer credit report. We continue to implement policies and procedures as well as adapt our business practices in order to comply with these laws and regulations. In addition to federal regulation, our Central Credit gaming patron credit bureau services are subject to the state credit reporting regulations which impose similar requirements to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. Our credit granting programs such as QuikCredit, also are subject to federal and state credit reporting laws and rules, requiring, among other things, that we notify consumers when we deny credit based on credit report information.
Debt Collection. Although we currently outsource most of our debt collection efforts to third parties, we do engage in debt collection efforts for credit extended via the Arriva Card. We may engage in efforts to collect on our QuikCredit service, dishonored checks purchased by Central Credit pursuant to our check warranty services, returns from customer payments on their account with the Arriva Card and chargebacks on our cash advance products. All such collection practices may be subject to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, which prohibits unfair, deceptive or abusive debt collection practices, as well as consumer-debt-collection laws and regulation adopted by the various states.
Privacy Regulations. Our collection of information from patrons who obtain from us financial products and services, such as our cash access services, are subject to the financial information privacy protection provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and its implementing federal regulations. We gather, as permitted by law, non-public, personally-identifiable financial information from patrons who use our cash access services, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, bank and credit card account numbers and transaction information. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires us to safeguard and protect the privacy of such non-public personal information. Also, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires us to make disclosures to patrons regarding our privacy and information sharing policies and give patrons the opportunity to direct us not to disclose information about them to unaffiliated third parties in certain situations. In this regard, we provide patrons with a privacy notice, an opportunity to review our privacy policy, and an opportunity to opt out of specified types of disclosures. In addition to the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act privacy regulations we are subject to state privacy regulations. Some state privacy regulations impose more stringent limitations on access and use of personal information. We continue to implement policies and programs as well as adapt our business practices in order to comply with federal and state privacy laws and regulations.
ATM Operations. Our ATM services are subject to applicable state banking regulations in each jurisdiction in which we operate ATMs. These regulations require, among other things, that we register with the state banking regulators as an operator of ATMs, that we provide gaming patrons with notices of the transaction fees assessed upon use of our ATMs, that our transaction fees do not exceed designated maximums, that we offer gaming patrons a means of resolving disputes with us, and that we comply with prescribed safety and security requirements.
Check Cashing. In jurisdictions in which we serve as a check casher or agree to defer deposit of gaming patrons’ checks under our QuikCredit services, we are subject to the state licensing requirements and regulations governing check cashing activities. Generally, these regulations require us to obtain a license from the state’s banking regulators to operate as a check casher. Some states also impose restrictions on this activity such as restrictions on the amounts of service fees that may be imposed on the cashing of certain types of checks, requirements as to records that must be kept with respect to dishonored checks, and requirements as to the contents of receipts that must be delivered to gaming patrons at the time a check is cashed.
Arriva Card. On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business, and has since actively marketed the Arriva business for sale. The Arriva Card was a private label credit card issued by CIT Bank.
Lending. We currently operate our QuikCredit service at one of our customer locations in Florida. QuikCredit is a service where a patron writes a check payable to a gaming establishment that deposits this check under deferred presentment terms. In other states in which we are deemed to operate as a short-term consumer or payday lender as a result of our QuikCredit services, we are subject to the various state regulations governing the terms of the loans. Typically, the state regulations limit the amount that a lender or service provider may lend or provide and, in some cases, the number of loans or transactions that a lender or service provider may make to any customer at one time, restrict the amount of finance or service charges or fees that the lender or service provider may assess in connection with any loan or transaction. The lender or service provider must also comply with various consumer disclosure requirements, which are typically similar or equivalent to the Federal Truth in Lending Act and corresponding federal regulations, in connection with the loans or transactions.

 

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Network and Card Association Regulation. In addition to the governmental regulation described above, some of our services are also subject to rules promulgated by various payment networks, EFT networks and card associations. For example, we must comply with the Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) Data Security Standard. Since June 30, 2006 we have been designated as a compliant service provider under the PCI Data Security Standard. On an annual basis, we must be certified to maintain our status as a compliant service provider.
Other Regulation
When contracting with tribal owned or controlled gaming establishments, we become subject to tribal laws and regulations that may differ materially from the non-tribal laws and regulations under which we generally operate. In addition to tribal gaming regulations that may require us to provide disclosures or obtain licenses or permits to conduct our business on tribal lands, we may also become subject to tribal laws that govern our contracts. These tribal governing laws may not provide us with processes, procedures and remedies that enable us to enforce our rights as effectively and advantageously as the processes, procedures and remedies that would be afforded to us under non-tribal laws, or to enforce our rights at all, and may expose us to an increased risk of contract repudiation as compared to that inherent in dealing with non-tribal customers. Many tribal laws permit redress to a tribal adjudicatory body to resolve disputes; however, such redress is largely untested in our experience. We may be precluded from enforcing our rights against a tribal body under the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity.
We are also subject to a variety of gaming regulations and other laws in the international markets in which we operate. We expect to become subject to additional gaming regulations and other laws in the jurisdictions into which we expand our operations. Our expansion into new markets is dependent upon our ability to comply with the regulatory regimes adopted by such jurisdictions. For example, our entry into Macau SAR was subject to receipt of approvals, licenses or waivers by or from the Monetary Authority of Macau, the Macau Gaming Commission and the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. Difficulties in obtaining approvals, licenses or waivers from the monetary and gaming authorities, in addition to other potential regulatory and quasi-regulatory issues that we have not yet ascertained, may arise in other international jurisdictions into which we wish to enter.
As we develop new services and new products, we may become subject to additional federal and state regulations. For example, in the event that we form or acquire a bank or industrial loan company, we would become subject to a number of additional banking and financial institution regulations, which may include the Bank Holding Company Act. These additional regulations could substantially restrict the nature of the business in which we may engage and the nature of the businesses in which we may invest.
Employees
As of December 31, 2008, we had 626 employees. We are not subject to any collective bargaining agreements and have never been subject to a work stoppage. We believe that we have maintained good relationships with our employees.
Available Information
Our Internet address is http://www.gcainc.com We make available free of charge in the “Investor Relations” portion of our website under “SEC Filings” our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Our Business
If we are unable to maintain our current customers on terms that are favorable to us, our business, financial condition and operating results may suffer a material adverse effect.
We enter into contracts with our gaming establishment customers to provide our cash access products and related services. Our contracts typically have a term ranging from one to five years in duration, but some are terminable upon 30 days advance notice or are terminable by our gaming establishment customers in the event that we fail to satisfy specific covenants set forth in the contracts, including gaming regulatory compliance covenants. We are typically required to renegotiate the terms of our customer contracts upon their expiration, and in some circumstances we may be forced to modify the terms of our contracts before they expire. When we have successfully renewed these contracts, these negotiations have in the past resulted in, and in the future may result in, financial and other terms that are less favorable to us than the terms of the expired contracts. In particular, we are often required to pay a higher commission rate to a gaming establishment than we previously paid in order to renew the relationship. Assuming constant transaction volume, increases in commissions or other incentives paid to gaming establishments would reduce our operating results. We may not succeed in renewing these contracts when they expire, which would result in a complete loss of revenue from that customer, either for an extended period of time or forever. If we are required to pay higher commission rates or agree to other less favorable terms to retain our customers or we are not able to renew our relationships with our customers upon the expiration of our contracts, our business, financial condition and operating results would be harmed.
Competition in the market for cash access services is intense, which could result in higher commissions or loss of customers to our competitors.
The market for cash access products and related services is intensely competitive, and we expect competition to increase and intensify in the future. We compete with other providers of cash access products and services such as Global Payment Systems (operating as Cash & Win). We compete with financial institutions such as U.S. Bancorp and other regional and local banks that operate ATMs on the premises of gaming establishments. In markets outside North America, we encounter competition from banks and other financial service companies established in those markets. We face competition from gaming establishments that choose to operate cash access systems on their own behalf rather than outsource to us. We may in the future also face competition from traditional transaction processors, such as First Data, that may choose to enter the gaming patron cash services market. Given its familiarity with our specific industry and business and operations as a result of being our majority owner from inception until March 10, 2004, First Data could be a significant competitive threat. In addition, we may in the future face potential competition from new entrants into the market for cash access products and related services, such as banks. Some of our competitors and potential competitors have significant advantages over us, including greater name recognition, longer operating histories, pre-existing relationships with current or potential customers including pre-existing relationships relating to other financial services, significantly greater financial, marketing, technological and other resources and more ready access to capital which allow them to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities.
Other providers of cash access products and services to gaming establishments have in the past increased, and may in the future continue to increase, the commissions or other incentives they pay to gaming establishments in order to win those gaming establishments as customers and to gain market share. To the extent that competitive pressures force us to increase commissions or other incentives to establish or maintain relationships with gaming establishments, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
Because of significant concentration among our top customers, the loss of a top customer could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability.
For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, our five largest customers accounted for approximately 34.2% and 40.3% of our revenues, respectively. Our largest customer accounted for 16.2% and 19.3% of our revenues in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The loss of, or a substantial decrease in revenues from, any one of our top customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
As our contracts are often executed by one corporation for the provision of services at multiple gaming establishments, the loss of a single contract often results in the loss of multiple gaming establishments. Consolidation among operators of gaming establishments may also result in the loss of a top customer to the extent that customers of ours are acquired by our competitors’ customers.

 

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Our indebtedness could materially adversely affect our operations and financial results and prevent us from obtaining additional financing, if necessary.
As of December 31, 2008, we had total indebtedness of $265.8 million in principal amount (of which $152.8 million consisted of senior subordinated notes and $113.0 million consisted of senior secured debt). Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it:
   
makes it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to either our senior secured debt or our senior subordinated notes, which, if we fail to do, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt;
   
increases our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
   
may require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, which would reduce the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, expansion efforts and other general corporate purposes;
   
limits our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
   
restricts our ability to pay dividends or repurchase our common stock;
   
places us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt;
   
restricts our ability to acquire businesses or technologies that would benefit our business;
   
restricts our ability to engage in transactions with affiliates or create liens or guarantees; and
   
limits, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our other indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds.
In addition, our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture for the Notes contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that we may believe to be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default, which if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt.
Our senior secured debt currently bears interest at a rate that is based on LIBOR, and is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in LIBOR. We are therefore exposed to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of any increase in LIBOR.
To service our indebtedness we will require a significant amount of cash, and our ability to generate cash flow depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to generate cash flow from operations depends on general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Due to these factors, it is possible that our business will not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to enable us to pay our indebtedness as it matures and to fund our other liquidity needs. This would cause us to have to borrow money to meet these needs and future borrowing may not be available to us at all or in an amount sufficient to satisfy these needs. In such events, we will need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. We could have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expenses and capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity or debt financing or joint venture partners. We may not be able to affect any of these financing strategies on satisfactory terms, if at all. Our failure to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness.
The terms of our senior secured debt may require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, which will reduce the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, expansion efforts and other general corporate purposes.

 

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We may encounter difficulties managing our growth, including growth through acquisitions or strategic investments, or the change of any of our providers, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Growth, including growth through acquisitions or strategic investments, or the change of any of our service providers, involve various risks, such as:
   
difficulty integrating the technologies, operations and personnel from the acquired business or a new service provider;
   
overestimation of potential synergies or a delay in realizing those synergies;
   
disruption to our ongoing business, including the diversion of management’s attention and of resources from our principal business;
   
inability to obtain the desired financial and strategic benefits from the acquisition or investment;
   
reduced ability to control maintenance schedules, system availability, functionality or customer service levels of a new service provider;
   
loss of customers of an acquired business;
   
assumption of unanticipated liabilities;
   
loss of key employees of an acquired business; and
   
entering into new markets in which we have limited prior experience.
Acquisitions and strategic investments could also result in substantial cash expenditures, the dilutive issuance of our equity securities, the incurrence of additional debt and contingent liabilities, and amortization expenses related to other intangible assets that could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Acquisitions and strategic investments may also be highly dependent upon the retention and performance of existing management and employees of acquired businesses for the day-to-day management and future operating results of these businesses. Our ability to consummate acquisitions may be impaired by a number of factors, including decreases in the trading price of our common stock, our inability to comply with covenants relating to our existing debt or our inability to incur additional debt that is required to consummate acquisitions or finance the post closing operation of acquired businesses.
Changes in interchange rates and other fees may affect our cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and net income.
We pay credit card associations fees for services they provide in settling transactions routed through their networks, called interchange fees. In addition, we pay fees to participate in various ATM or POS debit card networks as well as processing fees to process our transactions. The amounts of these interchange fees are fixed by the card associations and networks in their sole discretion, and are subject to increase at any time. VISA and MasterCard both increased applicable interchange fees in April 2007. Also, in 2004, VISA’s Interlink network, through which we process a substantial portion of our POS debit card transactions, materially increased the interchange rates for those transactions. Since that date, the proportion of our POS debit card transactions that are routed on the Interlink network has increased, resulting in a decrease in profitability of our POS debit card business. Certain of our contracts enable us to pass through increases in interchange or processing fees to our customers, but competitive pressures might prevent us from passing all or some of these fees through to our customers in the future. To the extent that we are unable to pass through to our customers all or any portion of any increase in interchange or processing fees, our cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) would increase and our net income would decrease, assuming no change in transaction volumes. Any such decrease in net income could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Additionally, the transformation of the ownership structure of Visa and MasterCard from private associations of issuing banks to publicly traded corporations may negatively impact the manner in which these card associations manage and determine interchange rates. This could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
We receive fees from the issuers of ATM cards that are used in our ATMs, which we call reverse interchange fees. The amounts of these reverse interchange fees are fixed by electronic funds transfer networks, and are subject to decrease in their discretion at any time. Our contracts with gaming operators do not enable us to pass through to our customers the amount of any decrease in reverse interchange fees. To the extent that reverse interchange fees are reduced, our net income would decrease, assuming no change in transaction volumes, which may result in a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

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A material increase in market interest rates or changing regulations could adversely affect our ATM business.
Pursuant to our contract with Bank of America, we are obligated to pay a monthly fee that is based upon the amount of cash used to supply our ATMs and a market interest rate. Assuming no change in the amount of cash used to supply our ATMs, an increase in market interest rates will result in an increase in the monthly fee that we must pay to obtain this supply of cash, thereby increasing our ATM operating costs. Any increase in the amount of cash required to supply our ATMs would magnify the impact of an increase in market interest rates. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we incurred approximately $9.3 million and $15.9 million, respectively, in aggregate fees to Bank of America for this supply of cash.
Our ATM services are subject to the applicable state banking regulations in each jurisdiction in which we operate ATMs. Our ATM services may also be subject to local regulations relating to the imposition of daily limits on the amounts that may be withdrawn from ATMs, the location of ATMs and our ability to surcharge cardholders who use our ATMs. These regulations may impose significant burdens on our ability to operate ATMs profitably in some locations, or at all. Moreover, because these regulations are subject to change, we may be forced to modify our ATM operations in a manner inconsistent with the assumptions upon which we relied when entering into contracts to provide ATM services at gaming establishments.
An unexpectedly high level of chargebacks, as the result of fraud or otherwise, could adversely affect our cash advance business.
When patrons use our cash access services, we either dispense cash or produce a negotiable instrument that can be exchanged for cash. If a completed cash access transaction is subsequently disputed and if we are unsuccessful in establishing the validity of the transaction, we may not be able to collect payment for such transaction and such transaction becomes a chargeback. In the event that we incur chargebacks in excess of specified levels, First Data will have the right to terminate its indemnification obligations to BAMS, and we could lose our no-cost sponsorship into the card associations. In addition, in the event that we incur chargebacks in excess of specified levels, we could be censured by the card associations by way of fines or otherwise.
In certain foreign regions in which we currently operate or may operate in the future, new card security features, such as the chip-and-pin feature, have been developed as a fraud deterrent. We must upgrade our devices in certain international jurisdictions to accept these new technologies. Until we comply with these security features, we will bear the chargeback risk on transactions completed without the use of these new technologies or may not be able to operate in such jurisdiction at all.
An unexpected increase in check warranty expenses could adversely affect our check warranty business.
We currently rely on TeleCheck to provide check warranty services to many of our customers. When a gaming establishment obtains an authorization from TeleCheck pursuant to its check warranty service, TeleCheck warrants payment on the patron’s check. If the patron’s check is subsequently dishonored upon presentment for payment, TeleCheck purchases the dishonored check from the gaming establishment for its face amount. Pursuant to the terms of our contract with TeleCheck, we share a portion of the loss associated with these dishonored checks. Although this contract limits the loss percentage of the dishonored checks to which we are exposed, there is no limit on the aggregate dollar amount to which we are exposed, which is a function of the face amount of checks warranted. TeleCheck manages and mitigates these dishonored checks through the use of risk analytics and collection efforts, including the additional fees that it is entitled to collect from check writers of dishonored checks. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, our warranty expenses with respect to TeleCheck’s check warranty service were $5.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively. We have no control over TeleCheck’s decision to warrant payment on a particular check, and we have limited visibility into TeleCheck’s collection activities. As a result, we may incur an unexpectedly high level of check warranty expenses at any time.
As an alternative to TeleCheck’s check warranty service, we have developed our own Central Credit check warranty service that is based upon our own proprietary information, data from third-party databases, and third-party risk analytics and actuarial assumptions. If these risk analytics or actuarial assumptions are ineffective, we may incur an unexpectedly high level of check warranty.

 

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The loss of our sponsorship into the Visa U.S.A., Visa International and MasterCard card associations would have a material adverse effect on our business.
We cannot provide cash access services involving VISA cards and MasterCard cards in the United States without sponsorship into the Visa U.S.A. and MasterCard card associations. BAMS has agreed to sponsor us into the card associations at no cost to us through September 2010, subject to First Data’s continued indemnification of BAMS for any losses it may suffer as a result of such sponsorship. First Data will have the right to terminate its indemnification obligations prior to September 2010 in the event that we breach indemnification obligations that we owe to First Data, in the event that we incur chargebacks in excess of specified levels, in the event that we are fined in excess of specified amounts for violating card associations’ operating rules, or in the event that we amend the sponsorship agreement without First Data’s consent.
In the event that First Data terminates its indemnification obligations and as a result we lose our sponsorship by BAMS into the card associations, we would need to obtain sponsorship into the card associations through another member of the card associations that is capable of supporting our transaction volume. We would not be able to obtain such alternate sponsorship on terms as favorable to us as the terms of our current sponsorship by BAMS, which is at no cost to us, or at all.
We cannot provide cash access services involving VISA cards and MasterCard cards outside of the United States without a processing agreement with or sponsorship into the Visa International and MasterCard card associations by a bank in each foreign jurisdiction in which we conduct cash access transactions. We are currently a party to processing agreements or sponsored into these card associations by foreign banks in each of the foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct cash access transactions. In the event that any foreign bank that currently is a party to such processing agreement or sponsors us into these card associations terminates such processing agreement or its sponsorship of us, we would need to obtain a processing agreement or sponsorship into the card associations through another foreign bank that is capable of supporting our transaction volume in the relevant jurisdiction. We may not be able to obtain alternate sponsorship or processing arrangements in any region on terms as favorable to us as the terms of our current sponsorship by or processing arrangements with foreign banks, or at all.
We are subject to extensive rules and regulations of card associations, including MasterCard International, Visa International and Visa U.S.A., that are always subject to change, which may harm our business.
A substantial portion of our revenues during the period covered by this report were derived from transactions subject to the extensive rules and regulations of the leading card associations, Visa International and Visa U.S.A. (collectively “VISA”), and MasterCard International (“MasterCard”). The rules and regulations do not expressly address some of the contexts and settings in which we process cash access transactions, or do so in a manner subject to varying interpretations. As an example, we and certain of our providers must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. The failure by any of such providers to comply with such standards could result in our being finedbecoming exposed to the risk of ?.
The card associations’ rules and regulations are always subject to change, and the card associations may modify their rules and regulations from time to time. Our inability to anticipate changes in rules, regulations or the interpretation or application thereof may result in substantial disruption to our business. In the event that the card associations or our sponsoring banks determine that the manner in which we process certain types of card transactions is not in compliance with existing rules and regulations, or if the card associations adopt new rules or regulations that prohibit or restrict the manner in which we process certain types of card transactions, we may be forced to pay a fine, modify the manner in which we operate our business or stop processing certain types of cash access transactions altogether, any of which could have a material negative impact on our business and operating results.
We also process transactions involving the use of the proprietary credit cards such as those offered by Discover Card and American Express as well as other regional card issued in certain international markets. The rules and regulations of the proprietary credit card networks that service these cards present risks to us that are similar to those posed by the rules and regulations of VISA and MasterCard.

 

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Our products and services are complex, depend on a myriad of complex networks and technologies and may be subject to software or hardware errors or failures that could lead to an increase in our costs, reduce our revenues or damage our reputation.
Our products and services, and the networks and third-party services upon which our products and services are based, are complex and may contain undetected errors or may suffer unexpected failures. We are exposed to the risk of failure of our proprietary computer systems, many of which are deployed, operated, monitored and supported by Infonox, which we do not control. We rely on Infonox to detect and respond to errors and failures in our proprietary computer systems. We rely on NRT, Western Money Systems and Glory for software development and system support of the self-service slot ticket and player point redemption kiosks that incorporate our cash access services. We are exposed to the risk of failure of the computer systems that are owned, operated and managed by USA Payments Systems, which we do not control. USA Payment Systems owns the data centers through which most of our transactions are processed, and we rely on USA Payment Systems to maintain the security and integrity of our transaction data, including backups thereof. We are in the process of transitioning from USA Payment Systems to an alternate electronic payment processor and will be subject to the same risks with respect to our successor processor as we are with USA Payment Systems. We also are exposed to the risk of failure of card association and electronic funds transfer networks that are used to process and settle our transactions. These networks, which are owned and operated by others, are subject to planned and unplanned outages and may suffer degradations in performance during peak processing times. Finally, we are subject to the risk of disruption to, or failure of, the telecommunications infrastructure upon which the interfaces among these systems are based. All of these systems and networks, upon which we rely to provide our services, are potentially vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, natural disasters and similar disruptions, which could lead to interruptions, delays, loss of data, public release of confidential data or the inability to complete patron transactions.
Because of our dependence on a few providers, or in some cases one provider, for some of the financial services we offer to patrons, the loss of a provider could have a material adverse effect on our business or our financial performance.
We depend on a few providers, or in some cases one provider, for some of the financial services that we offer to patrons. The loss of any of these providers could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance.
Money Order Instruments. We currently rely on IPS to issue the negotiable instruments that are used to complete credit card cash advance and POS debit card transactions. Most states require a money transmitter license in order to issue the negotiable instruments that are used to complete credit card cash advance and POS debit card transactions. We do not hold any money transmitter licenses, but currently issue negotiable instruments as an agent of IPS, which holds the required money transmitter licenses, pursuant to an agreement that expires on December 31, 2009.
Prior to such date we will either be required to enter in an agency relationship with another third-party that holds the required money transmitter licenses or obtain our own money transmitter licenses. We may not be able to enter into an agreement for such an agency relationship on terms that are favorable to us prior to the expiration of our agreement with IPS, or at all, and we may not be able to obtain our own money transmitter licenses, in which case we may be unable to provide our credit card cash advance and POS debit card transactions, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance.
Check Warranty Services. We rely on TeleCheck to provide many of the check warranty services that our gaming establishment customers contract with us to use when cashing patron checks. Unless extended pursuant to its terms, our contract with TeleCheck expires on September 30, 2008. Unless we and TeleCheck mutually agree to a new contract, we will need to make alternative arrangements for the provision of check warranty services and we may not have any continuing interest in those contracts that are executed directly between the gaming establishments and TeleCheck, which may have a significant impact on revenues derived from check services. We may not be able to make such alternative arrangements on terms that are as favorable to us as the terms of our contract with TeleCheck, or on any terms at all. In addition, our Central Credit check warranty service, as currently deployed, uses risk analytics provided by third-party providers.
Authorizations and Settlement. We rely on USA Payments and USA Payment Systems to provide processing services by obtaining authorizations for credit card cash advances, POS debit card transactions, ATM cash withdrawal transactions and to provide settlement transaction files to card associations for some of these transactions. Additionally, USA Payment Systems may in some cases be dependent upon a single access point to connect to the various transaction processing networks. Our agreement with USA Payments and USA Payment Systems has purportedly been terminated by USA Payments and USA Payment Systems based upon allegations that we dispute. Our intention to transition to a new processor within the transition period set forth in our agreement with USA Payments and USA Payment Systems or at all has a number of risks, including those described above under “— We may encounter difficulties managing our growth —”.

