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

Pollard Banknote

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FY2018 Annual Report · Pollard Banknote
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Pollard Banknote Limited Annual Report Cover 2018.ai

DATE:_Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 14:12 

REV:_01

Back Cover

Cover

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

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

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Pollard Banknote Limited Annual Report Cover 2018.ai

DATE:_Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 14:12 

REV:_01

Inside Pages

Inside Front Page

Inside Back Page

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

Head Office

Manufacturing
Facilities

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

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

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

Chatsworth, California, USA
9340 Penfield Avenue, 91311

Adair, Iowa, USA
1000 Flag Road, 50002

Omaha, Nebraska, USA
9335 48th Street, 68152

The Board
of Directors
of Pollard
Banknote
Limited

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

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

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

Letter to Shareholders

Board of Directors

Management's Discussion and Analysis
Pollard Banknote Limited

Consolidated Financial Statements
of Pollard Banknote Limited

CONTENTS

Corporate Information

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Size: 11" H x 17" W      

1059732

SUBJECT TO TECHNICAL REVIEW

NOTICE: When viewing this document as either a paper print or PDF, please note that the colours are not a true representation of the finished printed product.

Our final contract proof is a Kodak Approval including ink colour swatches, that will more closely match the printed ticket.

Shutterstock Image - #1151620328 (BASE) - The photograph(s) in this design is a copyrighted work. Download under Shutterstock Enhanced License Agreement is required before print production.

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS 

flow 

from  operating  activities. 

Enclosed please find our 2018 Annual Report. 2018 was a successful year on a 
number of fronts, including achieving record revenue of more than $331 million, 
generating almost $30 million in income from operations and over $39 million in 
cash 
  We  are  very  pleased  with  our 
accomplishments during 2018, both financially and operationally.  Our vision is to 
be  the  partner  of  choice  in  the  lottery  and  charitable  gaming  market  by  offering 
retail  and  digital  games  and  solutions  that  attract  and  engage  players  and  we 
believe  this  is  being  achieved  through  the  development  of  industry  leading 
innovative products and services. 

Sales of our main product, instant tickets, were relatively flat compared to 2017 
primarily  due  to  the  temporary  reduction  of  order  volumes  in  the  fourth  quarter. 
Notwithstanding  this  short-term  dip,  the  long-term  outlook  in  consumer  demand 
for  instant tickets  remains  very  strong  and  provides  the business  foundation for 
future growth.  We continue to develop our ancillary product portfolio to expand 
our  revenue  and  earnings  including  areas  such  as  loyalty  clubs  (PlayOnTM),  in-
lane retail distribution (ScanActivTM), Lottery Management Systems (SureTrack®) 
and  digital  apps  among  others.    Our  proprietary  print  products  such  as  Scratch 
FX® and ClearPlayTM are industry leaders and help position Pollard Banknote as 
a true innovative trailblazer. 

Our acquisition  strategy  was  very  successful  during  this  past  year  with  the 
completion  of  two  transactions:  International  Gamco,  Inc.  (“Gamco”)  and  the 
business  of  Schafer  Systems,  Inc  (“Schafer”).    These  acquisitions  meet  our 
benchmarks  of  being  financially  accretive  as  well  as  strategically  important  in 
expanding our expertise and breadth of product offering.   

Sales 

2018  revenue  reached  a  new  record  at  over  $331  million,  an  increase  of  $46 
million or 16%, the second year in a row of 16% top line growth.  Sales of instant 
tickets  were  relatively  stable  compared  to  the  record  volumes  and  average 
selling prices achieved in 2017, with higher revenue in the first three quarters of 
the year primarily being offset by lower order volumes in the fourth quarter.    Our 
lower  volumes  in  the  fourth  quarter  were  due  to  the  timing  of  certain  customer 
orders  and  does  not  reflect  any  systemic  change  in  our  underlying  contracts  or 
retail consumer demand.  Sales of our key proprietary print products continue to 
play a critical role in our strategic sales objectives and ancillary sales increased 
revenue  slightly  from  2017,  with  higher  digital  revenue  including  iLottery  being 
partially offset by a reduction in licensed games revenue.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The bulk of our increased revenue was due to our acquisitions, with the additions 
of  Schafer  (November  1)  and  Gamco  (February  1)  and  a  full  12  months  of 
revenue from Diamond Game (versus five months in 2017) adding approximately 
$44  million  in  revenue  to  our  top  line.  The  Canadian  dollar  on  average  was 
steady in value relative to the U.S. dollar compared to 2017. 

