Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Gambling, Resorts & Casinos / Pollard Banknote

Pollard Banknote

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Industry Gambling, Resorts & Casinos
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Pollard Banknote
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ANNUAL REPORT

2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
Letter to Shareholders

Board of Directors

Management's Discussion and Analysis
Pollard Banknote Limited

Consolidated Financial Statements
of Pollard Banknote Limited

CONTENTS

Corporate Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS 

Enclosed  please  find  our  2016  Annual  Report.  We  are  extremely  proud  of  our 
achievements during the last year and believe our record results reflect the level 
of  excellence attained  in  all  areas of  our  operations.   We  are extremely  excited 
about  our  prospects  and  the  opportunities  that  we  believe  will  present 
themselves in 2017. 

Our  Omni-platform  approach  to  lotteries  paid  significant  dividends,  with  strong 
sales  of  instant  tickets  combining  with  growth  in  a  number  of  ancillary  areas  to 
reach record revenue levels. 

Our  new  press  performance  improved  significantly  during  the  year,  but  there 
remains  work  to  do  to  achieve  the  expected  lower  cost  platform.    The  press  is 
producing  high  quality  product  and  we  are  seeing  incremental  improvements  in 
our cost efficiencies each month as our experience grows.  

Our  iLottery  operations  remain  the  industry  standard.  Our  Michigan  ilottery 
operation  clearly  illustrates  that  a  properly  run,  market  focused,  responsible 
gaming  approach  can  be  very  successful,  while  still  supporting  growth  in  the 
traditional bricks and mortar operations at the same time. 

And our acquisition strategy continues to develop, with increased resources and 
strong  focus  we  are  hoping  the  results  of  our  efforts  will  come  to  fruition  in  the 
near future. 

Sales 

2016  revenue  reached  record  levels  at  over  $246  million,  an  improvement  of 
11%.  A number of factors led to the increase, including higher volumes of instant 
tickets  (generating  $3.2  million  in  additional  revenue),  higher  average  selling 
price  reflecting  higher  sales  of  our  high  value  proprietary  products  (increasing 
revenue  by  $4.3  million)  and  improved  sales  of  our  ancillary  products  including 
iLottery,  digital  and  licensed  games  sales  creating  $6.5  million  in  additional 
revenue.    Charitable  gaming  sales  were  up  $3.2  million  through  additional 
volumes  of  vending  machines  and  strong  sales  in  pull  tabs.    The  weaker 
Canadian dollar impacted our revenue figures positively by $8.2 million. 

Our expanding sales in our ancillary product lines, although still small relative to 
our  sales  of  instant  tickets,  is  an  important  metric  as  we  expand  into  providing 
greater  value  added  services  to  our  lottery  customers.   Our  continued focus  on 
innovation  is  highlighted  through  the  robust  sales  of  our  value  added  products 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
such  as  our  Scratch  FX®  premium  products,  which  achieved  record  sales  for  a 
second year in a row. 

2016  witnessed  increasing  traction  and  interest  in  our  lottery  management 
systems  (including  our  SureTrack®  information  system),  with  a  number  of 
installations  achieved  during  the  year.    Lotteries  are  increasingly  looking  to 
update  and  modernize  their  instant  ticket  information  systems  and  our  unique 
stand-alone inventory tracking and distribution software is well positioned to drive 
higher sales.  We are investing additional resources in the next upgraded version 
of SureTrack® and look forward to assisting more customers in the future. 

Licensed game sales continue to play an important role with lotteries, providing a 
unique game experience for their players.  2016 generated considerable interest 
in  a  number  of  our  arcade-based  licenses  such  as  Frogger  and  PacManTM  and 
our  outlook  for  2017  is  very  positive,  including  future  sales  relating  to  our 
Corvette licensed products. 

Iowa,  Kentucky,  Massachusetts,  France, 

Our  contract  portfolio  remains  very  strong  and  is  well-positioned  to  generate 
higher sales volumes.  Contract renewals were attained for a number of lotteries 
including  Florida, 
Israel,  Czech 
Republic and Poland during 2016.  In addition, new contracts were awarded with 
existing  clients  whose  contracts  expired,  including  Kansas,  Minnesota,  Finland, 
Sweden and two lotteries in Australia.  A new 3-year contract with the Michigan 
Lottery  was  initiated  in  early  2017  which  continues  our  long  standing, 
collaborative partnership with an industry leading lottery. 

Our Michigan iLottery joint venture continued to outpace the rest of the industry 
for internet-based lottery operations.  The ability to play draw based games was 
added  during  the  year  and  combined  with  the  sale  of  instant  tickets  and  Keno, 
lottery players have embraced this platform as an important method of choice to 
play  lottery  games.    Our  enhanced  subscription  service  for  the  Virginia  Lottery 
started  live  operation  in  the fall  of  2016 and has  already  exceeded  the  lottery`s 
expectations.    Marketed  appropriately,  we  have  seen  digital  and  internet-based 
sales augment lotteries revenue while at the same time assisting in strong growth 
in sales of lottery products at traditional retail locations.  

Operations 

Gross margin increased approximately $5 million in absolute terms, reflecting the 
growth  in  revenue  discussed  previously.    Gross  margin  percentage  remained 
steady  at  20%.    The  positive  leverage  of  increased  volume  and  higher  selling 
prices  was  mitigated  by  higher  costs  associated  with  the  operation  of  the  new 
Tresu  press.    While  producing  large  volumes  of  quality  product,  our  new  press 
has  not  yet  achieved  the  ultimate  cost  efficiencies  we  anticipate.    However, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
throughout  2016  we  experienced  steady  improvement  in  key  operating  metrics 
and  we  continue  to  see  steady  improvements.   We  are  confident  this  trend  will 
continue steadily throughout 2017. 

Administration and selling expenses increased 9% compared to 2015.  Additional 
investments have been made in a number of areas to support our ancillary digital 
and  lottery  management  services  product  lines.    Included  in  our  administration 
category are a number of support activities including our technical and research 
department as well as our large information technology group. These employees 
are  directly  correlated  to  our  manufacturing  and  production  activities  and  are 
critical in driving our innovation process. 

One  of  the  strengths of  our  business  model  is  the  generation  of  significant free 
cash flow and 2016 was no exception.  Cash flow from operations before CAPEX 
and  investments  in  working  capital  generated  $28.6  million  during  the  year, 
compared to $22.5 million in 2015.  After deducting our expenditures for CAPEX 
and  a  large  investment  in  non-cash  working  capital,  our  net  financial  positon 
(interest  bearing  debt  less  cash)  improved  by  approximately  $3  million.    As 
working  capital  balances  stabilize,  combined  with  a  continued  low  level  of 
CAPEX,  we  anticipate  generating  significant  amounts  of  free  cash  flow.    These 
funds  will  provide  the  foundation  to  grow  our  business  including  through  the 
financing of acquisitions. 

The  Canadian  dollar  was  slightly  weaker  during  2016  relative  to  both  the  U.S. 
dollar  and  the  Euro  compared  to  2015,  which  has  a  positive  impact  on  our 
operating results.  Pollard has a net exposure to U.S. dollar cash inflows and a 
weaker  Canadian  dollar  does  generate  additional  cash.    Similarly  we  have  a 
number of European customers who pay in Euros so a weaker Canadian dollar 
compared  to  the  Euro  has  a  positive  impact.    A  weaker  Canadian  dollar  also 
assists  us  in  bidding more  aggressively  for  international  contracts  which  helped 
us during 2016. 

We  worked  diligently  during  2016  investigating  opportunities  to  grow  our 
business  through  strategic  alliances  including  acquisitions.    We  believe  there 
exists  a  number  of  actionable  prospects  to  expand  our  business  through  the 
addition  of  key  resources  to  supplement  and  improve  our  product  and  service 
options for our clients.  We have been very cautious in our analysis and will only 
consummate  a  transaction  if  the  financial  and  business  metrics  exceed 
appropriate internal hurdles. 

Outlook for 2017 

We expect 2017 to be another very good year for Pollard Banknote, building on 
all  the  success  achieved  in  2016.    The  lottery  industry  remains  very  robust, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
particularly in the instant ticket sector.  Our existing contract portfolio provides us 
a  good  foundation  to  grow  along  with  our  lottery  customers.    Additional 
expansion  of  lotteries  into  ancillary  areas  such  as  loyalty  clubs  and  digital 
products provides growth opportunities for Pollard. 

Our  new  press  capacity  will  continue  to  provide  the  opportunity  to  grow  our 
production volumes and to do so in an improving cost structure environment. 

iLottery operations are expected to grow and support our traditional core instant 
ticket  products.    We  will  be  actively  monitoring  and  participating  in  the 
development of iLottery opportunities in the U.S. and throughout the world.  We 
believe  recent  interest  in  iLottery  operations  has  increased  in  a  number  of 
American  jurisdictions  and  we  are  cautiously  optimistic  we  will  see  positive 
developments in 2017. 

All  of  the factors  discussed  above  should  result  in  very  strong  cash  flow  during 
the year which can be used to further reduce our debt or provide a cornerstone 
for funding acquisitions. 

2016  was  a  very  successful  year  for  Pollard  with  growth  in  a  number  of  areas 
including  higher  sales,  innovative  product  development  and  increased  capacity.  
These  results  could  not  have  been  achieved  without  the  dedication  of  almost 
1,200  passionate  employees;  over  60  loyal  lottery  customers  and  hundreds  of 
hard-working  charitable  gaming  distributors;  dozens  of  supportive  suppliers  and 
vendors;  our  diligent  board  of  directors  and  of  course,  our  shareholders,  who 
have  backed  us  for  many  years  and  continue  to  help  provide  the  inspiration  to 
grow and expand the Pollard name in the lottery world. 

We  thank  everyone  for  all  your  support  and  look  forward  to  achieving  even 
greater success in 2017. 

***** 
On  February  22,  2017,  our  Director,  friend  and  mentor,  Del  Crewson,  passed  away.  
Since our IPO in 2005, Del has been an integral part of Pollard`s success.  His business 
acumen, wisdom and insightful analysis were matched by his kindness, sense of humour 
and passion for doing the right thing.  Pollard is an appreciably better organization as a 
result of Del`s contributions.  He will be sorely missed. 

Douglas Pollard 
Co-Chief Executive Officer 

John Pollard 
Co-Chief Executive Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS  OF  POLLARD  BANKNOTE  LIMITED 

Gordon Pollard  

Executive Chair  

Gordon  Pollard joined  Pollard  Banknote in  1989  as Vice  President,  Marketing.  He  became 
Co-Chief Executive Officer in 1997 and on May 1, 2011, was appointed Executive Chair of 
the  Board  of  Directors.  Prior  to  1989,  he  practiced  law  with  a  major  Manitoba  firm 
specializing in corporate and securities law. Mr. Pollard has an LL.B. from the University of 
Manitoba and a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg.  

Jerry Gray  
Jerry  Gray  is  Dean  Emeritus  of  the  I.  H.  Asper  School  of  Business  at  the  University  of 
Manitoba where he also held the CA Manitoba Endowed Chair in Business Leadership. He is 
a Past Chair of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and is a director and Chairman of 
the  Board  of  Gendis,  Inc.  He  has  consulted  with  many  major  corporations  in  the  United 
States  and  Canada  in  the  areas  of  motivation,  organizational  design,  manpower  planning, 
managing change, management development, incentive system design, customer service and 
strategic planning.  

Garry Leach  
Garry  Leach  is  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Mandak  Capital  Limited  (an  investment 
corporation).  From 1988 to 2004, Mr. Leach was President and Chief Executive Officer of 
Gerdau MRM Steel (Manitoba Rolling Mills) and its predecessors.  Mr. Leach has previously 
served on the Board of Directors for Gerdau Ameristeel, GLM Industries, Manitoba Hydro, 
the  Canadian  Steel  Producers  Association,  (Ottawa),  the  Steel  Manufacturers  Association, 
(Washington),  as  well  as  the  Business  Council  of  Manitoba.    Mr.  Leach  also  served  as 
Regent for the University of Winnipeg. 

 
 
Douglas Pollard  
Douglas  Pollard  is  Co-Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Pollard  Banknote.    He  joined  Pollard 
Banknote in 1997 as Vice President, Lottery Management Services and on May 1, 2011, he 
was  appointed  Co-Chief  Executive  Officer.  From  1997  to  1999  he  was  a  director  and  the 
General Manager of Imprimerie Spéciale de Banque, a subsidiary of Pollard Banknote based 
in  Paris,  France.  Prior 
to  1997  Mr.  Pollard  was  a  Senior  Consultant  with 
PricewaterhouseCoopers.  Mr.  Pollard  has  an  M.B.A.  from  The  Richard  Ivey  School  of 
Business at the University of Western Ontario and a B.A. from the University of Manitoba. 

John Pollard  
John Pollard is Co-Chief Executive Officer of Pollard Banknote.  He joined Pollard Banknote 
in 1986 as Vice President, Finance and became Co-Chief Executive Officer in 1997. Prior to 
1986, he was an associate with the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Pollard has 
a  B.Comm.  from  the  University  of  Manitoba,  and  is  a  former  member  of  the  Institute  of 
Chartered Accountants of Manitoba.   

 
 
December 31, 2016 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 13, 2017 

This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of Pollard Banknote Limited (“Pollard”) for the year 
ended December 31, 2016, is prepared as at March 13, 2017, and should be read in conjunction with the 
accompanying audited financial statements of Pollard and the notes therein as at December 31, 2016. 
Results are reported in Canadian dollars and have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“GAAP” or “IFRS”).   

Forward-Looking Statements 

Certain statements in this report may constitute “forward-looking” statements which involve known and 
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or 
achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed 
or implied by such forward looking statements.  When used in this document, such statements include 
such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan” and other similar terminology.  These statements 
reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak 
only as of the date of this document.  There should not be an expectation that such information will in 
all circumstances be updated, supplemented or revised whether as a result of new information, changing 
circumstances, future events or otherwise. 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

Reference  to  “Adjusted  EBITDA”  is  to  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation  and 
amortization, unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, mark-to-market gains and losses on foreign 
currency  contracts,  and  certain  non-recurring  items  including  start-up  costs.    Adjusted  EBITDA  is  an 
important metric used by many investors to compare issuers on the basis of the ability to generate cash 
from operations and management believes that, in addition to net income, Adjusted EBITDA is a useful 
supplementary measure. 

Adjusted EBITDA is a measure not recognized under GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning 
prescribed by GAAP.  Therefore, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by 
other entities.  Investors are cautioned that Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative 
to net income determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of Pollard’s performance or to cash 
flows from operating, investing and financing activities as measures of liquidity and cash flows. 

 Basis of Presentation 

The results of operations in the following discussions encompass the consolidated results of Pollard for 
the year ended December 31, 2016.  All figures are in millions except for per share amounts. 

2 

 
POLLARD BANKNOTE LIMITED 

Overview 

Pollard Banknote Limited (“Pollard”) is one of the leading providers of products and services to the lottery 
and  charitable  gaming  industries  throughout  the  world.    Management  believes  Pollard  is  the  largest 
provider of instant-win scratch tickets (“instant tickets”) based in Canada and the second largest producer 
of instant tickets in the world. 

Pollard  produces  and  provides  a  comprehensive  line  of  instant  tickets  and  lottery  services  including: 
licensed  products,  distribution,  SureTrack®  lottery  management  system,  retail  telephone  selling  (“tel-
sell”),  marketing,  iLottery,  digital  products,  Social  InstantsTM,  retail  management  services  and  instant 
ticket vending machines.  In addition, Pollard’s charitable gaming product line includes pull-tab (or break-
open) tickets, bingo paper, pull-tab vending machines and ancillary products such as pull-tab counting 
machines.  Pollard also markets products to the commercial gaming and security sector including such 
items as promotional scratch and win tickets, transit tickets and parking passes.   

Pollard’s lottery products are sold extensively throughout Canada, the United States and the rest of the 
world, wherever applicable laws and regulations authorize their use.  Pollard serves over 60 instant ticket 
lotteries including a number of the largest lotteries throughout the world.  Charitable gaming products 
are  mostly  sold  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  where  permitted  by  gaming  regulatory  authorities.  
Pollard serves a highly diversified customer base in the charitable gaming market of over 250 independent 
distributors with the majority of revenue generated from repeat business. 

Product line breakdown of revenue 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2016 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2015 

89% 
11% 

90% 
10% 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2016 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2015 

54% 
20% 
26% 

49% 
24% 
27% 

Instant Tickets 
Charitable Gaming Products 

Geographic breakdown of revenue 

United States 
Canada 
International 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  financial  information  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  accompanying  financial 
statements of Pollard and the notes therein as at and for the year ended December 31, 2016. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

(millions of dollars, except per share information) 

Sales 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Gross profit as a % of sales 

Administration expenses  

Expenses as a % of sales 

Selling expenses 

Expenses as a % of sales 

Net income  

Net income as a % of sales 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of sales 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2016 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2015 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2014 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2013 

$246.4 

$221.0 

$194.5 

$184.9 

197.2 

176.7 

153.4 

149.7 

49.2 

20.0% 

20.9 

8.5% 

8.0 

3.2% 

12.3 

5.0% 

29.7 

12.1% 

44.3 

20.0% 

19.2 

8.7% 

7.4 

3.3% 

7.5 

3.4% 

26.8 

12.1% 

41.1 

21.1% 

17.0 

8.7% 

6.9 

3.5% 

8.7 

4.5% 

25.6 

13.2% 

35.2 

19.0% 

15.2 

8.2% 

6.8 

3.7% 

5.4 

2.9% 

22.7 

12.3% 

$0.23 

$0.23 

Earnings per share (basic)  

$0.52 

$0.32 

$0.37 

Earnings per share (diluted)  

$0.52 

$0.32 

$0.37 

December 31, 

December 31, 

December 31, 

December 31, 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

Total Assets 

Total Non-Current Liabilities 

$176.8 

$94.4 

$164.1 

$96.3 

$149.3 

$89.2 

$133.4 

$79.2 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA 

(millions of dollars) 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2016 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2015 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2014 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2013 

$12.3 

$7.5 

$8.7 

$5.4 

Net income  

Adjustments: 

  Amortization and depreciation  

  Interest 

  Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss 

  Mark-to-market (gain) loss on foreign  
    currency contracts 

  Start-up costs – Michigan iLottery 

  Income taxes  

10.8 

3.4 

(1.6) 

- 

- 

4.8 

8.4 

2.9 

3.8 

(0.5) 

- 

4.7 

7.9 

2.9 

1.7 

0.1 

0.6 

3.7 

8.6 

3.4 

1.0 

0.4 

- 

3.9 

 Adjusted  EBITDA 

$29.7 

$26.8 

$25.6 

$22.7 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS  

Financial and operating information has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the 
consolidated financial statements of Pollard and the selected financial information disclosed in this MD&A. 

