PlayAGS, Inc. - 10-K filing on 2017-03-10

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the previous years have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net loss.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors considered relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of the estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated.

Revenue Recognition

Gaming Operations

Gaming operations revenue is earned by providing customers with gaming machines, gaming machine content licenses, back-office equipment and linked progressive systems, which are collectively referred to as gaming equipment, under participation arrangements. The participation arrangements convey the right to use the equipment (i.e. gaming machines and related integral software) for a stated period of time and are accounted for as operating leases. Under these arrangements, the Company retains ownership of the gaming equipment installed at customer facilities and receives either revenue based on a percentage of the win per day generated by the gaming equipment or a daily fee. The majority of the Company’s leases require the Company to provide maintenance throughout the entire term of the lease. In some cases, a performance guarantee exists that, if not met, requires the Company to replace or remove the gaming machines from the customer’s floor. Whether contractually required or not, the Company develops and provides new gaming titles throughout the life of the lease. Certain arrangements require a portion of the facility’s win per day to be set aside to be used to fund facility-specific marketing, advertising, promotions and service. These amounts are offset against gaming revenue. Gaming operations revenue is also earned from the licensing of table product content and is earned and recognized on a fixed monthly rate. Our social gaming products earn revenue from the sale of virtual coins or chips, which is recorded when the purchased coins or chips are used by the customer.

Equipment Sales

Revenues from the stand-alone product sales or separate accounting units are recorded when:


•	Pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists;


•	The sales price is fixed and determinable;


•	Delivery has occurred and services have been rendered; and


•	Collectability is reasonably assured.

Equipment sales are generated from the sale of gaming machines and licensing rights to game content software that is installed in the gaming machine, parts, and other ancillary equipment. Also included within the deliverables are delivery, installation and training, all of which occur within a few days of arriving at the customer location. Gaming equipment sales do not include maintenance beyond a standard warranty period. The recognition of revenue from the sale of gaming devices occurs as title and risk of loss have passed to the customer and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. As the combination of game content software and the tangible gaming device function together to deliver the product’s essential functionality, revenue from the sale of gaming devices is recognized under U.S. GAAP revenue recognition guidance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of deposits held at major banks and other marketable securities with original maturities of 90 days or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash amounts represent funds held in escrow as collateral for the Company’s surety bonds for various gaming authorities and funds held to ensure the availability of funds to pay wide-area progressive jackpot awards.

Receivables, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at face value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable and notes receivable, which are non-interest bearing, deemed to have a high risk of collectability. The Company reviews the accounts receivable and notes receivable on a monthly basis to determine if any receivables will potentially be uncollectible. The Company analyzes historical collection trends and changes in the customers’ payment patterns, customer concentration, and credit worthiness when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. A large percentage of receivables are with Native American tribes and the Company has concentrations of credit risk with several tribes. The Company includes any receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in the overall allowance for doubtful accounts. Changes in the assumptions or estimates reflecting the collectability of certain accounts could materially affect the allowance for both accounts and notes receivable.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of parts and supplies that are used to repair and maintain machinery and equipment. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for all components of inventory. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities and updates estimates for the net realizable value of inventories. This process includes examining the carrying values of parts and ancillary equipment in comparison to the current fair market values for such equipment (less costs to sell or dispose). Some of the factors involved in this analysis include the overall levels of the inventories, the current and projected sales levels for such products, the projected markets for such products and the costs required to sell the products, including refurbishment costs. Changes in the assumptions or estimates could materially affect the inventory carrying value.

Property and Equipment

The cost of gaming equipment, consisting of fixed-base player terminals, file servers and other support equipment as well as other property and equipment, is depreciated over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method for financial reporting. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The Company routinely evaluates the estimated lives used to depreciate assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:



Gaming equipment	3 to 6 years
Other property and equipment	3 to 6 years

The Company reviews its property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are estimated when indicators of impairment are present and the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount.

When the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the asset’s carrying amount, an impairment loss is measured to the extent the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount.

The Company measures recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. The Company’s policy is to impair, when necessary, excess or obsolete gaming machines on hand that it does not expect to be used. Impairment is based upon several factors, including estimated forecast of gaming machine demand for placement into casinos. While the Company believes that the estimates and assumptions used in evaluating the carrying amount of these assets are reasonable, different assumptions could affect either the carrying amount or the estimated useful lives of the assets, which could have a significant impact on the results of operations and financial condition.

Intangible Assets

The Company reviews its identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recognized for identifiable intangibles, other than goodwill, when indicators of impairment are present and the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount.

When the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the intangible asset’s carrying amount, an impairment loss is measured to the extent the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount.

Certain trade names have an indefinite useful life and the Company tests these trade names for possible impairment at least annually, on October 1, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. If we believe, as a result of our qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required.

Costs of Computer Software

Internally developed gaming software represents the Company’s internal costs to develop gaming titles to utilize on the Company’s gaming machines. Internally developed gaming software is stated at cost and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software, using the straight-line method. Software development costs are capitalized once technological feasibility has been established and are amortized when the software is placed into service. The computer software we develop reaches technological feasibility when a working model of the computer software is available. Any subsequent software maintenance costs, such as bug fixes and subsequent testing, are expensed as incurred. Discontinued software development costs are expensed when the determination to discontinue is made. Software development costs are amortized over the expected life of the title or group of titles, if applicable, to amortization expense.