We  received  a  number  of  contract  renewals  and  extensions  throughout  2018, 
retaining  all  of  our  instant  ticket  customers  during  the  year.    Key  contract 
extensions  include  a  ten-year  extension  with  the  British  Columbia  Lottery 
Corporation (one of our very first instant ticket customers), a four-year extension 
with the Michigan State Lottery and other important renewals with such lotteries 
as Texas, Iowa and many others.   New lottery contract wins include the instant 
ticket  contract  to  provide  exclusive  products  for  the  lottery  of  Norway.    After 
factoring  in  existing  renewal  options,  the  weighted  average  life  of  our  existing 
instant  ticket  contract  portfolio  is  in  excess  of  4  years,  providing  the  foundation 
for solid recurring revenue and organic growth. 

Our iLottery operations continued to produce very positive results, driven by our 
industry  leading  Michigan  operation.  At  the  same  time  as  growing  this  digital 
distribution  channel,  Michigan’s  growth  in  sales  of  instant  tickets  at  traditional 
retail  outlets  is  outpacing  other  lotteries  in  the  Untied  States,  highlighting  the 
importance  of  iLottery  to  grow  the  player  base  and  benefit  overall  lottery  sales.  
In addition to Michigan, our iLottery joint venture is now operating in Virginia, won 
a  new  contract  in  2018  for  the  New  Hampshire  iLottery  and  was  awarded  the 
contract to operate the North Carolina iLottery, which we expect to go live in late 
2019. 

Our  charitable  games  revenue  was  significantly  higher  in  2018,  exceeding  $55 
million,  reflecting  our  acquisition  of  Gamco,  but  also  as  a  result  of  moderate 
growth in the overall industry.  Key jurisdictions have shown growth at the retail 
level and with the addition of the valuable Gamco branded pull-tab tickets, we are 
in a unique position to develop a stronger presence in this market.  

During  2018  North  Dakota  opened  its  market  for  eGaming  pull-tab  machines 
which provided an opportunity for our Diamond Game and Gamco operations to 
provide  an  effective  solution.    Utilizing  the  Gamco  Oasis  branded  machine,  our 
teams  worked  together  to  develop  and  successfully  deploy  approximately  250 
machines  into  this  market,  illustrating  the  revenue  synergies  available  to  our 
organization.    As  this  new  market  continues  to  grow,  we  look  forward  to  the 
placement of more machines and bringing the market exciting new games. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations 

Our gross margin increased by $10.0 million or 15.2% primarily due to the impact 
of  our  acquisitions  of  Gamco  and  Schafer  and  the  full  year  effect  of  Diamond 
Game.  Our instant ticket gross margin was relatively flat compared to 2017 due 
to  the  temporary  shortfall  in  orders  in  the  fourth  quarter.    Our  gross  margin 
percentage  declined  slightly  year  over  year,  22.8%  compared  to  23%,  due 
primarily to the impact of the lower orders in the fourth quarter. 

Administration  expenses  increased  $3.5  million,  or  approximately  12%,  partially 
due  to  the  inclusion  of  a  full  year  of  Diamond  Game  operations  and  our 
acquisitions of Gamco and Schafer.  In addition, increased personnel costs were 
incurred relating to our growth strategies and product development of our digital 
innovations  and  increased  investment  in  our  technology  infrastructure.    These 
increases  were  partially  offset  by  a  decline  in  acquisition  costs  and  lower 
severance  costs  associated  with  our  acquisitions  relative  to  2017.  Selling 
expenses increased $3.8 million over 2017 primarily due to the inclusion of a full 
year  of  Diamond  Game,  our  acquisitions  of  Gamco  and  Schafer  and  ongoing 
investments in additional personnel to support our expanded portfolio of products 
and services offered to the lottery market. 

During  2018  we  recommissioned  our  original  press  line  in  Ypsilanti  to  provide 
extra capacity and scheduling flexibility for our instant ticket product line.  We are 
currently adding additional equipment to this press line to increase its efficiencies 
and capacity, which will provide us with more than sufficient capacity to produce 
expected volumes while ensuring additional room for growth. 

A  number  of  important  capital  projects  were  undertaken  during  the  year  in 
addition  to  the  press  recommissioning  including  the  expansion  of  our  in-house 
plate making operations, additional investments in finishing equipment including 
folding  and  packaging  equipment  and  upgrades  in  a  number  of  technical 
infrastructure  areas.    These  investments  will  improve  the  efficiencies  of  our 
operations while at the same time continuing our cost reduction initiatives. 