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 

Sales 

Product Line Sales
Fiscal 2016
(in millions of dollars)

Product Line Sales
Fiscal 2015
(in millions of dollars)

Instant 
Tickets, 
$218.7 

Charitable 
Gaming 
Products, 
$27.7 

Instant 
Tickets, 
$197.7 

Charitable 
Gaming 
Products, 
$23.3 

During the year ended December 31, 2016 (“Fiscal 2016” or “2016”), Pollard achieved sales of $246.4 
million,  compared  to  $221.0  million  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  (“Fiscal  2015”  or  “2015”).  
Factors impacting the $25.4 million sales increase were: 

Higher instant ticket average selling prices for 2016 increased sales by $4.3 million compared to 2015, 
primarily as a result of greater proprietary product sales, while higher instant ticket volumes increased 
sales  by  $3.2  million.    Improved  sales  of  our  ancillary  lottery  products  and  services  further  increased 
sales  by  $6.5  million  from  Fiscal  2015  due  primarily  to  increased  revenues  from  iLottery.    Charitable 
gaming volumes were also higher than Fiscal 2015 increasing sales by $2.4 million, primarily as a result 
of greater vending machine sales, while the increase in average selling price increased sales of charitable 
gaming products by $0.8 million. 

Sales Breakdown
Fiscal 2016

Sales Breakdown
Fiscal 2015

United 
States
54%

International
26%

Canada 
20%

United 
States
49%

International
27%

Canada 
24%

During Fiscal 2016, Pollard generated approximately 68.8% (2015 – 65.0%) of its revenue in U.S. dollars 
including a portion of international sales which are priced in U.S. dollars.  During Fiscal 2016 the actual 
U.S. dollar value was converted to Canadian dollars at an average rate of $1.328 compared to an average 
rate of $1.269 during Fiscal 2015.  This 4.7% increase in the U.S. dollar value resulted in an approximate 
increase of $7.6 million in revenue relative to Fiscal 2015.  Also during Fiscal 2016, the Canadian dollar 

6 

 
 
weakened against the Euro resulting in an approximate increase of $0.6 million in revenue relative to 
Fiscal 2015. 

Cost of sales and gross profit 

Cost of sales was $197.2 million in Fiscal 2016 compared to $176.7 million in Fiscal 2015.  Cost of sales 
was  higher  in  Fiscal  2016  relative  to  Fiscal  2015  as  a  result  of  an  increase  in  instant  ticket  volumes, 
increased ancillary lottery products and services sales, higher exchange rates on U.S. dollar transactions 
in 2016, which increased cost of sales approximately $5.8 million, and higher amortization relating to our 
new press. 

Gross profit was $49.2 million (20.0% of sales) in Fiscal 2016 compared to $44.3 million (20.0% of sales) 
in Fiscal 2015.  This higher gross profit was due primarily to the increase in ancillary lottery products and 
services  sales,  increased  average  selling  price  of  instant  tickets  and  the  positive  impact  from  higher 
exchange rates on net U.S. dollar transactions. 

Administration expenses 

Administration expenses increased to $20.9 million in Fiscal 2016 from $19.2 million in Fiscal 2015 due 
primarily  to  higher  professional  fees,  increased  compensation  expenses  (which  primarily  related  to 
expansion of our lottery management system and ancillary lottery product and services sales) including 
incentive accruals. 

Selling expenses 

Selling expenses increased to $8.0 million in Fiscal 2016 from $7.4 million in Fiscal 2015 due primarily to 
higher  compensation  expense  in  our  charitable  gaming  division  to  support  increased  sales,  higher 
contract support costs and the increased Canadian dollar equivalent of U.S. dollar denominated expenses. 

Other income 

Other income in Fiscal 2016 consisted of a $0.7 million loss on equity investment, which was fully offset 
by a $0.7 million miscellaneous gain, primarily consisting of a $0.5 million gain on the sale of an associate. 

Interest expense 

Interest expense increased to $3.4 million in Fiscal 2016 from $2.9 million in Fiscal 2015 primarily as a 
result of no longer capitalizing borrowing costs related to the new press project, which ended after the 
second quarter in 2015. 

Foreign exchange gain 

The net foreign exchange gain was $0.4 million in Fiscal 2016 compared to a net loss of $3.1 million in 
Fiscal 2015.  The 2016 net foreign exchange gain consisted of a $1.6 million unrealized gain primarily a 
result of the decreased Canadian equivalent value of U.S. denominated accounts payable and long-term 
debt with the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  This gain was partially 
offset by the realized foreign exchange loss of $1.2 million as a result of foreign currency denominated 
account  receivables  collected  being  converted  into  Canadian  dollars  at  unfavorable  foreign  exchange 
rates. 

7 

The  2015 net  foreign exchange loss  consisted of a  $3.8 million unrealized loss  which was primarily a 
result  of  the  increased  Canadian  equivalent  value  of  U.S.  denominated  debt  with  the  significant 
weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  This loss was partially offset by the realized 
foreign exchange gain of $0.7 million as a result of foreign currency denominated account receivables 
collected being converted into Canadian dollars at favorable foreign exchange rates. 

Amortization and depreciation  

Amortization and depreciation, including depreciation of property and equipment and the amortization of 
deferred financing costs and intangible assets, totaled $10.8 million during Fiscal 2016 which increased 
from $8.4 million during Fiscal 2015 primarily as a result of increased depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment due to the commissioning of the new press in our Ypsilanti facility. 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Adjusted EBITDA was $29.7 million in Fiscal 2016 compared to $26.8 million in Fiscal 2015.  The primary 
reason for the increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $2.9 million was the increase in gross profit of $7.3 million 
(net  of  amortization  and  depreciation).  This  increase  was  partially  offset  by  higher  administration 
expenses  of  $1.7  million,  an  increase  in  selling  expenses  of  $0.6  million  and  the  increase  in  realized 
foreign exchange loss of $1.9 million.   

Income taxes  

Income tax expense was $4.8 million in Fiscal 2016, an effective rate of 28.1%, which was similar to our 
expected effective rate of 27.0%. 

Income tax expense was $4.7 million in Fiscal 2015, an effective rate of 38.8%, which was higher than 
our expected effective rate of 26.8% due primarily to differences relating to the foreign exchange impact 
of Canadian dollar denominated debt in its U.S. subsidiaries.  Pollard has capitalized its U.S. operations 
using intercompany Canadian dollar debt.  The weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar 
results in a future gain on debt repayment for U.S. tax purposes in the subsidiary, creating a deferred 
tax  expense  with  no  related  income  (as  the  gain  is  eliminated  on  consolidation).  This  increased  the 
consolidated  provision  percentage  approximately  30%.   Other  permanent  differences  relating  to  the 
foreign exchange translation of property, plant and equipment decreased the provision by approximately 
15%.  Current income tax expense was in a recovery position due to accelerated tax depreciation on 
capital expenditures. 

Net income  

Net income was $12.3 million in Fiscal 2016 compared to net income of $7.5 million in Fiscal 2015.  The 
primary reasons for the  increase in net income were the increase gross profit of $4.9 million and the 
decrease in net foreign exchange loss of $3.5 million.  Partially offsetting these increases in net income 
were  the  increase  in  administration  expense  of  $1.7  million,  the  increase  in  selling  expenses  of  $0.6 
million, the increase in interest expense of $0.5 million and the decrease in the non-cash mark-to-market 
gain on foreign currency contracts of $0.5 million.  

Earnings per share (basic and diluted) increased to $0.52 per share in Fiscal 2016 from $0.32 per share 
in Fiscal 2015.   

8 

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Cash provided by operating activities 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  cash  flow  provided  by  operating  activities  was  $11.7  million 
compared  to  $19.7  million  in  Fiscal  2015.    Higher  net  income  before  income  taxes  after  non-cash 
adjustments in Fiscal 2016 contributed to an increase in cash provided by operating activities compared 
to  Fiscal  2015.    Changes  in  the  non-cash  component  of  working  capital  decreased  cash  flow  from 
operations  by  $16.9  million  for  Fiscal  2016  (due  primarily  to  increases  in  accounts  receivable  and 
inventory,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities),  compared  to  a 
decrease  of  $2.8  million  for  Fiscal  2015  (due  primarily  to  increases  in  accounts  receivable,  prepaid 
expenses  and  income  taxes  receivable,  and  a  decrease  in  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities, 
partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in  inventory).    The  significant  increase  in  the  investment  in  accounts 
receivables in 2016 was a result of increased sales volumes. 

Cash used for interest payments increased to $3.3 million in 2016 as compared to $2.8 million in 2015.  
As well, cash used for pension plan contributions increased to $3.1 million in 2016 as compared to $2.9 
million in 2015.  Cash received for income taxes recovered was $0.7 million in 2016 compared to $3.1 
million of income taxes paid in 2015.  Income taxes were recovered as a result of tax loss carrybacks 
generated from accelerated depreciation on U.S. based equipment.  

Cash used for investing activities 

In the year ended December 31, 2016, cash used for investing activities was $6.4 million compared to 
$16.5  million  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015.    In  Fiscal  2016,  capital  expenditures  were  $5.0 
million.  Pollard expended $0.8 million on its investment in its iLottery joint venture and $1.1 million on 
additions  to  intangible  assets.    These  intangible  additions  primarily  related  to  implementation  costs, 
including capitalized internal costs, for ERP software.  Proceeds from the sale of Pollard’s investment in 
associate provided cash of $0.5 million. 

In Fiscal 2015, capital expenditures were $15.4 million, with $12.0 million in expenditures relating to the 
new press project including various auxiliary equipment.  Pollard expended $0.4 million on its investment 
in  its  iLottery  joint  venture  and  $0.7  million  on  additions  to  intangible  assets,  net  of  investment  tax 
credits.    These  intangible  additions  primarily  related  to  implementation  costs,  including  capitalized 
internal costs, for ERP software. 

Cash used for financing activities 

Cash used for financing activities was $5.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 
cash used for financing activities of $2.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015.   

During Fiscal 2016, cash was used to repay $1.8 million of long-term debt, $0.7 million of subordinated 
debt, $0.2 million of financing costs and dividends paid of $2.8 million. 

During Fiscal 2015 proceeds from long-term debt of $1.0 million were offset by $0.4 million of financing 
costs and dividends paid of $2.8 million. 

As at December 31, 2016, Pollard had unused committed credit facility of $18.9 million.  This amount is 
available to be used for future working capital requirements, contractual obligations, capital expenditures 
and dividends. 

9 

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2016 TO DECEMBER 31, 2016 
FOURTH QUARTER OF 2016 

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

(millions of dollars) 

Three months ended  Three months ended 
December 31, 2015 
December 31, 2016 

(unaudited) 

(unaudited) 

Sales 

Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

  Administration 

  Selling 

  Other expense 
Income from operations 

  Finance costs 

Income before income taxes  

Income taxes: 

  Current (recovery) 

  Future  

Net income 

Adjustments: 

  Amortization and depreciation  

  Interest 

  Unrealized foreign exchange loss  

  Income taxes 

Adjusted EBITDA 

$65.7 

51.5 
14.2 

4.9 

2.2 

0.3 
6.8 

1.2 

5.6 

1.2 

0.6 

1.8 

$3.8 

2.3 

0.8 

0.4 

1.8 

$9.1 

$57.2 

45.6 
11.6 

5.7 

2.0 

0.1 
3.8 

1.8 

2.0 

(4.5) 

5.3 

0.8 

$1.2 

2.4 

0.8 

1.1 

0.8 

$6.3 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales  

During the three months ended December 31, 2016, Pollard achieved sales of $65.7 million, compared 
to $57.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015.  Factors impacting the $8.5 million sales 
increase were: 

Instant ticket sales volumes for the fourth quarter of 2016 were higher than the fourth quarter of 2015 
by 14.1%, which increased sales by $6.7 million, due to higher volumes from existing customers.  In 
addition, an increase in our ancillary instant ticket products and services volumes, primarily sales from 
iLottery, increased sales by $1.1 million.  Higher volumes of charitable game sales added $1.5 million in 
sales  compared  to  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015,  primarily  as  a  result  of  higher  vending  machine  sales.  
Partially offsetting these increases in sales was a slight decrease in average selling price of instant tickets 
compared to 2015 which reduced sales by $0.6 million.   

During the three months ended December 31, 2016, Pollard generated approximately 68.2% (2015 – 
62.0%) of its revenue in U.S. dollars including a portion of international sales which were priced in U.S. 
dollars.  During the fourth quarter of 2016 the actual U.S. dollar value was converted to Canadian dollars 
at an average rate of $1.332, compared to an average rate of $1.336 during the fourth quarter of 2015.  
This 0.3% decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar resulted in an approximate decrease of $0.1 million in 
revenue  relative  to  2015.    Also  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016,  the  Canadian  dollar  strengthened 
against the Euro resulting in an approximate decrease of $0.1 million in revenue relative to 2015. 

Cost of sales and gross profit 

Cost of sales was $51.5 million in the fourth quarter of  2016 compared to $45.6 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2015.  Cost of sales was higher in the quarter relative to the fourth quarter of 2015 as a result 
of an increase in instant ticket volumes and higher ancillary instant ticket products and services volumes.   

Gross profit was $14.2 million (21.6% of sales) in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to $11.6 million 
(20.3% of sales) in the fourth quarter of 2015.  This increase in gross profit dollars was due to the higher 
instant  ticket  sales  volumes  and  higher  ancillary  instant  ticket  products  and  services  volumes.      The 
increase in gross profit percentage was due to a favorable instant ticket sales mix.   

Administration expenses 

Administration expenses were $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 which was lower compared to 
$5.7  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015  primarily  as  a  result  of  lower  professional  fees,  including  a 
settlement generating a recovery of previous legal expenses. 

Selling expenses 

Selling expenses increased to $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 from $2.0 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in contract support costs. 

Other expense 

Other  expense  of  $0.3  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016  consisted  of  $0.4  million  loss  on  equity 
investment, which was partially offset by a $0.1 million miscellaneous gain. 

11 

 
 
 
Interest expense 

Interest expense of $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 was similar to $0.8 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2015. 

Foreign exchange loss 

The net foreign exchange loss was $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to a net loss of 
$0.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2015.  The 2016 net foreign exchange loss consisted of a $0.4 million 
unrealized  loss  which  was  primarily  a  result  of  the  increased  Canadian  equivalent  value  of  U.S. 
denominated debt with the weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  This loss was 
partially  offset  by  the  realized  foreign  exchange  gain  of  $0.1  million,  as  a  result  of  foreign  currency 
denominated account receivables collected being converted into Canadian dollars at favorable  foreign 
exchange rates. 

The  2015 net  foreign exchange loss  consisted of a  $1.1 million unrealized loss  which was primarily a 
result of the increased Canadian equivalent value of U.S. denominated debt with the weakening of the 
Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  This loss was partially offset by the realized foreign exchange 
gain  of  $0.2  million,  as  a  result  of  foreign  currency  denominated  account  receivables  collected  being 
converted into Canadian dollars at favorable foreign exchange rates. 

Amortization and depreciation  

Amortization  and  depreciation,  including  depreciation  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  the 
amortization  of  deferred  financing  costs  and  intangible  assets,  totaled  $2.3  million  during  the  fourth 
quarter of 2016 which was similar to $2.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2015. 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Adjusted EBITDA was $9.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to $6.3 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2015.  The primary reasons for the increase in Adjusted EBITDA were the increase in gross 
profit (net of amortization and depreciation) of $2.6 million and the decrease in administration expenses 
of $0.8 million, partially offset by higher selling expenses of $0.2 million and an increase in other expenses 
of $0.2 million. 

Income taxes  

Income tax expense was $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, an effective rate of 32.5% which was 
higher  than  our  expected  effective  rate  of  27.0%  due  primarily  to  differences  relating  to  the  foreign 
exchange impact of Canadian dollar denominated debt in its U.S. subsidiaries.  Pollard has capitalized its 
U.S. operations using intercompany Canadian dollar debt.  The significant weakening of the Canadian 
dollar versus the U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter results in a future gain on debt repayment for U.S. tax 
purposes  in  the  subsidiary,  creating  a  deferred  tax  expense  with  no  related  income  (as  the  gain  is 
eliminated on consolidation). This increased the consolidated provision percentage by about 8%.  Other 
permanent  differences  relating  to  the  foreign  exchange  translation  of  property,  plant  and  equipment 
decreased the provision by approximately 4%.   

Income tax expense was $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, an effective rate of 37.8% which was 
higher  than  our  expected  effective  rate  of  26.8%  due  primarily  to  differences  relating  to  the  foreign 
exchange impact of Canadian dollar denominated debt in its U.S. subsidiaries.  Pollard has capitalized its 

12 

U.S. operations using intercompany Canadian dollar debt.  The significant weakening of the Canadian 
dollar versus the U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter results in a future gain on debt repayment for U.S. tax 
purposes  in  the  subsidiary,  creating  a  deferred  tax  expense  with  no  related  income  (as  the  gain  is 
eliminated on consolidation). This increased the consolidated provision percentage by about 31%.  Other 
permanent  differences  relating  to  the  foreign  exchange  translation  of  property,  plant  and  equipment 
decreased the provision by approximately 21%.  Current income tax expense was in a recovery position 
due to accelerated tax depreciation on capital expenditures. 

Net income 

Net income was $3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to $1.2 million in the fourth quarter 
of 2015.  The primary reasons for the increase in net income were the higher gross profit of $2.6 million, 
the decrease in administration expenses of $0.8 million and the decrease in net foreign exchange loss of 
$0.6 million.  Partially offsetting these increases were the increase in income taxes of $1.0 million, the 
increase in selling expenses of $0.2 million and higher other expenses of $0.2 million. 

Earnings per share (basic and diluted) increased to $0.16 per share in the fourth quarter of 2016 from 
$0.05 per share in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

Quarterly Information 
(unaudited) 
(millions of dollars) 

Q4 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q1 
2016 

Q4 
2015 

Q3 
2015 

Q2 
2015 

Q1 
2015 

Sales 

$65.7 

$62.7 

$54.0 

$64.0 

$57.2 

$57.9 

$51.4 

$54.5 

Adjusted EBITDA 

9.1 

7.8 

6.0 

6.8 

6.3 

7.5 

6.3 

6.7 

Net income  

3.8 

2.8 

2.1 

3.6 

1.2 

1.9 

3.0 

1.4 

Q4 2016 sales and adjusted EBITDA were higher due to increased sales volumes and favorable sales mix. 