On a quarterly basis, or more frequently if circumstances warrant, the Company compares the net book value of its internally developed computer software to the net realizable value on a title or group of title basis. The net realizable value is determined based upon certain assumptions, including the expected future revenues and net cash flows of the gaming titles or group of gaming titles utilizing that software, if applicable.

Goodwill

The excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The Company tests for possible impairment of goodwill at least annually, on October 1, or when circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company has the option to begin with a qualitative assessment, commonly referred to as “Step 0”, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. This qualitative assessment may include, but is not limited to, reviewing factors such as the general economic environment, industry and market conditions, changes in key assumptions used since the most recently performed valuation and overall financial performance of the reporting units. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, the Company performs a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis, and depending upon the results of that measurement, the recorded goodwill may be written down and charged to income from operations when its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.

Acquisition Accounting

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 805, “Business Combinations” (ASC 805), in accounting for business acquisitions. It requires us to recognize separately from goodwill the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Significant estimates and assumptions are required to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable. These estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement and typically include the calculation of an appropriate discount rate and projection of the cash flows associated with each acquired asset. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” (ASC 820) to its financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as a market-based measurement intended to estimate the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. ASC 820 also established a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. These inputs are categorized as follows:


•	Level 1 - quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities;


•	Level 2 - quoted prices in an active market for similar assets or liabilities, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for similar assets or liabilities, inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means; and


•	Level 3 - valuation methodology with unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of our long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for similar issues (Level 2 inputs).

Accounting for Income Taxes

We conduct business globally and are subject to income taxes in U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. Determination of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes depends on several factors, including estimates of the timing and probability of realization of deferred income taxes, reserves for uncertain income tax positions and income tax payment timing.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Taxes on income of our foreign subsidiaries are provided at the tax rates applicable to the tax jurisdictions in which they are located. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of those benefits is considered more likely than not and a valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets which do not meet this threshold.

The recoverability of certain deferred tax assets is based in part on estimates of future income and the timing of temporary differences, and the failure to fully realize such deferred tax assets could result in a higher tax provision in future periods.

We apply the accounting guidance to our uncertain tax positions and under the guidance, we may recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain position only if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the issue. The amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that we believe has greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.

We are required to make significant judgments when evaluating our uncertain tax positions and the related tax benefits. We believe our assumptions are reasonable; however, there is no guarantee that the final outcome of the related matters will not differ from the amounts reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals. We adjust our liability for uncertain tax positions based on changes in facts and circumstances such as the closing of a tax audit or changes in estimates. Our income tax provision may be impacted to the extent that the final outcome of these tax positions is different than the amounts recorded.

Contingencies

The Company assesses its exposures to loss contingencies including claims and legal proceedings and accrues a liability if a potential loss is considered probable and the amount can be estimated. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, if the actual loss from a contingency differs from management’s estimate, there could be a material impact on the results of operations or financial position. Operating expenses, including legal fees, associated with contingencies are expensed when incurred.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, net. Cash equivalents are investment-grade, short-term debt instruments consisting of treasury bills which are maintained with high credit quality financial institutions under repurchase agreements. Cash and cash equivalents are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not have cash equivalents.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the period end rate of exchange for asset and liability accounts and the weighted average rate of exchange for income statement accounts. The effects of these translations are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The amendment outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the payment to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The ASU may be adopted using either a full retrospective transition method or a modified retrospective transition method and will be adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect adoption of the new revenue standards to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements as the majority of our revenue is recognized under lease accounting guidance.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period. The amendments clarify the proper method of accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This ASU requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The Company adopted the guidance in the current year and it did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of of operations or cash flows.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The ASU requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. Substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern exists when relevant conditions and events, consolidated in the aggregate, indicate that it is probable that an entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Currently, there is no guidance in U.S. GAAP for management's responsibility to perform an evaluation. Under the update, management's evaluation is to be performed when preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period and based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016 and it did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items: Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. ASU 2015-01 eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained and will be expanded to include items that were previously classified as extraordinary. ASU 2015-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with earlier adoption permitted using either a prospective or retrospective method. This ASU did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 intends to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 which clarifies that the guidance issued in April 2015 does not apply to line-of-credit arrangements. According to ASU 2015-15, line-of-credit arrangements will continue to present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, with retrospective application in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015. This change in accounting principle resulted in net deferred financing costs of $7.8 million incurred in connection with the issuance of the Company's long-term debt (excluding revolving credit facilities) at December 31, 2015 being reclassified as a direct reduction of the long-term debt balance. The presentation of the net deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Company's revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2015, are not affected by the adoption of this new accounting guidance and are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. ASU 2015-11 changes the criteria for measuring inventory within the scope of the ASU. Inventory will now be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, while the concept of market value will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the provisions of the ASU to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. It requires that an acquirer recognize and disclose adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, which should be calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016. The amendments in this ASU was applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this ASU with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. This guidance did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 intends to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The adoption of this guidance is expected to result in a significant portion of our operating leases, where we are the lessee, to be recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The guidance requires lessees and lessors to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years with earlier adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the amendment and the impact on its future consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). ASU 2016-15 intends to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the provisions of ASU 2016-15 to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.