 

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Card Association Sponsorship. We rely on Bank of America Merchant Services (“BAMS”), which is affiliated with Bank of America Corporation, for sponsorship into the Visa U.S.A. and MasterCard card associations for domestic transactions at no cost to us through September 2010. We also rely on a foreign bank in each foreign jurisdiction in which we operate, for example Banco Weng Hang in Macau SAR, to process transactions conducted in these jurisdictions through the Visa International and MasterCard card associations.
ATM Cash Supply. We rely exclusively on Bank of America to supply cash for substantially all of our ATMs. Under our agreement, Bank of America is not obligated to supply us with more than $410 million in cash at any given time; however, to satisfy our ATM cash supply needs, Bank of America has regularly provided us with cash in excess of this limit. If Bank of America ever refuses to provide cash in excess of this limit, we would have an inadequate supply of cash for our ATMs. Upon the expiration of our agreement with Bank of America for the supply of ATM on December 19, 2010, we may not be able to obtain such adequate supply of cash on terms that are favorable to us or at all.
Software Development and System Support. We rely on Infonox, USAPayments and USA Payment Systems for software development and system support. In addition, we rely on NRT, Western Money Systems and Glory for software development and system support related to their self-service slot ticket and player point redemption kiosks that incorporate our cash access services.
Product Development. We rely on our joint venture partner and strategic partners for some of our product development. These activities have risks resulting from unproven combinations of disparate products and services, reduced flexibility in making design changes in response to market changes, reduced control over product completion schedules and the risk of disputes with our joint venture partners and strategic partners.
Money Transfers. We rely on Western Union Financial Services, Inc. (“Western Union”) to facilitate money transfers. We have provided Western Union with notice of termination of our Amended and Restated Western Union North America Network Agency Agreement. In the event that we do not enter into a new agreement with Western Union or another entity to facilitate money transfers, we may not be able to continue the provision of money transfer services.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property adequately, we may lose a valuable competitive advantage or be forced to incur costly litigation to protect our rights.
Our success depends on developing and protecting our intellectual property. We have entered into license agreements with other parties for intellectual property that is critical to our business. We rely on the terms of these license agreements, as well as copyright, patent, trademark and trade secret laws to protect our intellectual property. We also rely on other confidentiality and contractual agreements and arrangements with our employees, affiliates, business partners and customers to establish and protect our intellectual property and similar proprietary rights.
We have also entered into license agreements with other parties for the exclusive use of their technology and intellectual property rights in the gaming industry, such as our license to use portions of the software infrastructure upon which our systems operate from Infonox. We rely on these other parties to maintain and protect this technology and the related intellectual property rights. If our licensors fail to protect their intellectual property rights in material that we license and we are unable to protect such intellectual property rights, the value of our licenses may diminish significantly and our business could be significantly harmed.
We may have to rely on costly litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights and contractual rights. By pursuing this type of litigation, we become exposed to the risk of counterclaims and the risk that defendants will attempt to invalidate our right to the subject intellectual property or otherwise limit its scope.
In addition, we may face claims of infringement that could interfere with our ability to use technology or other intellectual property rights that are material to our business operations. In the event a claim of infringement against us is successful, we may be required to pay royalties to use technology or other intellectual property rights that we had been using or we may be required to enter into a license agreement and pay license fees, or we may be required to stop using the technology or other intellectual property rights that we had been using. We may be unable to obtain necessary licenses from third parties at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable time. Any litigation of this type, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs to us and diversions of our resources.

 

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Our business depends on our ability to introduce new, commercially viable products and services in a timely manner.
Our product development efforts are based upon a number of complex assumptions, including assumptions relating to gaming patron habits, changes in the popularity and prevalence of certain types of payment methods, anticipated transaction volumes, the costs and time required to bring new products and services to market, and the willingness and ability of both patrons and gaming establishment personnel to use new products and services and bear the economic costs of doing so. Our new products and services may not achieve market acceptance if any of our assumptions are wrong, or for other reasons.
Our ability to introduce new products and services may also require regulatory approvals, which may significantly increase the costs associated with developing a new product or service and the time required to introduce a new product or service into the marketplace. In order to obtain these regulatory approvals we may need to modify our products and services which would increase our costs of development and may make our products or services less likely to achieve market acceptance.
Our ability to grow our business through the introduction of new products and services depends in part on our joint development activities with third parties over whom we have little or no control. We have engaged in joint development projects with third parties in the past and we expect to continue doing so in the future. Joint development can magnify several risks for us, including the loss of control over development of aspects of the jointly developed products and disputes with our joint venture partners.
We may suffer significant expense in our exit from the consumer credit business through the discontinuance of the Arriva Card.
On February 28, 2008, we announced that we would discontinue offering the Arriva Card, a private label credit card. We have incurred significant bad debt losses from this business and as part of this discontinuance, we may incur further losses from consumers who are unwilling or unable to pay their balances or from the loss we may experience from selling a portion or all of the receivable balance to another entity. As of December 31, 2008 the balance of net accounts receivable was $1.5 million.
We may not successfully enter new markets.
If and as new and developing domestic markets develop, competition among providers of cash access products and services will intensify. If we attempt to enter these markets, we will have to expand our sales and marketing presence in these markets. In competitive bidding situations, we may not enjoy the advantage of being the incumbent provider of cash access products and services to gaming establishments in these new markets and developers and operators of gaming establishments in these new markets may have pre-existing relationships with our competitors. We may also face the uncertainty of compliance with new or developing regulatory regimes with which we are not currently familiar and oversight by regulators that are not familiar with us, or our business. Each of these risks could materially impair our ability to successfully expand our operations into these new and developing domestic markets.
Attempting to enter international markets in which we have not previously operated may expose us to political, economic, tax, legal and regulatory risks not faced by businesses that operate only in the United States. The legal and regulatory regimes of foreign markets and their ramifications on our business are less certain. Our international operations will be subject to a variety of risks, including different regulatory requirements and interpretations, trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, higher rates of fraud, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, difficulty in enforcing or interpreting contracts or legislation, political and economic instability and potentially adverse tax consequences. Difficulties in obtaining approvals, licenses or waivers from the monetary and gaming authorities of other jurisdictions, in addition to other potential regulatory and quasi-regulatory issues that we have not yet ascertained, may arise in international jurisdictions into which we attempt to enter. In these new markets, our operations will rely on an infrastructure of financial services and telecommunications facilities that may not be sufficient to support our business needs, such as the authorization and settlement services that are required to implement electronic payment transactions and the telecommunications facilities that would enable us to reliably connect our networks to our products at gaming establishments in these new markets. In these new markets, we may additionally provide services based upon interpretations of applicable law, which interpretation may be subject to regulatory or judicial review. These risks, among others, could materially adversely affect our business and operating results. In connection with our expansion into new international markets, we may forge strategic relationships with business partners to assist us. The success of our expansion into these markets therefore may depend in part upon the success of the business partners with whom we forge these strategic relationships. If we do not successfully form strategic relationships with the right business partners or if we are not able to overcome cultural differences or differences in business practices, our ability to penetrate these new international markets will suffer.

 

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We are also subject to the risk that the domestic or international markets that we attempt to enter or expand into may not develop as quickly as anticipated, or at all. The development of new gaming markets is subject to political, social, regulatory and economic forces beyond our control. The expansion of gaming activities in new markets can be very controversial and may depend heavily on the support and sponsorship of local government. Changes in government leadership, failure to obtain requisite voter support in referendums, failure of legislators to enact enabling legislation and limitations on the volume of gaming activity that is permitted in particular markets may inhibit the development of new markets.
Our estimates of the potential future transaction volumes in new markets are based on a variety of assumptions, which may prove to be inaccurate. To the extent that we overestimate the potential of a new market, incorrectly gauge the timing of the development of a new market, or fail to anticipate the differences between a new market and our existing markets, we may fail in our strategy of growing our business by expanding into new markets. Moreover, if we are unable to meet the needs of our existing customers as they enter markets that we do not currently serve; our relationships with these customers could be harmed.
We depend on key personnel that may be difficult to replace.
Our future success depends upon our ability to attract, train and retain key executives and managers. We may need to increase the number of key managers as we further develop our products and services and as we enter new markets and expand in existing markets. Our ability to enter into contracts with gaming establishments depends in large part on the relationships that our key managers have formed with management-level personnel of gaming establishments. Competition for individuals with such relationships is intense, and we may not be successful in recruiting such personnel. Our employees are subject to certain noncompetition covenants following their departure from the Company, which noncompetition covenants could be rendered unenforceable in whole or in part. As such, we may not be able to retain such individuals as they may leave our Company and go to work for our competitors. Our sales efforts would be particularly hampered by the defection of personnel with long-standing relationships with management-level personnel of gaming establishments. If we are unable to attract or retain key personnel, our business, financial condition, operating results and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting may lead to our inability to accurately report our financial results. As a result, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could harm our business, our reputation and the trading price of our stock.
Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports, our business and operating results could be harmed.
The Company’s assessment of its internal control over financial reporting has identified material weaknesses in the past, each of which was subsequently remediated. New material weaknesses may arise in the future. Any material weaknesses could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, cause a decline or volatility in our stock prices, cause a reduction in our credit ratings or tarnish our public perception. Also, increased expenses due to remediation costs and increased regulatory scrutiny are also possible. Failure to remediate the prior material weaknesses in full or the need to remediate a future material weakness could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Inadequate internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock and our reputation.
Changes by M&C International and First Data to certain of their tax returns may have an impact on the value of a component of our deferred tax asset. In addition, changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations may adversely affect our business.
In connection with the Recapitalization and Private Equity Restructuring that occurred in 2004, we recorded a deferred tax asset of $247.0 million. In connection with this deferred tax asset, we expect to pay a significantly lower amount in United States federal income taxes than we provide for in our income statements. Our calculation of the starting balance of the deferred tax asset is based upon information we received from M&C International and First Data about the gains they recorded in the Recapitalization and the Private Equity Restructuring. If M&C International or First Data change their calculation of the gains and file amended tax returns, we may be required to recalculate the starting balance of the deferred tax asset and the annual amortization thereof.
Unanticipated changes in applicable income tax rates or laws or changes in our tax position could adversely impact our future results of operations. Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax asset as a result of an audit or otherwise. Additionally, changes in tax laws or interpretations of such laws by domestic and foreign tax authorities could affect our results of operations.

 

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We operate our business in regions subject to natural disasters. Any interruption to our business resulting from a natural disaster will adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
In the event of a natural disaster, the operations of gaming establishments could be negatively impacted or consumer demand for gaming could decline, or both, and as a result, our business could be interrupted, which will adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. For example, we believe that our revenues and results of operations in Louisiana and Mississippi were reduced in 2006 from what we would otherwise have expected as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and that reduction may continue in the future. We do not carry any business interruption insurance.
Risks related to the industry
Economic downturns, a decline in the popularity of gaming or responsible gaming pressures could reduce the number of patrons that use our services or the amounts of cash that they access using our services.
We provide our cash access products and related services exclusively to gaming establishments for the purpose of enabling their patrons to access cash. As a result, our business depends on consumer demand for gaming. Gaming is a discretionary leisure activity, and participation in discretionary leisure activities has in the past and may in the future decline during economic downturns because consumers have less disposable income. Gaming activity may also decline based on changes in consumer confidence related to general economic conditions or outlook, fears of war, future acts of terrorism, or other factors. A reduction in tourism could also result in a decline in gaming activity. Finally, a legislature or regulatory authority may prohibit or significantly restrict gaming activities in its jurisdiction. Gaming competes with other leisure activities as a form of consumer entertainment and may lose popularity as new leisure activities arise or as other leisure activities become more popular. In addition, gaming in traditional gaming establishments (where we provide our services) competes with Internet-based gaming, which is currently not lawful in the United States of America. The popularity and acceptance of gaming is also influenced by the prevailing social mores and changes in social mores could result in reduced acceptance of gaming as a leisure activity. To the extent that the popularity of gaming in traditional gaming establishments declines as a result of either of these factors, the demand for our cash access services may decline and our business may be harmed.
Our ability to sustain our existing customer relationships and establish new customer relationships depends in part on the support of, or lack of opposition from, social responsibility organizations that are dedicated to addressing problem gaming. We may be affected by litigation or lobbying efforts to combat problem gaming because we provide patrons the ability to access their cash in gaming establishments.
Changes in consumer willingness to pay a fee to access their funds could reduce the demand for our cash access products and services.
Our business depends upon the willingness of patrons to pay a service fee to access their own funds on the premises of a gaming establishment. In most retail environments, consumers typically do not pay an additional fee for using non-cash payment methods such as credit cards, POS debit cards or checks. Gaming patrons could bring more cash with them to gaming establishments, or access cash outside of gaming establishments without paying a fee for the convenience of not having to leave the gaming establishment. To the extent that gaming patrons become unwilling to pay these fees for convenience or lower cost cash access alternatives become available, the demand for cash access services within gaming establishments will decline and our business could suffer.

 

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We are subject to extensive governmental gaming regulation, which may harm our business.
We are subject to a variety of regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Most of the gaming regulators in jurisdictions in which we operate distinguish between gaming-related suppliers and vendors, such as manufacturers of slot machine or other gaming devices, and non-gaming suppliers and vendors, such as food and beverage purveyors and construction contractors. In these jurisdictions, we are generally characterized as a non-gaming supplier or vendor and we must obtain a non-gaming supplier’s or vendor’s license, qualification or approval. The obtaining of these licenses, qualifications or approvals and the regulations imposed on non-gaming suppliers and vendors are typically less stringent than for gaming related suppliers and vendors. However, some of the gaming regulators in jurisdictions in which we do business do not distinguish between gaming-related and non-gaming related suppliers and vendors, and in those jurisdictions we currently are subject to the same stringent licensing, qualification and approval requirements and regulations that are imposed upon vendors and suppliers that would be characterized as gaming-related in other jurisdictions. Such requirements include licensure or finding of suitability for some of our officers, directors and beneficial owners of our securities. If gaming regulatory authorities were to find any such officer, director or beneficial owner unsuitable, or if any such officer, director, or beneficial owner fails to comply with any licensure requirements, we would be required to sever our relationship with that person. Severing our relationship with a person may require such individual ceasing to provide services to us in any capacity, including as an officer, director, employee or consultant, such person divesting himself, herself or itself of all or substantially all of its equity interest in us, and we refraining from conducting any business or maintaining any business relationship with such person or any entity that such person is a director, officer or stockholder of or otherwise affiliated with. Any of the foregoing could be costly to the Company and materially disruptive of its management and operations. Our failure to sever our relationship with a person in a manner acceptable to the gaming regulatory authorities or at all may result in the loss or denial of licensure or a finding of unsuitability, which loss or denial of licensure of finding of unsuitability by a gaming regulatory authority may prohibit us from continuing to operate in such jurisdiction. Any loss or denial of licensure or finding of unsuitability in any one jurisdiction would likely result in similar adverse regulatory actions in several other jurisdictions, resulting in a domino effect of adverse regulatory actions. The effects of the internal investigation that we announced on November 14, 2007 have resulted in heightened scrutiny from gaming regulators and an increased risk of regulatory intervention as has the activities of certain of our stockholders in the conduct of businesses unaffiliated with the Company.
Some public issuances of securities and other transactions by us also require the approval of regulatory authorities.
If we must obtain a gaming-related supplier’s or vendor’s license, qualification or approval because of the introduction of new products (such as products related to cashless gaming) or services or because of a change in the laws or regulations, or interpretation thereof, our business could be materially adversely affected. This increased regulation over our business could include, but is not limited to: requiring the licensure or finding of suitability in many jurisdictions of any officer, director, key employee or beneficial owner of our securities; the termination or disassociation with any officer, director, key employee or beneficial owner of our securities that fails to file an application or to obtain a license or finding of suitability; the submission of detailed financial and operating reports; submission of reports of material loans, leases and financing; and, requiring regulatory approval of some commercial transactions such as the transfer or pledge of equity interests in us.
Regulatory authorities at the federal, state, local and tribal levels have broad powers with respect to the licensing of gaming-related activities and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit our licenses, impose substantial fines and take other actions against us or the gaming establishments that are our customers, any one of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Any new gaming license or related approval that may be required in the future may not be granted, and our existing licenses may not be renewed or may be revoked, suspended or limited. If additional gaming regulations are adopted in a jurisdiction in which we operate, such regulations could impose restrictions or costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business. From time to time, various proposals are introduced in the legislatures of some of the jurisdictions in which we have existing or planned operations that, if enacted, could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of the gaming industry or cash access in the gaming industry. Legislation of this type may be enacted in the future.
In addition, some of the new products and services that we may develop cannot be offered in the absence of regulatory approval of the product or service or licensing of us, or both. These approvals could require that we and our officers, directors or ultimate beneficial owners obtain a license or be found suitable and that the product or service be approved after testing and review. We may fail to obtain any such approvals in the future. When contracting with tribal owned or controlled gaming establishments, we become subject to tribal laws and regulations that may differ materially from the non-tribal laws and regulations under which we generally operate. In addition to tribal gaming regulations that may require us to provide disclosures or obtain licenses or permits to conduct our business on tribal lands, we may also become subject to tribal laws that govern our contracts. These tribal governing laws may not provide us with processes, procedures and remedies that enable us to enforce our rights as effectively and advantageously as the processes, procedures and remedies that would be afforded to us under non-tribal laws, or to enforce our rights at all. Many tribal laws permit redress to a tribal adjudicatory body to resolve disputes; however, such redress is largely untested in our experience. We may be precluded from enforcing our rights against a tribal body under the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity. A change in tribal laws and regulations or our inability to obtain required licenses or licenses to operate on tribal lands or enforce our contract rights under tribal law could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

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Many of the financial services that we provide are subject to extensive rules and regulations, which may harm our business.
Our Central Credit gaming patron credit bureau services are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 and similar state laws. Our QuikCredit service and TeleCheck’s and our collection practices in connection with dishonored checks with respect to which TeleCheck or Central Credit has issued authorizations pursuant to TeleCheck’s or Central Credit’s check warranty service, are subject to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and applicable state laws relating to debt collection. All of our cash access services and patron marketing services are subject to the privacy provisions of state and federal law, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Our POS debit card transactions and ATM withdrawal services are subject to the Electronic Fund Transfer Act. Our ATM services are subject to the applicable state banking regulations in each jurisdiction in which we operate ATMs. Our ATM services may also be subject to local regulations relating to the imposition of daily limits on the amounts that may be withdrawn from ATMs, the location of ATMs and our ability to surcharge cardholders who use our ATMs. The cash access services we provide are subject to recordkeeping and reporting obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001. We are required to file suspicious activity reports, or SARs, with respect to transactions completed at all gaming establishments at which our cash access services are provided. If we are found to be noncompliant in any way with these laws, we could be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties. In jurisdictions in which we serve as a check casher or offer our QuikCredit service, we are subject to the applicable state licensing requirements and regulations governing check cashing activities and deferred deposit service providers. We are considering obtaining money transmitter licenses in many states, which would cause us to become subject to state licensing requirements and regulations governing money transmitters.
We are subject to formal or informal audits, inquiries or reviews from time to time by the regulatory authorities that enforce these financial services rules and regulations. In the event that any regulatory authority determines that the manner in which we provide cash access services, patron marketing services, gaming patron credit bureau services or private label credit cards is not in compliance with existing rules and regulations, or the regulatory authorities adopt new rules or regulations that prohibit or restrict the manner in which we provide cash access services, patron marketing services, gaming patron credit bureau services or private label credit cards, we may be forced to modify the manner in which we operate, or stop processing certain types of cash access transactions, providing patron marketing services, gaming patron credit bureau services or private label credit cards altogether. We may also be required to pay substantial penalties and fines if we fail to comply with applicable rules and regulations. For example, if we fail to file CTRs or SARs on a timely basis or if we are found to be noncompliant in any way with either the Bank Secrecy Act or the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, we could be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties. In addition, our failure to comply with applicable rules and regulations could subject us to private litigation.
By providing the Arriva Card to consumers, we also have become subject to a variety of state and federal laws governing credit reporting and collection practices, and such collection regulations may impede or even prevent our ability to collect amounts owed to us. These regulations include, but are not limited to, the Federal Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). In addition, by providing the Arriva Card to consumers, we have become subject to an extensive array of federal and state statutes and regulations applicable to consumer lending including, but not limited to, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. If our collection practices while we exit the consumer business are deemed to be in violation of these rules and regulations we could be subject to fines and penalties which could have a material adverse effect upon our business, cash flows or results of operations.
Consumer privacy laws may change, requiring us to change our business practices or expend significant amounts on compliance with such laws.
Our patron marketing services depend on our ability to collect and use non-public personal information relating to patrons who use our products and services and the transactions they consummate using our services. We are required by federal and state privacy laws and rules to safeguard and protect the privacy of such information, to make disclosures to patrons regarding our privacy and information sharing policies and, in some cases, to provide patrons an opportunity to “opt out” of the use of their information for certain purposes. The failure or circumvention of the means by which we safeguard and protect the privacy of information we gather may result in the dissemination of non-public personal information, which may harm our reputation and may expose us to liability to the affected individuals and regulatory enforcement proceedings or fines. Regulators reviewing our policies and practices may require us to modify our practices in a material or immaterial manner or impose fines or other penalties if they believe that our policies and practices do not meet the necessary standard. To the extent that our patron-marketing services have in the past failed or now or in the future fail to comply with applicable law, our privacy policies or the notices that we provide to patrons, we may become subject to actions by a regulatory authority or patrons which cause us to pay monetary penalties or require us to modify the manner in which we provide patron-marketing services. To the extent that patrons exercise their right to “opt out,” our ability to leverage existing and future databases of information would be curtailed. Consumer and data privacy laws are evolving, and due to recent high profile thefts and losses of sensitive consumer information from protected databases, such laws may be broadened in their scope and application, impose additional requirements and restrictions on gathering, encrypting and using patron information or narrow the types of information that may be collected or used for marketing or other purposes or require patrons to “opt-in” to the use of their information for specific purposes, or impose additional fines or potentially costly compliance requirements which will hamper the value of our patron-marketing services.

 

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Risks related to our capital structure
Our common stock has only been publicly traded since September 22, 2005 and we expect that the price of our common stock will fluctuate substantially.
There has been a public market for our common stock since September 22, 2005. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including those described above under “— Risks related to our business,” “— Risks related to the industry” and the following:
   
our failure to maintain our current customers, including because of consolidation in the gaming industry;
   
increases in commissions paid to gaming establishments as a result of competition;
   
increases in interchange rates or processing or other fees paid by us or decreases in reverse interchange rates;
   
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our or our competitors’ revenue, operating results or growth rate;
   
our inability to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights;
   
any adverse results in litigation initiated by us or by others against us;
   
our inability to make payments on our outstanding indebtedness as they become due or our inability to undertake actions that might otherwise benefit us based on the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture for our senior subordinated notes;
   
the loss of a significant supplier or strategic partner, or the failure of a significant supplier or strategic partner to provide the goods or services that we rely on them for;
   
our inability to introduce successful, new products and services in a timely manner or the introduction of new products or services by our competitors that reduce the demand for our products and services;
   
our failure to successfully enter new markets or the failure of new markets to develop in the time and manner that we anticipate;
   
announcements by our competitors of significant new contracts or contract renewals or of new products or services;
   
changes in general economic conditions, financial markets, the gaming industry or the payments processing industry;
   
the trading volume of our common stock;
   
sales of common stock or other actions by our current officers, directors and stockholders;
   
acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures involving us or our competitors;
   
future sales of our common stock or other securities;
   
the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock or changes in financial estimates or recommendations by analysts;
   
our failure to meet the revenue, net income or earnings per share estimates of securities analysts or investors;
   
additions or departures of key personnel;
   
terrorist acts, theft, vandalism, fires, floods or other natural disasters; and
   
rumors or speculation as to any of the above which we may be unable to confirm or deny due to disclosure restrictions imposed on us by law or which we otherwise deem imprudent to comment upon.

 

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Securities litigation involving the Company may be time consuming, expensive, distracting and result in an adverse resolution that materially adversely affects us.
Following our public announcement on November 14, 2007 of an internal investigation by an independent committee of our Board of Directors and the delay in filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the trading price of our common stock suffered a significant decline. Derivative and securities class action litigation is often brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities.
On December 12, 2007, a derivative action was filed by a stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court, District of Nevada against certain of our current and former directors, our former chief executive officer and our former chief financial officer, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended. On February 8, 2008, an additional derivative action was filed by a separate stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court, District of Nevada against certain of our current and former directors, our former chief executive officer and our former chief financial officer, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, insider trading and waste of corporate assets. On May 5, 2008, the foregoing actions were consolidated and an amended complaint was filed that continues to pursue only state law claims but not violations of Sections 10(b) or 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended. Following the filing of motions to dismiss by the defendants, a second amended complaint was filed. Thereafter, plaintiffs amended again in December 2008. The third amended complaint alleges essentially the same legal claims as former complaints and seeks, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain corporate actions to purportedly improve the Company’s corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the plaintiff stockholders including attorneys’ fees. The defendants are seeking to dismiss the third amended complaint. The Company has indemnification agreements with each of the individual defendants that may cause the Company to incur expenses associated with the defense of this action and that may also protect such individuals from liability to the Company. The Company also maintains director and officer liability insurance that may provide for reimbursement of some of the expenses associated with this action. At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to make an evaluation of whether the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote or the amount or range of potential loss; however, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.
On April 11, 2008, a class action was filed by a stockholder in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York against the Company, certain of our former directors, our former chief executive officer, M&C International, Summit Partners, L.P., and certain underwriters to two prior stock offerings to the public. On June 10, 2008, an additional class action was filed, naming essentially the same defendants and stating similar claims. On June 26, 2008, the foregoing actions were consolidated in New York, and the Court appointed a lead plaintiff and lead counsel. In August 2008, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint names as additional defendants our former chief financial officer, certain current and former directors and additional underwriters and defendants and purports to allege violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 the Securities Act of 1933. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, damages and rescission. Following motions by defendants, the action transferred to the District of Nevada in October 2008 and consolidated with the pending derivative action for pretrial purposes. Defendants are seeking to dismiss the class action complaint. The Company has indemnification agreements with each of the other defendants that may cause the Company to incur expenses associated with the defense of this action and that may also protect such defendants from liability to the Company. The Company also maintains director and officer liability insurance that may provide for reimbursement of some of the expenses associated with this action. At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to make an evaluation of whether the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote or the amount or range of potential loss; however the Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.
We are threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, such as personal injury claims and employment-related claims as well being threatened or named as a defendant in lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business and assumed as a result of the acquisition of CGS and for which we have indemnification rights. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, we are of the opinion that the final resolution of any such threatened or pending litigation, individually or in the aggregate, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial position.