Productive Capacity  

Management  has  defined  the  current  productive  capacity,  factoring  in  the  new  press  becoming  fully 
operational, as the level of operations necessary to maintain a minimum Adjusted EBITDA of $30.0 to 
$35.0 million on an annualized basis.  Due to varying factors implicit in the nature of the lottery industry 
and the instant ticket market, productive capacity can best be measured through a financial output such 
as Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow.  A significant impact on our Adjusted EBITDA capacity will be the 
timing of the ramp up of our new press and how quickly increased volumes will be attained through the 
relatively long sales cycle of the lottery industry.  A number of factors impact the level of Adjusted EBITDA 
including physical plant capacity, machine capacity, nature of product and service offerings produced and 
mix of customers.  Changes to productive capacity have occurred primarily through expenditures on fixed 
assets and improved processes and other internal improvement measures.  Productive capacity is also 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
impacted  by  changes  in  foreign  exchange  relationships.    There  have  been  no  increases  in  productive 
capacity due to acquisitions since Pollard’s initial public offering (“IPO”) in August 2005. 

Pollard’s strategy with respect to productive capacity is to expend the required funds and resources to 
maintain  the  assets  required  to  generate  the  targeted  cash  flow.    In  addition,  dependent  on  certain 
market  conditions  and  limitations  on  available  funds,  projects  are  incurred  to  increase  cash  inflow  or 
decrease  cash  outflow.    The  nature  of  the  lottery  industry  does  not  in  itself  lead  to  significant 
obsolescence risk with the operating assets.  To grow productive capacity, ongoing investment in new 
technology, new fixed assets and new intangible assets is required.  Pollard utilizes a number of individual 
strategies to maintain and grow productive capacity including a capital expenditure budget and a rigorous 
formal  approval  process,  flexible  individual  customer  management  relationships  and  structured 
maintenance programs throughout all of the facilities.   

An important component to managing and growing productive capacity is the management of certain 
intangible  assets,  including  customer  contracts  and  relationships,  patents,  computer  software  and 
goodwill.  Certain of these assets are reflected in Pollard’s financial statements due to the use of continuity 
of interest method of accounting during the transfer of the business at Pollard’s IPO.   

Management focuses on maintaining and growing the value of the customer relationship through winning 
contract renewals, pursuing and obtaining new contracts and assisting existing customers growing their 
instant  ticket  product  lines.    Regular  commitment  to  research  and  development  allows  continual 
development  of  patents,  software  and  additional  technological  assets  that  maintain  and  increase 
operating income and cash flow.  Detailed cost benefit analysis is performed for any significant investment 
of  funds  or  resources  in  order  to  minimize  the  associated  risks  that  these  assets  will  not  be  able  to 
generate  the  expected  level  of  cash  flow.    Where  new  opportunities  are  identified,  such  as  a  new 
marketing opportunity or a new machine or process able to reduce input costs, consideration is given to 
revise plans and take advantage of these prospects. 

Certain risks are associated with projects aimed at increasing productive capacity, including increases in 
working capital, acquisition or development of intellectual property, development of additional products 
or services and purchases of fixed assets.  If these investments fail to increase Adjusted EBITDA and 
cash flow, then productive capacity will ultimately decrease over time due to the consumption of these 
investment resources.  The impact on productive capacity may also depend upon the completion and 
start up timing of certain investment projects.   

Working Capital 

Net  non-cash  working  capital  varies  throughout  the  year  based  on  the  timing  of  individual  sales 
transactions and other investments.  The nature of the lottery industry is few individual customers who 
generally order large dollar value transactions.  As such, the change in timing of a few individual orders 
can impact significantly the amount required to be invested in inventory or receivables at a particular 
period end.  The high value, low volume of transactions results in some significant volatility in non-cash 
working capital, particularly during a period of rising volumes.  Similarly, the timing of the completion of 
the sales cycle through collection can significantly impact non-cash working capital. 

Instant tickets are produced specifically for individual clients resulting in a limited investment in finished 
goods inventory.  Customers are predominantly government agencies, which result in regular payments.  
There are a limited number of individual customers, and therefore net investment in working capital is 
managed on an individual customer by customer basis, without the need for company wide benchmarks. 

14 

The overall impact of seasonality does not have a material impact on the carrying amounts in working 
capital.   

As  at  December  31,  2016,  Pollard’s  investment  in  non-cash  working  capital  increased  $16.9  million 
compared to December 31, 2015, primarily as a result of an increased investments in accounts receivables 
and inventories, which were partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.   
Increased sales volumes, particularity in the fourth quarter, resulted in the large increase in accounts 
receivable.   

December 31,  December 31, 

 2016 

2015 

Working Capital 
Total Assets 
Total Non-Current Liabilities 

$49.5 
$176.8 
$94.4 

$39.1 
$164.1 
$96.3 

Credit Facility 

Pollard’s credit facility was renewed effective June 24, 2016.  The credit facility provides loans of up to 
$75.0 million for its Canadian operations and US$12.0 million for its U.S. subsidiaries.  The borrowings 
for the Canadian operations can be denominated in Canadian or U.S. dollars, to a maximum of $75.0 
million Canadian equivalent.  Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at fixed and floating rates 
based on Canadian and U.S. prime bank rates, banker’s acceptances or LIBOR.  At December 31, 2016, 
the outstanding letters of guarantee were $1.2 million.  The remaining balance available for drawdown 
under the credit facility was $18.9 million. 

Under the terms and conditions of the credit facility agreement Pollard is required to maintain certain 
financial  covenants  including  working  capital  ratios,  debt  to  income  before  interest,  income  taxes, 
amortization and depreciation (“Adjusted EBITDA”) ratios and certain debt service coverage ratios.  As 
at December 31, 2016, Pollard is in compliance with all financial covenants.   

Pollard’s credit facility is secured by a first security interest in all of the present and after acquired property 
of Pollard’s operating subsidiaries. The facility can be prepaid without penalties. Under the terms of the 
agreement effective June 24, 2016, the facility was committed for a two year period, renewable June 24, 
2018. 

Pollard believes that its credit facility, subordinated loan from Pollard Equities Limited and ongoing cash 
flow from operations will be sufficient to allow it to meet ongoing requirements for investment in capital 
expenditures, working capital and dividends at existing business levels.  

Subordinated Debt 

On April 2, 2014, Pollard entered into a loan agreement with Pollard Equities Limited (“Equities”) for a 
subordinated  term  loan  facility  with  a  seven  year  term  in  the  amount  of  $6.8  million.    Equities  owns 
approximately 73.5% of Pollard’s outstanding shares. 

Quarterly principal payments on the subordinated loan facility commenced the quarter following June 30, 
2016.  Interest on the subordinated debt commenced with the first draw at a rate of 9%.  The loan is 
fully subordinated to the secured credit facility.  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Share Data 

As at December 31, 2016 and March 13, 2017, outstanding share data was as follows:  

Common shares 

23,543,158 

Share Options 

Under the Pollard Banknote Limited Stock Option Plan the Board of Directors has the authority to grant 
options  to  purchase  common  shares  to  eligible  persons  and  to  determine  the  applicable  terms.    The 
aggregate maximum number of common shares available for issuance from Pollard’s treasury under the 
Option Plan is 2,354,315 common shares. 

On March 5, 2014, the Board of Directors approved the award of 100,000 options to purchase common 
shares of Pollard for certain key management personnel.  The options were granted on March 10, 2014, 
and have a seven year term, vesting 25% per year over the first four years.  The exercise price of the 
options was equal to the closing price of the common shares on March 7, 2014.   

On  September  7,  2016,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  award  of  25,000  options  to  purchase 
common shares of Pollard  for a key management member.  The options were granted on October 3, 
2016, and have a seven year term, vesting 25% per year over the first four years.  The exercise price of 
the options was equal to the closing price of the common shares on September 30, 2016. 

Subsequent  to  year  end,  on  March  13,  2017,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  award  of  125,000 
options  to  purchase  common  shares  of  Pollard  for  key  management  personnel.    The  options  will  be 
granted on March 16, 2017, and have a seven year term, vesting 25% per year over the first four years.  
The exercise price of the options will be equal to the closing price of the common shares on March 15, 
2017. 

Contractual Obligations 

Pollard rents premises and equipment under long-term operating leases. The following is a schedule by 
year of commitments and contractual obligations outstanding, including related interest payments: 

(millions of dollars) 

Total 

<1 Year 

2-3 Years 

4-5 Years  Thereafter 

Long-term debt 

$74.7 

$2.3 

$72.4 

- 

Subordinated debt 

$7.3 

$1.8 

$3.3 

$2.2 

- 

- 

Pension liability 

$13.5 

$1.3 

$2.6 

$2.6 

$7.0 

Operating leases 

$22.7 

$4.9 

$7.9 

$5.8 

$4.1 

Total 

$118.2 

$10.3 

$86.2 

$10.6 

$11.1 

16 

 
 
 
 
Pension Obligations 

Pollard sponsors four non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, of which three are final pay plans 
and one is a flat benefit plan.  As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate fair value of the assets of Pollard’s 
defined  benefit  pension  plans  was  $44.4  million  and  the  accrued  benefit  plan  obligations  were  $57.9 
million.  Pollard’s  total  annual  funding  contribution  for  all  pension  plans  in  2017  is  expected  to  be 
approximately $4.1 million, compared to $2.6 million in 2016, including estimated solvency payments.  

One of Pollard’s Canadian pension plans will be subject to a solvency valuation as of December 31, 2016.  
We anticipate the valuation will result in a deficit due the low current levels of the mandated interest rate 
used to discount the future liabilities.  We estimate the valuation will generate an estimated deficit of 
approximately  $13.0  million.    As  a  result  Pollard  will  be  subject  to  additional  special  pension  plan 
payments beginning in 2017 of approximately $1.3 million per year through to 2026.  These additional 
solvency  payments  do  not  impact  pension  expense  and  therefore  will  not  affect  our  net  income  or 
EBITDA.    Pollard  was  subject  to  additional  solvency  payments  from  2011  to  2013,  when  Pollard  was 
required  to  make  additional  pension  contributions  of  approximately  $2.0  million  per  year.    These 
additional pension solvency payments will be funded from operating cash flows. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

Other  than  the  operating  leases  described  previously,  Pollard  has  no  other  off-balance  sheet 
arrangements. 

Related Party Transactions 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, Pollard paid property rent of $3.1 million (2015 - $3.1 million) 
and $0.4 million (2015 - $0.3 million) in plane charter costs to affiliates of Equities.  In addition, Pollard 
paid Equities $0.6 million (2015 - $0.6 million) of interest on Pollard’s subordinated debt. 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, Equities paid Pollard $0.07 million (2015 - $0.07 million) for 
accounting and administration fees.   

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  Pollard  reimbursed  operating  costs  and  paid  software 
royalties of $1.8 million (2015 - $0.5 million) to its iLottery partner which are recorded in cost of sales 
and $0.6 million (2015 - $0.1 million) of development costs.   

At December 31, 2016, Pollard owes Equities and its affiliates $0.9 million (2015 - $0.8 million) for rent, 
interest and other expenses.  Also included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is a net amount 
owing to Pollard’s iLottery partner of $0.8 million (2015 - $1.1 million) for reimbursement of operating 
costs and capital expenditures, and its share of operating profits. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  GAAP  requires  management  to  make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 
revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Management of Pollard regularly reviews its estimates 
and assumptions based on historical experience and  various  other assumptions  that it believes would 
result in reasonable estimates given the circumstances.  Actual results could differ from those estimates 

17 

under different assumptions.  The following is a discussion of accounting policies which require significant 
management judgment and estimation. 

Impairment of goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired of 
Pollard’s  U.S.  subsidiaries  and  the  excess  purchase  price  over  the  underlying  carrying  amount  of  the 
portion of the net assets sold as at August 5, 2005, as part of the 26.7% of Pollard sold in conjunction 
with the IPO, and is not amortized. Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test.  This requires an 
estimation of the “value in use” or “fair value less costs to sell” of the cash-generating units (“CGUs”) to 
which  goodwill  is  allocated.    Estimating  a  value  in  use  requires  Pollard  to  make  an  estimate  of  the 
expected future cash flows from the CGUs and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate 
the present value of those cash flows.   

Employee future benefits 

Accounting for defined benefit plans requires Pollard to use actuarial assumptions.  These assumptions 
include  the  discount  rate  and  the  rate  of  compensation  increases.    These  assumptions  depend  on 
underlying  factors  such  as  economic  conditions,  government  regulations,  investment  performance, 
employee demographics and mortality rates. 

Income taxes  

Pollard is required to evaluate the recoverability of deferred income tax assets.  This requires an estimate 
of Pollard’s ability to utilize the underlying future income tax deductions against future taxable income 
before they expire.  In order to evaluate the recoverability of these deferred income tax assets, Pollard 
must estimate future taxable income.  

Future Changes in Accounting Policies 

In  July  2014,  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“IASB”)  issued  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”), which replaces the existing guidance 
in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.  IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on 
the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  instruments,  a  new  expected  credit  loss  model  for 
calculating  impairment  on  financial  assets  and  new  general  hedge  accounting  requirements.    It  also 
carries forward the guidance on recognition and derecognition of financial instruments from IAS 39.  IFRS 
9 is required for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2018.  Pollard is currently assessing the 
impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

In  May  2014,  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.    The  new  standard 
specifies the steps and timing for recognizing revenue, as well as requiring more informative, relevant 
disclosures.  IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IAS 18 Revenue.  IFRS 15 is required 
for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with early adoption available.  Pollard is currently 
assessing the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

In September 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and IAS 
28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures  (2011).  The  amendments  address  an  acknowledged 
inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28 (2011), in dealing with the sale 
or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture.  The main consequence 
of  the  amendments  is  that  a  full  gain  or  loss  is  recognized  when  a  transaction  involves  a  business 

18 

 
(whether it is housed in a subsidiary  or not).  A partial gain or loss is recognized when a transaction 
involves assets that do not constitute a business, even if these assets are housed in a subsidiary. These 
amendments  were  to  be  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2016,  with  early 
adoption available; however, in December 2015 the IASB decided to defer the effective date for these 
amendments indefinitely.  Pollard is currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its consolidated 
financial statements. 

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases which replaces IAS 17 Leases.  This standard introduces 
a single lessee accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases 
with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is required to 
recognize  a  right-of-use  asset  representing  its  right  to  use  the  underlying  asset  and  a  lease  liability 
representing its obligation to make lease payments. This standard substantially carries forward the lessor 
accounting requirements of IAS 17, while requiring enhanced disclosures to be provided by lessors.  Other 
areas of the lease accounting model have been impacted, including the definition of a lease. Transitional 
provisions have been provided.  The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 
January 1, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for entities that apply IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts 
with Customers at or before the date of initial adoption of IFRS 16.  Pollard is currently assessing the 
impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows.  The amendments 
were issued to improve information provided to users of financial statements about an entity’s changes 
in  liabilities  arising  from  financing  activities.    These  amendments  are  effective  for  annual  periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2017. Earlier application is permitted.  Pollard does not expect these 
amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In  January  2016,  the  IASB  issued  amendments  to  IAS  12  Income Taxes.    The  amendments  were 
regarding  the  recognition  of  deferred  tax  assets  for  unrealized  losses  relating  to  debt  instruments 
measured at fair value.  These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 
1, 2017. Earlier application is permitted.  Pollard does not expect these amendments to have a material 
impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In June 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 2 Share-Based Payments.  The amendments clarify 
how to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions.  These amendments are effective 
for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Retrospective or earlier application is permitted 
under certain conditions.  Pollard is currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its consolidated 
financial statements. 

In December 2016, the IASB issued IFRIC Interpretation 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance 
Consideration.  The interpretation clarifies the date of the transaction for the purposes of determining 
the exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income is the date on 
which  an  entity  initially  recognizes  the  non-monetary  asset  or  non-monetary  liability  arising  from  the 
payment or receipt of advance consideration.  The interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning 
on or after January 1, 2018. Retrospective or earlier application is permitted under certain conditions.  
Pollard is currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its consolidated financial statements. 

19 

 
 
Industry Risks and Uncertainties 

Pollard is exposed to a variety of business and industry risks.  A summary of the major risks faced by Pollard 
is noted below.   

Dependence on Key Products 

Instant  lottery  tickets  and  related  services  accounted  for  approximately  89%  of  Pollard's  Fiscal  2016 
revenues.  Pollard's financial results and condition are substantially dependent on the continued success 
and  growth  in  sales  of  this  product  and  the  profitability  of  such  sales.    Competitive  efforts  by  other 
manufacturers of similar or substitute products, shifts in consumer preferences or the introduction and 
acceptance of alternative product offerings could have a material adverse effect on Pollard's business, 
financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. 

Economic Uncertainty 

Considerable economic uncertainty and concern over possible recessions and economic downturns have 
dominated the news in the past few years.  Instant lottery tickets account  for approximately  89% of 
revenue and Pollard’s financial results and condition are substantially dependent on the continued success 
and growth in sales of this product and the profitability of such sales.  Historically the lottery industry, 
and particularly the instant ticket product lines, has not shown any significant negative impact during 
downturns  in  the  economic  cycles.    However,  lotteries,  similar  to  many  government  agencies,  are 
increasingly under pressure to reduce costs and expenditures.  As such, Pollard has witnessed downward 
pressure on its selling prices.  Continued pressure on lotteries to reduce their costs may further negatively 
impact  Pollard’s  selling  prices.  Significant  shifts  in  consumer  preferences  or  the  introduction  and 
acceptance of alternative product offerings could have a material adverse effect on Pollard’s business, 
financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. 

Inability to Sustain Sales or EBITDA Margins  

Pollard’s income depends upon its ability to generate sales to customers and to sustain its EBITDA margins. 
These margins are dependent upon Pollard’s ability to continue to profitably sell lottery tickets and gaming 
products  and  to  continue  to  provide  products  and  services  that  make  it  the  supplier  of  choice  to  its 
customers. If Pollard’s costs of sales or operating costs increase, or other manufacturers of gaming products 
could compete more  favourably with it,  Pollard may  not be able to sustain  its level  of sales  or EBITDA 
margins. 

Dependence on Major Customers 

Pollard’s  10  largest  customers  accounted  for  approximately  54%  of  its  revenue  during  Fiscal  2016.  
Pollard’s largest customer accounted for approximately 17% of Pollard’s revenues during Fiscal 2016.   