Acquisitions 

Acquisitions are a key objective in our strategic plan by ensuring the quality and 
breadth  of  our  products  and  services  are  industry  leading.    Over  the  last  18 
months  we  have  successfully  made  three  important  additions  to  the  Pollard 
Banknote family. 

Diamond  Game  completed  its  first  full  year  within  Pollard  Banknote  and 
continues  to  exceed  our  expectations.    In  addition  to  developing  the  North 
Dakota  market,  Diamond  Game  is  actively  working  on  a  number  of  new 
jurisdictions  for  their  electronic  gaming  machines  and  to  expand  the  machine 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
count  in existing  market  places.   We expect  additional machines to  be  installed 
during the year in pilot programs which is often the first step in further expansion. 

Our  Gamco  purchase  on  February  1,  2018,  has  proceeded  very  well  and  the 
integration of the business with our existing American Games operation has gone 
smoothly.    The  market  reception  of  the  combined  businesses  has  been  very 
positive and we believe the portfolio of multiple branded pull-tabs provides us a 
unique opportunity for future revenue synergies. 

On  November  1,  2018,  we  completed  the  acquisition  of  the  Schafer  Systems 
operating  business.    Schafer  is  the  market  leader  in  instant  ticket  lottery 
dispensing and related merchandising products and has significant relationships 
with  the  leading  lotteries  in  the  United  States.    While  still  early,  we  are  very 
pleased  with  the  management  team  and  employees  of  Schafer  and  see  great 
potential to combine Schafer’s merchandising expertise with our unique portfolio 
of  innovative  instant  tickets  to  provide  unparalleled  growth  opportunities  for 
lotteries.    Further  expansion  into  Canada  and  internationally  are  other  areas  of 
potential growth for the Schafer business. 

We  continue  to  actively  search  for  additional  opportunities  to  acquire  strategic 
and financially accretive businesses that can further our goal of being the partner 
of choice for lotteries around the world.   

Capital 

We work to ensure an appropriate capital structure that will provide the funds to 
meet  our  strategic  objectives  and  during  this  past  year  we  achieved  some 
important objectives in that regard. 

In  June  we  renewed  our  credit  facility  for  a  three-year  term,  significantly 
increasing  the  amount  of  capital  available,  lowering  costs  and  increasing  the 
flexibility  of  our  relationship  with  our  senior  banking  group.    At  December  31, 
2018, we had approximately $60 million of unused availability in our credit facility. 

In  February  2018,  we  completed  a  very  successful  common  share  offering 
raising  approximately  $36  million  before  costs.    This  was  our  first  return  to  the 
equity capital markets since our initial public offering more than 10 years ago and 
we  remain  committed  to  expanding  our  equity  base  to  support  our  long-term 
growth. 

The  nature  of our  operations  generates  significant  organic  cash flow  which  is  a 
key  building  block  in  our  liquidity  and  funding  strategy.    In  2018  our  cash  flow 
from  operating  activities  was  $39.7  million, a  significant 77%  conversion  rate  of 
cash  relative  to  Adjusted  EBITDA.    These  funds  are  used  to  finance  our 
investments  in  capital  improvements,  product  development  and  the  ongoing 
operations of Pollard as well as providing capital to assist in our acquisitions. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outlook for 2019 

Our  outlook  for  2019  remains  very  positive.    The  lottery  and  charitable  gaming 
industries remain healthy with continued growing demand for instant tickets and 
other  regulated  gaming  products.    Lotteries  and  charitable  organizations  are 
looking  for  additional  products  and  services  to  generate  proceeds  for  the  good 
causes they support and this in turn provides opportunities for Pollard Banknote.  
We believe our growth and development over 2018 and the past few  years has 
positioned  us  to  be  the  partner  of  choice  and  we  will  continue  to  pursue  this 
strategy. 

Our  investments  in  innovative  products  and  services  to  meet  these  growing 
customer  demands  will  continue,  both  through  the  internal  development  of 
unique  state-of-the  art  solutions  and  leading-edge  print  products  as  well  as 
enhancing our offerings through strategic acquisitions. 

We anticipate our businesses will continue to generate strong cash flow in 2019 
which  will  provide  the  funding  for  our  key  initiatives  including  critical  capital 
investments, working capital growth and ongoing debt repayment.  On March 13, 
2019,  our  Board  of  Directors  increased  our  dividend  by  33%,  recognizing  the 
strength of our underlying businesses and strong cash flow. 