 

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Future sales of our common stock may cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.
The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of additional shares of our common stock by us or our stockholders or the perception that these sales could occur. Certain stockholders have the right to require us to register their shares of our common stock. If we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act of 1933 either for our own account or for the accounts of other stockholders, subject to some conditions and limitations, the holders of registration rights will be entitled to include their shares of common stock in the registered offering. In addition, holders of registration rights may require us on not more than five occasions to file a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to their shares of common stock. Further, the holders of registration rights may require us to register their shares on Form S-3 if and when we are eligible to use this form. We are required to pay the costs and expenses of the registration (other than underwriting discounts and commissions and fees) and sale of all such shares of common stock.
In the future, we will also issue additional shares or options to purchase additional shares to our employees, directors and consultants, in connection with corporate alliances or acquisitions, and in follow-on offerings to raise additional capital. Based on all of these factors, sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales could reduce the market price of our common stock. In addition, future sales of our common stock by our stockholders could make it more difficult for us to sell additional shares of our common stock or other securities in the future.
Some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may delay or prevent transactions that many stockholders may favor.
Some provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have the effect of delaying, discouraging, or preventing a merger or acquisition that our stockholders may consider favorable or a change in our management or our Board of Directors. These provisions:
   
divide our Board of Directors into three separate classes serving staggered three-year terms, which will have the effect of requiring at least two annual stockholder meetings instead of one, to replace a majority of our directors, which could have the effect of delaying of preventing a change in our control or management;
   
provide that special meetings of stockholders can only be called by our Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the business permitted to be conducted at any special meeting of stockholders is limited to the business specified in the notice of such meeting to the stockholders;
   
provide for an advance notice procedure with regard to business to be brought before a meeting of stockholders which may delay or preclude stockholders from bringing matters before a meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at a meeting of stockholders, which could delay or deter takeover attempts or changes in management;
   
eliminate the right of stockholders to act by written consent so that all stockholder actions must be effected at a duly called meeting;
   
provide that directors may only be removed for cause with the approval of stockholders holding a majority of our outstanding voting stock;
   
provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled by a majority, although less than a quorum, of directors in office and that our Board of Directors may fix the number of directors by resolution;
   
allow our Board of Directors to issue shares of preferred stock with rights senior to those of the common stock and that otherwise could adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights and the right to approve or not to approve an acquisition or other change in control, of the holders of common stock, without any further vote or action by the stockholders; and
   
do not provide for cumulative voting for our directors, which may make it more difficult for stockholders owning less than a majority of our stock to elect any directors to our Board of Directors. In addition, we are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which provides, subject to enumerated exceptions, that if a person acquires 15% or more of our voting stock, the person is an “interested stockholder” and may not engage in “business combinations” with us for a period of three years from the time the person acquired 15% or more of our voting stock.

 

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These provisions may have the effect of entrenching our management team and may deprive our stockholders of the opportunity to sell shares to potential acquirers at a premium over prevailing prices. This potential inability to obtain a premium could reduce the price of our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are located in a facility in Las Vegas, Nevada consisting of approximately 40,000 square feet of office space, which is under a lease through April 2011. We also lease several other properties: remote sales offices in Atlantic City, New Jersey under a lease through July 2010, in Macau SAR under a lease through February 2010, in Burnsville, Minnesota under lease through July 2009, and in Las Vegas, Nevada under lease through July 2009. We believe that these facilities are adequate for our business as presently conducted.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On December 12, 2007, a derivative action was filed by a stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court, District of Nevada against certain of our current and former directors, our former chief executive officer and our former chief financial officer, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended. On February 8, 2008, an additional derivative action was filed by a separate stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court, District of Nevada against certain of our current and former directors, our former chief executive officer and our former chief financial officer, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, insider trading and waste of corporate assets. On May 5, 2008, the foregoing actions were consolidated and an amended complaint was filed that continues to pursue only state law claims but not violations of Sections 10(b) or 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended. Following the filing of motions to dismiss by the defendants, a second amended complaint was filed. Thereafter, plaintiffs amended again in December 2008. The third amended complaint alleges essentially the same legal claims as former complaints and seeks, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain corporate actions to purportedly improve the Company’s corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the plaintiff stockholders including attorneys’ fees. The defendants are seeking to dismiss the third amended complaint. The Company has indemnification agreements with each of the individual defendants that may cause the Company to incur expenses associated with the defense of this action and that may also protect such individuals from liability to the Company. The Company also maintains director and officer liability insurance that may provide for reimbursement of some of the expenses associated with this action. At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to make an evaluation of whether the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote or the amount or range of potential loss; however, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.
On April 11, 2008, a class action was filed by a stockholder in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York against the Company, certain of our former directors, our former chief executive officer, M&C International, Summit Partners, L.P., and certain underwriters to two prior stock offerings to the public. On June 10, 2008, an additional class action was filed, naming essentially the same defendants and stating similar claims. On June 26, 2008, the foregoing actions were consolidated in New York, and the Court appointed a lead plaintiff and lead counsel. In August 2008, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint names as additional defendants our former chief financial officer, certain current and former directors and additional underwriters and defendants and purports to allege violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 the Securities Act of 1933. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, damages and rescission. Following motions by defendants, the action transferred to the District of Nevada in October 2008 and consolidated with the pending derivative action for pretrial purposes. Defendants are seeking to dismiss the class action complaint. The Company has indemnification agreements with each of the other defendants that may cause the Company to incur expenses associated with the defense of this action and that may also protect such defendants from liability to the Company. The Company also maintains director and officer liability insurance that may provide for reimbursement of some of the expenses associated with this action. At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to make an evaluation of whether the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote or the amount or range of potential loss; however the Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.

 

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We are threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, such as personal injury claims and employment-related claims as well being threatened or named as a defendant in lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business and assumed as a result of the acquisition of Certegy Gaming Services (“CGS”) and for which we have indemnification rights. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, we are of the opinion that the final resolution of any such threatened or pending litigation, individually or in the aggregate, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial position.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GCA” since September 23, 2005. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our stock. On March 4, 2009 there were 16 holders of record of our common stock. Because many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial stockholders represented by these record holders.
The following table sets forth for the indicated periods, the high and low closing sale prices per share of our common stock:
                 
    Price Range  
    High     Low  
2008:
               
First Quarter
  $ 5.93     $ 5.48  
Second Quarter
    6.88       6.48  
Third Quarter
    5.98       5.65  
Fourth Quarter
    2.99       2.72  
 
               
2007:
               
First Quarter
  $ 16.69     $ 14.33  
Second Quarter
    16.81       15.35  
Third Quarter
    16.56       10.55  
Fourth Quarter
    11.25       3.06  
On March 4, 2009, the closing sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $3.27.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all our earnings to finance the growth and development of our business. Any future change in our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on contractual restrictions, our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors. In addition, our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes limit the ability of GCA to declare and pay cash dividends. Because we conduct our business entirely through GCA and its subsidiaries, as a practical matter these restrictions similarly limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.

 

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Common Stock Repurchases
On February 6, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase pursuant to Rule 10b-18 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of up to $50.0 million worth of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, subject to compliance with any contractual limitations on such repurchases under the Company’s financing agreements in effect from time to time, including but not limited to those relating to the Company’s senior secured indebtedness and senior subordinated notes. The maximum authorized repurchases were completed during the first quarter of 2008.
ISSUER PURCHASES AND WITHHOLDING OF EQUITY SECURITIES
                                 
                            Maximum  
                            Approximate Dollar  
                    Total Number of Shares     Value of Shares that  
    Total Number of     Average Price per     Purchased as Part of     May Yet Be Purchased  
    Shares Purchased or     Share Purchased or     Publicly Announced     Under the Plans or  
    Withheld     Withheld     Plans or Programs     Programs  
10/1/08 – 10/31/08
    0 (1)     0.00 (3)     0 (1)     0 (5)
 
    2,422 (2)     3.58 (4)     2,422 (2)        
11/1/08 – 11/30/08
    0 (1)     0.00 (3)     0 (1)     0 (5)
 
    2,679 (2)     3.47 (4)     2,679 (2)        
12/1/08 – 12/31/08
    0 (1)     0.00 (3)     0 (1)     0 (5)
 
    2,193 (2)     2.64 (4)     2,193 (2)        
Subtotals
    0 (1)     0.00 (3)     0 (1)        
 
    7,294 (2)     0.00 (4)     7,294 (2)        
Total
    7,294       0.00       7,294          
     
(1)  
Represents shares of common stock that we repurchased in open market transactions pursuant to the Rule 10b-18 share repurchase authorization that we publicly announced on February 8, 2007. Our board of directors authorized the repurchase up to $50 million worth of common stock. The share buyback program did not obligate us to repurchase any specific number of shares and could have been suspended or terminated at any time. No time frame for the completion of the authorized repurchases was specified in the board of directors’ authorization. The maximum authorized repurchases were completed during the quarter ending March 31, 2008.
 
(2)  
Represents shares of common stock that were withheld from restricted stock awards to satisfy the minimum applicable tax withholding obligations incident to the vesting of such restricted stock awards.
 
(3)  
Represents the average price per share of shares of common stock repurchased pursuant to the Rule 10b-18 share buyback program.
 
(4)  
Represents the average price per share of shares of common stock withheld from restricted stock awards on the date of withholding.
 
(5)  
Represents the maximum approximate dollar value of shares of common stock available for repurchase pursuant to the Rule 10b-18 share repurchase authorization at the end of the stated period. There is no limitation on the number of shares of common stock that may be withheld from restricted stock awards to satisfy the minimum applicable tax withholding obligations incident to the vesting of such restricted stock awards.

 

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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s Information Technology Index during the approximately 39-month period ending December 31, 2008. As a result of changes in our operations and focus, we believe that the S&P Information Technology Index is a better comparison point for the performance of companies that operate in our industry.
The graph assumes that $100 was invested on September 23, 2005 (the first day our common stock was publicly traded) in our common stock and the $100 was invested on August 31, 2005 in the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Information Technology Index, and that all dividends were reinvested. Research Data Group, Inc. furnished this data. Cumulative total stockholder returns for our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Information Technology Index are based on the calendar month end closing prices. The comparisons in the graph are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of our common stock.
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, some of which are included herein. Our selected consolidated financial data may not be indicative of our future financial condition or results of operations. The pro forma income tax amounts below have been calculated to reflect the taxes that would have been reported had we been subject to federal and state income taxes as a corporation during the periods presented.

 

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    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (amounts in thousands, except per share)  
Income Statement Data:
                                       
Revenues
                                       
Cash advance
  $ 326,476     $ 316,094     $ 287,053     $ 235,055     $ 209,962  
ATM
    289,122       240,575       221,727       182,291       158,433  
Check services
    42,366       31,126       29,166       26,376       23,768  
Central Credit and other revenues
    13,644       10,145       9,827       10,358       10,840  
 
                             
Total revenues
    671,608       597,940       547,773       454,080       403,003  
 
                                       
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
    (492,974 )     (428,508 )     (384,718 )     (308,481 )     (270,095 )
Operating expenses
    (83,962 )     (79,614 )     (65,021 )     (51,206 )     (45,339 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (16,026 )     (11,600 )     (9,794 )     (12,109 )     (13,548 )
 
                             
 
       
Operating income
    78,646       78,218       88,240       82,284       74,021  
Interest expense, net (1)
    (27,888 )     (34,515 )     (42,038 )     (51,879 )     (32,025 )
 
                             
 
       
Income from continuing operations before income tax (provision) benefit and minority ownership loss
    50,758       43,703       46,202       30,405       41,996  
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (23,349 )     (16,709 )     (17,832 )     (7,953 )     212,422  
 
                             
 
                                       
Income from continuing operations before minority ownership loss
    27,409       26,994       28,370       22,452       254,418  
Minority ownership loss, net of tax (2)
    86       236       183       139       137  
 
                             
Income from continuing operations
    27,495       27,230       28,553       22,591       254,555  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (3,939 )     (3,526 )     (1,944 )            
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income
  $ 23,556     $ 23,704     $ 26,609     $ 22,591     $ 254,555  
 
                             
 
                                       
Basic earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.36     $ 0.34     $ 0.35     $ 0.49     $ 7.91  
 
                             
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.02 )   $     $  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 0.31     $ 0.29     $ 0.33     $ 0.49     $ 7.91  
 
                             
 
                                       
Diluted earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.36     $ 0.33     $ 0.35     $ 0.30     $ 3.56  
 
                             
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.03 )   $     $  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 0.31     $ 0.29     $ 0.32     $ 0.30     $ 3.56  
 
                             
 
                                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                                       
Basic
    76,787       81,108       81,641       45,643       32,175  
 
                             
Diluted
    76,796       81,377       81,921       74,486       71,566  
 
                             
 
                                       
Pro forma computation related to conversion to corporation for income tax purposes
                                       
Income before income tax benefit (provision) and minority ownership loss—historical
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     $ 41,996  
Income tax provision—historical, exclusive of one-time tax benefit (3)
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       (10,443 )
Pro forma income tax provision—unaudited (4)
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       (4,600 )
Minority ownership loss — historical loss, net of tax
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       137  
 
                                     
 
                                       
Pro forma net income
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     $ 27,090  
 
                                     
 
                                       
Pro forma earnings per share
                                       
Basic
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     $ 0.84  
Diluted
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     $ 0.38  
 
                                       
Balance Sheet Data:
(at end of period)
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 77,148     $ 71,063     $ 42,269     $ 35,123     $ 49,577  
Total assets
    559,150       538,302       587,474       510,418       496,625  
Total borrowings
    265,750       263,480       274,480       321,412       478,250  
Stockholders’ equity (deficiency) and members’ capital
    160,878       138,296       132,157       94,484       (56,779 )

 

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    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
Other Data:
                                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 71,324     $ 91,874     $ 70,079     $ 38,585     $ 75,212  
Net cash used in investing activities (5)
    (58,708 )     (10,960 )     (17,061 )     (17,860 )     (4,861 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (7,217 )     (49,715 )     (46,761 )     (35,190 )     (43,950 )
 
                                       
Other Data (unaudited):
                                       
Aggregate dollar amount processed (in billions):
                                       
Cash advance
  $ 6.5     $ 6.4     $ 5.7     $ 4.7     $ 4.2  
ATM
  $ 15.2     $ 13.6     $ 12.3     $ 9.9     $ 8.4  
Check warranty
  $ 1.8     $ 1.4     $ 1.3     $ 1.1     $ 0.9  
Number of transactions completed (in millions):
                                       
Cash advance
    12.2       11.3       10.4       9.1       8.8  
ATM
    84.7       73.5       69.2       58.9       53.2  
Check warranty
    6.5       5.3       5.1       4.7       4.3  
     
(1)  
Interest expense, net, includes interest income and loss on early extinguishment of debt.
 
(2)  
Minority ownership loss, net of tax, represents the portion of the loss from operations of IFT that is attributable to the 40% ownership interest in IFT that is not owned by us.
 
(3)  
In connection with our conversion to a taxable corporate entity for United States income tax purposes, we recognized a net tax asset created by a step up in the tax basis of our net assets due to the redemption of ownership interests in us by First Data and the sale of ownership interests in us to private equity investors. For purposes of determining the pro forma net income, the recognition of this one-time step up in basis has been excluded from our pro forma tax computation.
 
(4)  
The pro forma un-audited income tax adjustments represent the tax effects that would have been reported had the Company been subject to United States federal and state income taxes as a corporation. Pro forma expenses are based upon the statutory income tax rates and adjustments to income for estimated permanent differences occurring during the period. Actual rates and expenses could have differed had the Company been subject to United States federal and state income taxes for all periods presented. Therefore, the un-audited pro forma amounts are for informational purposes only and are intended to be indicative of the results of operations had the Company been subject to United States federal and state income taxes for all periods presented.
The following table presents the computation of the pro forma income tax expense for all the periods presented (amounts in thousands):
                                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
Income before income taxes, as reported
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     $ 41,996  
Effective pro forma income tax rate
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       36.00 %
 
                                     
 
                                       
Pro forma income tax expense
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     $ 15,119  
 
                                     
     
(5)  
In 2004, net cash used in investing activities includes $1.0 million of non-compete payments to two former executives.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained herein and the information included in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This discussion includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those projected or assumed in such forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the risk factors discussed under Item 1A. All forward-looking statements and risk factors included in this document are made as of the date of this report, based on information available to us as of such date. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or risk factor.
Overview
We are a provider of cash access products and related services to the gaming industry in the United States and several international markets. Our products and services provide gaming establishment patrons access to cash through a variety of methods, including ATM cash withdrawals, credit card cash advances, POS debit cash advances, check cashing and money transfers. In addition, we also provide products and services that improve credit decision-making, automate cashier operations and enhance patron marketing activities for gaming establishments.
We began our operations as a joint venture limited liability company among M&C International, entities affiliated with Bank of America Corporation and First Data in July 1998. In September 2000, Bank of America Corporation sold its entire ownership interest in us to M&C International and First Data. In March 2004, GCA issued $235 million in aggregate principal amount of 8 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 and borrowed $260 million under senior secured credit facilities. Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. was formed to hold all of the outstanding ownership interests of Global Cash Access, Inc. and has guaranteed the obligations under the senior secured credit facilities. A substantial portion of the proceeds of these senior subordinated notes and senior secured credit facilities were used to redeem all of First Data’s ownership interest in us and a portion of M&C International’s ownership interest in us through a recapitalization (the “Recapitalization”), in which Bank of America Corporation reacquired an ownership interest in us. In May 2004, we completed a private equity restructuring (the “Private Equity Restructuring”) in which M&C International sold a portion of its ownership interest in us to a number of private equity investors, including entities affiliated with Summit Partners, and we converted from a limited liability company to a Delaware corporation.
In September 2005, we completed an initial public offering of common stock. In connection with that offering, our various equity securities that were outstanding prior to the offering were converted into common stock. In addition, we became a guarantor, on a subordinated basis, of Global Cash Access, Inc.’s senior subordinated notes. In 2007, M&C International distributed its holdings of our common stock to its two principals, Karim Maskatiya and Robert Cucinotta.
Commencing in the third quarter of 2006, we began marketing the Arriva Card, a private-label revolving credit card aimed at consumers who perform cash advance transactions in gaming establishments. We announced on February 28, 2008 that we intended to exit the Arriva business. We have since began marketing the assets of Arriva for sale and accordingly, have classified the net assets of Arriva as available for sale in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and have reclassified the operating results of Arriva to discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
In April 2008, we completed the acquisition of CGS, an enterprise providing cash access and check products and services to the gaming industry similar to GCA. The results of operations of CGS have been reflected in the applicable business segment financial information following this acquisition. In August 2008, we completed the acquisition of CSI, a provider of cash access and related services to the retail and gaming industries similar to GCA. The results of operations of CSI have been reflected in the applicable business segment financial information following this acquisition.
Other than insubstantial assets that are immaterial in amount and nature, the sole asset of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. is the capital stock of Global Cash Access, Inc. The consolidated financial data set forth and discussed below reflects our financial condition as if Global Cash Access, Inc. had been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. during each of the periods and at the dates presented.

 

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Principal Sources of Revenues and Expenses
Our principal sources of revenues include:
Cash Advance Revenues. Cash advance revenues are comprised of transaction fees assessed to gaming patrons in connection with credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions at the time the transactions are authorized. Such fees are based on a combination of a fixed amount plus a percentage of the face amount of the credit card cash advance or POS debit card transaction amount.
ATM Revenues. ATM revenues are comprised of transaction fees in the form of cardholder surcharges assessed to gaming patrons in connection with ATM cash withdrawals at the time the transactions are authorized and reverse interchange fees paid to us by the patrons’ issuing banks. Cardholder surcharges are recognized as revenue when a transaction is initiated and reverse interchange is recognized as revenue on a monthly basis based on the total transactions occurring during the month. The cardholder surcharges assessed to gaming patrons in connection with ATM cash withdrawals are currently a fixed dollar amount and not a percentage of the transaction amount.
Check Services Revenues. Check services revenues are principally comprised of check warranty revenues and are generally based upon a percentage of the face amount of checks warranted. These fees are paid to us by gaming establishments. In some cases, gaming establishments pass on the fees to patrons. From 2002 to 2004, the face amount of checks warranted declined. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we introduced our Central Credit Check Warranty product, and its successful adoption in the marketplace has contributed to an increase in the face amount of checks warranted.
Central Credit Revenues. Central Credit revenues are based upon either a flat monthly unlimited usage fee or a variable fee structure driven by the volume of patron credit histories generated.
Other Revenues. Other Revenues are based on a fee for a specific service performed. Other Revenues were comprised mostly of revenue generated from Global Recovery Services Revenues (“GRS”). This revenue results from a fee collected from GCA clients for research and investigation, using GCA’s proprietary data base to identify funds associated with individual credit card cash advance and POS debit card transaction money transfers that were issued upon the completion of such a transaction for which a charge or debit was made to a cardholder’s account but the bank draft was not successfully deposited by GCA’s client.
Our principal costs and expenses include:
Cost of Revenues (exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization). Cost of revenues are costs and expenses directly related to the generation of revenue and exclude depreciation and amortization. For credit card cash advance and POS debit card transactions, ATM transactions and, to a much lesser extent, check services, we pay a commission to the gaming establishment at which the transaction occurs. Commissions are the largest component of cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). We expect commissions to increase as a percentage of revenue as new contracts are signed or existing contracts are renewed. We pay credit card associations and POS debit networks interchange fees for services they provide in routing transactions through their networks. In addition, we pay fees to participate in various ATM networks. The amounts of these interchange fees are determined by the card associations and networks in their sole discretion, and are subject to increase in their discretion from time to time. Many of our cash access contracts enable us to pass through to our gaming establishment customers, who may in turn pass through to patrons, the amount of any increase in interchange or processing fees. In the past, the major card associations have increased interchange rates at least annually, and they may do so in the future. We pay connectivity and processing fees to our network services providers. We incur warranty expense when checks that we have warranted through our Central Credit check warranty service or that TeleCheck has warranted through its check warranty service are dishonored upon presentment for payment. Our contract with TeleCheck limits our warranty expense for checks warranted by TeleCheck to a maximum percentage of the total face amount of dishonored checks. We have no limits on warranty expense for our Central Credit check warranty service. Other cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) consists primarily of costs related to delivering our Central Credit service and our patron marketing activities.

 

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Operating Expenses. Operating expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, armored carrier expenses, bank fees, legal expenses, telecommunications expenses and the cost of repair and maintenance on our cash access devices.
Interest Income. We generate interest income on the amount of cash in our bank accounts and on cash that is deposited into accounts to settle our credit card cash advance and POS debit card transactions.
Interest Expense. Interest expense includes interest incurred on our senior secured credit facilities and our senior subordinated notes, and the amortization of deferred financing costs. Interest expense also includes the cash usage fees associated with the cash used in our ATMs.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt. Loss on early extinguishment of debt includes the redemption premiums paid to retire our borrowings and the write-off of the deferred financing costs related to retired borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Income Tax. Our earnings are subject to taxation under the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Prior to our conversion to a Delaware corporation, our domestic earnings were not subject to taxation because we were organized as a Delaware limited liability company, which is a flow-through entity for tax purposes. Subsequent to our conversion to a Delaware corporation, our domestic earnings have been subject to corporate taxation.
Minority Interest, Net of Tax. We operate IFT, a joint venture with IGT. We own 60% of the equity interests of IFT and IGT owns 40% of the equity interests. The joint venture was formed to develop and market cash access products using slot tickets. The minority interest shown on the consolidated financial statements reflects the addition to our net income of the 40% of IFT’s losses that are attributable to IGT net of the expected tax benefit associated with those losses.