The  nature  of  the  worldwide  lottery  industry  limits  the  absolute  number  of  lottery  operations.    As  is 
customary in the industry, Pollard does have long-term contracts with most of its customers.  However, 
most allow the customer to cancel the contract at will and none guarantee volumes or order levels.  A 
significant reduction of purchases by any of Pollard’s largest customers could have a material adverse 
effect on Pollard’s business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations including the amount 
of cash available for dividends to shareholders. 

20 

 
 
Exchange Rate Fluctuation  

A significant portion of Pollard’s revenues are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily U.S. dollars and 
Euros, as well as expenses, principally related to its U.S. operations and to the purchase of raw materials, 
which are denominated in U.S. dollars.  Furthermore, although certain raw materials may be purchased in 
Canadian dollars, they may have inputs that are denominated in foreign currencies.  Any changes in the 
exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and these foreign currencies could have a material effect on 
the results of Pollard. 

For the purposes of financial reporting, any change in the value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar 
and Euro during a given financial reporting period would result in a foreign exchange loss or gain on their 
translation into Canadian dollar equivalent.  Further, Pollard’s reported earnings could fluctuate materially 
as a result of revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies under GAAP.  There can be no 
assurance that changes in the currency exchange rate will not have a material adverse effect on Pollard or 
on its ability to maintain a consistent level of dividends in Canadian dollars. 

Additional Capital Requirements 

Pollard believes that its future operating income will be sufficient to fund operations and planned capital 
expenditures.  However, Pollard may be required to raise additional capital in the future if it decides to 
make additional acquisitions or significant additional capital expenditures.   

The availability of future borrowings and access to capital markets for longer-term future financing depends 
on prevailing conditions and the acceptability of financing terms offered.  There can be no assurances that 
future borrowings or equity financing will be available or available on acceptable terms. 

Competition 

The instant ticket and charitable gaming business is highly competitive, and Pollard faces competition from 
a number of domestic and foreign instant ticket manufacturers and other competitors. Pollard currently has 
two instant ticket competitors in North America: Scientific Games Corporation and IGT. Charitable gaming 
competitors include a number of manufacturers such as Arrow International, Inc. and International Gamco, 
Inc.    Internationally,  there  are  a  number  of  lottery  instant  ticket  vendors  which  compete  with  Pollard 
including Scientific Games, IGT, and the Eagle Press Group of Companies. 

Some of Pollard's competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer 
bases and greater financial, technical and marketing resources than Pollard.  These resources may allow 
them  to  respond  more  quickly  than  Pollard  can  to  new  or  emerging  technologies  and  to  changes  in 
customer  requirements.    It  may  also  allow  them  to  devote  greater  resources  than  Pollard  can  to  the 
development,  promotion  and  sale  of  their  products.    Pollard's  competitors  may  also  engage  in  more 
extensive research and development, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns and adopt more 
aggressive pricing policies.  The market for Pollard's products is highly competitive at both the lottery 
and charitable gaming levels.  Pollard expects competition to continue to be intense.  Pollard also faces 
competition from emerging and existing lottery and charitable gaming products, such as internet gaming 
products and video lottery terminals. Competition from these and other gaming products may weaken 
demand for Pollard’s products. 

21 

 
 
Licensing and Regulatory Requirements 

Pollard is subject to regulation in most jurisdictions in which its products are sold or used by persons or 
entities licensed to conduct gaming activities. The gaming regulatory requirements vary from jurisdiction 
to jurisdiction and licensing, other approval or finding of suitability processes with respect to Pollard, its 
personnel  and  its  products,  can  be  lengthy  and  expensive.  Many  jurisdictions  have  comprehensive 
licensing, reporting and operating requirements with respect to the sale and manufacture of bingo and 
bingo related products, including bingo paper and pull-tab tickets. These licensing requirements have a 
direct  impact  on  the  conduct  of  the  day-to-day  operations  of  Pollard.  Generally,  gaming  regulatory 
authorities may deny applications for licenses, other approvals or findings of suitability for any cause they 
may deem reasonable. There can be no assurance that Pollard, its products or its personnel will receive 
or be able to maintain any necessary gaming licenses, other approvals or findings of suitability. The loss 
of a license in a particular jurisdiction will prohibit Pollard from selling products in that jurisdiction and 
may prohibit Pollard from selling its products in other jurisdictions. The loss of one or more licenses held 
by Pollard could have an adverse effect on the business. 

Certain  jurisdictions  require  extensive  personal  and  financial  disclosure  and  background  checks  from 
persons  and  entities  beneficially  owning  a  specific  percentage  (typically  five  percent  or  more)  of  a 
vendor’s securities.  The failure of beneficial owners of Pollard’s securities to submit to background checks 
and provide such disclosure could result in the imposition of penalties upon these beneficial owners and 
could  jeopardize  the  award  of  a  lottery  contract  to  Pollard  or  provide  grounds  for  termination  of  an 
existing lottery contract. 

Income and Other Taxes 

Pollard and its incorporated subsidiaries are subject to Canadian federal and provincial, and U.S. federal, 
state and withholding taxes.  As taxing regimes change their tax basis and rates or initiate reviews of 
prior tax returns, Pollard could be exposed to increased costs of taxation, which would reduce the amount 
of funds available for operations. 

Intellectual Property 

Pollard’s commercial success depends, in part, on its ability to secure and protect intellectual property 
rights that are important to its business, including patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret rights, 
to  operate  without  infringing  third  party  intellectual  property  rights  and  to  avoid  having  third  parties 
circumvent the intellectual property rights that Pollard owns or licenses. In particular, the patents and 
trademarks  Pollard  owns  or  licenses  may  not  be  valid  or  enforceable.  In  addition,  Pollard  cannot  be 
certain  that  its  proprietary  technology  affords  a  competitive  advantage,  does  not  infringe  third  party 
rights, or will not need to be altered in response to competing technologies. Pollard also cannot be certain 
that technologies developed in the future will be the subject of valid and enforceable intellectual property 
rights. 

In addition, litigation may be necessary to determine the scope, enforceability and validity of third party 
intellectual property rights or to establish Pollard’s intellectual property rights. Regardless of merit, any 
such litigation could be time consuming and expensive, divert management's time and attention, subject 
Pollard  to  significant  liabilities,  require  Pollard  to  enter  into  costly  royalty  or  licensing  agreements,  or 
require Pollard to modify or stop using intellectual property that it owns or licenses. 

22 

 
 
Interest Rates 

Pollard has certain floating rate loans and may be negatively impacted by increases in interest rates, the 
effects of which would be to reduce net income and the amount of cash available for operations and on 
its ability to maintain a consistent level of dividends in Canadian dollars. 

Future Acquisition and Integration Risks 

To  grow  by  acquisition,  Pollard  must  identify  and  acquire  suitable  acquisition  candidates  at  attractive 
prices and successfully integrate any acquired businesses with its existing operations.  If the expected 
synergies from acquisitions do not materialize or Pollard fails to successfully integrate any new businesses 
into its existing business, Pollard's financial performance could be significantly impacted.  To the extent 
that  businesses  acquired  by  Pollard  or  their  prior  owners  failed  to  comply  with  or  otherwise  violated 
applicable laws, Pollard, as a successor owner, may be financially responsible for these violations. 

In connection with future acquisitions by Pollard, there may be liabilities that Pollard failed or was unable 
to  discover  in  its  due  diligence  prior  to  the  consummation  of  the  acquisition.    The  discovery  of  any 
material liabilities could have a material adverse effect on Pollard's business, financial condition, liquidity 
and results of operations or future prospects. 

Financial Instruments 

Pollard is exposed to financial risks that arise from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange 
rates  and  the  degree  of  volatility  of  these  rates,  liquidity  risk  and  credit  risk.    Pollard  uses  financial 
instruments, from time to time, to manage these risks. 

Pollard’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks, to set appropriate risk 
limits  and  controls  to  monitor  risks  and  adherence  to  limits.    The  Audit  Committee  oversees  how 
management  monitors  compliance  with  Pollard’s  risk  management  policies  and  procedures.    The  Audit 
Committee  is  assisted  in  its  oversight  role  by  Internal  Audit,  who  undertakes  regular  reviews  of  risk 
management controls and utilizes the annual risk assessment process as the basis for the annual internal 
audit plan. 

Risk Exposure 

Currency risk 

Pollard sells a significant portion of its products and services to customers in the United States and to 
international customers where sales are denominated in U.S. dollars.  In addition, a significant portion of 
its cost inputs are denominated in U.S. dollars.  Pollard also generates revenue in currencies other than 
Canadian and U.S. dollars, primarily in Euros.   

In  addition,  translation  differences  arise  when  foreign  currency  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  are 
translated at foreign exchange rates that change over time. 

Interest rate risk 

Pollard is exposed to interest rate risk relating to its  fixed and  floating rate instruments.  Fluctuation in 
interest rates will have an effect on the valuation and repayment of these instruments. 

23 

Credit risk 

Credit risk in the risk of financial loss if a customer or counterpart to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
financial obligations. 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that Pollard will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. 

Risk Management 

Currency risk 

Pollard utilizes a number of tools to manage its foreign currency risk including sourcing its manufacturing 
facilities in the U.S. and sourcing other cost of sales in U.S. dollars. 

A 50 basis point strengthening/weakening in the foreign exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. 
dollar would decrease/increase the income before income taxes due to changes in operating cashflow by 
approximately $0.06 million for year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $0.05 million).  A 50 basis point 
strengthening/weakening  in  the  foreign  exchange  rate  between  the  Canadian  dollar  and  Euro  would 
decrease/increase  the  income  before  income  taxes  due  to  changes  in  operating  cashflow  by 
approximately $0.06 million for year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $0.05 million). 

Two  manufacturing  facilities  are  located  in  the  U.S.  and  a  significant  amount  of  cost  inputs  for  all 
production facilities are denominated in U.S. dollars, offsetting a large portion of the U.S. dollar revenue 
in a natural hedge.   

As at December 31, 2016, the amount of financial liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars exceeded the 
amount  of  financial  assets  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  by  approximately  $1.6  million  ($2015  -  $4.1 
million).  A 50 basis point weakening/strengthening in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the 
U.S. dollar would result in a decrease/increase in income before income taxes of approximately $0.01 
million (2015 - $0.02 million). 

Pollard also uses financial hedges, including foreign currency contracts, to help manage foreign currency 
risk.  At December 31, 2016, Pollard had no outstanding foreign currency contracts. 

Interest rate risk 

A 50 basis point decrease/increase in interest rates would result in an increase/decrease in income before 
income taxes of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $0.4 million). 

Credit risk 

Credit risk on Pollard’s accounts receivable is minimized since they are mainly  from governments and 
their  agencies  and  are  collected  in  a  relatively  short  period  of  time.    Credit  risk  on  foreign  currency 
contracts  is  minimized  since  the  counterparties  are  restricted  to  Schedule  1  Canadian  financial 
institutions.  

The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced through the use of an allowance account and any 
adjustment  to  the  allowance  account  is  recognized  in  the  statement  of  income  within  selling  and 

24 

administration expenses.  When a receivable balance is considered uncollectible, it is written off against 
the allowance account. 

Liquidity risk 

Pollard’s approach is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its 
liabilities when due.   Pollard maintains a  committed  credit facility including  up to $75.0 million  for its 
Canadian  operations  and  up  to  US$12.0  million  for  its  U.S.  subsidiaries.    At  December  31,  2016,  the 
unused balance available for drawdown was $18.9 million (2015 - $17.6 million). 

The  2017  requirements  for  capital  expenditures,  working  capital  and  dividends  are  expected  to  be 
financed from cash flow provided by operating activities and unused credit facility.  Pollard enters into 
contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. 

Outlook 

The lottery industry continues to grow in a number of areas, particularly relating to instant tickets and 
ancillary services.  Lotteries are looking to grow the amount of funds they can raise for good causes by 
meeting consumer demand for gaming products.  This includes refreshing their core products in addition 
to  expanding  into  alternative  channels  such  as  digital  products.  Retail  consumer  demand  for  instant 
tickets remains very robust and we believe this underlying product strength will continue.   

The outlook for our instant ticket volumes in 2017 remains positive and we expect it to grow, due to 
overall growth in the market, higher underlying retail sales in our existing customer base and strategically 
increasing  our  market  share  utilizing  additional  available  capacity  generated  through  our  recent 
investments  in  new  capacity.    As  is  the  nature  of  our  business,  quarter  to  quarter  variations  in  our 
volumes  will  continue,  as  timing  of  orders  and  the  variability  of  the  mix  of  our  work  over  short  term 
periods will impact our quarterly results.  Historically our product mix during the first half of the year 
involves fewer higher value-added proprietary products and we expect this trend to continue.  The timing 
of  revenue  recognition  can  also  be  impacted  between  quarters  based  on  the  timing  of  receipt  of  the 
product by our customers. 

Our additional press capacity in Ypsilanti continues to produce increasing volumes of high quality product, 
evidenced in both the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017.  Our efficiencies and related 
cost  structure  are  improving  and  we  are  confident  that  as  our  experience  grows  we  will  be  able  to 
continue to lower our cost platform. Improvement will be incremental and continue throughout 2017 with 
focus on such critical areas as reduced spoilage, improved set up time, lower machine costs and more 
efficient labour costs. 

Our contract portfolio remains very strong, with the renewal of a number of key contracts occurring in 
2016.  In January 2017 we were awarded a new three year contract (with five one-year renewal options 
available) to provide instant tickets to the Michigan lottery, an important and long served customer of 
Pollard.  We  do  not  have  any  significant  contracts  coming  due  in  2017  when  renewal  options  are 
considered, while a number of lottery contracts where we do not provide significant product are up for 
bid this upcoming year.  We will bid strategically to enhance our product mix and grow our market share 
while at the same time focusing on growth of our profit margins. 

Lotteries are increasing their focus on ancillary services such as: developing player loyalty programs to 
improve engagement with lottery consumers; expanding digital options for extending interactions with 
players and providing greater entertainment value; improving the efficiency of their product distribution 

25 

to ensure products are easily accessible to players; refreshing their retail point of sale programs; and 
investigating the appropriate internet and iLottery strategy for each respective jurisdiction.  These trends 
will continue to progress and provide additional opportunities for Pollard to expand our business within 
the lottery market. 

iLottery  business  remains  an  important  initiative  within  the  lottery  industry,  particularly  in  the  North 
American market.  Lotteries are taking a cautious approach to expanding in this area and, although we 
do not anticipate many new opportunities to open up in the short term, there are several jurisdictions 
currently investigating taking this step in the near term. We continue to monitor developments and assist 
the industry in realizing the potential of working through this channel.  Our Michigan iLottery operation 
continues to be the industry leader and adds significantly to the Michigan Lottery’s contribution to its 
good causes.  Our second iLottery contract with the Virginia Lottery began operation in the fall of 2016 
and  while  available  only  for  subscriptions  for  draw  based  games,  it  demonstrates  another  successful 
iLottery implementation. 

The market for charitable games products (bingo paper and pull-tabs) remains stable and our American 
Games operation continues to be an important contributor to our financial success.  Our focus will be on 
incrementally building market share through growth of specific product initiatives such as pull-tabs for 
specific events and the lottery market.  

We  continue  to  review  strategic  initiatives  to  increase  our  expertise  to  serve  the  market  as  lotteries 
expand their products and services.  This includes looking at strategic acquisitions to both add to our 
core competencies and develop additional areas of expertise.  Our strong organic cash flow allows us the 
flexibility to pursue opportunities to grow our organization while maintaining a sound financial foundation.  

The nature of the international focus of our business results in a net positive exposure to U.S. dollar cash 
flows.  Changes in the foreign exchange relationship between the Canadian and U.S. dollar can impact 
the short term financial results including the operating cash flow and creation of gains and/or losses in 
monetary assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  We maintain a significant array of internal hedges 
to offset our net exposure to the U.S. dollar and do not anticipate utilizing any financial hedges in the 
near future.  We also maintain a net exposure to the Euro, major fluctuations in this currency will also 
impact our financial results.  

Our budgeted capital expenditures for 2017 should remain at similar levels as experienced in 2016, with 
no  major  projects  anticipated.    Assuming  no  additional  significant  investments  in  non-cash  working 
capital, strong positive operating cash flow is expected going forward.   

Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Under National Instrument 52-109, “Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings,” 
issuers are required to document the conclusions of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 
(the  “Certifying  Officers”)  regarding  the  design  and  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures.    Pollard’s  management,  with  the  participation  of  the  Certifying  Officers  of  Pollard,  has 
concluded  that  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  as  defined  in  National  Instrument  52-109  are 
designed appropriately and are effective at providing reasonable assurance of achieving the disclosure 
objectives. 

26 

 
 
Internal Controls over Financial Reporting 

Under National Instrument 52-109, “Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings,” 
issuers  are  required  to  document  the  conclusions  of  the  Certifying  Officers  regarding  the  design  and 
effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting.  Management used the Internal Control – 
Integrated  Framework  published  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission  (COSO  2013)  as  the  control  framework  in  designing  its  internal  controls  over  financial 
reporting.    Pollard’s  management,  with  the  participation  of  the  Certifying  Officers  of  Pollard,  has 
concluded that the internal controls over financial reporting as defined in National Instrument 52-109 are 
designed  appropriately  and  are  effective  at  providing  reasonable  assurance  of  achieving  the  financial 
reporting objectives. 

No  changes  were  made  in  Pollard’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2016, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Pollard’s 
internal control over financial reporting. 

Additional Information 

Shares of Pollard Banknote Limited are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PBL. 

Additional information relating to Pollard, including the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and 
the  Annual  Information  Form  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  is  available  on  SEDAR  at 
www.sedar.com. 

Pollard Banknote Limited 
140 Otter Street 
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 0M8 
(204) 474-2323 
www.Pollardbanknote.com 

27 

 
Management’s Report 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and all the information contained in the annual report 
of Pollard Banknote Limited (“Pollard”) are the responsibility of management and have been approved by 
the Board of Directors of Pollard.  Financial and operating data elsewhere in the annual report is consistent 
with  the  information  contained  in  the  financial  statements.    The  financial  statements  and  all  other 
information  have  been  prepared  by  management  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted 
accounting  principles.    The  financial  statements  include  some  amounts  and  assumptions  based  on 
management’s best estimates which have been derived with careful judgment. 