2018 was another successful year for Pollard Banknote and we owe this success 
to many people: over 1,700 enthusiastic employees work diligently to achieve our 
vision;  numerous  lottery  and  charitable  gaming  organizations  partner  with  us  to 
help generate proceeds for various good causes; many industry leading suppliers 
help  us  develop  innovative  solutions;  our  Board  of  Directors  provide  insightful 
leadership  and  encouragement;  and  shareholders  entrust  us  with 
their 
confidence to grow Pollard Banknote  and ensure we are the partner of choice in 
the lottery and charitable  gaming industry for years to come.  We thank you for 
your support and look forward to another year of growth in 2019. 

******** 

On January 4, 2019, Lawrie Pollard, our past President and Chairman Emeritus, 
passed  away  peacefully  at  age  90  after  71  years  of  devoted  service  to  our 
company.    Lawrie  was  a  true  visionary  who  led  our organization  into  the lottery 
business  and  without  his  foresight,  drive  and  passion,  Pollard  Banknote  would 
not be the organization it is today.  Lawrie always enjoyed engaging with people 
he met through Pollard Banknote, including his employees, his business partners 
and his shareholders.  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.  

Dave Brown 
Dave  Brown  is  President  and  CEO  of  Richardson  Capital  and  Managing  Director  of  RBM 
Capital  Limited.  Previously,  he  was  Corporate  Secretary  of  James  Richardson  &  Sons, 
Limited,  and  a partner in the  independent  law  and  accounting  firm  of  Gray  & Brown.    He 
also serves on the Board of Directors of GMP Capital, Inc. and Richardson Financial Group, 
and  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  The  Boyd  Group  Income  Fund.    He  graduated  from  the 
University of Manitoba law school and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and member 
of the Manitoba Bar. 

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.  (Honours)  from  the  University  of  Manitoba  and  is  a  former  member  of  the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba.   

 
 
December 31, 2018 

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 13, 2019 

This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of Pollard Banknote Limited (“Pollard”) for the year 
ended December 31, 2018, is prepared as at March 13, 2019, and should be read in conjunction with the 
accompanying audited financial statements of Pollard and the notes therein as at December 31, 2018. 
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,  purchase  accounting  amortization,  unrealized  foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  and 
certain  non-recurring  items  including  severance  costs  and  acquisition  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, 2018.  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 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.  With the acquisition of International Gamco, Inc. (“Gamco”), on February 
1,  2018,  management  believes  Pollard  has  also  become  the  second  largest  bingo  paper  and  pull-tab 
supplier to the charitable gaming industry in North America. 

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,  interactive  digital  gaming,  PlayonTM VIP  lottery  program,  Social  InstantsTM, 
retail  management  services,  ScanACTIVTM  and  vending  machines  including  charitable  game  systems 
marketed under the Diamond  Game and Oasis trade  names.   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 275 independent 
distributors with the majority of revenue generated from repeat business. 

Product line breakdown of revenue 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2018 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2017 

Lottery(1) 
Charitable (2) 
Gaming systems (3) 

75.5% 
16.6% 
7.9% 

86.7% 
9.7% 
3.6% 

(1)  Includes the business of Schafer Systems Inc. which was acquired on October 31, 2018.   

(2)  Includes International Gamco, Inc. which was acquired on February 1, 2018. 

(3)  INNOVA Gaming Group Inc. (“INNOVA”, “Diamond Game”) was acquired on August 3, 2017. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Geographic breakdown of revenue 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2018 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2017 

56% 
23% 
21% 

56% 
22% 
22% 

United States 
Canada 
International 

Acquisition of International Gamco, Inc. 

On February 1, 2018, Pollard Holdings Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pollard, acquired 100% of the 
common shares of International Gamco, Inc..  The purchase price was funded by proceeds from Pollard’s 
credit facility and cash on hand. The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method. 
The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities have been based on management’s best estimates 
and valuation techniques as at February 1, 2018, the acquisition date.  As per the sales agreement, the 
purchase price was decreased by the amount of other current liabilities assumed, which were specified 
in the agreement.  The majority of these other current liabilities were paid in March 2018. 

During the period between February  1, 2018 and December 31, 2018,  Gamco generated revenues of 
$27.1 million and net income of $1.1 million, after depreciation and amortization of the fair values of 
identifiable assets acquired, which have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements. If Gamco 
had been acquired on January 1, 2018, incremental revenue of $2.2 million and net loss of $4.8 million 
(which  includes  $4.8 million of transaction related expenditures,  net of income  tax) would have been 
recognized in the year ended December 31, 2018. 