 

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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007
The following table sets forth the condensed consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (amounts in thousands):
                                 
    December 31, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    $     %     $     %  
Revenues
                               
Cash advance
  $ 326,476       48.6 %   $ 316,094       52.9 %
ATM
    289,122       43.0       240,575       40.2  
Check services
    42,366       6.3       31,126       5.2  
Central Credit and other revenues
    13,644       2.0       10,145       1.7  
 
                           
Total revenues
    671,608       100.0       597,940       100.0  
 
                               
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
    (492,974 )     (73.4 )     (428,508 )     (71.7 )
Operating expenses
    (83,962 )     (12.5 )     (79,614 )     (13.3 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (16,026 )     (2.4 )     (11,600 )     (1.9 )
 
                           
 
                               
Operating income
    78,646       11.7       78,218       13.1  
 
                           
 
                               
Interest expense, net
    (27,888 )     (4.2 )     (34,515 )     (5.8 )
 
                           
 
                               
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision and minority ownership loss
    50,758       7.6       43,703       7.3  
 
                               
Income tax provision
    (23,349 )     (3.5 )     (16,709 )     (2.8 )
 
                           
 
                               
Income from continuing operations before minority ownership loss
    27,409       4.1       26,994       4.5  
 
                               
Minority ownership loss, net of tax
    86       0.0       236       0.0  
 
                           
 
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 27,495       4.1     $ 27,230       4.6  
 
                           
 
                               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ (3,939 )     (0.6 )   $ (3,526 )     (0.6 )
 
                           
 
                               
Net income
  $ 23,556       3.5 %   $ 23,704       4.0 %
 
                           

 

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Total Revenues
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $671.6 million, an increase of $73.7 million, or 12.3%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. Increases in revenue were driven by the acquisition of CGS and CSI. These increases were offset by the cessation of cash advance services in the United Kingdom in September 2007 driven by changes in the regulatory environment in that jurisdiction. We define same-store revenue as revenue derived from a gaming property that was operating on GCA’s platform during the entire reference period excluding those revenues derived from CGS and CSI customers. The increase in revenues is further discussed on a product basis below:
Cash Advance. Cash advance revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $326.5 million, an increase of $10.4 million, or 3.3%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. This increase was driven by the acquisitions of CGS in April 2008 and CSI effective in August 2008. This increase in revenue driven by the acquisitions was offset by the cessation of the United Kingdom business in 2007 and a decline in same-store revenues of approximately 7.7% due to unfavorable economic conditions.
ATM. ATM revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $289.1 million, an increase of $48.5 million, or 20.2%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisitions of CGS effective in April 2008 and CSI effective in August 2008. Transactions increased by 14.7% whereas revenue per transaction decreased by 2.0%. This increase in revenue driven by the acquisitions was offset by declines in same-store revenue of approximately 4.4% due to unfavorable economic conditions.
Check Services. Check services revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $42.4 million, an increase of $11.3 million, or 36.3%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. This increase was primarily attributable to the acquisitions of CGS effective in April 2008 and CSI effective in August 2008. This increase was driven both by an increase in the number of checks warranted by 23. 3% and an increase in the per face value of checks warranted by 2.1%.
Central Credit and Other. Central Credit and other revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, were $13.6 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 34.6%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. This increase was primarily attributable to the acquisitions of CGS effective in April 2008 and CSI effective in August 2008 compounded by additional revenue from GRS which is new to 2008. We do not expect GRS to contribute material revenue to 2009 and beyond.
We expect revenues in 2009 to continue to increase due to the additional business from the integration of CGS and CSI, despite the economic downturn.
We provide our cash access products and related services exclusively to gaming establishments for the purpose of enabling our patrons to access cash. As a result, our business depends on consumer demand for gaming. Gaming is a discretionary leisure activity and participation in discretionary leisure activities has in the past and may in the future decline during economic downturns as fewer patrons frequent gaming establishments due to a lack of confidence related to general economic conditions. With fewer patrons visiting gaming establishments there may be less gaming activity which could result in a decrease in use of our cash access products and related services during fiscal year 2009.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of Revenues (exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization). Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2008, were $493.0 million, an increase of $64.5 million, or 15.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. As a percentage of revenue, Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased from 71.7% in 2007 to 73.4% in 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to the acquisitions of CGS effective in April 2008 and CSI effective in 2008. Both CGS and CSI had higher cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) as a percentage of revenue than GCA’s historical business. Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by 15% and revenues increased by only 12% which resulted in gross margins improving by only 5% over last year.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $84.0 million, an increase of $4.4 million, or 5.5%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase in operating expenses is driven primarily by the acquisitions of GCS and CSI. In each case, GCA increased the number of booth operations that it manages for its customers resulting in booth employees and increased number of ATMs which are maintained resulting in increased ATM management costs. Also, the integration of CSI resulted in increased costs associated specifically with integration activities such as one-time device set-up charges and increase travel. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue remained relatively flat with a slight decrease of 0.8% over last year.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $8.9 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 41.3%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. This increase is due primarily to the increase in depreciable assets and amortizing intangibles due to the acquisitions of CGS and CSI partially offset by the cessation of amortization of GCA customer contracts that had become fully amortized.

 

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Primarily as a result of the factors described above, operating income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $78.6 million and relatively flat as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007.
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, was $27.9 million in 2008, a decrease of $6.6 million, or 19.1%, from $34.5 million in 2007. The decrease resulted from significantly lower interest rates compared to the prior period moderated by higher average outstanding borrowings and a higher average draw on the Bank of America Treasury Services Agreement. The average balances drawn on this agreement were $319.2 million and $285.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Assuming a constant level of LIBOR, we expect that interest expense, net will decline in 2009 as a result of lower anticipated levels of outstanding indebtedness and lower average rates for 2009.
Primarily as a result of the foregoing, income before income tax provision and minority ownership loss was $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of $7.1 million, or 16.3%, as compared to the prior year.
Income Tax. Income tax expense was $23.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in income tax expense during 2008 is primarily attributable to certain equity awards to former officers which expired in the fourth quarter which resulted in an effective tax rate for the year of 46%.
Primarily as a result of the foregoing, income before minority ownership loss was $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $0.4 million, or 1.5%, as compared to the prior year.
Minority Ownership Loss, net of Tax. Minority ownership loss, net of tax, attributable to IFT for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $86,000, a decrease of $150,000 or 63.6% from $236,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007. We expect that IFT will record a loss in 2009 as well.
Primarily as a result of the foregoing, net income was $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, a decrease of $0.1 million or 0.4%, as compared to the prior year.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
The following table sets forth the condensed consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 (amounts in thousands):
                                 
    December 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    $     %     $     %  
Revenues
                               
Cash advance
  $ 316,094       52.9 %   $ 287,053       52.4 %
ATM
    240,575       40.2       221,727       40.5  
Check services
    31,126       5.2       29,166       5.3  
Central Credit and other revenues
    10,145       1.7       9,827       1.8  
 
                           
Total revenues
    597,940       100.0       547,773       100.0  
 
                               
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
    (428,508 )     (71.7 )     (384,718 )     (70.2 )
Operating expenses
    (79,614 )     (13.3 )     (65,021 )     (11.9 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (11,600 )     (1.9 )     (9,794 )     (1.8 )
 
                           
 
                               
Operating income
    78,218       13.1       88,240       16.1  
 
                           
 
                               
Interest income (expense), net
    (34,515 )     (5.8 )     (42,038 )     (7.7 )
 
                           
 
                               
Income from continuing operations before income tax (provision) benefit and minority ownership loss
    43,703       7.3       46,202       8.4  
 
                               
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (16,709 )     (2.8 )     (17,832 )     (3.3 )
 
                           
 
                               
Income from continuing operations before minority ownership loss
    26,994       4.5       28,370       5.2  
 
                               
Minority ownership loss, net of tax
    236       0.0       183       0.1  
 
                           
 
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 27,230       4.6     $ 28,553       5.2  
 
                           
 
                               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ (3,526 )     (0.6 )   $ (1,944 )     (0.4 )
 
                           
 
                               
Net income
  $ 23,704       4.0 %   $ 26,609       4.9 %
 
                           
Total Revenues
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $597.9 million, an increase of $50.2 million, or 9.2%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to the reasons described below.
Cash Advance. Cash advance revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $316.0 million, an increase of $29.0 million, or 10.1%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was driven by increases in both the total number of cash advance transactions occurring at our cage sites or ATM’s within our customers’ facilities and an increase in the average amount of cash advanced per transaction.
ATM. ATM revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $240.6 million, an increase of $18.9 million, or 8.5%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of transactions occurring at the ATM’s that we manage at our customers’ properties.
Check Services. Check services revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $31.2 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 7.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was driven both by an increase in the number of checks warranted and an increase in the total face value of checks warranted.
Central Credit and Other. Central Credit and other revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007, were $10.1 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 3.2%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase was primarily due to the addition of new contracts for credit check services.

 

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Costs and Expenses
Cost of Revenues (exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization). Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased 11.4% from $384.7 million to $428.5 million. As a percentage of revenue, Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased from 70.2% in 2006 to 71.6% in 2007. This increase is primarily due to an increased proportion of interchange fees driven by the increased proportion of revenue coming from cash advance transactions and increased commissions paid to our customers as a percentage of revenue resulting from renewals at rates less favorable to the Company in 2007.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $79.6 million, an increase of $14.6 million, or 22.4%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase in operating expenses is primarily attributed to: (1) an increase in professional services fees related to the conduct of an internal investigation in the fourth quarter of 2007 of approximately $4.3 million; (2) an increase in non-cash stock compensation expense of $13.1 million due primarily to departure of our former CEO and CFO resulting in an accelerated recognition of otherwise amortizing costs; and (3) approximately $2.5 million of additional payroll expense from the growth in average head count and approximately $0.8 million in termination benefits to former executives. Offsetting these increases are other operating income of (1) $2.6 million related to our settlement of the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation; and (2) $1.0 million in recovery of escheatment items related to our booth operations.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $6.3 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 44.2%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily driven by increased capital expenditures resulting from increased ATM placement at our customers’ properties. Amortization expense, which relates principally to computer software, customer contracts and our 3-in-1 rollover patent was flat in 2007 as compared to 2006.
Primarily as a result of the factors described above, operating income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $78.2 million, a decrease of $10.0 million, or 11.4%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006.
Interest Income (Expense), Net. Interest income (expense), net, was $34.5 million in 2007, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 17.9%, from $42.0 million in 2006. Interest income was $3.6 million in 2007, an increase of $0.1, or 4.4%, as compared to 2006, due primarily to higher interest rates in 2007 as compared to 2006. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2007, was $38.1 million, a decrease of $7.4 million, or 16.2%, as compared to December 31, 2006. Interest expense on borrowings (including amortization of deferred financing costs) was $22.2 million in 2007 as compared to $26.4 million in 2006. The decrease in interest expense was largely due to a lower average amount of outstanding indebtedness in 2007. The cash usage fee for cash used in our ATMs is included in interest expense. ATM cash usage fees were $15.9 million in 2007 as compared to $15.7 million in 2006, an increase of $0.2 million or 1.5%. The increase resulted primarily from increases in LIBOR on which those funds are priced to 5.6% in 2007 as compared to 5.4% in 2006. The average balance of ATM cash in 2007 was $285.2 million, compared to $289.2 million in 2006. In 2006, we incurred losses on early extinguishment of debt of $3.4 million resulting from the write-off of deferred financing fees from our refinancing of our senior secured indebtedness. Primarily as a result of the foregoing, income before income tax provision and minority ownership loss was $43.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 5.4%, as compared to the prior year.
Income Tax. Income tax expense was $16.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in income tax expense during 2007 is primarily attributable to a decrease in taxable income as well as a slightly greater effective US federal tax rate. The higher effective rate of 38.9% in 2007 was principally due to the significant increase in non-deductibility of expense related to certain equity awards granted to our employees offset by tax basis adjustments related to certain of our subsidiary tax-based carrying values.
Primarily as a result of the foregoing, income before minority ownership loss was $27.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 4.5%, as compared to the prior year.
Minority Ownership Loss, net of Tax. Minority ownership loss, net of tax, attributable to IFT for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $235,000, an decrease of $51,000 or 17.8% from $286,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Primarily as a result of the foregoing, net income was $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of $2.9 million, or 10.9%, as compared to the prior year.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with United States GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. The SEC has defined a company’s critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the financial condition and results of operations, and which require management to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, we have identified our critical accounting policies as those addressed below. We also have other key accounting policies that involve the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions. You should review the notes to our consolidated financial statements for a summary of these policies. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, based upon information presently available; however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Goodwill. We have approximately $183.9 million in net unamortized goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008 resulting from our acquisition of other businesses. We account for goodwill in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which requires an annual review of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets for impairment. Our most recent annual assessment was performed as of October 1, 2008 and was updated to December 31, 2008. It was determined that no impairment adjustment was necessary at either date. The annual evaluation of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets requires the use of estimates about future operating results of each reporting unit to determine their estimated fair value. Changes in forecasted operations can materially affect these estimates, which could significantly affect our results of operations.
Income Taxes. We are subject to income taxes in the United States as well as various states and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS No. 109”), whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or income tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and their respective tax bases using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
We use FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109.
The effect on the income tax provision and deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We believe that it is more likely than not that we will be able to utilize our deferred tax assets. Therefore we have not provided any valuation allowance against our recorded deferred tax assets.
Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, our price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. We evaluate our revenue streams for proper timing of revenue recognition.
Cash advance revenue is comprised of upfront patron transaction fees assessed at the time the transaction is initiated and a percentage of the face amount of the cash advance. Cash advance revenue is recognized at the point that a negotiable money order instrument is generated by the gaming establishment cashier.
ATM revenue is comprised of upfront patron transaction fees assessed at the time the transaction is initiated and a percentage of interchange fees paid by the patron’s issuing bank. These issuing banks share the interchange revenue, or reverse interchange, with us to cover the costs we incur to acquire the ATM transaction. Upfront patron transaction fees are recognized when a transaction is authorized and reverse interchange is recognized on a monthly basis.
Check services revenue is generally contractually based upon a percentage of the face amount of total checks warranted. Check services revenue is recognized on a monthly basis.
Central Credit revenue is based upon either a flat monthly, unlimited usage fee or a variable fee structure driven by the volume of patron credit histories generated. This revenue is recognized on a monthly basis. Revenue derived from our patron marketing products and services is recognized upon completion of services.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), which clarifies the definition of fair value whenever another standard requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. Specifically, the standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. SFAS No. 157 does not expand the use of fair value to any new circumstances. SFAS No. 157 also requires expanded financial statement disclosures about fair value measurements, including disclosure of the methods used and the effect on earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for certain financial assets and liabilities for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
SFAS No. 157 requires enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value. On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business. Pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 157, the Company estimated the fair value of the Arriva net assets as of based on preliminary offers the Company had received in connection with its marketing efforts as well as through the application of a net present value methodology. Based on management’s decision to discontinue the operations of the Arriva business, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $5.5 million to reduce the net assets of the Arriva business to their estimated fair value. The carrying value of the Arriva assets as of December 31, 2008 was approximately $1.5 million.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings for items measured using the fair value option. SFAS No. 159 is effective beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements, as we did not elect the fair value model for any of our financial assets or liabilities.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). Under SFAS No. 141(R), an entity is required to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair value on the acquisition date. It further requires that acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred, restructuring costs generally are expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period impact income tax expense. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for business combinations with an acquisition date in the first quarter of 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”), which establishes standards for the accounting and reporting of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (that is, minority interests) in consolidated financial statements and for the loss of control of subsidiaries. SFAS No. 160 requires: (1) the equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners, or other equity holders in subsidiaries to be accounted for and presented in equity, separately from the parent shareholder’s equity, rather than as liabilities or as “mezzanine” items between liabilities and equity; (2) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interests be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; and (3) when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. The gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary is measured using the fair value of any noncontrolling equity investment rather than the carrying amount of that retained investment. SFAS No. 160 is effective beginning on January 1, 2009. Early adoption of the Statement is prohibited. Although the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have an impact on the presentation of the consolidated financial statements it is not expected to have material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively:
                 
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 71,324     $ 91,874  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (58,708 )     (10,960 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (7,217 )     (49,715 )
Net effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    686       (1,055 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    6,085       30,144  
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period
    71,063       40,919  
 
           
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period
  $ 77,148     $ 71,063  
 
           
Our principal source of liquidity is cash flows from operating activities, which were $71.3 million and $91.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Cash flows from operating activities decreased approximately $20.6 million. Of this decrease, changes in operating assets and liabilities accounted for a net decrease of $24.3 million while the change in non-cash equity expense compounded the decrease by $13.2 million in cash flow from operating activities. Partially offsetting this decrease is $17.0 million resulting from changes in bad debt, depreciation and amortization and the net increase in cash tax savings added back to the deferred income tax asset.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $58.7 million and $11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, an increase of $47.7 million. Included in this increase is the CGS acquisition for $20.8 million and the CSI acquisition for $30.1 million which both occurred in the year ended December 31, 2008. Partially offsetting this increase is $2.5 million of decreased capital expenditures.
Net cash used in financing activities was $7.2 million and $49.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we repaid $118.7 million of our credit facilities and borrowed $121.0 million, which resulted in $13.3 million cash inflows provided by financing activities. In 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million worth of shares of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we repurchased $9.5 million worth of common stock in open market purchases and employee tax withholding transactions from vesting of restricted shares under the Company’s equity incentive programs. No new shares can be repurchased under the plans.
Borrowings
On November 1, 2006, GCA and Holdings entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with certain lenders, Bank of America, as Administrative Agent and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement that previously governed the terms of GCA’s existing senior secured credit facilities to provide for a $100.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million five-year revolving credit facility, with a $25.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $5.0 million swingline loan sublimit. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also contains an increase option permitting GCA to arrange with existing lenders and/or new lenders for them to provide up to an aggregate of $150.0 million in additional term loan or revolving credit commitments.

 

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The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement significantly amended and restated the terms of the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to, among other things, reduce the rate at which interest accrues on certain borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities and modify certain other terms, conditions, provisions and covenants in connection with the senior secured credit facilities.
Principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, is due on the maturity date, November 1, 2011. GCA may prepay the loans and terminate the commitments at any time, without premium or penalty, subject to certain qualifications set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Furthermore, the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains mandatory prepayment provisions which, under certain circumstances, obligate GCA to apply defined portions of its cash flow to prepayment of the senior secured credit facilities.
Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the senior secured credit facilities continue to be secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, GCA and GCA’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries other than Arriva, and will continue to be guaranteed by the Company and all of GCA’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries other than Arriva.
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, financial covenants, representations and warranties and events of defaults, which are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, as set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement resulted in the write-off of $3.4 million of remaining capitalized deferred financing costs associated with the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement in the fourth quarter of 2006. As of December 31, 2006, the remaining capitalized deferred financing costs associated with the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement were $1.4 million.
On March 10, 2004, we completed a private placement offering of $235.0 million of 83/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 (the “Notes”). All of Global Cash Access, Inc.’s existing and future domestic wholly owned subsidiaries are guarantors of the Notes on a senior subordinated basis. In addition, effective upon the closing of our initial public offering of common stock, Holdings guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of Global Cash Access, Inc.’s obligations under the Notes.
Interest on the Notes accrues based upon a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months and is payable semiannually on March 15th and September 15th. On October 31, 2005, $82.3 million or 35% of these Notes were redeemed at a price of 108.75% of face, out of the net proceeds from our initial public offering. The Company may redeem all or a potion of the Notes at redemption prices of 104.375%, on or after March 15, 2008, 102.188% on or after March 15, 2009, or 100.00% on or after March 15, 2010.

 

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The following is a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2008, including our senior subordinated notes and our senior secured credit facilities:
                                         
                    2 - 3     4 - 5     After  
Contractual Cash Obligations   Total     1 Year     Years     Years     5 Years  
    (amounts in thousands)  
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 265,750     $ 16,000     $ 1,000     $ 96,000     $ 152,750  
Estimated interest obligations (1)
    53,194       15,647       15,626       15,238       6,683  
Operating lease obligations
    1,222       697       522       3        
Purchase obligations (2)
    7,476       2,341       2,341       2,341       453  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total cash obligations (3)
  $ 327,642     $ 34,685     $ 19,489     $ 113,582     $ 159,886  
 
                             
     
(1)  
Estimated interest payments are computed using the interest rate in effect at December 31, 2008 multiplied by the principal balance outstanding after scheduled principal amortization payments. For the senior secured credit facility and the senior subordinated notes the rates assumed are 2.09% and 8.75%, respectively.
 
(2)  
Included in purchase obligations are minimum transaction processing services from USA Payments, a company controlled by Robert Cucinotta and Karim Maskatiya and minimum account maintenance charges under our Fiserv agreement.
 
(3)  
We have entered into three year employment contracts with certain of our executive officers that will expire over the next two years. Significant contract provisions include minimum annual base salaries, bonus compensation, and non-compete provisions. These contracts are “at will” employment agreements, under which the employee or we may terminate employment. If we terminate any of these employees without cause, then we are obligated to pay the employee severance benefits as specified in their individual contract. We have excluded these obligations under employment contracts from the totals presented in this table as the amount and timing of the amount settled in cash is not known.
Deferred Tax Asset
As of December 31, 2008, we had a net deferred income tax asset of $156.5 million. We recognized a deferred tax asset upon our conversion from a limited liability company to a corporation on May 14, 2004. Prior to that time, all tax attributes flowed through to the members of the limited liability company. The principal component of the deferred tax asset is a difference between our assets for financial accounting and tax purposes. This difference results from a significant balance of acquired goodwill of approximately $687 million that was generated as part of the conversion to a corporation plus approximately $98 million in pre-existing goodwill carried over from periods prior to the conversion. Both of these assets are recorded for tax purposes but not for financial accounting purposes. They are amortized over 15 years for tax purposes, resulting in annual pretax income being $52.3 million lower for tax purposes than for financial accounting purposes. At an estimated blended domestic effective tax rate of 36.0%, this results in tax payments being approximately $18.8 million less than the provision for income taxes shown on the income statement for financial accounting purposes. This is an expected aggregate of $199.4 million in cash savings over the remaining life of the portion of our deferred tax asset related to the conversion.
Other Liquidity Needs and Resources
Bank of America supplies us with currency needed for normal operating requirements of our ATMs pursuant to a Treasury Services Agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, we pay a monthly cash usage fee based upon the product of the average daily dollars outstanding in all ATMs multiplied by the average LIBOR one-month United States dollar deposits for each day that rate is published in that month plus a margin of 25 basis points. We are therefore exposed to interest rate risk to the extent that applicable LIBOR increases. As of December 31, 2008, the rate in effect, inclusive of the 25 basis points margin, was 1.4%, and the currency supplied by Bank of America pursuant to this agreement was $521.8 million.
We need supplies of cash to support our foreign operations. For some foreign jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, applicable law and cross-border treaties allow us to transfer funds between our domestic and foreign operations efficiently. For other foreign jurisdictions, we must rely on the supply of cash generated by our operations in those foreign jurisdictions, and the cost of repatriation is prohibitive. For example, GCA Canada, the subsidiary through which we operate in Canada, generates a supply of cash that is sufficient to support its operations, and all cash generated through such operations is retained by GCA Canada. As we expand our operations into new foreign jurisdictions, we must rely on treaty-favored cross-border transfers of funds, the supply of cash generated by our operations in those foreign jurisdictions or alternate sources of working capital.