In fulfilling its responsibilities,  management of Pollard has developed and maintains a  system of internal 
accounting  controls.    These  controls  are  designed  to  ensure  that  the  financial  records  are  reliable  for 
preparing the financial statements.  The Board of Directors of Pollard carries out its responsibility for the 
financial  statements  through  the  Audit  Committee.    The  Audit  Committee  reviews  Pollard’s  annual 
consolidated financial statements and recommends their approval by the Board of Directors.  The auditors 
have full access to the Audit Committee with and without management present. 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  audited  by  KPMG  LLP  Chartered  Accountants,  whose 
opinion is contained in this annual report. 

“John Pollard” 

“Robert Rose” 

JOHN POLLARD    
Co-Chief Executive Officer 

March 13, 2017 

ROBERT ROSE 
Chief Financial Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements of 

POLLARD BANKNOTE 
LIMITED  

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KPMG LLP 
Suite 2000 – One Lombard Place 
Winnipeg MB  R3B 0X3 
Canada 

Telephone    (204) 957-1770 
Fax 
 (204) 957-0808 
 www.kpmg.ca 
Internet   

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

To the Shareholders of Pollard Banknote Limited 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Pollard Banknote Limited, which 
comprise  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  as  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015,  the 
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years 
then  ended,  and  notes,  comprising  a  summary  of  significant  accounting  policies  and  other  explanatory 
information. 

Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  these  consolidated  financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as 
management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

Auditors’ Responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. 
We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards.  Those 
standards  require  that  we  comply  with  ethical  requirements  and  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain 
reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  consolidated  financial  statements  are  free  from  material 
misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 
consolidated  financial  statements.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  our  judgment,  including  the 
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to 
fraud  or  error.  In  making  those  risk  assessments,  we  consider  internal  control  relevant  to  the  entity's 
preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  order  to  design  audit 
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on 
the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of 
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well 
as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our audit opinion. 

KPMG LLP, is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of 
independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a 
Swiss entity. 
KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP 

                                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Opinion 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of Pollard Banknote Limited as at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and its consolidated 
financial  performance  and  its  consolidated  cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended  in  accordance  with 
International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Chartered Professional Accountants 

March 13, 2017 

Winnipeg, Canada 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Assets 

Current assets 

Cash 
Restricted cash 
Accounts receivable 
Inventories (note 5) 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Income taxes receivable 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment (note 6) 
Equity investment (note 7) 
Goodwill (note 8) 
Intangible assets (note 9) 

Total non-current assets 

  December 31, 
2016 

  December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

7,500 
3,203 
38,585 
27,232 
3,437 
-   
79,957 

46,906 
468 
37,513 
11,916 
96,803 

7,587 
560 
24,151 
23,739 
4,169 
3,046 
63,252 

50,380 
401 
37,717 
12,340 
100,838 

Total assets 

$ 

176,760 

$ 

164,090 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 

Current liabilities 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Dividends payable 
Income taxes payable 
Current portion long-term debt (note 11) 
Current portion subordinated debt (note 12) 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Long-term debt (note 11) 
Subordinated debt (note 12) 
Other non-current liabilities 
Pension liability (note 13) 
Deferred income taxes (note 10) 

Total non-current liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 

Share capital (note 14) 
Reserves 
Deficit 

Total shareholders’ equity 

Commitments and contingencies (note 15) 

December 31, 
2016 

  December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

25,864 
706 
2,541 
-   
1,363 
30,474 

70,852 
4,769 
395 
13,524 
4,909 
94,449 

73,209 
3,917 
(25,289) 
51,837 

22,290 
706 
-   
1,203 
-   
24,199 

72,083 
6,813 
397 
11,270 
5,751 
96,314 

73,209 
4,384 
(34,016) 
43,577 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

$ 

176,760 

$ 

164,090 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

On behalf of the Board: 

“Jerry Gray”             Director 

“John Pollard”          Director 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Consolidated Statements of Income 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31 

Sales 

Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

Administration 
Selling 
Other income (note 16) 
Income from operations 

Finance costs (note 17) 
Finance income (note 17) 
Income before income taxes 

Income taxes (note 10) 
Current (recovery) 
Deferred (reduction) 

2016 

2015 

$ 

246,414 

$ 

221,030 

197,177 
49,237 

176,675 
44,355 

20,919 
8,037 
(32) 
20,313 

4,281 
(1,042) 
17,074 

5,144 
(339) 
4,805 

19,177 
7,374 
(284) 
18,088 

6,382 
(490) 
12,196 

(677) 
5,410 
4,733 

Net income  

Net income per share (basic) (note 18) 

Net income per share (diluted) (note 18) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

12,269 

$ 

7,463 

0.52      $ 

0.52 

 $ 

0.32 

0.32 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Years ended December 31 

Net income  

$ 

12,269 

$ 

7,463 

2016 

2015 

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

Items that are or may be reclassified to profit and loss 

Foreign currency translation differences – foreign 

operations 

Items that will never be reclassified to profit and loss 

Defined benefit plans remeasurements, net of 

income tax (reduction) of ($291) and $773 (note 
10 & note 13) 

Other comprehensive income (loss) – net of income tax 

(467) 

2,928 

(737) 
(1,204) 

2,070 
4,998 

Comprehensive income  

$ 

11,065 

$ 

12,461 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total 
 equity 

43,577 

12,269 

Pollard Banknote Limited 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Year ended December 31, 2016 

Attributable to equity holders of Pollard Banknote 
Limited 

Balance at January 1, 2016 

$ 

73,209 

4,384 

(34,016) 

Share 
capital 

Translation 
reserve 

Deficit 

Net income 

Other comprehensive loss 

Foreign currency translation differences – 

foreign operations 

Defined benefit plans remeasurements, net 

of income tax reduction of ($291) 

Total other comprehensive loss 

Total comprehensive income (loss) 

Share based compensation (note 14) 

$ 
$ 

Dividends to owners of Pollard Banknote Limited 

-    

-    

-    

-    
-    

-    

-    

-   

12,269 

(467) 

-   

-   

(737) 

(467) 

(737) 

(467) 
(467) 

-   

-   

(737) 
11,532 

(1,204) 
11,065 

20 

20 

(2,825) 

(2,825) 

Balance at December 31, 2016 

$ 

73,209 

3,917 

(25,289) 

51,837 

Year ended December 31, 2015 

Attributable to equity holders of Pollard Banknote 
Limited 

Share 
capital 

Translation 
reserve 

Deficit 

Total 
 equity 

Balance at January 1, 2015 

$ 

73,209 

1,456 

(40,750) 

33,915 

Net income 

Other comprehensive income 

Foreign currency translation differences – 

foreign operations 

Defined benefit plans remeasurements, net 

of income tax of $773 

Total other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income  

$ 
$ 

Share based compensation (note 14) 

Dividends to owners of Pollard Banknote Limited 

-    

-    

-    

-    
-    

-    

-    

-   

7,463 

7,463 

2,928 

-   

2,928 
2,928 

-   

-   

-   

2,070 

2,070 
9,533 

26 

2,928 

2,070 

4,998 
12,461 

26 

(2,825) 

(2,825) 

Balance at December 31, 2015 

$ 

73,209 

4,384 

(34,016) 

43,577 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Years ended December 31 

Cash increase (decrease) 

Operating activities 
Net income  
Adjustments 

Income taxes  
Amortization and depreciation 
Interest expense 
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss 
Loss on equity investment 
Pension expense 
Gain on sale of investment in associate 
Mark-to-market gain on foreign currency contracts 

Interest paid 
Income tax recovered (paid) 
Pension contributions 
Change in non-cash operating working capital  

(note 20) 

Investing activities 

Additions to property, plant and equipment 
Equity investment (note 7) 
Proceeds from sale of investment in associate 
Additions to intangible assets 

Financing activities 

Net proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt 
Repayments of subordinated debt  
Change in other non-current liabilities 
Deferred financing charges paid 
Dividends paid 

Foreign exchange gain on cash held in foreign currency 

Change in cash position 

Cash position, beginning of year 

2016 

2015 

$ 

12,269 

$ 

7,463 

4,805 
10,799 
3,374 
(1,532) 
730 
4,417 
(516) 
-   
(3,270) 
672 
(3,102) 

(16,920) 
11,726 

(4,996) 
(807) 
516 
(1,124) 
(6,411) 

(1,789) 
(681) 
16 
(165) 
(2,825) 
(5,444) 

42 

(87) 

7,587 

4,733 
8,351 
2,917 
3,776 
32 
4,532 
-   
(483) 
(2,828) 
(3,141) 
(2,879) 

(2,815) 
19,658 

(15,376) 
(433) 
-   
(682) 
(16,491) 

989 
-   
(46) 
(384) 
(2,825) 
(2,266) 

474 

1,375 

6,212 

7,587 

Cash position, end of year 

$ 

7,500 

$ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

1. 

Reporting entity: 

Pollard Banknote Limited (“Pollard”) was incorporated under the laws of Canada on March 26, 2010.  
The address of Pollard’s registered office is 140 Otter Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 0M8. 

The consolidated financial statements of Pollard as at and for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
comprise Pollard and its subsidiaries and its interest in other entities.  Pollard is primarily involved in 
the manufacture, development and sale of lottery and gaming products. 

The  controlling  party  of  Pollard  is  Pollard  Equities  Limited  (“Equities”),  a  privately  held  company.  
Equities owns approximately 73.5% of Pollard’s outstanding shares. 

2.  Basis of preparation: 

(a)  Statement of compliance: 

These  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).   

On  March  13,  2017,  Pollard’s  Board  of  Directors  approved  these  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

(b)  Basis of preparation: 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except 
for the following material items in the statement of financial position: 

•  The pension liability is recognized as the net total of the fair value of plan assets less the 

present value of the defined benefit obligation. 

These statements are presented in Canadian dollars, Pollard’s functional currency, and all values 
are rounded to the nearest thousand (except share and per share amounts) unless otherwise 
indicated. 

 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

2. 

Basis of preparation (continued): 

(c)  Use of estimates and judgments: 

The  preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires 
management  to  make  judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  application  of 
accounting  policies  and  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  income  and  expenses.  
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Revisions to estimates 
are recognized prospectively.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.   

Information about judgments, assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant 
risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next period are as follows: 

Impairment of goodwill: 

Pollard determines whether goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis.  This requires an 
estimation of the “value in use” or “fair value less costs to sell” of the cash-generating units 
(“CGUs”) to which goodwill is allocated.  Estimating a value in use requires Pollard to make an 
estimate  of  the  expected  future  cash  flows  from  the  CGUs  and  also  to  choose  a  suitable 
discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows.  Judgment is required 
in determining the level at which to test goodwill, including the grouping of assets that generate 
cash inflows.  Further details are provided in note 8. 

Employee future benefits: 

Accounting  for  defined  benefit  plans  requires  Pollard  to  use  actuarial  assumptions.    These 
assumptions  include  the  discount  rate  and  the  rate  of  compensation  increases.    These 
assumptions  depend  on  underlying  factors  such  as  economic  conditions,  government 
regulations, investment performance, employee demographics and mortality rates.  See note 
13 for further information. 

Income taxes: 

Pollard is required to evaluate the recoverability of deferred income tax assets.  This requires 
an estimate of Pollard’s ability to utilize the underlying future income tax deductions against 
future  taxable  income  before  they  expire.    In  order  to  evaluate  the  recoverability  of  these 
deferred income tax assets, Pollard must estimate future taxable income. Further details are 
provided in note 10. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies: 

The  accounting  policies  set  out  below  have  been  applied  consistently  to  all  periods  presented  in 
these consolidated financial statements.  

(a)  Principles of consolidation: 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pollard and all its subsidiaries.  
Subsidiaries are entities which are under Pollard’s control, where control is defined as the power 
to govern financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.  
Pollard holds 100% of the voting rights in, and therefore controls, its subsidiaries.   

Significant subsidiaries: 

                Percent Ownership Interest 

December 31, 2016 

December 31, 2015 

Pollard Holdings, Inc. 
Pollard (U.S.) Ltd. 
Pollard Games, Inc. 
Pollard iLottery Inc. 

100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 

Pollard has entered into a contractual joint agreement with Neogames S.à r.l. for the operation 
of iLottery gaming  for the  Michigan Lottery.   As such Pollard has  recognized in  relation to its 
interest in the joint operation: its assets, including its share of any assets held jointly; its liabilities, 
including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly and its share of revenue and expenses.   

Pollard, in conjunction with NeoGames US, LLP, established NeoPollard Interactive LLC (“NPI”).  
Pollard  accounts  for  its  investment  in  NPI  as  a  joint  venture.    Under  the  equity  method  of 
accounting Pollard recognizes its share of the income and expenses and equity movements of 
NPI. 

All inter-company balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising 
from inter-company transactions, have been eliminated. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

(b)  Restricted cash: 

Under the terms of Pollard’s iLottery contract with the Michigan Lottery, Pollard holds iLottery 
players’ deposits in a bank account for the benefit of the lottery and therefore the cash is not 
available for use by Pollard.  Pollard records an equal, offsetting liability within accounts payable 
and accrued liabilities.  Pollard has excluded changes in the restricted cash and related liability 
from its calculation of the change in cash position in the statements of cash flows.  

(c)  Revenue recognition: 

Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, significant risks and 
benefits of ownership are transferred, the sales price to the customer is fixed or is determined 
and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The significant risks of ownership 
and benefits of ownership are normally transferred in accordance with the shipping terms agreed 
to with the customer.  In some instances, revenue is recognized when the customers’ tickets are 
sold  at  retail.    Volume  rebates  are  accrued  and  recorded  as  a  reduction  to  sales  based  on 
historical experience and management’s expectations regarding sales volume.   

Revenues  relating  to  license  and  royalty  sales,  iLottery  services,  loyalty  programs,  digital  and 
lottery management services are recognized pursuant to the terms of the applicable contracts.  
Where Pollard provides software and related infrastructure, revenue is recognized in proportion 
to the stage of completion of the contracted work. 

(d)  Inventories: 

Raw  materials,  work-in-process  and  finished  goods  are  valued  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net 
realizable value.  The cost of raw material inventory is based on its weighted average cost and 
includes all costs incurred to acquire the materials.  In addition to the direct costs of conversion, 
the  cost  of  work-in-process  and  finished  goods,  which  Pollard  manufactures,  also  includes  an 
appropriate share of production overheads based on normal operating capacity.   

Net  realizable  value  is  the  estimated  selling  price  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  less  the 
estimated costs of completion. 

(e)  Goodwill: 

Goodwill is comprised of the excess sale price over the underlying carrying amount of the net 
assets sold as at August 5, 2005, as part of the 26.7% of Pollard sold in conjunction with the 
Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) and the excess purchase price over the underlying carrying amount 
of the net assets acquired of Pollard’s U.S. subsidiaries.  Goodwill is not amortized but is subject 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

to an annual impairment test to ensure its recoverable value remains greater than, or equal to, 
book value. 

(f)  Intangible assets: 

Deferred development: 

Development expenditures are recognized as an intangible asset only if Pollard can demonstrate 
that the development costs can be measured reliably, the product is technically and commercially 
feasible, future economic benefits are probable and Pollard has sufficient resources to complete 
development  and  to  use  or  sell  the  asset.    The  expenditures  capitalized  include  the  cost  of 
materials, direct labour, overhead costs that are directly attributable to preparing the asset for 
its intended use and borrowing costs incurred in respect of qualifying assets.  Other development 
expenditures are expensed as incurred. 

Capitalized development expenditures are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and 
accumulated impairment losses. 

Computer software and licenses: 

Computer software consists of the cost of acquiring and implementing these systems.  Cost of 
implementation  include  third  party  costs  as  well  as  direct  labour  and  related  overhead  costs 
attributable  to  the  asset.    Minimum  license  fees  incurred  in  connection  with  our  licensing 
agreements for our use of third-party brands are capitalized and amortized over the estimated 
life of the asset. 

Capitalized  computer  software  costs  and  licenses  are  measured  at  cost  less  accumulated 
amortization and accumulated impairment losses. 

Other intangible assets: 

Intangible assets that are acquired by Pollard and have finite useful lives are measured at cost 
less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Intangible  assets  are  amortized,  on  a  straight-line  basis,  over  their  estimated  useful  lives  as 
follows: 

Asset 

Customer assets 
Patents 
Computer software and licenses 
Deferred development 

Rate 

16 years 
Term of patent 
5 to 10 years or term of license 
2 to 7 years 

Amortization  methods,  estimated  useful  lives  and  residual  value  are  reviewed  each  annual 
reporting date and adjusted prospectively if appropriate. 

(g)  Property, plant and equipment: 

Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) are stated at cost less investment tax credits (including 
SR&ED credits), accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.  Cost includes 
expenditures  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  of  the  asset.    The  cost  of  self-
constructed assets includes the cost of materials, direct labour and related fringes, other costs 
directly  attributable  to  bringing  the  assets  to  working  condition  for  their  intended  use  and 
borrowing costs incurred in respect to qualifying assets.  Major spare parts are treated as PP&E 
when they have a useful life greater than a year.  Once major spare parts are put in service, they 
are transferred into equipment and amortized accordingly. 

An item of PP&E is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected 
from  its  use  or  disposal.    The  gain  or  loss  on  disposal  of  an  item  of  PP&E  is  determined  by 
comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying value of the PP&E and is recognized in 
the statement of income on a net basis. 

The cost of each component of an item of PP&E is depreciated over its estimated useful life on 
a straight-line basis, commencing the date it is ready for  use.   Land is  not depreciated.  The 
estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows: 

Asset 

Buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Equipment 
Furniture, fixtures and computers 

Rate 

10 to 30 years 
Term of lease 
2 to 11 years 
3 to 9 years 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed each annual reporting date 
and adjusted prospectively if appropriate. 

The  carrying  value  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be 
recoverable. 

(h)  Investment in associate: 

Pollard accounts for its investment in associate using the equity method of accounting as it has 
significant  influence,  but  not  control.    Significant  influence  is  presumed  to  exist  when  Pollard 
holds  between  20  and  50  percent  of  the  voting  power  of  another  entity.    The  consolidated 
financial statements include Pollard’s share of the income and expenses and equity movements 
of the entity accounted for under the equity method of accounting. 

(i) 

Investment in joint venture: 

A  joint  venture  is  a  joint  arrangement  whereby  the  parties  that  have  joint  control  of  the 
arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement, rather than rights to the assets 
and obligations for the liabilities.  Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of 
an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require consent 
of both parties. 

The consolidated financial statements include Pollard’s share of the income and expenses and 
equity movements of the entity accounted for under the equity method of accounting. 