Share offering 

On  February  1,  2018,  Pollard  announced  that  it  had  entered  into  an  agreement  with  a  syndicate  of 
underwriters led by Canaccord  Genuity Corp. (together, the  “Underwriters”) to  purchase on a bought 
deal basis 1,800,000 common shares of Pollard at a price of $18.45 per share. Pollard also granted the 
Underwriters an over-allotment option exercisable at any time up to 30 days following the closing of the 
offering, to purchase up to an additional 270,000 common shares.  

The offering, including the full over-allotment, closed on February 21, 2018.  The total gross proceeds, 
prior  to  any  commissions  and  offering  expenses,  from  the  sale  of  2,070,000  common  shares  was 
approximately $38.2 million. 

Pollard used the net proceeds to repay indebtedness under the Company’s credit facility and subordinated 
debt. 

Acquisition of Schafer Systems 

On  October  31,  2018,  Pollard  Systems  Inc.,  a  wholly-owned  indirect  subsidiary  of  Pollard,  acquired 
substantially all of the operating assets and business of Schafer Systems Inc. (“Schafer”), a leading global 
provider of lottery ticket dispensers and  play stations, for a purchase price of approximately US$23.2 
million. The purchase price was funded by proceeds from Pollard’s credit facility and cash on hand. The 
acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method. The fair values of the identifiable assets 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and liabilities have been based on management’s best estimates and valuation techniques as at October 
31,  2018,  the  acquisition  date.  Pollard  Systems  Inc.  was  renamed  Schafer  Systems  (2018)  Inc.  upon 
completion of the transaction. 

During the period between October 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018, Schafer generated revenues of 
$2.2  million  and  net  income  of  $0.2  million,  after  depreciation  and  amortization  of  the  fair  values  of 
identifiable assets acquired, which have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements. If Schafer 
had been acquired on January 1,  2018, incremental revenue of $11.8 million and net income of  $1.9 
million would have been recognized in the year ended December 31, 2018. 

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, 2018. 

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 

Earnings per share (basic and diluted)  

Total Assets 

Total Non-Current Liabilities 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2018 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2017 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2016 

$331.9 

256.2 

$285.6 

$246.4 

219.9 

197.2 

75.7 

22.8% 

32.2 

9.7% 

13.4 

4.0% 

14.9 

4.5% 

48.8 

14.7% 

$0.58 

65.7 

23.0% 

28.6 

10.0% 

9.4 

3.3% 

16.8 

5.9% 

44.0 

15.4% 

49.2 

20.0% 

20.9 

8.5% 

8.0 

3.2% 

12.3 

5.0% 

29.7 

12.1% 

$0.71 

$0.52 

December 31, 

2018 

December 31, 

December 31, 

2017 

2016 

$305.6 

$142.9 

5 

$228.3 

$124.8 

$176.8 

$94.4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA 

(millions of dollars) 

Net income  

Adjustments: 

  Amortization and depreciation  

  Interest 

  Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss 

  Acquisition costs 

  Severance costs 

  Income taxes  

 Adjusted  EBITDA 

Lotteries and charitable gaming 

Diamond Game  

 Total Adjusted  EBITDA 

Year ended 
December 31, 
 2018 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2017 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2016 

$14.9 

$16.8 

$12.3 

13.1 

3.9 

(1.4) 

2.7 

1.7 

7.2 

$44.0 

$40.0 

4.0 

$44.0 

10.6 

3.6 

(1.6) 

- 

- 

4.8 

$29.7 

$29.7 

- 

$29.7 

18.0 

4.2 

4.6 

0.8 

0.4 

5.9 

$48.8 

$38.4 

10.4 

$48.8 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2018 

Sales 

Product Line Sales
Fiscal 2018
(in millions of dollars)

Lottery, 
$250.6 

Product Line Sales
Product Line Sales
Fiscal 2016
Fiscal 2017
(in millions of dollars)
(in millions of dollars)

Charitable, 
$55.2 

Gaming 
Systems, 
$26.1 

Instant 
Lottery, 
Tickets, 
$247.6 
$218.7 

Charitable, 
Charitable 
$27.7 
Gaming 
Products, 
$27.7 

Gaming 
Systems, 
$10.3 

During the year ended December 31, 2018 (“Fiscal 2018” or “2018”), Pollard achieved sales of $331.9 
million,  compared  to  $285.6  million  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  (“Fiscal  2017”  or  “2017”).  
Factors impacting the $46.3 million sales increase were: 