 

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We operate IFT, a joint venture with IGT. We own 60% of the equity interests of IFT and IGT owns 40%. The joint venture was formed to develop and market cash access products using slot tickets. Pursuant to the terms of our agreement with IGT, we are obligated to contribute up to our pro rata share of $10.0 million in capital to IFT. Our obligation to contribute additional capital in IFT is conditioned upon capital calls, the necessity of which, are determined in our sole discretion. As of December 31 2008, we had contributed a total of $4.6 million in IFT, and are committed to invest up to $1.4 million in additional capital investments if required.
We believe that borrowings available under our senior secured credit facilities, together with our anticipated operating cash flows, will be adequate to meet our anticipated future requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and scheduled interest payments on the Notes and under our senior secured credit facilities for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future. Although no additional financing is currently contemplated, we may seek, if necessary or otherwise advisable and to the extent permitted under the indenture governing the Notes and the terms of the senior secured credit facilities, additional financing through bank borrowings or public or private debt or equity financings. We cannot ensure that additional financing, if needed, will be available to us, or that, if available, the financing will be on terms favorable to us. The terms of any additional debt or equity financing that we may obtain in the future could impose additional limitations on our operations and/or management structure. We also cannot ensure that the estimates of our liquidity needs are accurate or that new business developments or other unforeseen events will not occur, resulting in the need to raise additional funds.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Bank of America Amended Treasury Services Agreement (“Amended Treasury Services Agreement”). We obtain currency to meet the normal operating requirements of our domestic ATMs and ACMs pursuant to the Amendment of the Treasury Services Agreement with Bank of America. Under this agreement, all currency supplied by Bank of America remains the sole property of Bank of America at all times until it is dispensed, at which time Bank of America obtains an interest in the corresponding settlement receivable. Because it is never an asset of ours, supplied cash is not reflected on our balance sheet. At December 31, 2008, the total currency obtained from Bank of America pursuant to this agreement was $521.8 million. Because Bank of America obtains an interest in our settlement receivables, there is no liability corresponding to the supplied cash reflected on our balance sheet. The fees that we pay to Bank of America for cash usage pursuant to the Amended Treasury Services Agreement are reflected as interest expense in our financial statements. Foreign gaming establishments supply the currency needs for the ATMs located on their premises. We rely exclusively on Bank of America to supply cash for substantially all of our ATMs. Under our agreement, Bank of America is not obligated to supply us with more than $410 million in cash at any given time, however, to satisfy our ATM cash supply needs, Bank of America has regularly supplied us with cash in excess of this limit. To the extent that Bank of America is unable to supply us with cash either to satisfy our agreement with Bank of America or in excess of the $410 million, due to liquidity constraints or otherwise, we would have to obtain an alternate source of cash.
Senior Secured Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2008, we had $3.7 million in standby letters of credit outstanding as collateral security for First Data related to a Sponsorship Indemnification Agreement whereby First Data agreed to continue its guarantee of performance for us to Bank of America for our sponsorship as a Bank Identification Number and Interbank Card Association licensee under the applicable VISA and MasterCard rules. GCA has agreed to indemnify First Data and its affiliates against any and all losses and expenses arising from its indemnification obligations pursuant to that agreement.
Effects of Inflation
Our monetary assets, consisting primarily of cash and receivables, are not significantly affected by inflation. Our non-monetary assets, consisting primarily of our deferred tax asset, goodwill and other intangible assets, are not affected by inflation. We believe that replacement costs of equipment, furniture and leasehold improvements will not materially affect our operations. However, the rate of inflation affects our operating expenses, such as those for salaries and benefits, armored carrier expenses, telecommunications expenses and equipment repair and maintenance services, which may not be readily recoverable in the financial terms under which we provide our cash access products and services to gaming establishments and their patrons.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk. We operate and conduct business in foreign countries and, as a result, are exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk related to our foreign operations is not material to our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. At present, we do not hedge this risk. At present, we do not hold any derivative securities of any kind.
Bank of America supplies us with currency needed for normal operating requirements of our domestic ATMs pursuant to the Amended Treasury Services Terms. Under the terms of this agreement, we pay a monthly cash usage fee based upon the product of the average daily dollars outstanding in all ATMs multiplied by the average LIBOR for one-month United States dollar deposits for each day that rate is published in that month plus a margin of 25 basis points. We are therefore exposed to interest rate risk to the extent that applicable LIBOR increases. As of December 31, 2008, the rate in effect, inclusive of the 25 basis point margin, was 1.4% and the currency supplied by Bank of America pursuant to this agreement was $521.8 million. Based upon the average outstanding amount of currency to be supplied by Bank of America pursuant to this agreement during 2008, which was $319.0 million, each 1% increase in applicable LIBOR would have a $2.9 million impact on income before taxes and minority ownership loss over a 12-month period.
Our senior secured credit facilities bear interest at rates that can vary over time. We have the option of having interest on the outstanding amounts under these credit facilities paid based on a base rate (equivalent to the prime rate) or based on the Eurodollar rate (equivalent to LIBOR). We have historically elected to pay interest based on the one month United States dollar LIBOR, and we expect to continue to pay interest based on LIBOR of various maturities. Our interest expense on these credit facilities is the applicable LIBOR plus a margin of 112.5 basis points for the term loan portion and LIBOR plus 112.5 basis points for the revolving credit portion. At December 31, 2008, we had $15.0 million drawn under the revolving credit portion and we had $98.0 million outstanding under the term loan portion at an interest rate, including the margin, of approximately 1.6%. Based upon the outstanding balance on the term loan of $113.0 million on December 31, 2008, each 1% increase in applicable LIBOR would add an additional $1.1 million of interest expense over a 12-month period.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         
      52
 
      53
 
      54
 
      55
 
      56
 
      57

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. Las Vegas, Nevada
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 9, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 9, 2009

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
(amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
                 
    2008     2007  
ASSETS
               
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 77,148     $ 71,063  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    388       1,380  
Settlement receivables
    51,604       61,066  
Other receivables, net
    16,759       14,424  
Prepaid and other assets
    11,867       7,618  
Assets held for sale
    1,540       12,180  
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    24,419       22,803  
Goodwill, net
    183,929       156,889  
Other intangibles, net
    34,982       13,652  
Deferred income taxes, net
    156,514       177,227  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 559,150     $ 538,302  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
Settlement liabilities
  $ 79,150     $ 93,727  
Accounts payable
    35,561       22,402  
Accrued expenses
    17,811       20,262  
Borrowings
    265,750       263,480  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities
    398,272       399,871  
 
           
 
               
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 7)
               
 
               
MINORITY INTEREST
          135  
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized and 82,961 and 82,981 shares outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    83       83  
Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized and 0 shares outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively
           
Additional paid in capital
    172,119       163,070  
Retained earnings
    37,659       14,103  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,243       2,708  
Treasury stock, at cost, 6,017 and 4,563 shares at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    (50,226 )     (41,668 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    160,878       138,296  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 559,150     $ 538,302  
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006
(amounts in thousands, except earnings per share amounts)
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
REVENUES:
                       
Cash advance
  $ 326,476     $ 316,094     $ 287,053  
ATM
    289,122       240,575       221,727  
Check services
    42,366       31,126       29,166  
Central Credit and other revenues
    13,644       10,145       9,827  
 
                 
 
                       
Total revenues
    671,608       597,940       547,773  
 
                       
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
    (492,974 )     (428,508 )     (384,718 )
Operating expenses
    (83,962 )     (79,614 )     (65,021 )
Amortization
    (7,151 )     (5,301 )     (5,425 )
Depreciation
    (8,875 )     (6,299 )     (4,369 )
 
                 
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    78,646       78,218       88,240  
 
                 
 
                       
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
                       
Interest income
    2,229       3,631       3,477  
Interest expense
    (30,117 )     (38,146 )     (42,098 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                (3,417 )
 
                 
 
                       
Total interest income (expense), net
    (27,888 )     (34,515 )     (42,038 )
 
                 
 
                       
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION AND MINORITY LOSS
    50,758       43,703       46,202  
 
                       
INCOME TAX PROVISION
    (23,349 )     (16,709 )     (17,832 )
 
                 
 
                       
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS
    27,409       26,994       28,370  
 
                       
MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS, NET OF TAX
    86       236       183  
 
                 
 
                       
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    27,495       27,230       28,553  
 
                       
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX
    (3,939 )     (3,526 )     (1,944 )
 
                 
 
                       
NET INCOME
    23,556       23,704       26,609  
Foreign currency translation, net of tax
    (1,465 )     547       435  
 
                 
 
                       
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 22,091     $ 24,251     $ 27,044  
 
                 
 
                       
Basic earnings per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.36     $ 0.34     $ 0.35  
 
                 
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.02 )
 
                 
Net income
  $ 0.31     $ 0.29     $ 0.33  
 
                 
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.36     $ 0.33     $ 0.35  
 
                 
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.03 )
 
                 
Net income
  $ 0.31     $ 0.29     $ 0.32  
 
                 
 
                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    76,787       81,108       81,641  
 
                 
Diluted
    76,796       81,377       81,921  
 
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006
(amounts in thousands, except shares)
                                                         
                            Retained     Accumulated              
    Common Stock - Series A     Additional     Earnings     Other              
    Number of             Paid in     (Accumulated     Comprehensive              
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit)     Income     Treasury Stock     Total  
                                                         
BALANCE—December 31, 2005
    81,553,568     $ 82     $ 128,886     $ (36,210 )   $ 1,726     $     $ 94,484  
 
                                                       
Net income
                      26,609                   26,609  
Foreign currency translation
                            435             435  
Share-based compensation expense
                9,141                         9,141  
Restricted stock grants
    619,747                                      
Restricted stock cancellations
    (10,500 )                                    
Exercise of stock options
    149,709             1,488                         1,488  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
BALANCE—December 31, 2006
    82,312,524     $ 82     $ 139,515     $ (9,601 )   $ 2,161     $     $ 132,157  
 
                                                       
Net income
                      23,704                   23,704  
Foreign currency translation
                            547             547  
Share-based compensation expense
                22,269                         22,269  
Restricted stock grants
    747,000       1       (1 )                        
Restricted stock cancellations
    (181,061 )                                    
Exercise of stock options
    103,249                                      
Treasury share repurchases
                                  (38,462 )     (38,462 )
Restricted share vesting withholdings
                1,287                   (3,206 )     (1,919 )
 
                                         
 
                                                       
BALANCE—December 31, 2007
    82,981,712     $ 83     $ 163,070     $ 14,103     $ 2,708     $ (41,668 )   $ 138,296  
 
                                                       
Net income
                      23,556                   23,556  
Foreign currency translation
                            (1,465 )           (1,465 )
Share-based compensation expense
                9,049                         9,049  
Restricted stock grants
    5,500                                      
Restricted stock cancellations
    (26,083 )                                    
Treasury share repurchases
                                  (8,233 )     (8,233 )
Restricted share vesting withholdings
                                  (325 )     (325 )
 
                                         
 
                                                       
BALANCE—December 31, 2008
    82,961,129     $ 83     $ 172,119     $ 37,659     $ 1,243     $ (50,226 )   $ 160,878  
 
                                         
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006
(amounts in thousands)
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income
  $ 23,556     $ 23,704     $ 26,609  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Amortization of financing costs
    973       973       1,584  
Amortization of intangibles
    6,802       5,487       5,520  
Depreciation
    9,418       6,302       4,369  
(Gain)loss on sale or disposal of assets
          139       (6 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                3,417  
Provision for bad debts
    17,565       11,184       6,483  
Deferred income taxes
    20,677       14,514       15,899  
Minority ownership loss
    (135 )     (368 )     (287 )
Stock-based compensation
    9,050       22,269       9,141  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Settlement receivables
    16,474       76,737       (76,654 )
Other receivables, net
    4,281       (22,827 )     (10,503 )
Prepaid and other assets
    (1,400 )     1,071       (1,906 )
Settlement liabilities
    (30,649 )     (44,797 )     78,188  
Accounts payable
    8,393       (3,855 )     5,867  
Accrued expenses
    (13,681 )     1,341       2,358  
 
                 
 
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    71,324       91,874       70,079  
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Certegy Gaming acquisition, net of cash
    (20,783 )            
Cash Systems Inc acquisition, net of cash
    (30,098 )            
Purchase of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
    (8,135 )     (9,502 )     (14,195 )
Purchase of other intangibles
    (684 )     (1,428 )     (1,516 )
Changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    992       (30 )     (1,350 )
 
                 
 
                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (58,708 )     (10,960 )     (17,061 )
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Borrowings under credit facility
    121,000             121,730  
Repayments under credit facility
    (118,730 )     (11,000 )     (168,662 )
Debt issuance costs
            (23 )     (1,557 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
            1,287       1,488  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (9,487 )     (40,379 )      
Minority capital contributions
          400       240  
 
                 
 
                       
Net cash used in financing activities
    (7,217 )     (49,715 )     (46,761 )
 
                 
 
                       
NET EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
  $ 686     $ (1,055 )   $ (461 )
 
                 
 
                       
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    6,085       30,144       5,796  
 
                       
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period
    71,063       40,919       35,123  
 
                 
 
                       
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period
  $ 77,148     $ 71,063     $ 40,919  
 
                 
 
                       
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
 
                       
Cash paid during year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 29,459     $ 37,549     $ 38,735  
 
                 
Income taxes
  $ 617     $ 1,055     $ 410  
 
                 
Difference in timing of treasury share purchases
  $ 929     $     $  
 
                 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. is a holding company, the principal asset of which is the capital stock of Global Cash Access, Inc. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “the Company,” “Holdings,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. Holdings, was formed on February 4, 2004, for the purpose of holding all of the outstanding capital stock of Global Cash Access, Inc. (“GCA”) and to guarantee the obligations under our senior secured credit facilities.
GCA is a financial services company that provides cash access products and services to the gaming industry. The Company’s cash access products and services allow gaming patrons to access funds through a variety of methods, including credit card cash advances, point-of-sale (“POS”) debit card cash advances, automated teller machine (“ATM”) withdrawals, check cashing transactions and money transfers. These services are provided to patrons at gaming establishments directly by the Company or through one of its consolidated subsidiaries.
The Company also owns and operates a credit reporting agency for the gaming industry through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Central, and provides credit-information services and credit-reporting history on gaming patrons to various gaming establishments. Central operates in both international and domestic gaming markets. Commencing in the third quarter of 2006, the Company, through Arriva, began marketing a credit card aimed at consumers who perform cash advance transactions in gaming establishments. On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business. The Company has since actively marketed the Arriva business for sale. The assets associated with Arriva operations have been segregated and reported as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of operations for the Arriva business have been classified to discontinued operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. See further discussion in Note 12.
IFT, formerly known as QuikPlay, LLC, is a joint venture formed on December 6, 2000, owned 60% by GCA and 40% by International Game Technology (“IGT”). IGT is one of the largest manufacturers of gaming equipment in the United States. As GCA is the managing member of this entity, IFT has been consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
The Company provides some services in conjunction with companies wholly owned by First Data Corporation (“First Data”), including Integrated Payment Systems, Inc. and IPS Canada, Inc. (collectively, “IPS”), TRS Recovery Services, Inc., and Western Union Financial Services, Inc. (“Western Union”). GCA is a money transfer agent for Western Union, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Data. Western Union contracts directly with the gaming establishments and provides GCA commissions on the transactions processed by the gaming establishment. These commissions are included as part of other revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

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2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications within the consolidated financial statements have been made in the prior years in order to conform to the current year presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and all balances on deposit in banks and financial institutions. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. Such balances may at times exceed the federal insurance limits. However, the Company periodically evaluates the creditworthiness of these institutions to minimize risk.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
As part of certain of our sponsorship agreements, we are required to maintain minimum deposits of $350,000 as collateral for any potential chargeback loss activity occurring as a result of the sponsorship arrangements.
ATM Funding Agreements
The Company obtains all of the cash required to operate its ATMs through various ATM Funding Agreements more fully described in Note 4. Some gaming establishments provide the cash utilized within the ATM (“Site-Funded”). The receivables generated for the amount of cash dispensed from transactions performed at our ATMs are owned by GCA and GCA is liable to the gaming establishment for the face amount of the cash dispensed. In the consolidated balance sheets, the amount receivable for transactions processed on these ATM transactions is included within settlement receivables and the amount due to the gaming establishment for the face amount of dispensing transactions is included within settlement liabilities. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company operated 1,299 and 944 ATMs, respectively, that were Site-Funded. For our non-Site Funded locations, GCA obtains the necessary cash to service these machines through the Amended Treasury Services Terms and Conditions Booklet with Bank of America. Under the terms of this agreement, neither the cash utilized within the ATMs nor the receivables generated for the amount of cash dispensed through transactions on the ATMs are owned or controlled by GCA. Therefore, these amounts have been excluded from the consolidated balance sheets. We are charged a cash usage fee for the cash used in these ATMs, which is included as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

 

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Settlement Receivables and Settlement Liabilities
In the credit card cash advance and POS debit card cash access transactions provided by GCA and GCA Canada, the gaming establishment is reimbursed for the cash disbursed to gaming patrons through a money order issued by IPS. IPS is a licensed issuer of payment instruments that is wholly owned by First Data. Pursuant to the agreement with IPS, GCA indemnifies IPS for any losses incurred in conjunction with credit cash advance transactions, and thus, assumes all of the risks and rewards. GCA receives reimbursement from the patron’s credit or debit card issuer for the transaction in an amount equal to the money order issued to the gaming establishment plus the fee charged to the patron. This reimbursement is included within the settlement receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. GCA then remits to IPS the amount of the money order issued to the gaming establishment. The amount of unpaid money orders are included within settlement liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Warranty Receivables
In the check services transactions provided by Central, Central warrants check cashing transactions performed at gaming establishments. If a gaming establishment accepts a payroll or personal check from a patron that we warrant, Central is obligated to reimburse the property for the full face value of any dishonored checks. All amounts paid out to the gaming establishment related to these items result in a warranty receivable from the patron. This amount is recorded in other receivables, net on the consolidated balance sheets. On a monthly basis, Central evaluates the collectibility of the outstanding balances and establishes a reserve for the face amount of the expected losses on these receivables. The warranty expense associated with this reserve is included within cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) in the consolidated statements of income. The Company writes off all warranty receivables that are older than one year in age.
A summary activity of the reserve for warranty losses as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
         
Balance, December 31, 2006
  $ 9,481  
Warranty expense provision
    6,776  
Charge offs against reserve
    (8,835 )
 
     
Balance, December 31, 2007
  $ 7,422  
Warranty expense provision
    12,647  
Charge offs against reserve
    (8,954 )
 
     
Balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 11,115  
 
     
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the senior secured credit facility and the senior subordinated notes are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based upon the related debt agreements using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Unamortized debt issuance costs are included in prepaid and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated life of the related assets, generally three to five years, or the related lease term.

 

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Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Upon sale or retirement, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of income.
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment is indicated when undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the asset’s carrying value. As of December 31, 2008, the Company does not believe any of its property, equipment, or leasehold improvements are impaired.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired plus liabilities assumed arising from business combinations.
The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets (but not those acquired in a business combination) should be accounted for in financial statements upon their acquisition. This Statement also addresses how goodwill and other intangible assets should be accounted for after they have been initially recognized in the financial statements. The Company tests for impairment annually, or more often under certain circumstances. The Company does not believe that any of its goodwill is impaired as of December 31, 2008 based upon the results of our impairment testing.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
                                         
    Cash                          
    Advance     ATM     Credit Reporting     Check Services     Total  
 
                                       
Balance as of January 1, 2008
  $ 93,385     $ 24,033     $ 17,127     $ 22,344     $ 156,889  
 
                                       
Goodwill acquired during the year
    13,869       11,530             1,641       27,040  
 
                                       
Impairment losses
                             
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance as of December 31, 2008
  $ 107,254     $ 35,563     $ 17,127     $ 23,985     $ 183,929  
 
                             
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets consist primarily of customer contracts (rights to provide processing services to gaming establishment customers) acquired through business combinations and acquisitions, capitalized software development costs and the acquisition cost of our patent related to the “3-in-1 rollover” technology acquired in 2005. The acquisition cost of the 3-in-1 rollover patent is being amortized over its remaining legal life of 11 years. Excluding the patent, other intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 3 to 10 years.
Other intangibles consist of the following as of December 31, (in thousands):
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Computer software
  $ 19,882     $ 12,979  
Patents and trademarks
    10,066       10,000  
Customer contracts
    34,451       34,516  
Non-compete agreements
    200       60  
 
           
 
    64,600       57,555  
Less accumulated amortization
    (29,617 )     (43,903 )
 
           
 
               
Total
  $ 34,982     $ 13,652  
 
           

 

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Amortization expense related to these intangibles totaled approximately $7.2, $5.3 million and $5.5 million, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
At December 31, 2008 the anticipated amortization expense related to other intangible assets, assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets, is as follows (in thousands):
         
2009
    7,487  
2010
    6,477  
2011
    4,669  
2012
    4,270  
2013
    4,040  
Thereafter
    8,039  
 
     
         
Total
  $ 34,982  
 
     
The Company accounts for the costs related to computer software developed or obtained for internal use in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use (“SOP 98-1”). SOP 98-1 establishes that computer software costs that are incurred in the preliminary project stage should be expensed as incurred. Costs incurred in the application development phase and any upgrades and enhancements that modify the existing software and result in additional functionality are capitalized and amortized over their useful lives, generally not to exceed three years. These costs consist of outside professional fees related to the development of our systems. The Company capitalized $0.2 million, $0.9 million and $1.3 million, of development costs for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Chargebacks
The Company has established an allowance for chargebacks on credit and debit card cash advance transactions based upon past experience with losses arising from disputed charges by customers. Management periodically reviews the recorded balance to ensure the recorded amount adequately covers the expected losses to be incurred from disputed charges. The recorded allowance for chargebacks is included within accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets and had a balance of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company expensed $0.3 million in chargeback losses on credit and debit card cash advance transactions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument represents the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based upon relevant market information about the financial instrument.
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, net, settlement receivables and settlement liabilities approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of GCA’s borrowings are estimated based on quoted market prices for the same issue or in instances where no market exists the quoted market prices for similar issues with similar terms are used to estimate fair value. The fair values of all other financial instruments, including amounts outstanding under the ATM funding agreements, approximate their book values as the instruments are short-term in nature or contain market rates of interest. The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of GCA’s borrowings (amounts in thousands):
                 
    Fair Value     Carrying Value  
December 31, 2008:
               
Senior secured credit facility
  $ 113,000     $ 113,000  
Senior subordinated notes
  $ 120,863     $ 152,750  
 
               
December 31, 2007:
               
Senior secured credit facility
  $ 108,514     $ 110,730  
Senior subordinated notes
  $ 143,585     $ 152,750  
     

 

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Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company evaluates its revenue streams for proper timing of revenue recognition.
Cash advance revenue is comprised of the fee charged to patrons for credit card cash advances and POS debit card transactions. Revenue recognition occurs at the point an IPS money order is generated by the gaming establishment cage for the patron’s transaction or cash is dispensed from an ATM.
ATM revenue is comprised of upfront patron transaction fees or surcharges assessed at the time the transaction is initiated and a percentage of interchange fees paid by the patron’s issuing bank. These issuing banks share the interchange revenue (reverse interchange) with GCA to cover the cost incurred by GCA to acquire the ATM transaction. Upfront patron transaction fees are recognized when a transaction is initiated and reverse interchange is recognized on a monthly basis based on the total transactions occurring during the month.
In general, check service revenue is comprised of a fee based upon a percentage of the face amount of total checks warranted, and is recognized on a monthly basis.
Credit reporting revenue is based upon either a flat monthly, unlimited usage fee or a variable fee structure driven by the volume of patron credit histories generated. This revenue is recognized on a monthly basis based on the total transactions occurring during the month. Revenue derived from our patron marketing products and services is recognized upon completion of services.
Global Recovery Services revenue is comprised of a fee collected from GCA clients for research and investigation, using GCA’s proprietary data base, conducted in order to identify funds associated with individual credit card cash advance and POS debit card transactions money transfers that were issued upon the completion of such a transaction for which a charge or debit was made to a cardholder’s account but the bank draft was not successfully deposited by GCA’s client.
Cost of Revenues (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization)
The cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), represent the direct costs required to perform revenue generating transactions. The principal costs included within cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) are commissions paid to gaming establishments, interchange fees paid to credit and debit card networks, transaction processing fees to our transaction processor and check cashing warranties.
Advertising Costs
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Total advertising expense, included in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income, was $0.2 million, $0.4 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes, plus the provision for U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries not deemed to be permanently invested. Since it is management’s practice and intent to reinvest the earnings in the international operations of our foreign subsidiaries, U.S. federal income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of any foreign subsidiaries except for GCA Macau. Some items of income and expense are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported as deferred income taxes.