(j)  Investment in joint operation: 

A  joint  operation  is  a  joint  arrangement  whereby  the  parties  that  have  joint  control  of  the 
arrangement  have  rights  to  the  assets,  and  obligations  for  the  liabilities,  relating  to  the 
arrangement.    Joint  control  is  the  contractually  agreed  sharing  of  control  of  an  arrangement, 
which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require consent of both parties. 

The consolidated financial statements include Pollard’s interest in the Michigan Lottery iLottery 
joint operations: its assets, including its share of any assets held jointly; its liabilities, including 
its share of any liabilities incurred jointly and its share of revenue and expenses.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

(k)  Financial instruments: 

Non-derivative financial assets 

Pollard  initially  recognizes  loans  and  receivables  on  the  date  that  they  originated.    All  other 
financial assets (including assets designated at fair value through profit or loss) are recognized 
initially on the trade date at which Pollard becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument.  Pollard derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows 
from the asset expire. 

Financial  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  and  the  net  amount  presented  on  the  statement  of 
financial position when, and only when, Pollard has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends 
either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.  Pollard 
classifies  non-derivative  financial  assets  into  the  following  categories:    financial  assets  at  fair 
value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity financial assets, loans and receivables and available-
for-sale financial assets. 

i)  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

A financial asset is classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss if it is classified 
as  held  for  trading  or  is  designated  as  such  upon  initial  recognition.    Attributable  transaction 
costs are recognized in net income as incurred.  Financial assets at fair value through profit or 
loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized in net income.  Pollard has 
no non-derivative financial assets classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. 

ii)  Held-to-maturity financial assets 

If Pollard has the positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, then such financial 
assets are classified as held-to-maturity.  Held-to-maturity financial assets are initially recognized 
at fair value plus any  directly attributable transaction  costs.   Subsequent to initial recognition 
held-to-maturity  financial  assets  are  measured  at  amortized  cost  using  the  effective  interest 
method, less any impairment losses.  Pollard has no financial assets classified as held-to-maturity. 

iii)  Loans and receivables 

Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determined payments that are not quoted 
in an active market.  Such assets are initially recognized at fair value plus any directly attributable 
transaction  costs.    Subsequent  to  initial  recognition  loans  and  receivables  are  measured  at 
amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses, and the net gain 
or loss is included in finance income.  Pollard has classified cash, restricted cash and accounts 
receivable as loans and receivables.   

 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

iv)  Available-for-sale financial assets 

Available-for-sale  financial  assets  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  that  are  designated  as 
available-for-sale or are not classified in any of the previous categories.  Subsequent to initial 
recognition, available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value and changes therein, 
other  than  impairment  losses  and  foreign  exchange  differences,  are  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive income and are presented in the fair value reserve in equity.  When an investment 
is derecognized, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is reclassified to net income.  Pollard has 
no financial assets classified as available-for-sale. 

Non-derivative financial liabilities 

All non-derivative financial liabilities are classified as other financial liabilities and are recognized 
initially  at  fair  value  plus  any  directly  attributable  transaction  costs.    Subsequent  to  initial 
recognition, these financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest 
method and the net gain or loss is included in finance costs. 

Pollard  classifies  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities,  dividends  payable,  long-term  debt, 
subordinated debt and other non-current liabilities as other financial liabilities. 

Share Capital 

Common  stock  is  classified  as  equity.    Incremental  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  issue  of 
common stock are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. 

Derivatives and hedge accounting 

Pollard may use certain derivative financial instruments to manage risks of fluctuation in interest 
rates  and  foreign  exchange  rates.    On  initial  designation  of  the  derivative  as  the  hedging 
instrument, Pollard formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the 
hedging item, including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge 
transaction  and  the  hedged  risk,  together  with  the  methods  that  will  be  used  to  assess  the 
effectiveness of the hedging relationship.  Pollard makes an assessment, both at the inception 
of the hedge relationship as well as on an ongoing basis, of whether the hedging instruments 
are expected to be “highly effective” in offsetting the change in the fair value or cash flows of 
the respective hedged items attributable to the hedged risk, and whether the actual results of 
each hedge are within a range of 80 – 125 percent. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value and attributable transaction costs are recognized 
in net income as incurred.  Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair 
value and changes are accounted for as follows: 

i)  Cash flow hedges 

When a derivative financial instrument is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge 
of the variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized 
asset  or  liability,  the  effective  portion  of  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  derivative  is 
recognized in other comprehensive income and presented in the hedging reserve in equity.  
Any ineffective portion of changes in fair value of the derivative is recognized immediately in 
net income.  If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively.  This results in the amortization of the 
respective  derivative’s  cumulative  changes  in  fair  value  in  the  hedging  reserve,  over  the 
remaining term of the derivative.  Any adjustments to fair value after discontinuing hedge 
accounting are recognized immediately in net income as finance income or loss. 

ii)  Other non-trading derivatives 

When a derivative financial instrument is not designated in a hedge relationship that qualifies 
for hedge accounting, all changes in its fair value are recognized immediately in net income 
as finance income or loss. 

(l)  Translation of foreign currencies: 

The functional currency for each of Pollard’s subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to 
the  respective  functional  currencies  of  each  entity  within  the  consolidated  group  using  the 
exchange  rates  in  effect  at  the  date  of  the  transactions.  Monetary  assets  and  liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated to the functional currency 
at  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period.  Non-monetary  items 
measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated to the functional currency using 
the  exchange  rate  prevalent  at  the  date  of  acquisition.  Non-monetary  items  denominated  in 
foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are translated to the functional currency at the 
exchange  rate  prevalent  at  the  date  that  the  fair  value  was  determined.  Foreign  currency 
differences arising from translation are recognized in net income, except for exchange differences 
arising  on  the  translation  of  financial  instruments  qualifying  as  a  cash  flow  hedge,  which  are 
recognized directly in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

The results and financial position of entities within the consolidated group that have a functional 
currency different from the presentation currency are translated into Canadian dollars as follows:  
assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate prevailing at the end of the reporting 
period;  income  and  expenses  are  translated  at  the  average  rate  for  the  reporting  period;  all 
resulting  exchange  differences  are  recognized  in  OCI.  On  disposal  of  a  foreign  operation,  the 
deferred  cumulative  amount  recognized  in  OCI  relating  to  that  particular  foreign  operation  is 
recognized in net income.   

(m)  Employee benefits: 

Share based compensation 

The grant date fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense, 
with a corresponding increase in equity, over the vesting period of the awards. 

Defined contribution plans 

Pollard’s  U.S.  subsidiaries  maintain  two  defined  contribution  plans  in  the  United  States.  The 
obligation to contribute to these plans is recognized as an employee benefit expense as incurred. 

Defined benefit plans 

Pollard maintains four non-contributory defined benefit pension plans in Canada and the United 
States, three being final pay plans and one being a  flat benefit  plan.  None of the plans  have 
indexation features.  

The costs of Pollard’s defined benefit plans are recognized over the period in which employees 
render service to Pollard in return for the benefits.  The defined benefit obligations associated 
with the plans are actuarially determined using the projected unit credit method pro-rated on 
service and management’s best estimate of salary escalation and retirement ages of employees.  
The present value of the defined benefit obligations are determined by discounting the estimated 
future cash outflows using interest rates of high quality corporate bonds that have maturity terms 
approximating  the  maturity  terms  of  the  related  obligation  and  that  are  denominated  in  the 
currency  in  which  the  benefits  will  be  paid.  The  expected  return  on  pension  plan  assets  is 
calculated  utilizing  the  discount  rate  used  to  measure  the  defined  benefit  obligation  at  the 
beginning of the annual period. 

Past service costs are recognized as an expense on a straight line basis over the average period 
until the benefits becomes vested. If the benefits have vested, past service costs are recognized 
in net income immediately.    

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Remeasurements that arise in calculating the present value of the defined benefit obligation and 
the fair value of plan assets are recognized immediately in OCI. 

Pollard’s pension asset is limited to the total of any  unrecognized past services  costs and the 
present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or 
reductions in future contributions to the plan.  In order to calculate the present value of economic 
benefits,  consideration  is  given  to  any  minimum  funding  requirements  that  apply  to  Pollard’s 
plans.  An economic benefit is available to Pollard if it is realizable during the life of the plan, or 
on settlement of the plan liabilities. 

(n)  Income taxes: 

Current income tax and deferred income tax are recognized in the statement of income except 
to the extent that the tax relates to items recognized directly in equity or in OCI.  Current income 
tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the period and 
any adjustment to tax payable in respect to previous years.  Current income tax expense includes 
withholding taxes. 

Deferred income tax is recorded to reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary 
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred 
income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the enacted or substantively enacted 
tax rates, which are expected to be in effect when the underlying items of income and expense 
are expected to be realized.  

Deferred  income  tax  is  not  recognized  for:  temporary  differences  related  to  investments  in 
subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future, 
taxable  temporary  differences  arising  on  the  initial  recognition  of  goodwill  or  temporary 
differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business 
combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. 

Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent 
that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.  

The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in 
income in the period that includes the date of enactment or substantive enactment, except if it 
relates  to  an  item  previously  recognized  in  equity,  in  which  case  the  adjustment  is  made  to 
equity.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to 
offset current income tax liabilities and assets, and they are levied by the same taxation authority 
on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities which intend to settle their current income 
tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

(o)  Provisions: 

Provisions are recognized when Pollard has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result 
of a past event that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic 
benefits  will  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation.  If  the  effect  of  the  time  value  of  money  is 
material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, 
the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to 
the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost. 

(p)  Impairment: 

Financial assets 

Financial assets classified as loans and receivables, held-to-maturity and available-for-sale are 
assessed at each reporting period date to determine whether there is objective evidence that it 
is impaired.  A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has 
occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect 
on  the  estimated  future  cash  flows  of  that  asset  that  can  be  estimated  reliably.    Evidence  of 
impairment may include default or delinquency by a debtor, indications that a debtor will enter 
bankruptcy or economic conditions that correlate with defaults.  Pollard has neither available-
for-sale nor held-to-maturity instruments. 

For loans and receivables, Pollard first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists 
for financial assets that are individually significant, or collectively for financial assets that are not 
individually significant.  If Pollard determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for 
an individually assessed financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in a group 
of  financial  assets  with  similar  credit  risk  characteristics  and  collectively  assess  them  for 
impairment.    Individually  assessed  assets  with  an  impairment  loss  are  not  included  in  the 
collective assessment of impairment.   

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred, the amount of the loss 
is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of the 
estimated future cash flows.  The present value of the estimated future cash flows is discounted 
at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.  The carrying amount of the asset is reduced 
through  the  use  of  an  allowance  account  and  the  amount  of  the  loss  is  recognized  in  the 
statement of income.  If, in a subsequent year, the amount of the estimated impairment loss  

 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

increases or decreases because of an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the 
previously recognized impairment is increased or reduced by adjusting the allowance account, 
through the statement of income. 

Non-financial assets 

The carrying amount of Pollard’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred income 
tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication that 
an asset may be impaired.  If any such indication exists, or when the annual impairment testing 
for  an  asset  is  required,  Pollard  estimates  the  asset’s  recoverable  amount.    For  goodwill  the 
recoverable amount is estimated as of December 31 each year.  An impairment loss is recognized 
if the carrying amount of an asset or its related CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount.  

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value 
less costs to sell.  In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to 
their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to the asset of CGU.  For the purpose of impairment 
testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of 
assets  that  generates  cash  inflows  from  continuing  use  that  are  largely  independent  of  cash 
inflows of other assets or CGUs.   

Impairment losses are recognized in  net income.  Impairment losses recognized in respect to 
CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and 
then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the CGU  on a pro rata basis.  An 
impairment loss in respect to goodwill is not reversed.  In respect to other assets, impairment 
losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that 
the loss has decreased or no longer exists.  An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a 
change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.  An impairment loss  can 
only be reversed to the extent that the asset’s carrying value that would have been determined, 
net of amortization, if no impairment had been recognized. 

(q)  Finance costs and finance income: 

Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, amortization of deferred financing costs, 
mark-to-market losses on foreign exchange contracts and net foreign exchange losses. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

3. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production 
of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use 
or sale are expensed in the period incurred using the effective interest method. 

Finance income comprises mark-to-market gains on foreign exchange contracts and net foreign 
exchange gains. 

4. 

Future accounting standards: 

In July 2014, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued International Financial 
Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  9  Financial Instruments (“IFRS  9”),  which  replaces  the  existing 
guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.  IFRS 9 includes revised 
guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments, a new expected credit loss 
model  for  calculating  impairment  on  financial  assets  and  new  general  hedge  accounting 
requirements.    It  also  carries  forward  the  guidance  on  recognition  and  derecognition  of  financial 
instruments from IAS 39.  IFRS 9 is required for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2018.  
Pollard is currently assessing the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  The new standard 
specifies the steps and timing for recognizing revenue, as well as requiring more informative, relevant 
disclosures.  IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IAS 18 Revenue.  IFRS 15 is 
required for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with early adoption available.  Pollard 
is currently assessing the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

In September 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and 
IAS  28  Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures  (2011).  The  amendments  address  an 
acknowledged inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28 (2011), in 
dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture.  
The main consequence of the amendments is that a full gain or loss is recognized when a transaction 
involves a business (whether it is housed in a subsidiary or not).  A partial gain or loss is recognized 
when a transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business, even if these assets are housed 
in a subsidiary. These amendments were to be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 
1, 2016, with early adoption available; however, in December 2015 the IASB decided to defer the 
effective date for these amendments indefinitely.  Pollard is currently assessing the impact of the 
amendments on its consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

4. 

Future accounting standards (continued): 

In  January  2016,  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  16 Leases  which  replaces  IAS  17 Leases.    This  standard 
introduces a single lessee accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities 
for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A 
lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset 
and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. This standard substantially 
carries forward the lessor accounting requirements of IAS 17, while requiring enhanced disclosures 
to be provided by lessors.  Other areas of the lease accounting model have been impacted, including 
the definition of a lease. Transitional provisions have been provided.  The new standard is effective 
for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for entities 
that apply IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers at or before the date of initial adoption 
of IFRS 16.  Pollard is currently assessing the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial 
statements. 

In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows.  The amendments 
were  issued  to  improve  information  provided  to  users  of  financial  statements  about  an  entity’s 
changes in liabilities arising from financing activities.  These amendments are effective for annual 
periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2017.  Earlier  application  is  permitted.    Pollard  does  not 
expect these amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes.  The amendments were 
regarding the recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealized losses relating to debt instruments 
measured at fair value.  These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 
January 1, 2017. Earlier application is permitted.  Pollard does not expect these amendments to have 
a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In  June  2016,  the  IASB  issued  amendments  to  IAS  2 Share-Based Payments.    The  amendments 
clarify how to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions.  These amendments 
are  effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2018.  Retrospective  or  earlier 
application is permitted under certain  conditions.  Pollard is currently assessing  the impact of the 
amendments on its consolidated financial statements. 

In  December  2016,  the  IASB  issued  IFRIC  Interpretation  22 Foreign Currency Transactions and 
Advance Consideration.  The interpretation clarifies the date of the transaction for the purposes of 
determining the exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income 
is the date on which an entity initially recognizes the non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability 
arising  from  the  payment  or  receipt  of  advance  consideration.    The  interpretation  is  effective  for 
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Retrospective or earlier application is permitted 
under  certain  conditions.    Pollard  is  currently  assessing  the  impact  of  the  amendments  on  its 
consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

5. 

Inventories: 

Raw materials 
Work-in-process 
Finished goods 

  December 31, 
2016 

  December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

$ 

11,246 
784 
15,202 

9,679 
749 
13,311 

27,232 

$ 

23,739 

During  2016  Pollard  recorded  inventory  write-downs  of  $622  representing  an  increase  in  the 
obsolescence reserves and write-downs of $22 due to changes in foreign exchange rates. 

During  2015  Pollard  recorded  inventory  write-downs  of  $359  representing  an  increase  in  the 
obsolescence reserves and write-downs of $11 due to changes in foreign exchange rates. 

The  cost  of  sales  reflects  the  costs  of  inventory  including  direct  material,  direct  labour  and 
manufacturing overheads. 

6. 

Property, plant and equipment: 

Cost 

Land  Buildings 

improvements  Equipment 

Leasehold 

Spare 
parts 

Furniture, 
fixture and 
computers 

Assets in 
progress 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2015 

$ 

803 

Additions/net transfers 

Disposals 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

-   

-   

-   

9,391 

2,488 

-   

-   

2,159 

122,956  1,023 

3,989 

15,148     155,469 

295 

26,807 

223 

173 

(14,610) 

15,376 

-   

(34) 

160 

924 

-   

-   

-   

-     

(34) 

6   

-     

1,090 

2015 

$ 

 803 

11,879 

2,614 

150,653  1,246 

722 

3,578 

107 

4,168 

712 

538 

171,901 

(312) 

4,996 

Additions/net transfers 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

-   

-   

189 

-   

2016 

$ 

 803 

12,068 

3,306 

154,054 

1,353 

4,879 

226 

176,689 

(30) 

(177) 

-   

(1) 

-     

(208) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

6. 

Property, plant and equipment (continued):   

Accumulated 
depreciation 

Land  Buildings 

improvements  Equipment 

Leasehold 

Spare 
 parts 

Furniture, 
fixture and 
computers 

Assets in 
progress 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2015 

$ 

Depreciation for the year 

Disposals 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

2015 

Depreciation for the year 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

2016 

$ 

$ 

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

4,227 

1,365 

105,705 

323 

-   

-   

4,550 

362 

193 

5,217 

-   

(34) 

130 

761 

1,688 

111,649 

250 

7,574 

-   

(23) 

(138) 

4,912 

1,915 

119,085 

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

3,449 

184 

-   

1 

3,634 

237 

-      114,746 

-     

5.917 

-     

(34) 

-     

892 

-      121,521 

-     

8,423 

-   

-     

(161) 

3,871 

-      129,783 

Carrying amounts 

Land  Buildings 

improvements  Equipment 

Leasehold 

Spare 
parts 

Furniture, 
fixture and 
computers 

Assets in 
progress 

Total 

At December 31, 2015 

At December 31, 2016 

$ 

$ 

803 

803 

7,329 

7,156 

926 

39,004 

1,246 

1,391 

34,969 

1,353 

534 

1,008 

538 

226 

50,380 

46,906 

In 2014 Pollard commenced the installation of a new printing press which was reflected in the assets 
in progress category.  The press was put into service in 2015.  Included in the 2015 expenditures 
were $390 of capitalized borrowing costs (2016 - nil). 

7.   Equity investment: 

Interest in joint venture 

Balance – beginning of year 
Investment 
Equity loss 
Effects of movements in exchange rates 

Balance – end of year 

  December 31, 
2016 

  December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

$ 

401 
807 
(730) 
(10) 

468 

$ 

-   
433 
(32) 
-   

401 

Pollard has entered into an agreement with NeoGames US, LLP for the establishment of NeoPollard 
Interactive  LLC.    The  entity  was  established  to  provide  iLottery  services  in  the  United  States  and 
Canada, excluding the State of Michigan.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

7.   Equity investment (continued): 

Pollard  and  Neogames  S.à  r.l.  operate  the  iLottery  operation  for  the  Michigan  Lottery  under  a 
separate joint operating agreement.  Pollard recognizes its interest in the joint operation by including 
its assets, including its share of any assets held jointly, its liabilities, including its share of any liabilities 
incurred jointly and its share of revenue and expenses.   

8. 

Goodwill: 

Goodwill is comprised of $30,620 (2015 - $30,620), representing the excess purchase price over the 
underlying carrying amount of the net assets sold, as at August 5, 2005, as a result of the 26.7% of 
Pollard sold as part of its IPO with the remaining $6,893 (2015 - $7,097) from Pollard’s purchase of 
its U.S. subsidiaries.  Goodwill has been allocated to CGUs for impairment testing in this manner, as 
described in the table below. 

Lottery 
Charitable games 

December 31, 
2016 

  December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

30,620  $ 

6,893 

37,513  $ 

30,620 
7,097 

37,717 

During 2016 the value of goodwill decreased $204 (2015 – increased $1,117) as a result of changes 
in foreign exchange rates. 

For  both  the  lottery  and  charitable  games  CGUs  the  recoverable  amounts  have  been  determined 
based on a value in use calculation using cash flow projections from financial forecasts approved by 
senior management.  These forecasts cover a period of five years and reflect an estimate of a terminal 
value.    Included  in  these  forecasts  is  an  assumption  of  a  3%  growth  rate  which  was  based  on 
historical trend and expected future performance. 

The calculation of value in use for the CGUs described above are most sensitive to the following key 
assumptions  on  which  management  has  based  its  cash  flow  projections  to  undertake  impairment 
testing of goodwill: 

 
 
 
 

Revenue and related gross profit 
Foreign exchange rates 
Discount rates 
Growth rates 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

8. 

Goodwill (continued):   

Revenue and related gross profit 

Projected cash flows from revenue assumes the continuation of recent historical trends adjusted for 
expected new contract wins, anticipated contract renewal pricing pressures and the expected impact 
of sales initiatives in conjunction with certain production efficiencies that are being developed or are 
expected to be developed. 

Foreign exchange rates 

A  significant  portion  of  revenue  is  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  and  Euros,  partially  offset  by  U.S. 
dollar denominated costs.  In addition, certain financial assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. 
currency.  Projected cash flows assume an estimated exchange rate between Canadian dollars to 
U.S. dollars and Euros based on expected exchange rates during the forecast period. 

Discount rates 

Discount  rates  were  calculated  based  on  the  estimated  cost  of  equity  capital  and  debt  capital 
considering data and factors relevant to the economy, the industry and the CGUs.  These costs were 
then  weighted  in  terms  of  a  typical  industry  capital  structure  to  arrive  at  an  estimated  weighted 
average  cost  of  capital.    The  after-tax  discount  rates  applied  to  the  cash  flow  projections  for  the 
CGUs described above were as follows: 

Lottery 
Charitable games 

10.0% 
11.0% 

Growth rates 

Growth rates are based on estimated sustainable long-term growth rates of the CGUs. 

Management believes that any reasonable possible change in any of the key assumptions on which 
the  cash  generating  unit’s  recoverable  amounts  are  based  would  not  cause  the  unit’s  carrying 
amounts to exceed its recoverable amount. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

9. 

Intangible assets: 

Cost 

Customer 
assets 

Patents 

Deferred 
development 

Computer 
software 
and 
licenses 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2015 

$ 

18,645 

5,051 

1,171 

5,431  30,298 

Additions (net of investment 

tax credits) 

Additions – internally 
developed (net of 
investment tax credits) 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 2015 
Additions (net of investment 

tax credits) 

Additions – internally 
developed (net of 
investment tax credits) 
Balance at December 31, 2016 

Accumulated amortization 

Balance at January 1, 2015 
Amortization for the year 
Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 2015 
Amortization for the year 
Balance at December 31, 2016 

-   

-   

81 

-   

-   

346 

427 

(30) 

285 

255 

-   
18,645 

-   
5,132 

-   
1,141 

15 

15 
6,077  30,995 

-   

55 

-   

898 

953 

-   
18,645 

-   
5,187 

7 
1,148 

164 

171 
7,139  32,119 

Customer 
assets 

10,967 
1,165 

-   
12,132 
1,165 
13,297 

Patents 

4,415 
252 

-   
4,667 
114 
4,781 

Deferred 
development 

Computer 
software 
and 
licenses 

Total 

808 
147 

816  17,006 
1,645 

81 

-   
955 
151 
1,106 

4 

4 
901  18,655 
1,548 
118 
1,019  20,203 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Carrying amounts 

Customer 
assets 

Patents 

Deferred 
development 

Computer 
software 
and 
licenses 

Total 

At December 31, 2015 
At December 31, 2016 

$ 
$ 

6,513 
5,348 

465 
406 

186 
42 

5,176  12,340 
6,120  11,916 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

9. 

Intangible assets (continued):  

Customer assets, $3,874 of patents and $229 of computer software were recognized as a result of 
the excess purchase price over the underlying carrying amount of the intangible assets acquired as 
at August 5, 2005, as part of the 26.7% of Pollard sold in conjunction with the IPO.  As at December 
31,  2011,  computer  software  and  licenses,  and  patents  recognized  at  IPO  were  fully  amortized.  
Customer assets will continue to be amortized until fiscal 2021.   

The  majority  of  the  non-IPO  computer  software  additions  relate  to  the  on-going  implementation, 
starting in 2014, of a new ERP platform.  A portion of the platform went live January 2016, at which 
time amortization pertaining to that portion commenced. 

Amortization of intangible assets in 2016 of $1,548 (2015 – $1,645), was included in cost of sales. 

10.  Income taxes: 

Income tax expense 

Current (recovery) 
Deferred (reduction) 

Total  

2016 

5,144 
(339) 

4,805 

$ 

$ 

2015 

(677) 
5,410 

4,733 

$ 

$ 

Income tax recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 

Amount 
before 
tax 

Tax  
benefit 

2016 
Amount 
net of tax 

Amount 
before 
tax 

Tax 
expense 

2015 
Amount 
net of tax  

Defined benefit plans 
remeasurement 
gain (loss) 

$ 

$ 

(1,028) 

(1,028) 

291 

291 

(737)  $ 

2,843 

(773) 

2,070 

(737)  $ 

2,843 

(773) 

2,070 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

10.  Income taxes (continued): 

Reconciliation of effective tax rate 

2016 

2016 

2015 

Net income for the year 
Total income tax expense 

Income before income taxes 
Income tax using Pollard's domestic tax rate 

27.0% 

$ 

$ 

12,269 
4,805 

17,074 
4,610 

$ 

$ 

26.8% 

2015 

7,463 
4,733 

12,196 
3,266 

Changes in expected tax rates and other 

non-deductible amounts 

Effect of non-taxable items related to 

foreign exchange 

1.5% 

259 

(3.3%) 

(401) 

(0.4%) 

(64) 

15.3% 

28.1%  $ 

4,805 

38.8%  $ 

1,868 

4,733 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities 

Recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Net 

2016 

2015 

2016 

2015 

2016 

2015 

Property, plant and 
equipment 
Intangible assets 
Inventories 
Employee benefits 
Unrealized foreign 

exchange (gains) 
and losses 

Other 

$ 

19 
108 
364 
5,758 

148  $ 

-   
325 
5,477 

(6,926) 
(3,265) 
-   
(1,458) 

(6,347)  $ 
(3,515) 
-   
(1,734)   

(6,907) 
(3,157) 
364 
4,300 

(6,199) 
(3,515) 
325 
3,743 

1,611 
72 

1,869 
28 

(1,192) 
-   

(1,631) 
(371) 

419 
72 

238 
(343) 

Tax assets (liabilities) 

$ 

7,932 

7,847    $ 

(12,841) 

(13,598)  $ 

(4,909) 

(5,751) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

10.  Income taxes (continued): 

Movement in temporary differences during the year 

Balance 
January 1, 
2015 

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss 

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income  

Balance 
December 31, 
2015 

Recognized 
 in profit or 
loss 

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income 

Balance 
December 31, 
2016 

Property, plant and 
equipment 
Intangible assets 
Inventories 
Employee benefits 
Unrealized foreign 

exchange (gains) 
and losses 
Unused tax losses 
Other 

$ 

(1,240) 
(3,328) 
304 
3,656 

(4,959) 
(187) 
21 
860 

-   
-   
-   
(773) 

(6,199) 
(3,515) 
325 
3,743 

672 
520 
(125) 

(434) 
(520) 
(218) 

-   
-   
-   

238 
-   
(343) 

Tax assets (liabilities) 

$ 

459 

(5,437) 

(773) 

(5,751) 

(708) 
358 
39 
266 

181 
-   
415 

551 

-   
-   
-   
291 

-   
-   
-   

(6,907) 
(3,157) 
364 
4,300 

419 
-   
72 

291 

(4,909) 

Recognized in the consolidated statements of income as follows: 

Deferred income tax expense (reduction) 
Finance income 

2016 

(339) 
(212) 

$ 

(551) 

$ 

2015 

5,410 
27 

5,437  

$ 

$ 

Amounts included in finance income relate to unrealized foreign exchange. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

11.  Long-term debt: 

December 31, 
2016 

  December 31, 
2015 

Credit facility, interest of 3.1% to 3.4%, payable 

monthly, maturing 2018 

$ 

71,003 

$ 

Deferred financing charges, net of amortization 

Less current portion  

(151) 

70,852 

-   

73,497 

(211) 

73,286 

(1,203) 

$ 

70,852 

$ 

72,083 

Included  in  the  total  credit  facility  balance  is  a  U.S.  dollar  loan  balance  of  US$13,400  (2015  - 
US$14,200).   

Effective  June  24,  2016,  Pollard  Banknote  Limited  renewed  its  credit  facility.    The  credit  facility 
provides loans of up to $75,000 for its Canadian operations and US$12,000 for its U.S. subsidiaries. 
The borrowings for the Canadian operations can be denominated in Canadian or U.S. dollars, to a 
maximum of $75,000 Canadian equivalent.  Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at fixed 
and floating rates based on Canadian and U.S. prime bank rates, banker’s acceptances or LIBOR.  At 
December 31, 2016, the outstanding letters of guarantee drawn under the credit facility were $1,205 
(2015 - $1,257). 

Under the terms and conditions of the credit facility agreement Pollard is required to maintain certain 
financial covenants including working capital ratios, debt to income before interest, income taxes, 
amortization and depreciation (“Adjusted EBITDA”) ratios and certain debt service coverage ratios. 
As at December 31, 2016, Pollard is in compliance with all financial covenants. 

As of December 31, 2016, Pollard has unused credit facility available of $18,908 (2015 - $17,591).  

Pollard’s credit facility is secured by a first security interest in all of the present and after acquired 
property of Pollard. The facility can be prepaid without penalties. Under the terms of the agreement 
the facility was committed for a two year period, renewable June 24, 2018.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

12.  Subordinated debt: 

Subordinated debt, interest of 9.00% payable 

quarterly, maturing 2021 

Less current portion 

December 31, 
2016 

  December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

6,132  $ 

6,813 

(1,363) 

-   

4,769  $ 

6,813 

On April 2, 2014, Pollard entered into a loan agreement with Equities for a subordinated term loan 
facility with a seven year term in the amount of $6,813 to assist in the purchase of a printing press.   

Quarterly principal payments on the subordinated loan facility commenced the quarter following June 
30, 2016.  Interest on the subordinated debt commenced with the first draw at a rate of 9%.  The 
loan is fully subordinated to the secured credit facility.  

13.  Pension liability: 

Fair value of benefit plan assets 
Present value of benefit plan obligations 

Net pension liability 

December 31, 
2016 

December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

44,372 
(57,896) 

$ 

40,073 
(51,343) 

(13,524) 

$ 

(11,270) 

Pollard sponsors non-contributory defined benefit plans providing pension benefits to its employees. 
Pollard has four pension plans of which three are final pay plans and one is a flat benefit plan. None 
of the plans have indexation features. The measurement date for all the plans is December 31. The 
two  plans  of  the  U.S.  subsidiaries  require  valuations  annually  with  the  last  valuations  being  as  of 
January 1, 2016.  One of the Canadian plans of Pollard currently requires valuation every three years 
with  the  next  valuation  to  be  completed  in  fiscal  2017  as  of  December  31,  2016.    Pollard’s  other 
Canadian plan’s last valuation was as of January 1, 2013. A new valuation of this plan will also be 
completed  in  fiscal  2017  as  of  December  31,  2016.    Pollard’s  U.S.  subsidiaries  also  maintain  two 
defined contribution plans. The pension expense for these defined contribution plans is the annual 
funding contribution by the subsidiaries.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

13.  Pension liability (continued): 

Pollard expects to contribute approximately $4,100 to its defined benefit plans in 2017.  Included in 
the 2017 estimated contributions is $1,300 in additional solvency payments. 

The benefit plan assets are held in trust and are invested as follows: 

Equities 
Bonds 
Cash and cash equivalents 

December 31, 
2016 

December 31, 
2015 

61.5% 
35.8% 
2.7% 

62.3% 
37.2% 
0.5% 

100.0% 

100.0% 

Information about Pollard’s defined benefit plans, in aggregate, is as follows: 

Benefit plan assets 

Fair value, beginning of year 
Expected return on plan assets 
Employer contributions 
Benefits paid 
Remeasurement (losses) gains 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Fair value, end of year 

Accrued benefit plan obligations 

Balance, beginning of year 
Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Benefits paid 
Remeasurement (gains) losses 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance, end of year 

Net pension liability 

2016 

2015 

$ 

40,073 
1,733 
2,577 
(1,743) 
1,866 
(134) 

37,460 
1,534 
2,387 
(1,765) 
(311) 
768 

44,372 

$ 

40,073 

$ 

51,343 
3,464 
2,161 
(1,743) 
2,894 
(223) 

49,402 
3,595 
1,979 
(1,765) 
(3,154) 
1,286 

57,896 

$ 

51,343 

(13,524)  $ 

(11,270) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

13.  Pension liability (continued): 

The total net cost for Pollard’s defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans recognized in 
cost of sales is as follows: 

2016 

2015 

Net defined benefit plans cost 

Current service cost 
Interest on plan obligations 
Actual return on plan assets 
Difference between expected return and actual 

return on plan assets 

Net defined benefit plans cost 

Defined contribution plans cost 

$ 

$ 

3,464 
2,161 
(3,599) 

2,142 

4,168 

249 

Net pension plans cost 

$ 

4,417 

$ 

3,595 
1,979 
(1,223) 

(64) 

4,287 

245 

4,532 

Actuarial assumptions 

The principal actuarial assumptions used in measuring at the reporting date are as follows: 

Discount rate 
Rate of compensation increase 

2016 

2015 

4.0% to 4.3% 
0% to 3.0% 

4.3% to 4.7% 
0% to 3.0% 

Assumptions regarding future mortality have been based on published statistics and mortality tables.  
As of December 31, 2016, Pollard used CPM2014 Private Sector projected CPM-B mortality table for 
its  Canadian  subsidiary’s  pension  plans  and  the  RP-2016  healthy  mortality  tables  for  its  U.S. 
subsidiary’s pension plans.  As of December 31, 2015, Pollard used CPM2014 Private Sector projected 
with  Scale  B  mortality  table  for  its  Canadian  subsidiary’s  pension  plans  and  the  RP-2015  healthy 
mortality tables for its U.S. subsidiary’s pension plans.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

13.  Pension liability (continued): 

Sensitivity analysis 

Reasonably  possible  changes  at  the  reporting  date  to  one  of  the  relevant  actuarial  assumptions, 
holding  other  assumptions  constant,  would  have  affected  the  defined  benefit  obligation  by  the 
amounts show below: 

Discount rate (1% movement) 
Rate of compensation increase (1% movement) 
Future mortality (one year) 

$ 
$ 
$ 

(11,083)  $ 
  $ 
$ 

1,949 
1,247 

14,722 
(1,774) 
(1,282) 

Increase 

Decrease 

Remeasurements 

Remeasurement (losses) gains arising on plan 

assets 

$ 

1,866 

$ 

(311) 

2016 

2015 

Remeasurement (gains) losses arising on plan 

liabilities from: 

Demographic assumptions 
Financial assumptions 
Experience adjustments 

Remeasurement (gains) losses arising on plan 

liabilities 

$ 

$ 

(81)  $ 

3,223 
(248) 

(268) 
(3,110) 
224 

2,894 

$ 

(3,154) 

Remeasurements recognized in other comprehensive income 

Amount accumulated in deficit, beginning of year 
Recognized during the year 

Amount accumulated in deficit, end of year 

$ 

$ 

(11,259)  $ 
(737) 

(13,329) 
2,070 

(11,996)  $ 

(11,259) 

2016 

2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

14.  Share capital: 

Authorized 

Unlimited common shares 
Unlimited preferred shares 

Issued 

23,543,158 common shares 

Ownership restrictions: 

December 31, 
2016 

December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

73,209 

73,209 

$ 

$ 

73,209 

73,209 

The holders of the common shares are entitled to one vote in respect to each common share held, 
subject to the Board of Directors ability to take constraint actions when a person, or group of persons 
acting in concert acquires, agrees to acquire, holds, beneficially owns or controls, either directly or 
indirectly, a number of shares equal to or in excess of 5% of the common shares (on a non-diluted 
basis) issued and outstanding (“Ownership Threshold”).  The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, 
can take the following constraint actions:   

•  place a stop transfer on all or any of the common shares believed to be in excess of the 

Ownership Threshold;  

• 

• 

suspend all voting and/or dividend rights on all or any of common share held believed to be 
in excess of the Ownership Threshold;  

apply to a court seeking an injunction to prevent a person from acquiring, holding, owning, 
controlling and/or directing, directly or indirectly, common shares in excess of the Ownership 
Threshold; and/or 

•  make  application  to  the  relevant  securities  commission  to  effect  a  cease  trading  order  or 
such similar restriction, until the person no longer controls common shares equal to or in 
excess of the Ownership Threshold. 