 

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Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities for those foreign entities for which the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars based on exchange rates prevailing at the end of each year. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The effects of foreign exchange gains and losses arising from these translations are included as a component of other comprehensive income on the consolidated statements of income. Translation adjustments on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates incorporated in the consolidated financial statements include:
   
the estimated reserve for warranty expense associated with our check warranty receivables,
 
   
the valuation and recognition of share-based compensation,
 
   
the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets,
 
   
the estimated cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, and
 
   
the estimated fair value of our reporting units determined as part of our annual impairment tests.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock
In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings per Share, basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the effect of potential common stock resulting from assumed stock option exercises. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic
    76,787       81,108       81,641  
Potential dilution from equity grants (1)
    9       269       280  
 
                 
 
                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted
    76,796       81,377       81,921  
 
                 
     
(1)—  
The potential dilution excludes stock options to acquire 7,640,100, 2,640,906 and 4,016,684, shares of common stock at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 199,686, 321,485 and 554,076 shares of unvested restricted stock at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as the application of the treasury stock method, as required by SFAS No. 128, makes them anti-dilutive.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation
Under SFAS No. 123(R) Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No.123(R)”) and SAB No. 110, share-based payment awards result in a cost that is measured at fair value on the award’s grant date. Stock options expected to be exercised currently and in future periods are measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes model with the expense associated with these awards being recognized on the straight-line basis over the awards’ vesting period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant, with such estimate updated periodically and with actual forfeitures recognized currently to the extent they differ from the estimates.
The estimated per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $3.24, $4.22 and $7.33, respectively.
We have estimated the fair value of options granted at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions in the years ended December 31,:
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
Risk-free interest rate
    2.9 %     4.2 %     4.8 %
Expected life of options (in years)
    6.3       6.3       6.3  
Expected volatility
    46.3 %     33.6 %     37.3 %
Expected dividend yield
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of options granted was estimated using the Safe Harbor calculation permitted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected volatility for options granted in 2008 was based upon our historical volatility and was based on an estimate of the volatility for similar companies within our industry in 2007 and 2006 as our Company did not have a significant history on a public market. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s historical practice of not paying dividends.
Stock-based compensation related to time-based restricted shares is calculated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid, if any, on the Company’s common stock prior to vesting of the restricted stock.
Fair Value Measures
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) which defines fair value, establishes a hierarchical framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-2, an amendment to SFAS No. 157, delaying the effective date of SFAS No. 157, for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). As of January 1, 2008, we partially adopted SFAS No. 157, which, among other things, requires enhanced disclosures about financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value.
Financial assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. The types of investments included in Level 1 include listed equities and listed derivatives.
Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. The types of investments included in Level 2 include corporate bonds and loans, less liquid and restricted equity securities and certain over-the-counter derivatives.
Level 3 — Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

 

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As of February 7, 2008, the Company decided to discontinue its Arriva business and classified its assets, consisting primarily of receivables due from cardholders, as held for sale on its consolidated balance sheet and classified the related operations as discontinued operations on its consolidated statement of income. The Company adjusted the receivables held for sale to fair value using the expected net present value of future discounted cash flows, a Level 3 input in the hierarchical framework. As a result of this assessment, the Company recorded a pretax valuation adjustment as a charge to income of $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 (see Note 12).
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) 
         
Receivable balance, 12/31/07
  $ 12,180  
Collections and write-offs
    (5,263 )
Fair value adjustment
    (5,377 )
Reserves
   
 
     
Carrying value, 12/31/08
  $ 1,540  
 
     
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, which clarifies the definition of fair value whenever another standard requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. Specifically, the standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. SFAS No. 157 does not expand the use of fair value to any new circumstances. SFAS No. 157 also requires expanded financial statement disclosures about fair value measurements, including disclosure of the methods used and the effect on earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings for items measured using the fair value option. SFAS No. 159 is effective beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). Under SFAS No. 141(R), an entity is required to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair value on the acquisition date. It further requires that acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred, restructuring costs generally are expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period impact income tax expense. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for business combinations with an acquisition date of January 1, 2009 or later.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”), which establishes standards for the accounting and reporting of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (that is, minority interests) in consolidated financial statements and for the loss of control of subsidiaries. SFAS No. 160 requires: (1) the equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners, or other equity holders in subsidiaries to be accounted for and presented in equity, separately from the parent shareholder’s equity, rather than as liabilities or as “mezzanine” items between liabilities and equity; (2) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interests be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; and (3) when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. The gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary is measured using the fair value of any noncontrolling equity investment rather than the carrying amount of that retained investment. SFAS No. 160 is effective beginning on January 1, 2009. Early adoption of the Statement is prohibited. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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3. ACQUISITIONS
The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 “Accounting for Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”). SFAS No. 141 requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their estimated fair values.
GCA completed its acquisition of CSI in August 2008, in which 100 percent of the issued and outstanding common shares of CSI were converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $0.50 per share. In connection with the acquisition, GCA provided CSI with funds to repay all of its outstanding convertible promissory notes. The amounts provided by GCA to repay all of the outstanding convertible promissory notes and convert each of the outstanding shares into the right to receive $0.50 was approximately $30.1 million. The results of CSI’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 from the date of acquisition. The CSI acquisition was conducted in order to increase transactional volumes over a relatively fixed cost structure.
The following table summarizes the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for CSI, (in thousands):
         
Net working capital (excluding cash)
  $ (762 )
Property, plant and equipment, net
    815  
Intangible assets
    14,356  
Goodwill
    15,689  
 
     
Net assets acquired (excluding cash)
  $ 30,098  
GCA is in the process of finalizing its preliminary estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and accordingly, those preliminary estimates are subject to change.
In connection with the acquisitions, the Company has preliminarily assigned $14.4 million of the purchase price to intangible assets, of which $13.2 million were assigned to customer contracts. These intangible assets are being amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives as indicated below. The Company recognized $1.2 million of amortization on CSI customer contracts in 2008.
The following table shows the estimated annual amortization of the customer contracts (in thousands):
                                                         
    Amount     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter  
Customer contracts
  $ 12,045     $ 2,508     $ 1,933     $ 1,655     $ 1,541     $ 1,268     $ 3,140  
Other intangibles acquired include $2.4 million of computer software with estimated useful lives of three to five years.
GCA completed its acquisition of CGS in April 2008, in which 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of CGS were acquired for a purchase price net of cash net of $20.8 million. The results of CGS’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, from the date of acquisition.

 

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The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for CGS, April 1, 2008 (in thousands):
         
Net working capital (excluding cash)
  $ (4,601 )
Property, plant and equipment, net
    1,568  
Intangible assets
    12,300  
Goodwill
    11,517  
 
     
Net assets acquired (excluding cash)
    20,784  
In connection with the acquisitions, the Company acquired $12.3 million of intangible assets, of which $12.1 million were assigned to customer contracts. These intangible assets are being amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives of approximately as indicated below. The Company recognized $1.3 million of amortization on CGS customer contracts in 2008.
The following table shows the amortization of the customer contracts (in thousands):
                                                         
    Amount     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter  
Customer contracts
  $ 10,780     $ 1,906     $ 2,105     $ 1,622     $ 1,523     $ 1,039     $ 2,585  
Other intangibles acquired include $0.2 million of covenants not to compete with estimated useful lives of three years.
The following table presents our unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company as though the aggregated acquisitions of CSI and CGS occurred as of the beginning of the periods being reported. The unaudited pro forma financial information is for informational purposes only and does not purport to present what our results would actually have been had these transactions actually occurred on the dates presented or to project our results of operations for any future period.
Unaudited Pro Forma Information:
(in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    For the years ended  
  2008     2007  
 
               
Revenue
  $ 737,396     $ 799,204  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 20,307     $ 3,116  
Net income (loss)
  $ 16,368     $ (410 )
 
               
Net income (loss) per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.21     $ (0.01 )
Diluted
  $ 0.21     $ (0.01 )
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    76,787       81,108  
Diluted
    76,796       81,377  
4. ATM FUNDING AGREEMENTS
Bank of America Amended Treasury Services Agreement
On December 19, 2007, GCA entered into an Amendment of the Treasury Services Terms and Conditions Booklet with Bank of America, N.A. that allowed for the Company to utilize up to $360 million in funds owned by Bank of America to provide the currency needed for normal operating requirements for the Company’s ATMs. For use of these funds, the Company pays Bank of America a cash usage fee equal to the average daily balance of funds utilized multiplied by the one-month LIBOR rate plus 25 basis points. Prior to this agreement, GCA operated under another Amendment of the Treasury Services Agreement dated March 8, 2004 that provided for $300 million in available funds and a cash usage fee that was equal to the average daily balance of funds utilized multiplied by the one-month LIBOR rate plus 25 basis points.

 

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On March 13, 2008, the Company entered into an Agreement to Amend the Amendment of the Treasury Services Terms and Conditions Booklet. Pursuant to this Agreement to Amend, the limit on the maximum allowable currency to be provided by Bank of America was increased to $410 million. The amount provided by Bank of America can be increased above $410 million at the option of Bank of America. All other terms of the Amendment of the Treasury Services Terms and Conditions Booklet remain in full force and effect.
At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the outstanding balance of ATM cash utilized by GCA from Bank of America was $521.8 million and $368.1 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the cash usage fees incurred by the Company were $9.3 million, $15.9 million and $15.7 million, respectively. The cash usage fee is included within interest expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The rate in effect at December 31, 2008, to compute the cash usage fee was 1.4%.
The Company is responsible for any losses of cash in the ATMs under the agreement with Bank of America. The Company is self insured related to this risk. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, the Company has incurred no material losses related to this self insurance.
Site Funded ATMs
The Company operates ATMs at certain customer gaming establishments where the gaming establishment provides the cash required for the ATM operational needs. GCA is required to reimburse the customer for the amount of cash dispensed from these Site Funded ATMs. The Site Funded ATM liability is included within settlement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and was $50.6 million and $58.1 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company operated 1,299 and 944 Site Funded ATMs, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
5. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following as of December 31, (in thousands):
                 
    2008     2007  
 
               
ATM equipment
  $ 58,929     $ 51,405  
Cash advance equipment
    8,320       7,099  
Office, computer and other equipment
    5,193       3,692  
Leasehold and building improvements
    2,554       2,486  
 
           
 
               
 
    74,996       64,682  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (50,577 )     (41,879 )
 
           
 
               
Total
  $ 24,419     $ 22,803  
 
           
6. BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company has a retirement savings plan (the “401(k) Plan”) under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering its employees. The 401(k) Plan allows employees to defer up to the lesser of the Internal Revenue Code prescribed maximum amount or 100% of their income on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plan. As a benefit to employees, the Company matches a percentage of these employee contributions. Expenses related to the matching portion of the contributions to the 401(k) plan were $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Equity Incentive Awards
In January 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) to attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants and thus to promote the success of the Company’s business. The 2005 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors but may be administered by our Compensation Committee. The administrator of the 2005 Plan has the authority to select individuals who are to receive options or other equity incentive awards under the 2005 Plan and to specify the terms and conditions of grants of options or other equity incentive awards, the vesting provisions, the term and the exercise price.

 

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Generally, stock options and restricted stock granted under the 2005 Plan (other than those granted to non-employee directors) will vest at a rate of 25% of the shares underlying the option after one year and the remaining shares vest in equal portions over the following 36 months, such that all shares are vested after four years. Unless otherwise provided by the administrator, an option granted under the 2005 Plan generally expires 10 years from the date of grant. Stock options are issued at the closing market price on the date of grant.
As of December 31, 2008, the Company had reserved 11,258,967 shares of common stock for the grant of stock options and other equity incentive awards under the 2005 Plan. On the first business day of each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2006, annual increases will be added to the 2005 Plan equal to the lesser of: 3,800,000 shares, 3% of all outstanding shares of our common stock immediately prior to such increase, or a lesser amount determined by our Board of Directors.
A summary of award activity under the Company’s 2005 Plan as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the two years then ended are as follows:
                                 
    Stock Option -     Number of Common Shares  
    Weighted Average                     Equity Awards  
    Exercise Price     Stock Options     Restricted Stock     Available for  
    (Per Share)     Granted     Granted     Grant  
Balance outstanding — December 31, 2006
  $ 14.20       3,625,135       602,997       2,004,131  
 
                               
Additional authorized shares
    N/A                   2,469,376  
Granted
  $ 10.21       1,050,000       747,000       (1,797,000 )
Exercised
  $ 16.33       (76,248 )     (771,652 )      
Forfeited or canceled
  $ 14.30       (315,731 )     (181,561 )     497,292  
 
                         
 
                               
Balance outstanding — December 31, 2007
  $ 13.21       4,283,156       396,784       3,173,799  
 
                               
Additional authorized shares
    N/A                   2,493,570  
Granted
  $ 6.66       4,531,500       5,500       (4,537,000 )
Exercised
  $ 16.34             (185,950 )      
Forfeited or canceled
  $ 13.16       (1,819,164 )     (26,083 )     1,845,247  
 
                         
 
                               
Balance outstanding — December 31, 2008
  $ 8.93       6,995,492       190,251       2,975,616  
 
                         
In addition to the 2005 Plan, the Company granted our former Chief Financial Officer an option to acquire 722,215 shares of common stock as part of his employment agreement in 2004 (“Hagerty Option”). This option had an exercise price of $8.05 per share and would expire 10 years from the date of grant. Under the terms of the Hagerty Option, 25% of the shares subject to the Hagerty Option vested on July 12, 2005 and 1/48 of the shares subject to the Hagerty Option vested on the 12th day of each month thereafter. Upon termination of Mr. Hagerty’s employment with the Company in July 2007, all of the shares subject to the Hagerty Option immediately vested. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, Mr. Hagerty exercised his option to acquire 27,000 and 100,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2007, Mr. Hagerty had the option to acquire 595,215 shares of common stock. This option expired in January 2008.
In February 2008, our Board of Directors approved the grant of options to acquire 4.1 million shares of common stock to existing employees, newly hired employees and certain non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors. These shares will vest over a four-year period. The estimated total fair value of the awards at the date of grant was $12.2 million.

 

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Stock Options
Stock options granted typically vest at a rate of 25% of the shares underlying the option after one year and the remaining shares vest in equal portions over the following 36 months, such that all shares are vested after four years and allow the option holder to purchase stock over specified periods of time, generally ten years, from the date of grant, at a fixed price equal to the market value on date of grant.
The following tables summarize additional information regarding the options that have been granted under the 2005 Plan and the option grant to our former Chief Financial Officer upon commencement of his employment in 2004:
                                 
            Weighted Avg.     Weighted      
    Number of     Exercise Price     Average Life     Aggregate  
    Common Shares     (Per Share)     Remaining     Intrinsic Value  
                (in thousands)  
 
                               
Balance outstanding — December 31, 2007
    4,878,371     $ 12.58             $ 30,560  
 
                               
Granted
    4,531,500     $                  
Exercised
    0     $                  
Cancelled or forfeited
    (2,576,546 )   $                  
 
                             
 
                               
Balance outstanding — December 31, 2008
    6,833,325     $ 8.90     8.51 years     $  
 
                             
 
                               
Balance exercisable — December 31, 2008
    1,676,518     $ 13.19     6.92 years     $  
 
                             
 
                               
Balance expected to be exercised
    0     $           $  
 
                             
                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Weighted                      
            Average     Weighted             Weighted  
Range of           Remaining     Average             Average  
Exercise   Number     Contract     Exercise     Number     Exercise  
Prices   Outstanding     Life     Prices     Exercisable     Price  
$0.00 - $6.99
    4,284,000     9.2 years   $ 6.66       87,499     $ 6.71  
$9.00 - $9.99
    1,000,000     8.8 years   $ 9.99       270,833     $ 9.99  
$13.00 - $13.99
    1,092,657     6.1 years   $ 13.99       1,039,024     $ 13.99  
$14.00 - $14.99
    160,000     7.4 years   $ 14.22       103,749     $ 14.13  
$15.00 - $15.99
    151,668     7.5 years   $ 15.22       91,874     $ 15.24  
$16.00 - $16.99
    105,000     7.8 years   $ 16.05       56,874     $ 16.05  
$18.00 - $18.99
    40,000     7.3 years   $ 18.94       26,665     $ 18.94  
 
                                   
 
                                       
 
    6,833,325                       1,676,518          
 
                                   
The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $6.66, $4.22 and $7.33, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded $7.1 million in non-cash compensation expense related to options granted that are expected to vest. As of December 31, 2008, there was $14.7 million in unrecognized compensation expense related to options expected to vest. That cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2007, we received $1.3 million in cash from the exercise of stock options. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2007, was $1.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded $10.5 million in non-cash compensation expense related to options granted that are expected to vest.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, we received $1.5 million in cash from the exercise of stock options. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2006, was $0.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded $7.0 million in non-cash compensation expense related to options granted that are expected to vest.
Restricted Stock
The Company began issuing restricted stock to employees in the first quarter of 2006. The vesting provisions are similar to those applicable to stock options. Because these restricted shares are issued primarily to employees of the Company, many of the shares issued will be withheld by the Company to satisfy the statutory withholding requirements applicable to the restricted stock grants. Therefore, as these awards vest the actual number of shares outstanding as a result of the restricted stock awards is reduced. These shares will vest over a period of four years. Prior to vesting, the restricted stock has rights to the dividends declared and voting rights, therefore they are considered issued and outstanding.
A summary of non-vested share awards for the Company’s time-based restricted shares as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the years then ended are as follows:
                         
            Weighted        
    Shares     Average Grant     Aggregate Fair  
    Outstanding     Date Fair Value     Value  
                    (in thousands)  
 
                       
Balance — December 31, 2006
    602,997     $ 16.95     $ 10,221  
 
                       
Granted
    747,000     $ 16.19     $ 12,094  
Vested
    (771,652 )   $ 16.72     $ (12,902 )
Forfeited
    (181,561 )   $ 16.52     $ (2,999 )
 
                     
 
                       
Balance — December 31, 2007
    396,784     $ 16.18     $ 6,414  
 
                       
Granted
    5,500     $ 6.87     $ 38  
Vested
    (185,950 )   $ 16.34     $ (3,038 )
Forfeited
    (26,083 )   $ 16.54     $ (431 )
 
                     
 
                       
Balance — December 31, 2008
    190,251     $ 15.67     $ 2,983  
 
                     
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we recorded $1.9 million and $11.8 million in non-cash compensation expense, respectively, related to the restricted stock granted that is expected to vest. As of December 31, 2008, there was $3.1 million in unrecognized compensation expense related to time-based restricted shares expected to vest. That cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Obligations
The Company leases office facilities and operating equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable agreements. Total rent expense was approximately $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

 

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At December 31, 2008, the minimum aggregate rental commitment under all non-cancelable operating leases for the years then ending was (in thousands):
         
2009
    697  
2010
    522  
2011
    3  
2012
     
Thereafter
     
 
     
 
       
Total
  $ 1,222  
 
     
Litigation Settlement Award
Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation. The Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation began in October 1996 with the filing of lawsuits by certain retailers and retail trade associations against Visa U.S.A. Inc. (“Visa”) and MasterCard International Incorporated (“MasterCard”).
In the action against Visa and MasterCard, Plaintiffs claimed, among other things, that Visa and MasterCard, individually, and in conspiracy with each other and with their member banks, have violated the federal antitrust laws by forcing merchants who accept Visa and/or MasterCard-branded credit cards for payment also to accept Visa and/or MasterCard-branded debit cards for payment (the “Honor All Cards Policy”), and by conspiring and attempting to monopolize a market for general purpose point of sale debit cards. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendants’ actions caused merchants to pay excessive fees on Visa and MasterCard signature debit and credit transactions and on on-line PIN debit transactions, and have injured competition, merchants and consumers.
On June 4, 2003, the plaintiffs entered into separate settlement agreements with Visa and MasterCard. Under terms of the settlements, Visa and MasterCard agreed to eliminate their “Honor All Cards Policy”, to lower debit card fees for an interim period by one-third and to refund over $3 billion to merchants who accepted their cards from October 1992 through June 2003. As the Company accepted Visa and MasterCard branded debit cards during this covered period (i.e. October 25, 1992 through June 21, 2003), we were members of the covered class and entitled to settlement under the agreement.
In December 2007, the Company’s claim award was affirmed by the court. We engaged a third party to assist us in the preparation of the claim and collection of any award due to us in this action. For this service we agreed to a collection fee that would be deducted from any amounts received. The net recovery of $2.6 million is included as a reduction to operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2007. In December 2008, the Company recognized an additional net recovery of $0.4 million which is included as a reduction to operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company does not expect any additional payments against this claim.

 

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Litigation Claims and Assessments
On December 12, 2007, a derivative action was filed by a stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court, District of Nevada against certain of our current and former directors, our former chief executive officer and our former chief financial officer, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended. On February 8, 2008, an additional derivative action was filed by a separate stockholder on behalf of the Company in the United States District Court, District of Nevada against certain of our current and former directors, our former chief executive officer and our former chief financial officer, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, insider trading and waste of corporate assets. On May 5, 2008, the foregoing actions were consolidated and an amended complaint was filed that continues to pursue only state law claims but not violations of Sections 10(b) or 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended. Following the filing of motions to dismiss by the defendants, a second amended complaint was filed. Thereafter, plaintiffs amended again in December 2008. The third amended complaint alleges essentially the same legal claims as former complaints and seeks, among other things, damages in favor of the Company, certain corporate actions to purportedly improve the Company’s corporate governance, and an award of costs and expenses to the plaintiff stockholders including attorneys’ fees. The defendants are seeking to dismiss the third amended complaint. The Company has indemnification agreements with each of the individual defendants that may cause the Company to incur expenses associated with the defense of this action and that may also protect such individuals from liability to the Company. The Company also maintains director and officer liability insurance that may provide for reimbursement of some of the expenses associated with this action. At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to make an evaluation of whether the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote or the amount or range of potential loss; however, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.
On April 11, 2008, a class action was filed by a stockholder in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York against the Company, certain of our former directors, our former chief executive officer, M&C International, Summit Partners, L.P., and certain underwriters to two prior stock offerings to the public. On June 10, 2008, an additional class action was filed, naming essentially the same defendants and stating similar claims. On June 26, 2008, the foregoing actions were consolidated in New York, and the Court appointed a lead plaintiff and lead counsel. In August 2008, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint names as additional defendants our former chief financial officer, certain current and former directors and additional underwriters and defendants and purports to allege violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 the Securities Act of 1933. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, damages and rescission. Following motions by defendants, the action transferred to the District of Nevada in October 2008 and consolidated with the pending derivative action for pretrial purposes. Defendants are seeking to dismiss the class action complaint. The Company has indemnification agreements with each of the other defendants that may cause the Company to incur expenses associated with the defense of this action and that may also protect such defendants from liability to the Company. The Company also maintains director and officer liability insurance that may provide for reimbursement of some of the expenses associated with this action. At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to make an evaluation of whether the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote or the amount or range of potential loss; however the Company believes it has meritorious defenses and will vigorously defend this action.
We are threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, such as personal injury claims and employment-related claims as well being threatened or named as a defendant in lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business and assumed as a result of the acquisition of CGS and for which we have indemnification rights. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, we are of the opinion that the final resolution of any such threatened or pending litigation, individually or in the aggregate, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial position.

 

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Commitments
USA Payments Processing Commitments. The Company obtains transaction processing services pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement for Electronic Payment Processing from USA Payments Systems a company controlled by Karim Maskatiya and Robert Cucinotta, who are founders and significant stockholders of the Company and former members of our Board of Directors. Under terms of this agreement, GCA is obligated to pay USA Payment Systems $2.3 million annually in fixed monthly processing fees and minimum annual transaction volume fees through the termination of this agreement in March 2014.
Fiserv Processing Commitments. Arriva entered into a Letter of Understanding with Fiserv Solutions, Inc. (“Fiserv”), which was effective March 10, 2008, related to the processing of our private label credit card. Under the terms of the agreement with Fiserv, Arriva is committed to pay the greater of 120% of the prevailing prices for the services utilized or $25,000 in monthly minimum processing fees until the services are no longer utilized.
Innovative Funds Transfer, LLC Required Capital Investment. Pursuant to the terms of our agreement with IGT, we are obligated to invest up to our pro rata share of $10.0 million in capital to IFT. Our obligation to invest additional capital in IFT is conditioned upon capital calls, which are in our sole discretion. As of December 31, 2008, we had invested a total of $4.6 million in IFT, and are committed to invest up to $1.4 million in additional capital investments if required.
First Data Sponsorship Indemnification Agreement. On March 10, 2004, GCA and First Data entered into a Sponsorship Indemnification Agreement whereby First Data agreed to continue its guarantee of performance by us to Bank of America for our sponsorship as a Bank Identification Number and Interbank Card Association licensee under the applicable VISA and MasterCard rules. GCA has agreed to indemnify First Data and its affiliates against any and all losses and expenses arising from its indemnification obligations pursuant to that agreement. As collateral security for prompt and complete performance of GCA’s obligations under this agreement, GCA was required to cause a letter of credit in the amount of $3.0 million to be issued to First Data to cover any indemnified amounts not paid under terms of this agreement. The required amount of this letter of credit will be adjusted annually based upon the underlying cash advance volume covered by the Sponsorship Indemnification Agreement. In March 2008, the $3.2 million letter of credit expired. In April 2008, the letter of credit was reissued for $3.4 million.
8. BORROWINGS
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On November 1, 2006, GCA and Holdings entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with certain lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”).
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement significantly amended and restated the terms of GCA’s existing senior secured credit facilities to provide for a $100.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million five-year revolving credit facility, with a $25.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $5.0 million swingline loan sublimit. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also contains an increase option permitting GCA to arrange with existing lenders and/or new lenders to provide up to an aggregate of $150.0 million in additional term loan or revolving credit commitments.
Borrowings under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus an Applicable Margin, which is based on the Company’s Senior Leverage Ratio (as defined). At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Applicable Margin was 112.5 basis points and 87.5 basis points and the effective rate of interest was 2.09% and 5.72%, respectively. Principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, is due on the maturity date, November 1, 2011. GCA may prepay the loans and terminate the commitments at any time, without premium or penalty, subject to certain qualifications set forth in the agreement. Furthermore, the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains mandatory prepayment provisions which, under certain circumstances, obligate GCA to apply portions of its Excess Cash Flow (as defined) to prepayment of the senior secured credit facilities.