In addition, if a Gaming Regulatory Authority has determined that ownership by a holder of common 
shares is inconsistent with its declared policies, the Board of Directors is entitled to take constraint 
action against such shareholder.  Any person who controls common shares equal to or in excess of 
the Ownership Threshold, may be required to file an application, be investigated and have suitability 
as a shareholder determined by a Gaming Regulatory Authority, if such Gaming Regulatory Authority 
has reason to believe such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with its declared policies.  The 
shareholder  must  pay  all  the  costs  of  the  investigation  incurred  by  any  such  Gaming  Regulatory 
Authority. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

14.  Share capital (continued): 

Capital management: 

Pollard’s  objectives  in  managing  capital  are  to  maintain  a  strong  capital  base  so  as  to  maintain 
investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business.  Pollard 
also strives to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the overall cost of capital. 

In the management of capital, Pollard includes long-term debt, subordinated debt, share capital and 
deficit, but excludes reserves.  The Board of Directors regularly monitors the levels of debt, equity 
and dividends. 

Pollard monitors capital on the basis of funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA, working capital ratio and 
debt service coverage.  Pollard has externally imposed capital requirements as determined through 
its bank credit facility.  As at December 31, 2016, Pollard is in compliance with all financial covenants. 

Dividends: 

Dividends are paid on the common shares within 15 days of the end of each quarter and are fully 
discretionary, as determined by the Board of Directors of Pollard. 

On November 14, 2016, a dividend of $0.03 per share was declared, payable on January 13, 2017, 
to the shareholders of record on December 31, 2016. 

There were no other changes in Pollard’s approach to capital management during the current period. 

Share based compensation: 

Under the Pollard Banknote Limited Stock Option Plan the Board of Directors has the authority to 
grant options to purchase common shares to eligible persons and to determine the applicable terms.  
The aggregate maximum number of common shares available for issuance from Pollard’s treasury 
under the Option Plan is 2,354,315 common shares. 

On  March  5,  2014,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  award  of  100,000  options  to  purchase 
common  shares  of  Pollard  for  certain  key  management  personnel.    The  options  were  granted  on 
March 10, 2014, and have a seven year term, vesting 25% per year over the first four years.  The 
exercise price of the options was equal to the closing price of the common shares on March 7, 2014.   

On September 7, 2016, the Board of Directors approved the award of 25,000 options to purchase 
common shares of Pollard for a key management member.  The options were granted on October 3, 
2016, and have a seven year term, vesting 25% per year over the first four years.  The exercise price 
of the options was equal to the closing price of the common shares on September 30, 2016. 

 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

14.  Share capital (continued): 

The  grant  date  fair  value  of  these  options  was  determined  based  on  the  Black-Scholes  formula.  
Expected volatility is estimated by considering historic average share price volatility.  The inputs used 
in the measurement of the fair values of the share based compensation granted are the following: 

Option grant date 

Fair value at grant date 
Share price 
Exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Option life (expected weighted average life) 
Risk-free interest rate (based on Canadian 
government bonds) 

October 3, 
2016 

1.87 
8.12 
8.12 
30.7% 
4.75 years 

$ 
$ 
$ 

March 10, 
 2014 

0.82 
3.63 
3.63 
33.7% 
4.75 years 

$ 
$ 
$ 

  0.6% to 0.7% 

  1.7% to 2.1% 

As of December 31, 2016, no share options had been exercised or expired.  Of the 125,000 options 
outstanding at December 31, 2016, 50,000 were exercisable.  The weighted average exercise price 
for the outstanding options was $4.53. 

Subsequent to year end, on March 13, 2017, the Board of Directors approved the award of 125,000 
options to purchase common shares of Pollard for key management personnel.  The options will be 
granted on March 16, 2017, and have a seven year term, vesting 25% per year over the first four 
years.  The exercise price of the options will be equal to the closing price of the common shares on 
March 15, 2017. 

15.  Commitments and contingencies: 

Pollard and certain subsidiaries rent premises and equipment under long-term operating leases. The 
following  is  a  schedule  by  fiscal  year  of  rental  payment  commitments  under  operating  leases 
outstanding: 

2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 
2021 
Thereafter 

$ 

4,930 
4,450 
3,381 
3,093 
2,716 
4,107 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

15.  Commitments and contingencies (continued): 

Pollard  is  contingently  liable  for  outstanding  letters  of  guarantee  in  the  amount  of  $1,205  at 
December 31, 2016 (2015 - $1,257). These letters of guarantee are part of Pollard’s credit facility 
and are secured as disclosed in note 11. 

During 2008 Pollard entered into a sale leaseback with an affiliate of Equities for land and building in 
Council Bluffs, Iowa. The property was sold for $4,081 and leased back for ten years at an annual 
lease rate of approximately US$260. The sale value was determined through independent appraisal.   

Also in 2008 Pollard entered into a lease with an affiliate of Equities for a manufacturing facility in 
Winnipeg, Manitoba.  The lease was for a 12 year 6 month period, ending March 31, 2021, at an 
annual base rate of approximately $2,453.  In 2015, Pollard agreed to exercise its renewal clause.  
The renewal covers the period from April 2021 to September 2023 with an approximate annual lease 
rate  of  $2,400,  including  an  annual  amortization  of  a  leasehold  improvement  allowance  of 
approximately $1,000.  The total leasehold allowance is $2,500.  The base rental rate was based on 
current market value as determined through independent appraisal. 

During 2011 Pollard entered into a sale leaseback with an affiliate of Equities for land and building in 
Winnipeg, Manitoba.  The property was sold for $3,473 and leased back for five years (with an option 
to renew for an additional five year term) at an annual lease rate of approximately $313. The sale 
value was determined through independent appraisal.  During 2016, Pollard exercised its option to 
renew its lease for an additional five year term for annual rent of $363 per year.  The rental rate was 
based on current market value as determined through independent appraisal. 

Pollard is involved in litigation and claims associated with operations, the aggregate amounts of which 
are  not  determinable.  While  it  is  not  possible  to  estimate  the  outcome  of  the  proceedings, 
management is of the opinion that any resulting settlements would not materially affect the financial 
position of Pollard. Should a loss occur on resolution of these claims, such loss would be accounted 
for as a charge to income in the period in which the settlement occurs.  

Pollard has agreed to indemnify Pollard’s current and former directors and officers from and against 
liability and costs in respect of any action or suit against them in connection with the execution of 
their duties of office, subject to certain usual limitations. No claims with respect to such occurrences 
have  been  made  and,  as  such,  no  amount  has  been  recorded  in  these  financial  statements  with 
respect to these indemnifications. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

16.  Other (income) expense: 

Loss on equity investment (note 7) 
Gain on sale of investment in associate 
Other income 

2016 

730 
(516) 
(246) 

$ 

(32) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2015 

32 
-   
(316) 

(284) 

During 2016, Pollard entered into an agreement to sell its investment in Shenzhen Palm Commerce 
&  Pollard  Banknote  Technology  Co.,  Ltd.  to  Palm  Commerce  Information  and  Technology  (China) 
Co.,  Ltd.,  the  majority  shareholder,  for  proceeds  of  US$400,  which  are  recorded  in  accounts 
receivable as at December 31, 2016.   

17.  Finance costs and finance income: 

Finance costs 

Foreign exchange loss 
Interest 
Amortization of deferred financing costs 

Finance income 

Foreign exchange gain 
Mark-to-market gain on foreign currency contracts  

2016 

681 
3,374 
226 

$ 

4,281 

$ 

2016 

1,042 
-   

$ 

1,042 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  $ 

$ 

2015 

3,120 
2,917 
345 

6,382 

2015 

7 
483 

490 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

18.  Net income per share: 

2016 

2015 

Net income attributable to shareholders for basic 

and diluted net income per share 

$ 

12,269 

$ 

7,463 

Weighted average number of shares (basic) 
Weighted average impact of share options 

23,543,158 
106,216 

  23,543,158 
100,000 

Weighted average number of shares (diluted) 

23,649,374 

  23,643,158 

Net income per share (basic) 

Net income per share (diluted) 

19.  Personnel expenses: 

Wages and salaries 
Benefits and government payroll remittances 
Profit share 
Expenses related to defined contribution plans 
Expenses related to defined benefit plans 

20.  Supplementary cash flow information:  

Change in non-cash operating working capital: 

Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Income taxes receivable 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.52 

0.52 

$ 

$ 

0.32 

0.32 

$ 

2016 

70,851 
11,645 
2,028 
249 
4,168 

2015 

66,716 
10,571 
1,432 
252 
4,288 

$ 

88,941 

$ 

83,259 

2016 

2015 

$ 

(14,724)  $ 

(3,657) 
182 
(417) 
1,696 

(1,290) 
2,356 
(1,117) 
(2,199) 
(565) 

$ 

(16,920)  $ 

(2,815) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

21.  Related party transactions: 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, Pollard paid property rent of $3,146 (2015 - $3,092) and 
$357 (2015 - $272) in plane charter costs to affiliates of Equities.  In addition, during the year, Pollard 
paid Equities $592 (2015 - $613) interest on Pollard’s subordinated debt.   

During the year, Equities paid Pollard $72 (2015 - $72) for accounting and administration fees. 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, Pollard reimbursed operating costs and paid software 
royalties of $1,755 (2015 - $484) to its iLottery partner, which are recorded in cost of sales and $633 
(2015 - $115) of development costs.   

At December 31, 2016, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is an amount owing to 
Equities and its affiliates for rent, interest and other expenses of $907 (2015 - $795).  Also included 
in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is a net amount owing to Pollard’s iLottery partner of $789 
(2015  -  $1,125)  for  reimbursement  of  operating  costs  and  capital  expenditures,  and  its  share  of 
operating profits. 

Key management personnel are those having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the company.  The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are 
considered key management personnel.   

Key management personnel compensation comprised: 

Wages, salaries and benefits 
Profit share 
Expenses related to defined benefit plans 

2016 

2,631 
14 
447 

$ 

3,092 

$ 

2015 

2,571 
9 
483 

3,063 

$ 

$ 

As  at  December  31,  2016,  the  Directors  and  Named  Executive  Officers  of  Pollard,  as  a  group, 
beneficially owned or exercised control or direction over 17,444,771 common shares of Pollard. 

22.  Sales to major customers:  

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  sales  to  one  customer  amounted  to  17  percent  of 
consolidated sales, in 2015 no customer amounted to 10 percent. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

23.  Segmented information:  

Pollard’s operations consist of one reporting segment principally in the manufacturing, development 
and  sale  of  lottery  and  charitable  gaming  products.  The  manufacturing,  development  and  sale  of 
lottery and charitable products have been aggregated as one reportable segment as they have similar 
economic  characteristics,  including  similar  gross  profit  margins.    Geographic  distribution  of  sales, 
property, plant and equipment and goodwill are as follows: 

Sales: 

Canada 
U.S. 
Other 

Property, plant and equipment and goodwill: 

Canada 
U.S. 

24.  Financial instruments: 

2016 

2015 

$ 

49,399 
134,130 
62,885 

52,530 
108,969 
59,531 

246,414 

$ 

221,030 

December 31, 
2016 

December 31, 
2015 

43,893 
40,526 

$ 

84,419 

$ 

44,266 
43,831 

88,097 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the estimated amount that Pollard would receive or pay to 
terminate the instrument agreement at the reporting date. The following methods and assumptions 
were  used  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of  each  type  of  financial  instrument  by  reference  to  various 
market value data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. 

The fair values of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and dividends payable 
approximate their carrying values given their short-term maturities. 

The fair value of the long-term debt approximates the carrying value due to the variable interest rate 
of the debt. 

The  fair  value  of  the  subordinated  debt  approximates  the  carrying  value  based  on  the  terms 
associated with the debt. 

The  fair  value  of  the  other  non-current  liabilities  approximates  the  carrying  value  based  on  the 
expected settlement amount of these liabilities. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

24.  Financial instruments (continued): 

Certain  financial  instruments  recorded  at  fair  value  on  the  statements  of  financial  position  are 
classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the 
measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: 

Level 1 - valuation based on the quoted prices observed in active markets for identical assets or 
liabilities 

Level 2 - valuation techniques based on inputs that are quoted prices of similar instruments in 
active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; 
other than quoted prices used in a valuation model that are observable for that instrument; and 
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation 
or other means 

Level 3 - valuation techniques with significant unobservable market inputs 

A financial instrument is classified to the lowest level of the hierarchy for which a significant input 
has been considered in measuring fair value. 

As at December 31, 2016, the cash and restricted cash recorded at fair value was classified as level 
one of the fair value hierarchy. 

25.  Financial risk management: 

Pollard has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments: 

Credit risk 
Liquidity risk 
Currency risk 
Interest rate risk 

Pollard’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks, to set appropriate 
risk limits and controls and to monitor risks and adherence to limits.  The Audit Committee oversees 
how management monitors compliance with Pollard’s risk management policies and procedures.  The 
Audit Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit, who undertakes regular reviews 
of  risk  management  controls  and  utilizes  the  annual  risk  assessment  process  as  the  basis  for  the 
annual internal audit plan. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

25.  Financial risk management (continued): 

Credit risk 

The following table outlines the details of the aging of Pollard’s receivables and the related allowance 
for doubtful accounts: 

Current 
Past due for 1 to 60 days 
Past due for more than 60 days 
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Liquidity risk 

December 31, 
2016 

December 31, 
2015 

$ 

$ 

36,670 
1,530 
449 
(64) 

19,193 
4,295 
717 
(54) 

$ 

38,585 

$ 

24,151 

Liquidity risk is the risk that Pollard will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. 

The  following  table  outlines  Pollard’s  maturity  analysis  of  the  undiscounted  cash  flows,  including 
related interest payments, of certain non-current financial liabilities and leases as of December 31, 
2016: 

Total 

2017 

2018 - 2019 

2020 - 2021 

After 

$ 

Long-term debt 
Subordinated debt 
Pension liability 
Operating leases 

74,695 
7,306 
13,524 
22,677 

2,271 
1,839 
1,300 
4,930 

72,424 
3,309 
2,600 
7,831 

-   
2,158 
2,600 
5,809 

-   
-   
7,024 
4,107 

$ 

118,202 

10,340 

86,164 

10,567 

11,131 

Pollard’s approach is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet 
its  liabilities  when  due.    In  addition,  Pollard  maintains  a  committed  credit  facility  including  up  to 
$75,000 for its Canadian operations and up to US$12,000 for its U.S. subsidiaries.  At December 31, 
2016,  the  unused  balance  available  for  drawdown  under  the  credit  facility  was  $18,908  (2015  - 
$17,591). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share amounts) 

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

25.  Financial risk management (continued): 

The 2017 requirements for capital expenditures, working capital and dividends are expected to be 
financed from cash flow provided by operating activities and the unused credit facility. Pollard enters 
into contractual obligations in the normal course of business operations. 

Currency risk 

Pollard sells a significant portion of its products and services to customers in the United States and 
to  some  international  customers  where  sales  are  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars.    In  addition,  a 
significant portion of its cost inputs are denominated in U.S. dollars.  Pollard also generates revenue 
in currencies other than the Canadian and U.S. dollar, primarily in Euros. 

A 50 basis point strengthening/weakening in the foreign exchange rate between the Canadian and 
U.S. dollar would decrease/increase the income before income taxes due to changes in operating 
cashflow by approximately $64 for year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $47).  A 50 basis point 
strengthening/weakening in the foreign exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and Euro would 
decrease/increase  the  income  before  income  taxes  due  to  changes  in  operating  cashflow  by 
approximately $64 for year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $52). 

In addition, translation differences arise when foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are 
translated at foreign exchange rates that change over time.  As at December 31, 2016, the amount 
of  financial  liabilities  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  exceeded  the  amount  of  financial  assets 
denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  by  approximately  $1,552  (2015  -  $4,101).    A    50    basis  point 
weakening/strengthening in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar would result 
in a decrease/increase in income before taxes of approximately $8 for the year ended December 31, 
2016 (2015 - $21). 

Pollard utilizes a number of strategies to mitigate its exposure to currency risk. Two manufacturing 
facilities are located in the U.S. and a significant amount of cost inputs for all production facilities are 
denominated in U.S. dollars, offsetting a large portion of the U.S. dollar revenue in a natural hedge.  

Pollard  also  uses  financial  hedges,  including  foreign  currency  contracts,  to  help  manage  foreign 
currency risk.  At December 31, 2016, Pollard had no outstanding foreign currency contracts. 

Interest rate risk 

Pollard is exposed to interest rate risk relating to its fixed and floating rate instruments.  Fluctuation 
in interest rates will have an effect on the valuation and repayment of these instruments.   

A 50 basis point decrease/increase in interest rates would result in an increase/decrease in income 
before income taxes of approximately $355 for the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $367). 

 
 
 
 
Investor
Relations

Robert Rose
140 Otter Street
t: 204-474-2323
e: winnipeg@pollardbanknote.com

Stock
Exchange Listing

The Toronto Stock Exchange - PBL

Independent
Auditors

KPMG LLP,
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Transfer
Agent

Computershare Trust Company of Canada,
Toronto, Ontario

Toronto-Dominion Bank,
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Bank of Montreal,
Calgary, Alberta

Bankers

Canadian Western Bank,
Edmonton, Alberta

140 Otter Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 0M8
t: 204-474-2323
f: 204-453-1375

Head Office

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
1499 Buffalo Place, R3T 1L7
140 Otter Street, R3T 0M8

Barrhead, Alberta, Canada
6203 46th Street, T7N 1A1

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
300-45 White Oak Drive East, P6B 4J7

Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
775 James L. Hart Parkway, 48197

Manufacturing
Facilities

Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA
504 34th Avenue, 51501

The Board
of Directors
of Pollard
Banknote
Limited

Gordon Pollard EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Jerry Gray 1,2
Garry Leach 1
John Pollard 3
Douglas Pollard

1  Member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee
  and the Governance and Nominating Committee
2  Lead Director
3  Member of the Audit Committee

John Pollard
CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Douglas Pollard
CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Paul Franzmann
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
Pedro Melo
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Riva Richard
GENERAL COUNSEL AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
LEGAL AFFAIRS
Robert Rose
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND CHIEF
FINANCIAL OFFICER
Jennifer Westbury
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES AND CUSTOMER
DEVELOPMENT
Robert Young
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS

Senior
Management

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140 Otter Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 0M8
(204) 474 - 2323
www.pollardbanknote.com

ANNUAL REPORT

2016