 

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As of December 31, 2008, the scheduled quarterly amortization payments on the term loan portion of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are $250,000 through September 30, 2010 with the remaining balance of the term loan and any outstanding amounts under the revolving credit loans due to be repaid on November 1, 2011.
Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the senior secured credit facility continues to be secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, GCA and GCA’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries other than Arriva, and will continue to be guaranteed by the Company and all of GCA’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries other than Arriva.
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, financial covenants, representations and warranties and events of defaults, which are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, as set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Additionally, we have a covenant related to our allowable capital expenditures. The Company believes it was in compliance with all of its debt covenants that were applicable as of December 31, 2008.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had $98.0 million and $99.0 million, respectively, in borrowings under the term loan, $15.0 million and $11.7 million, respectively, under the revolving portion and $3.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively, in letters of credit issued and outstanding. The letters of credits issued and outstanding reduce amounts available under the revolving portion of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Prior to November 1, 2006, the Company’s senior secured credit facility was provided pursuant to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). This facility provided for a term loan portion of borrowings and a revolving loan portion of borrowings. Interest expense, under the terms of the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, was generally determined based upon LIBOR plus an applicable margin.
Senior Subordinated Notes
On March 10, 2004, GCA completed a private placement offering of $235 million 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due March 15, 2012 (the “Notes Offering”). On October 14, 2004, we completed an exchange offer of the notes for registered notes of like tenor and effect. The Notes Offering resulted in proceeds to the Company of $228.3 million net of issuance costs and offering expenses. Interest on the notes accrues based upon a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months and is payable semiannually on March 15th and September 15th. Proceeds of the Notes Offering were utilized to finance in part the redemption of ownership interests in us by First Data Corp and pay related fees and expenses.
All of the Company’s existing and future domestic wholly owned subsidiaries are guarantors of the notes on a senior subordinated basis. Under terms of the indenture, up to 35% of these notes may have been redeemed before March 15, 2007, at a price of 108.75% of face, out of the net proceeds from an equity offering. In October 2005, the Company redeemed $82.25 million of these notes plus $7.2 million of redemption premium, with the proceeds of its initial public offering (“IPO”) of equity securities. The Company may redeem all or a portion of the notes at redemption prices of 104.375% on or after March 15, 2008, 102.188% on or after March 15, 2009 or 100.000% on or after March 15, 2010.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had $152.8 million in borrowings outstanding under the Notes Offering. At December 31, 2008, we believe that we were in compliance with all of our covenants under the Notes Offering.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt
In November 2006, completion of the refinancing related to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement resulted in the write-off of $3.4 million, representing all of the remaining capitalized deferred financing costs associated with the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. These amounts have been included within the loss on early extinguishment of debt.

 

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Minimum Aggregate Repayment Schedule
At December 31, 2008, the minimum aggregate repayment (excluding excess cash flow payments) for all borrowings for the years then ending was (in thousands):
         
2009
  $ 16,000  
2010
    1,000  
2011
    96,000  
2012
    152,750  
2013
     
 
     
 
       
Total
  $ 265,750  
 
     
9. CAPITAL STOCK
In September 2005, the Company completed an initial public offering of 16,064,157 shares of common stock at $14.00 per share. Existing stockholders sold 7,064,157 of these shares and the remaining 9,000,000 shares were sold by the Company. In October 2005, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 1,053,568 shares of stock from the Company and 1,165,656 shares of stock from the existing stockholders. The net proceeds to the Company from this combined equity offering were $130.9 million after deducting underwriting discounts. On October 31, 2005, the Company used $90.3 million of the net proceeds to repay $82.25 million of Senior Subordinated Notes and to pay a redemption premium and accrued interest on the repaid notes. Also on October 31, 2005, the Company used $20.0 million of the IPO proceeds to repay $20.0 million of the term loan portion of the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
Preferred Stock. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation allows our Board of Directors, without further action by stockholders, to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the designations, powers, preferences, privileges and relative participating, optional, or special rights as well as the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences. As of December 31, 2008, we had no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
Common Stock. Subject to the preferences that may apply to shares of preferred stock that may be outstanding at the time, the holders of outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available at the times and in the amounts as our Board of Directors may from time to time determine. All dividends are non-cumulative. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after the payment of liabilities, subject to the prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Cumulative voting for the election of directors is not provided for. The common stock is not entitled to preemptive rights and is not subject to conversion or redemption. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. Each outstanding share of common stock is fully paid and non-assessable. As of December 31, 2008 we had 82,961,129 shares of common stock outstanding (including 190,251 shares of non-vested restricted stock).
Common Stock Repurchase Program. On February 6, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up $50.0 million of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, subject to compliance with any contractual limitations on such repurchases under the Company’s financing agreements in effect from time to time, including but not limited to those relating to the Company’s senior secured indebtedness and senior subordinated notes. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had completed the repurchase of all $50.0 million of stock under the Common Stock Repurchase Program.

 

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Treasury Stock. In addition to open market purchases of common stock authorized under the Common Stock Repurchase Program, employees may direct the Company to withhold vested shares of restricted stock to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding requirements applicable to their restricted stock vesting. The following table provides the treasury stock activity occurring in 2008 (number of shares and cost in thousands):
                         
    Total Number              
    of Shares     Average Price per     Cost of Shares  
    Purchased or     Share Purchased     Purchased or  
    Withheld     or Withheld     Withheld  
 
                       
Balance, December 31, 2007
    4,563     $ 9.13     $ 41,668  
 
                       
Shares purchase
    1,398     $ 5.89       8,233  
 
                       
Shares withheld from restricted stock vesting
    56     $ 5.79       325  
 
                   
 
                       
Balance, December 31, 2008
    6,017     $ 8.35     $ 50,226  
 
                   
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Karim Maskatiya and Robert Cucinotta were members of our Board of Directors through the dates of their respective resignations of May 7, 2008 and May 20, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, Mr. Masakatiya and Mr. Cucinotta owned 11.8% and 11.8%, respectively, of the outstanding equity interests of the Company. The Company made payments for software development costs and system maintenance to Infonox on the Web (“Infonox”) pursuant to agreements with Infonox. At the time the Company entered into these agreements, Infonox was controlled by Karim Masakatiya and Robert Cucinotta, who were also then members of our Board of Directors, and during a portion of the period presented, Infonox was controlled by family members of Mr. Maskatiya. These family members of Mr. Maskatiya owned a majority of the ownership interests, and controlled the Board of Directors of Infonox until the closing of the sale of Infonox to Total System Services, Inc. on November 4, 2008.
On October 9, 2006, GCA and Infonox, entered into a Joint Amendment to the Amended and Restated Software License Agreement and the Consulting Agreement that have been in effect since May 31, 2000 (collectively the “Infonox Agreements”). Under terms of the Infonox Agreements, both parties have agreed that they will comply with and adhere to the payment card industry (“PCI”) data security standard (“DSS”) in effect from time to time and shall implement and maintain appropriate measures designed to meet the objectives of PCI DSS.
The Company obtains transaction processing services from USA Payment Systems, a company controlled by Karim Maskatiya and Robert Cucinotta, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement for Electronic Payment Processing. Under terms of this agreement, GCA pays a fee to USA Payments for transaction processing services, which is reflected in cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), and pays other directly identifiable operating expenses that are included within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Pursuant to this agreement, GCA is obligated to pay USA Payments a monthly, fixed processing fee and transaction fees that total $2.3 million annually through the termination of this agreement in March 2014. Additionally, we reimburse USA Payments for invoices related mainly to gateway fees and other processing charges incurred on behalf of the Company from unrelated third parties. These expenses are also classified as part of cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). In September 2005, the Company acquired the “3-in-1 rollover patent” from USA Payments for $10.0 million. USA Payments has provided written notice of termination of this agreement as a result of alleged breaches by the Company, which the Company disputes. Notwithstanding this dispute, the Company is in the process of transitioning to a successor processor during a 180-day transition period.
Karim Maskatiya and Robert Cucinotta also own MCA Processing, LLC, an assembler and distributor of redemption devices. From time to time, GCA has procured those devices on behalf of our customers.

 

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The following table represents the transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands):
                         
Description of Transaction   2008     2007     2006  
 
                       
Infonox on the Web:
                       
 
                       
Software development costs and maintenance expense
  $ 3,536     $ 3,594     $ 1,976  
 
                       
USA Payments & USA Payments Systems:
                       
 
                       
Transaction processing charges
    3,171       3,010       2,908  
 
                       
Pass through billing related to gateway fees, telecom and other items
    1,185       1,384       1,312  
 
                       
Sublease income earned for leasing out corporate office space for backup servers
    (20 )     (18 )     (18 )
 
                       
MCA Processing LLC:
                       
 
                       
Equipment purchases
    710              
The following table details the amounts receivable from or (liabilities to) these related parties that are recorded as part of other receivables, net, accounts payable or accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, (amounts in thousands):
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
                       
M&C International and related companies
  $ (1 )   $ 31     $ 42  
 
                 
 
                       
Total included within receivables, other
  $ (1 )   $ 31     $ 42  
 
                 
 
                       
USA Payment Systems
  $ (212 )   $ (193 )   $ (149 )
Infonox on the Web
    (447 )     (372 )     (633 )
 
                 
 
                       
Total included within accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ (659 )   $ (565 )   $ (782 )
 
                 

 

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11. INCOME TAXES
In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined. FIN 48 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company was subject to the provisions of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, and has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The Company believes that its income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to FIN 48. In addition, the Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of FIN 48.
We may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results. The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits and unrecognized tax benefits is to record such items as a component of income tax expenses.
The income tax provision (benefit) attributable to continuing operations and discontinued operations is as follows:
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
 
       
Continuing Operations
  $ 23,349     $ 16,709     $ 17,832  
Discontinued Operations
    (2,214 )   $ (1,983 )   $ (1,094 )
 
                 
 
  $ 21,135     $ 14,726     $ 16,738  
 
                 

 

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The following table presents the domestic and foreign components of pretax income and recorded income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, (amounts are in thousands):
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
Components of pretax income:
                       
Domestic
  $ 49,043     $ 39,914     $ 41,257  
Foreign
    1,715       3,789       4,945  
 
                 
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 50,758     $ 43,703     $ 46,202  
 
                 
 
                       
Provision for income taxes:
                       
Domestic
  $ 22,978     $ 16,018     $ 16,678  
Foreign
    420       823       1,257  
 
                 
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 23,398     $ 16,841     $ 17,935  
Income tax benefit from minority ownership loss
    (49 )     (132 )     (103 )
 
                 
Provision for income taxes, as reported
  $ 23,349     $ 16,709     $ 17,832  
 
                 
 
The Company’s income tax provision attributable to income from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following components as of December 31, (amounts in thousands):
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
Current
  $ 437     $ 858     $ 1,257  
Deferred
    22,912       15,851       16,575  
 
                 
 
                       
Total provision for income taxes
  $ 23,349     $ 16,709     $ 17,832  
 
                 

 

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The reconciliation between the Company’s effective tax rate on income from continuing operations and the statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
Federal statutory rate
    35.00 %     35.00 %     35.00 %
Effect of:
                       
Foreign provision
    (0.37 )     (0.28 )     (0.06 )
State/Province income tax
    1.29       0.97       1.05  
Non-deductible compensation cost
    10.51       3.59       2.00  
Change in valuation allowance
    (0.73 )     3.02        
Non-deductible expenses and other items
    0.30       0.34       0.61  
Adjustment to carrying value
          (4.41 )      
 
                 
 
Effective tax rate
    46.00 %     38.23 %     38.60 %
 
                 
The following table outlines the principal components of deferred tax items at December 31, (amounts in thousands):
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
Deferred tax assets related to:
                       
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements
  $ 49     $ 919     $ 603  
Accounts receivable allowances
    5,786       4,283       3,857  
Foreign tax credits
    4,297       4,297       3,872  
Net operating losses
    2,492       4,469       3,939  
Stock options FAS 123(R) expense
    2,374       4,973       2,269  
Intangibles
    142,394       160,446       178,190  
Accrued and prepaid expenses
                  45  
Other
    315       262        
Valuation allowance
    (949 )     (1,319 )      
 
                 
 
                       
Total deferred income tax assets
    156,758       178,330       192,775  
 
                 
 
                       
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
                       
Basis differences related to foreign currency translation adjustments
          514        
Accrued and prepaid expenses
    87       314        
Other
    157       275       1,034  
 
                 
 
                       
Total deferred income tax liabilities
    244       1,103       1,034  
 
                 
 
                       
Deferred income taxes, net
  $ 156,514     $ 177,227     $ 191,741  
 
                 
For all of our investments in foreign subsidiaries, except for GCA Macau, deferred taxes have not been provided on unrepatriated earnings in the amount of approximately $6.1 million. These earnings are considered permanently reinvested, as it is management’s intention to reinvest foreign profits to finance foreign operations.
As of December 31, 2008 the Company has approximately $7.0 million accumulated federal net operating losses. The net operating losses can be carried forward and applied to offset taxable income for 20 years and will expire starting in 2025.

 

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As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately $4.3 million in foreign tax credits available. Foreign tax credits can be offset against future taxable income subject to certain limitations for a period of 10 years. Approximately $0.6 million, $1.2 million, $1.0 million, $0.9 million and $0.6 million will expire in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded a valuation allowance related to foreign tax credit deferred tax assets of approximately $1.3 million, due to the expected expiration of a portion of the foreign tax credit carryforwards, which begin to expire in 2013. As of December 31, 2008, there has been no change to the expected portion of the foreign tax credit carryforwards. Realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods or within applicable carryback periods. Although realization is not assured, management had recorded a net deferred tax asset for the amount it believes is more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset is considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income are reduced.
As of December 31, 2008, we had a net deferred income tax asset of $156.5 million. We recognized a deferred tax asset upon our conversion from a limited liability company to a corporation on May 14, 2004. Prior to that time, all tax attributes flowed through to the members of the limited liability company. The principal component of the deferred tax asset is a difference between our assets for financial accounting and tax purposes. This difference results from a significant balance of acquired goodwill of approximately $687 million that was generated as part of the conversion to a corporation plus approximately $98 million in pre-existing goodwill carried over from periods prior to the conversion. Both of these assets are recorded for tax purposes but not for financial accounting purposes. They are amortized over 15 years for tax purposes, resulting in annual pretax income being $52.3 million lower for tax purposes than for financial accounting purposes. At an estimated blended domestic effective tax rate of 36.0%, this results in tax payments being approximately $18.8 million less than the provision for income taxes shown on the income statement for financial accounting purposes. This is an expected aggregate of $194.7 million in cash savings over the remaining life of the portion of our deferred tax asset related to the conversion.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the year, (in thousands):
                 
    2008     2007  
 
               
Unrecognized Tax Benefit — January 1,
  $     $ 500  
Gross increases — tax positions in prior period
           
Gross decreases — tax positions in prior period
        $ (500 )
Settlements
           
Lapse of statute of limitations
           
 
           
Unrecognized Tax Benefit — December 31,
  $     $  
 
           
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company filed changes in accounting method with the Internal Revenue Service related to two income tax return methods that gave rise to unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the period. The change in accounting methods that were filed with the Internal Revenue Service resulted in decreasing of the unrecognized tax benefit to zero. There has been no change to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits during the year ended December 31, 2008.
The Company does not anticipate that the total amount of its unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change during the next twelve months.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various states and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 21, 2008, the Company’s tax years for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are subject to examination by the tax authorities. With few exceptions, as of December 31, 2008, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or foreign examination by tax authorities for years before 2008. Tax year 2004 was open as of December 31, 2007.
12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On February 7, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to exit the Arriva business. The Company has since actively marketed the Arriva business for sale and accordingly, has classified the net assets of Arriva as available for sale on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company estimated the fair value of the Arriva net assets as of December 31, 2008 based on preliminary offers the Company had received in connection with its marketing efforts as well as through the application of a net present value methodology. Based on the Company’s decision to exit the Arriva business, it recorded pre-tax charges of $5.5 million to reduce the net assets of the Arriva business to their estimated fair value through December 31, 2008.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the components of assets held for sale are as follows (amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
               
Total assets
  $ 1,616     $ 13,201  
Total liabilities
    (76 )     (1,021 )
 
           
Assets held for sale
  $ 1,540     $ 12,180  
 
           

 

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As a result of the implementation of the plan to dispose of the Arriva business, the operating results of the Arriva business have been removed from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Selected financial information that has been reported as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
Revenue
  $ 2,305     $ 2,949     $ 376  
Pretax income(loss)
  $ (6,149 )   $ (5,508 )   $ (2,452 )
Cash flows from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have not been separately identified in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Operating segments as defined by SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-making group consists of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The operating segments are reviewed separately because each represents products that can be, and often are, sold separately to our customers.
The Company operates in three distinct business segments: (1) cash advance, (2) ATM and (3) check services. The “Other” lines of business category, none of which exceed the established materiality for segment reporting, include credit reporting services, Western Union, direct marketing and IFT, among others.
These segments are monitored separately by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for performance against our internal forecast and are consistent with our internal management reporting. The Company’s internal management reporting does not allocate overhead or depreciation and amortization expenses to the respective business segments. For the segment information presented below, these amounts have been allocated to the respective segments based upon relation to the business segment (where identifiable) or on respective revenue contribution.
The Company’s business is predominantly domestic, with no specific regional concentrations and no significant assets in foreign locations.
Major customers — For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the combined revenues from all segments for our largest customer, were $107.9 million, $115.3 million and $97.9 million, respectively, representing 16.1%, 19.3% and 17.9% respectively, of the Company’s total consolidated revenues, respectively.

 

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The accounting policies of the operating segments are generally the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The tables below present the results of operations and total assets by operating segment as of, and for the years ended (amounts in thousands):
                                                 
    Cash             Check                    
    Advance     ATM     Services     Other     Corporate     Total  
December 31, 2008:
                                               
 
                                               
Revenues
  $ 326,476     $ 289,122     $ 42,366     $ 13,644     $ 0     $ 671,608  
Operating income exclusive of depreciation and amortization
    74,684       45,550       18,594       11,078     (71,260 )     78,646  
 
                                               
December 31, 2007:
                                               
 
                                               
Revenues
  $ 316,094     $ 240,575     $ 31,126     $ 10,145     $     $ 597,940  
Operating income exclusive of depreciation and amortization
    77,672       43,738       13,697       8,627     (65,516 )     78,218  
 
                                               
December 31, 2006:
                                               
 
                                               
Revenues
  $ 287,053     $ 221,727     $ 29,166     $ 9,827   $     $ 547,773  
Operating income exclusive of depreciation and amortization
    76,294       41,817       9,846       5,442     (45,159 )     88,240  
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
Total Assets   2008     2007  
 
               
Cash advance
  $ 172,882     $ 153,444  
ATM
    111,781       68,627  
Check services
    39,412       29,749  
Other
    22,732       27,756  
Discontinued operations
    1,560       18,731  
Corporate
    210,783       239,995  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 559,150     $ 538,302  
 
           
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 13, 2009, the Company received written notice from USA Payments of the termination of the Amended and Restated Agreement for Electronic Payment Processing, dated as of March 10, 2004, by and among GCA, USA Payments and USA Payment Systems (the “Agreement”). The Company disputes the alleged breaches of the Agreement upon which the notice of termination was based, as well as the right of USA Payments to terminate the Agreement.

To the Company’s knowledge, Karim Maskatiya and Robert Cucinotta directly or indirectly hold significant ownership interests in, and serve on the boards of directors of, USA Payment Systems and USA Payments.  At the time that the Company entered into the Agreement, Messrs. Maskatiya and Cucinotta were members of the Company’s board of directors and controlled a majority of the outstanding equity interests in the Company.

 

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This Agreement was to expire according to its terms on March 10, 2014. USA Payment Systems and USA Payments have acknowledged their obligation pursuant to the Agreement to continue to provide services to the Company during a 180-day transition period. The Company disputes the right of USA Payments to terminate the Agreement. If this dispute is resolved with the mutual agreement of the Company and USA Payments, the Company may continue to receive services under the Agreement or a successor agreement with USA Payments or USA Payment Systems. If the Company and USA are unable to resolve the dispute, the Company will transition to another provider of electronic payment processing services in the 180-day transition period. To prepare for the potential need to transition to a new provider, the Company is already engaged in discussions with an alternate provider.

15. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
                                         
    First     Second     Third     Fourth        
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Year  
    (amounts in thousands, except earnings per share)  
2008
                                       
Revenue
  $ 143,485     $ 166,808     $ 185,059     $ 176,256     $ 671,608  
Operating income
    18,254       20,627       21,316       18,449       78,646  
Income from continuing operations
    6,148       8,456       8,405       4,487       27,495  
Net income
    1,746       8,696       8,560       4,560       23,556  
 
                                       
Basic earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.11     $ 0.11     $ 0.06     $ 0.36  
Net income
  $ 0.02     $ 0.11     $ 0.11     $ 0.06     $ 0.31  
Diluted earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.11     $ 0.11     $ 0.06     $ 0.36  
Net income
  $ 0.02     $ 0.11     $ 0.11     $ 0.06     $ 0.31  
 
                                       
2007
                                       
Revenue
  $ 148,177     $ 150,797     $ 155,762     $ 143,204     $ 597,940  
Operating income
    22,383       23,685       19,027       13,123       78,218  
Income from continuing operations
    8,587       9,303       6,497       2,843       27,230  
Net income
    7,914       8,568       5,323       1,899       23,704  
 
                                       
Basic earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.11     $ 0.11     $ 0.08     $ 0.04     $ 0.34  
Net income
  $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.07     $ 0.02     $ 0.29  
Diluted earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.10     $ 0.11     $ 0.08     $ 0.04     $ 0.33  
Net income
  $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.07     $ 0.02     $ 0.29  
 
                                       
2006
                                       
Revenue
  $ 129,835     $ 133,574     $ 142,789     $ 141,575     $ 547,773  
Operating income
    20,792       20,426       22,607       24,415       88,240  
Income from continuing operations
    7,013       6,490       8,015       7,035       28,553  
Net income
    6,963       6,279       7,815       5,552       26,609  
 
                                       
Basic earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.20     $ 0.25     $ 0.05     $ 0.35  
Net income
  $ 0.08     $ 0.09     $ 0.11     $ 0.05     $ 0.33  
Diluted earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.09     $ 0.35  
Net income
  $ 0.07     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.07     $ 0.32  
 
                                       
2008
                                       
Basic shares
    76,977       76,702       76,723       76,745       76,787  
Diluted shares
    76,979       76,703       76,724       76,755       76,796  
 
                                       
2007
                                       
Basic shares
    81,764       81,752       81,484       79,450       81,108  
Diluted shares
    82,044       82,084       81,705       79,466       81,377  
 
                                       
2006
                                       
Basic shares
    81,556       81,619       81,690       81,699       81,641  
Diluted shares
    81,556       82,230       82,212       82,036       81,921  
     
(1)—  
The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and for the full year.

 

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16. GUARANTOR INFORMATION
In March 2004, GCA issued $235 million in aggregate principal amount of 83/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 (the “Notes”). There were $152.8 million in Notes outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007. The Notes are guaranteed by all of the GCA’s existing domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. In addition, effective upon the closing of the Company’s initial public offering of common stock, Holdings guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, GCA’s obligations under these Notes. These guarantees are full, unconditional, joint and several. GCA Canada, GCA BVI, GCA Switzerland, GCA HK, and GCA Macau; all wholly owned non-domestic subsidiaries, and IFT, a consolidated joint venture, do not guarantee the Notes. The following consolidating schedules present separate unaudited financial statement information on a combined basis for the parent only, the issuer, as well as the Company’s guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries and affiliate, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
DECEMBER 31, 2008
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-     Elimination        
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Entries *     Consolidated  
ASSETS
                                               
 
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 45,122     $ 17,555     $ 14,471     $     $ 77,148  
 
                                               
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
          388                         388  
Settlement receivables
          48,649       87       2,868             51,604  
Other receivables, net
          36,305       69,868       474       (89,888 )     16,759  
Prepaid and other assets
          10,888       670       309             11,867  
Investment in subsidiaries
    162,973       78,820                   (241,793 )      
Asset held for sale
                1,540                   1,540  
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
          22,808       906       705             24,419  
Goodwill, net
          128,191       55,061       677             183,929  
Other intangibles, net
          21,911       12,788       283             34,982  
Deferred income taxes, net
          156,522       13       (21 )           156,514  
 
                                   
 
                                               
TOTAL
  $ 162,973     $ 549,604     $ 158,488     $ 19,766     $ (331,681 )   $ 559,150  
 
                                   
 
                                               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                                               
 
                                               
LIABILITIES:
                                               
Settlement liabilities
  $     $ 70,132     $ 322     $ 8,696     $     $ 79,150  
Accounts payable
          34,445       927       189             35,561  
Accrued expenses
          20,709       82,327       4,660       (89,885 )     17,811  
Borrowings
          265,750                         265,750  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total liabilities
          391,036       83,576       13,545       (89,885 )     398,272  
 
                                   
 
                                               
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                                               
 
                                               
MINORITY INTEREST
                                   
 
                                               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    162,973       158,568       72,912       6,221       (241,796 )     160,878  
 
                                   
 
                                               
TOTAL
  $ 162,973     $ 549,604     $ 158,488     $ 19,766     $ (331,681 )   $ 559,150  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include intercompany investments and management fees

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
DECEMBER 31, 2007
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-     Elimination        
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Entries *     Consolidated  
ASSETS
                                               
 
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 54,411     $ 5,411     $ 11,241     $     $ 71,063  
 
                                               
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
          380       1,000                   1,380  
Settlement receivables
          56,344       635       4,722       (635 )     61,066  
Other receivables, net
    928       18,010       44,324       121       (48,959 )     14,424  
Prepaid and other assets
          7,279       3       336             7,618  
Investment in subsidiaries
    138,296       97,306                   (235,602 )      
Asset held for sale
                12,180                     12,180  
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
          21,721       164       918             22,803  
Goodwill, net
          116,574       39,471       844             156,889  
Other intangibles, net
          13,290       55       307             13,652  
Deferred income taxes, net
          177,199             28             177,227  
 
                                   
 
                                               
TOTAL
  $ 139,224     $ 562,513     $ 103,244     $ 18,517     $ (285,196 )   $ 538,302  
 
                                   
 
                                               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                                               
 
                                               
LIABILITIES:
                                               
Settlement liabilities
  $     $ 85,751     $ 635     $ 7,976     $ (635 )   $ 93,727  
Accounts payable
          21,947       107       348             22,402  
Accrued expenses
    928       52,904       11,856       3,533       (48,959 )     20,262  
Borrowings
          263,480                         263,480  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total liabilities
    928       424,082       12,598       11,857       (49,594 )     399,871  
 
                                   
 
                                               
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                                               
 
                                               
MINORITY INTEREST
          135                         135  
 
                                               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    138,296       138,296       90,646       6,660       (235,602 )     138,296  
 
                                   
 
                                               
TOTAL
  $ 139,224     $ 562,513     $ 103,244     $ 18,517     $ (285,196 )   $ 538,302  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include intercompany investments and management fees

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
REVENUES:
                                               
Cash advance
  $     $ 311,091     $ 3,249     $ 12,136     $     $ 326,476  
ATM
          283,820       4,121       1,181             289,122  
Check services
          16,447       25,919                   42,366  
Central Credit and other revenues
    25,644       1,243       9,356       14       (22,613 )     13,644  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total revenues
    25,644       612,601       42,645       13,331       (22,613 )     671,608  
 
                                               
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
          (448,750 )     (35,005 )     (9,219 )           (492,974 )
Operating expenses
          (75,898 )     (6,162 )     (2,717 )     815       (83,962 )
Amortization
          (5,801 )     (1,183 )     (167 )           (7,151 )
Depreciation
          (7,900 )     (690 )     (285 )           (8,875 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    25,649       74,252       (395 )     943       (21,798 )     78,646  
 
                                   
 
                                               
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
                                               
Interest income
          2,002       43       184             2,229  
Interest expense
          (29,935 )     (134 )     (48 )           (30,117 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total interest income (expense), net
          (27,933 )     (91 )     136             (27,888 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION AND MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS
    25,644       46,319       (486 )     1,079       (21,798 )     50,758  
INCOME TAX PROVISION
    (2,088 )     (22,849 )           (496 )     2,084       (23,349 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS
    23,556       23,470       (486 )     583       (19,714 )     27,409  
 
                                               
MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS, NET OF TAX
          86                         86  
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    23,556       23,556       (486 )     583       (19,714 )     27,495  
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
                    (3,939 )                     (3,939 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 23,556     $ 23,556     $ (4,425 )   $ 583     $ (19,714 )   $ 23,556  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include earnings on subsidiaries and management fees

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
REVENUES:
                                               
Cash advance
  $     $ 307,862     $     $ 8,232     $     $ 316,094  
ATM
          240,318             257             240,575  
Check services
          15,050       16,076                   31,126  
Central Credit and other revenues
    23,704       11,376       8,770       117       (33,822 )     10,145  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total revenues
    23,704       574,606       24,846       8,606       (33,822 )     597,940  
 
                                               
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
          (415,215 )     (8,070 )     (5,223 )           (428,508 )
Operating expenses
          (73,885 )     (3,523 )     (2,795 )     589       (79,614 )
Amortization
          (5,078 )     (76 )     (147 )           (5,301 )
Depreciation
          (6,062 )     (33 )     (204 )           (6,299 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    23,704       74,366       13,144       237       (33,233 )     78,218  
 
                                   
 
                                               
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
                                               
Interest income
          3,480             151             3,631  
Interest expense
          (38,077 )     (1 )     (68 )           (38,146 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total interest income (expense), net
          (34,597 )     (1 )     83             (34,515 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION AND MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS
    23,704       39,769       13,143       320       (33,233 )     43,703  
 
                                               
INCOME TAX PROVISION
          (16,301 )           (408 )           (16,709 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS
    23,704       23,468       13,143       (88 )     (33,233 )     26,994  
 
                                               
MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS, NET OF TAX
          236                         236  
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    23,704       23,704       13,143       (88 )     (33,233 )     27,230  
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
                    (3,526 )                     (3,526 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 23,704     $ 23,704     $ 9,617     $ (88 )   $ (33,233 )   $ 23,704  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include earnings on subsidiaries and management fees

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
REVENUES:
                                               
Cash advance
  $     $ 281,733     $     $ 5,320     $     $ 287,053  
ATM
          221,727                         221,727  
Check services
          18,345       10,821                   29,166  
Central Credit and other revenues
    26,609       7,944       8,511       100       (33,337 )     9,827  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total revenues
    26,609       529,749       19,332       5,420       (33,337 )     547,773  
 
                                               
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
          (373,899 )     (7,752 )     (3,067 )           (384,718 )
Operating expenses
          (60,218 )     (3,444 )     (1,930 )     571       (65,021 )
Amortization
          (5,259 )     (72 )     (94 )           (5,425 )
Depreciation
          (4,317 )     (7 )     (45 )           (4,369 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    26,609       86,056       8,057       284       (32,766 )     88,240  
 
                                   
 
                                               
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
                                               
Interest income
          3,325             152             3,477  
Interest expense
          (42,098 )                       (42,098 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
          (3,417 )                       (3,417 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total interest income (expense), net
          (42,190 )           152             (42,038 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION AND MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS
    26,609       43,866       8,057       436       (32,766 )     46,202  
 
                                               
INCOME TAX PROVISION
          (17,441 )           (391 )           (17,832 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS
    26,609       26,425       8,057       45       (32,766 )     28,370  
 
                                               
MINORITY OWNERSHIP LOSS, NET OF TAX
          183                         183  
 
                                   
 
                                               
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    26,609       26,609       8,057       45       (32,766 )     28,553  
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
                    (1,944 )                     (1,944 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 26,609     $ 26,609     $ 6,113     $ 45     $ (32,766 )   $ 26,609  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include earnings on subsidiaries and management fees

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 23,556     $ 23,556     $ (4,422   $ 684   $ (19,818 )   $ 23,556  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                               
Amortization of financing costs
          973                         973  
Amortization of intangibles
          8,440       693       285             9,418  
Depreciation
          5,263       1,372       167             6,802  
Loss on disposal of assets
                                   
Provision for bad debts
                17,565                   17,565  
Deferred income taxes
          20,677                       20,677  
Equity income
    (23,556 )     3,738                 19,818        
Minority ownership loss
          (135 )                       (135 )
Stock-based compensation
          9,050                         9,050  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                                               
Settlement receivables
          10,164       4,456       1,854         16,474  
Other receivables, net
    929       (16,401     (31,672 )     12,587       38,838       4,281
Prepaid and other assets
          (2,193 )     987       (194 )           (1,400 )
Settlement liabilities
          (20,413 )     (10,956 )     720             (30,649 )
Accounts payable
          10,988       (2,435 )     (160 )           8,393  
Accrued expenses
    (929 )     (39,143 )     63,998       1,231       (38,838 )     (13,681 )
 
                                   
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
          14,564       39,586       17,174             71,324  
 
                                   
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Certegy Gaming acquisition, net of cash
          (20,783 )                       (20,783 )
Cash Systems, Inc. acquisition, net of cash
                (30,098 )                 (30,098 )
Purchase of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
          (8,205 )     (76 )     146             (8,135 )
Purchase of other intangibles
          (541 )           (143 )           (684 )
Changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents
          (8 )     1,000                   992  
 
                                               
Investments in subsidiaries
    9,487       11,310                   (20,797 )      
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net cash used in investing activities
    9,487       (18,227 )     (29,174 )     3       (20,797 )     (58,708 )
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include earnings on subsidiaries and management fees
(Continued)

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Borrowings under credit facility
  $     $ 121,000     $     $     $     $ 121,000  
Repayments under credit facility
          (118,730 )                       (118,730 )
Debt issuance costs
                                   
Exercise of stock options
                                   
Purchase of treasury stock
    (9,487 )                             (9,487 )
Minority capital contributions
                                     
Capital contributions
          (9,486 )     (11,311 )           20,797        
 
                                   
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (9,487 )     (7,216 )     (11,311 )           20,797       (7,217 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
          1,586             (900 )           686  
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
          (9,293 )     (899 )     16,277             6,085  
 
                                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period
          54,411       5,411       11,241             71,063  
 
                                   
 
                                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period
  $     $ 45,118     $ 4,512     $ 27,518     $     $ 77,148  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include intercompany investments and management fees

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 23,704     $ 23,704     $ 7,637     $ (90 )   $ (31,251 )   $ 23,704  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                               
Amortization of financing costs
          973                         973  
Amortization of intangibles
          5,078       262       147             5,487  
Depreciation
          6,062       37       203             6,302  
Loss on disposal of assets
          139                         139  
Provision for bad debts
                11,184                   11,184  
Deferred income taxes
          14,542             (28 )           14,514  
Equity income
    (23,704 )     (7,547 )                 31,251        
Minority ownership loss
          (368 )                       (368 )
Stock-based compensation
          22,269                         22,269  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                                               
Settlement receivables
          81,867       236       (948 )     (4,418 )     76,737  
Other receivables, net
    36       11,796       (37,194 )     375       2,160       (22,827 )
Prepaid and other assets
          1,676       (588 )     (17 )           1,071  
Settlement liabilities
          (50,545 )     (4,418 )     5,748       4,418       (44,797 )
Accounts payable
          (3,709 )     108       (254 )           (3,855 )
Accrued expenses
    (360 )     (9,558 )     11,731       1,688       (2,160 )     1,341  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net cash provided by operating activities
    (324 )     96,379       (11,005 )     6,824             91,874  
 
                                   
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Purchase of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
          (8,364 )     (183 )     (955 )           (9,502 )
Purchase of other intangibles
          (1,094 )     (77 )     (257 )           (1,428 )
Changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents
          (30 )                       (30 )
 
Investments in subsidiaries
    39,416       (15,100 )                 (24,316 )      
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net cash used in investing activities
    39,416       (24,588 )     (260 )     (1,212 )     (24,316 )     (10,960 )
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include intercompany investments and management fees
(Continued)

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Repayments under credit facility
  $     $ (11,000 )   $     $     $     $ (11,000 )
Debt issuance costs
          (23 )                       (23 )
Exercise of stock options
    1,287                               1,287  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (40,379 )                             (40,379 )
Minority capital contributions
                              400       400  
Capital contributions
          (39,416 )     14,500       1,000       23,916        
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (39,092 )     (50,439 )     14,500       1,000       24,316       (49,715 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
          (1,963 )           908             (1,055 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
          19,389       3,235       7,520             30,144  
 
                                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period
          35,022       2,176       3,721             40,919  
 
                                   
 
                                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period
  $     $ 54,411     $ 5,411     $ 11,241     $     $ 71,063  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include earnings on subsidiaries and management fees

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 26,609     $ 26,609     $ 5,021     $ 42     $ (31,672 )   $ 26,609  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                               
Amortization of financing costs
          1,584                         1,584  
Amortization of intangibles
          5,259       167       94             5,520  
Depreciation
          4,317       7       45             4,369  
Gain on sale or disposal of assets
          (6 )                       (6 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          3,417                         3,417  
Provision for bad debts
                  6,483                   6,483  
Deferred income taxes
          15,899                           15,899  
Equity income
    (26,609 )     (5,063 )                 31,672        
Minority ownership loss
          (287 )                       (287 )
Stock-based compensation
          9,141                         9,141  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                                               
Settlement receivables
          (78,621 )     (2,186 )     (2,639 )     6,792       (76,654 )
Other receivables, net
          (19,211 )     (15,141 )     (858 )     24,707       (10,503 )
Prepaid and other assets
          (1,833 )     (1 )     (72 )           (1,906 )
Settlement liabilities
          76,965       5,053       1,223       (5,053 )     78,188  
Accounts payable
          5,552       (10 )     325             5,867  
Accrued expenses
          22,950       3,103       2,751       (26,446 )     2,358  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net cash provided by operating activities
          66,672       2,496       911             70,079  
 
                                   
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Purchase of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
          (13,830 )     (30 )     (335 )           (14,195 )
Purchase of other intangibles
          (820 )     (566 )     (130 )           (1,516 )
Changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents
          (350 )     (1,000 )                 (1,350 )
Investments in subsidiaries
    (1,488 )     (1,360 )                 2,848        
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,488 )     (16,360 )     (1,596 )     (465 )     2,848       (17,061 )
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include intercompany investments and management fees
(Continued)

 

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GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
(amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                    Combined     Combined Non-              
    Parent     Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations *     Consolidated  
 
                                               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
Borrowings under credit facility
  $     $ 121,730     $     $     $     $ 121,730  
Repayments under credit facility
          (168,662 )                       (168,662 )
Debt issuance costs
          (1,557 )                       (1,557 )
Exercise of stock options
    1,488                               1,488  
Minority capital contributions
                            240       240  
Capital contributions
          1,488       1,000       600       (3,088 )      
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    1,488       (47,001 )     1,000       600       (2,848 )     (46,761 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
          (526 )           65             (461 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
          2,785       1,900       1,111             5,796  
 
                                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period
          32,237       276       2,610             35,123  
 
                                   
 
                                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period
  $     $ 35,022     $ 2,176     $ 3,721     $     $ 40,919  
 
                                   
     
*  
Eliminations include intercompany investments and management fees

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Attached as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K are certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, which are required pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act. This “Controls and Procedures” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes information concerning management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting and the controls evaluation referenced in the certifications. The report of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, is also included below. Deloitte & Touche LLP’s report addresses their audit of our internal control over financial reporting. This section of the Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the certifications and the report of Deloitte & Touche, LLP for a more complete understanding of the matters presented.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management’s Report of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the design and operating effectiveness as of December 31, 2008 of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 as stated in their attestation report which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting during the Quarter Ended December 31, 2008
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Global Cash Access, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible 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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the 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 Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our report dated March 9, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and includes an explanatory paragraph related to the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 9, 2009

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding our directors, executive officers and corporate governance required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Proposal One — Election of Class I Directors” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement. Information required by 10A-3(d) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Board and Corporate Governance Matters” in the Proxy Statement.  
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is designed to qualify as a “code of ethics” within the meaning of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated there under. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.gcainc.com. To the extent required by law, any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the Code of Conduct will be promptly disclosed to the public. To the extent permitted by such legal requirements, we intend to make such public disclosure by posting the relevant material on our website in accordance with SEC rules.
On March 17, 2008, our Chief Executive Officer certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he was not aware of any violation by us of the New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance listing standards as of that date.
We have filed, as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated there under regarding the quality of our public disclosure.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Directors’ Compensation” and “Report of Compensation Committee” in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement.

 

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Transactions with Related Persons” in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Audit and Non-Audit Fees” in the Proxy Statement.

 

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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES [DALE TO UPDATE]
(a)  
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
  1.  
Financial Statements
 
     
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three years ended December 31, 2008
 
     
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency) for the three years ended December 31, 2008
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2008
 
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
  2.  
Financial Statement Schedules
 
     
All schedules have been omitted as they are either not required or not applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
 
  3.  
See Item 15(b)
(b)  
Exhibits:
         
Exhibit Number   Exhibit Description
       
 
  2.1 (16)  
Stock Purchase Agreement, by and among Fidelity National Transaction Services, Inc., Certegy Gaming Services, Inc. and Global Cash Access, Inc., dated February 28, 2008.
       
 
  2.2 (17)  
Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Cash Systems, Inc., Global Cash Access, Inc., and Card Acquisition Subsidiary, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Cash Access, Inc., dated June 13, 2008.
       
 
  3.1 (1)  
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
       
 
  3.2 (4)  
Amended and Restated Bylaws.
       
 
  4.2 (1)  
Indenture relating to $235,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012.
       
 
  4.3 (1)  
Form of 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012.
       
 
  4.4 (1)  
Assumption Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2004, by Global Cash Access, Inc. and the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein.
       
 
  4.5 (1)  
Supplemental Indenture by and among Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc., Global Cash Access, Inc., GCA Access Card, Inc., Central Credit, LLC and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. and form of notation of Guarantee by Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc.
       
 
  4.6 (1)  
Supplemental Indenture by and among Global Cash Access, Inc., GCA Access Card, Inc., Central Credit, LLC and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. and notation of Guarantee by GCA Access Card, Inc.

 

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Exhibit Number   Exhibit Description
       
 
  4.7 (14)  
Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 17, 2008, by and among Certegy Gaming Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Global Cash Access, Inc., and successor to Global Cash Access, L.L.C.; Arriva Card, Inc., formerly known as GCA Access Card, Inc.; Central Credit, LLC; Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc., and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the Indenture.
       
 
  10.1 (1)  
Lease Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2000, by and between Global Cash Access, L.L.C. and American Pacific Capital Gateway Bldg D Co., L.L.C.
       
 
  10.4 (1)  
Guaranty, dated as of March 10, 2004, among GCA Holdings, L.L.C., the guarantors from time to time party hereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
       
 
  10.5 (1)  
Security Agreement including First and Second Amendments thereto, dated as of March 10, 2004, among the loan parties from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent.
       
 
  10.6 (1)  
Pledge Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, among the loan parties from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent.
       
 
  10.7 (1)  
Membership Unit Redemption Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, between FDFS Holdings, LLC and GCA Holdings, L.L.C.
       
 
  10.8 (1)  
Sponsorship Agreement, dated as of November 1999, by and between BA Merchant Services, Inc. and Global Cash Access, L.L.C., as amended by Amendment Number 1 to the Sponsorship Agreement, dated as of September 2000, among BA Merchant Services, Global Cash Access, L.L.C. and First Data Corporation.
       
 
  10.9 (1)  
Sponsorship Indemnification Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, by and between Global Cash Access, L.L.C. and First Data Corporation.
       
 
  10.10 (1)  
Amended and Restated Software License Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, between Infonox on the Web and Global Cash Access, L.L.C.
       
 
  10.11 (1)  
Professional Services Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, between Infonox on the Web and Global Cash Access, L.L.C.
       
 
  10.12 (1)  
Patent License Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, between USA Payments, Inc. and Global Cash Access, L.L.C.

 

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Exhibit Number   Exhibit Description
 
  10.13 (1)  
Amended and Restated Electronic Payment Processing Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, between Global Cash Access, L.L.C., USA Payments Inc. and USA Payment Systems, Inc.
       
 
  10.14 (1)  
Letter Agreement Relating to Technology, dated May 13, 2004, among Global Cash Access, L.L.C., USA Payments, Inc., USA Payment Systems, Inc. and Infonox on the Web.
       
 
  10.15 (1)  
Automated Teller Machine Sponsorship Agreement by and between Global Cash Access, L.L.C. and Western Union Bank, dated as of November 12, 2002, and First Amendment to Automated Teller Machine Sponsorship Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, between Global Cash Access, L.L.C. and First Financial Bank.
       
 
  10.16 (1)  
Membership Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2004, by and among Bank of America Corporation, M&C International and GCA Holdings, L.L.C.
       
 
  10.17 (1)  
Amendment to Treasury Services Terms and Conditions Booklet—ATM Cash Services, dated as of March 8, 2004, by and between Global Cash Access, L.L.C. and Bank of America, N.A.
       
 
  10.18 (1)  
Limited Liability Company Agreement of QuikPlay, LLC, dated as of December 6, 2000, between Global Cash Access, L.L.C. and IGT.
       
 
  10.19 (1)  
Registration Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2004, by and among GCA Holdings, L.L.C., the Investors named therein, M&C International and Bank of America Corporation.
       
 
  10.20 (1)  
Stockholders Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2004, by and among GCA Holdings, L.L.C., the Investors named therein, M&C International and Bank of America Corporation.
       
 
  10.21 (1)  
Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2004, by and among GCA Holdings, L.L.C., the Investors named therein and M&C International.
       
 
  *10.22 (1)  
Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
       
 
  *10.23 (1)  
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. and each of its executive officers and directors.
       
 
  10.24 (1)  
Patent Purchase and License Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and between Global Cash Access, Inc. and USA Payments, Inc.
       
 
  10.25 (1)  
Termination and Consent, dated as of March 16, 2005, by and among Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. and the other parties thereto.
       
 
  10.26 (1)  
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2005, by and among Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc., Global Cash Access, Inc., the banks and other financial institutions from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C Issuer, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto.

 

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Exhibit Number   Exhibit Description
       
 
  *10.27 (1)  
Employment Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2005, by and between Global Cash Access, Inc. and Kathryn S. Lever.
       
 
  *10.28 (2)  
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2006, by and between Global Cash Access, Inc. and Kathryn S. Lever.
       
 
  +10.29 (20)  
Master Service Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2006, by and between Global Cash Access, Inc. and Integrated Payment Systems, Inc.
       
 
  10.30 (3)  
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2006, by and among Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc., Global Cash Access, Inc., the banks and other financial institutions from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent.
       
 
  10.31 (5)  
Second Amendment to Security Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2007, by and among Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc., Global Cash Access, Inc., Central Credit, LLC, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
       
 
  10.32 (6)  
Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 22, 2007, by and among Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc., Global Cash Access, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
       
 
  10.33 (7)  
Amendment No. 2 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 8, 2007, by and among Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc., Global Cash Access, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
       
 
  *10.34 (8)  
Employment Agreement with Scott Betts, dated October 31, 2007.
       
 
  *10.35 (9)  
Notices of Stock Option Award and Stock Option Award Agreements with Scott Betts, dated October 31, 2007.
       
 
  10.36 (10)  
Amendment to Treasury Services Terms and Conditions Booklet, dated December 19, 2007, by and between Global Cash Access, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
       
 
  *10.37 (11)  
Employment Agreement with George Gresham, dated February 25, 2008.
       
 
  *10.38 (12)  
Notice of Stock Option Award and Stock Option Award Agreement with George Gresham, dated February 25, 2008.

 

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Exhibit Number   Exhibit Description
       
 
  10.39 (13)  
Amendment to Treasury Services Terms and Conditions Booklet, dated as of March 13, 2008, by and between Global Cash Access, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
       
 
  10.40 (15)  
Addendum to Master Service Agreement, dated March 20, 2008, by and between Integrated Payment Systems Inc. and Global Cash Access, Inc.
       
 
  *10.41 (18)  
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, by and between the Company and Scott Betts, dated August 11, 2008.
       
 
  *10.42 (19)  
Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement, by and between the Company and Kathryn S. Lever dated August 11, 2008.
       
 
  12.1    
Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
       
 
  21.1    
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
       
 
  23.1    
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
       
 
  24.1    
Power of Attorney (see page 115).
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of Scott Betts, Chief Executive Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of George Gresham, Chief Financial Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of Scott Betts, Chief Executive Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of George Gresham, Chief Financial Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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(1)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-123514) filed September 22, 2005.
 
(2)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 17, 2006.
 
(3)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 7, 2006.
 
(4)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 26, 2007.
 
(5)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 25, 2007.
 
(6)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 26, 2007.
 
(7)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 9, 2007.
 
(8)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 2, 2007.
 
(9)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 2, 2007.
 
(10)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 26, 2007.
 
(11)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 25, 2008.

 

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(12)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 25, 2008.
 
(13)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 17, 2008.
 
(14)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 14, 2008.
 
(15)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 21, 2008.
 
(16)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2008.
 
(17)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 19, 2008.
 
(18)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 12, 2008.
 
(19)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 12, 2008.
 
(20)  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2007.
 
*  
Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
 
+  
Confidential treatment was requested with regard to certain portions of this document.
 
(c)  
See Item 15(a)(2).
 

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  GLOBAL CASH ACCESS HOLDINGS, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ Scott Betts    
    Scott Betts   
    President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
Dated: March 10, 2009
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Scott Betts and George Gresham, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the date indicated.
         
Signature   Title   Date
 
       
/s/ Scott Betts
 
Scott Betts
  President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director
  March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ George Gresham
 
George Gresham
  Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
  March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ Karim Maskatiya
 
Karim Maskatiya
  Director    March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ Robert Cucinotta
 
Robert Cucinotta
  Director    March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ Walter G. Kortschak
 
Walter G. Kortschak
  Director    March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ Charles J. Fitzgerald
 
Charles J. Fitzgerald
  Director    March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ E. Miles Kilburn
 
E. Miles Kilburn
  Director    March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ Geoff Judge
 
Geoff Judge
  Director    March 10, 2009
 
       
/s/ Fred C. Enlow
 
Fred C. Enlow
  Director    March 10, 2009

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit Number   Exhibit Description
       
 
  12.1    
Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
       
 
  21.1    
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
       
 
  23.1    
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
       
 
  24.1    
Power of Attorney (see page 112)
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of Scott Betts, Chief Executive Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of George Gresham, Chief Financial Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of Scott Betts, Chief Executive Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of George Gresham, Chief Financial Officer of Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. dated March 10, 2009 in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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