Higher instant ticket sales volumes in the first three quarters of 2018, which were substantially offset by 
lower sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2018, increased sales slightly by $1.3 million compared to 
Fiscal 2017. Additionally, higher instant ticket average selling price increased sales by $1.8 million when 
compared to 2017.  An increase in ancillary instant ticket products and services volumes grew revenue 
by  $0.5  million.  This  increase  primarily  resulted  from  sales  due  to  the  addition  of  Schafer,  beginning 
November 1, 2018, and higher iLottery revenues, partially offset by lower licensed product sales in 2018. 

After the first nine months of 2018 our instant ticket volumes were on track to be significantly higher 
than Fiscal 2017.  However, a temporary reduction in orders from our customers in the fourth quarter 
resulted in Fiscal 2018 sales and production volumes roughly equaling 2017.  Our order volumes for the 
first  quarter  of  2019  have  returned  to  similar  levels  of  the  first  three  quarters  of  2018.    In  addition, 
approximately 15% of the instant tickets produced in the fourth quarter 2018 were not recognized in 
sales due to the timing of shipments but are anticipated to be recognized in the first quarter of 2019. 

The addition of Diamond Game in August 2017 added $15.5 million in sales to Fiscal 2018 when compared 
to 2017.  An increase in charitable gaming volumes, primarily as a result of the acquisition of Gamco, 
including its Oasis division’s sale of electronic pull-tab machines into the North Dakota market, increased 
sales by $26.7 million from 2017.  A higher average selling price for charitable games in 2018 further 
increased sales by $1.1 million. 

7 

 
 
Sales Breakdown
Fiscal 2018

Sales Breakdown
Fiscal 2017

International
21%

Canada 
23%

United 
States
56%

United 
States
56%

International
22%

Canada 
22%

During Fiscal 2018, Pollard generated approximately 69.8% (2017 – 69.4%) of its revenue in U.S. dollars 
including a portion of international sales which are priced in U.S. dollars.  During Fiscal 2018 the actual 
U.S. dollar value was converted to Canadian dollars at an average rate of $1.292 compared to an average 
rate of $1.304 during Fiscal 2017.  This 1.0% decrease in the U.S. dollar value resulted in an approximate 
decrease of $1.5 million in revenue relative to Fiscal 2017.  Also during 2018 the value of the Canadian 
dollar weakened against the Euro resulting in an approximate increase of $0.9 million in revenue relative 
to 2017.  

Cost of sales and gross profit 

Cost of sales was $256.2 million in Fiscal 2018 compared to $219.9 million in Fiscal 2017.  Cost of sales 
was higher in Fiscal 2018 primarily as a result of the inclusion of Gamco and Schafer, and a full year of 
Diamond Game, as well as the slight increase in instant ticket sales volumes. 

Gross profit was $75.7 million (22.8% of sales) in Fiscal 2018 compared to $65.7 million (23.0% of sales) 
in Fiscal 2017.  This increase of $10.0 million in gross profit was primarily the result of the addition of 
Gamco and Schafer, and a full year of Diamond Game, which increased gross margin by approximately 
$11  million.  Gross  profit  generated  from  the  lotteries  and  charitable  gaming  business  (excluding 
acquisitions) declined approximately $1 million due to lower licensed games sales and lower gross margin 
on slightly lower instant ticket production volumes year over year.  The significant reduction in the fourth 
quarter instant ticket production volumes resulted in the total production volume for Fiscal 2018 being 
slightly lower than Fiscal 2017.  The gross profit percentage was slightly lower due to the small decrease 
in instant ticket production volumes and a reduction in license product sales, partially offset by higher 
iLottery sales. 

Administration expenses 

Administration expenses increased to $32.2 million in Fiscal 2018 from $28.6 million in Fiscal 2017. The 
increase of $3.6 million was partially a result of the inclusion of Gamco and Schafer, and a full year of 
Diamond  Game.    Additional  reasons  for  the  increase  were  higher  compensation  expenses  to  support 
Pollard’s growth strategies of acquisition and digital innovation, as well as increased professional fees 
and IT infrastructure related expenses totaling approximately $2 million.  These increases were partially 
offset by the $1.9 million reduction in acquisition costs and $1.3 million reduction in severance costs as 
compared to 2017. 

8 

 
 
 
 
Selling expenses 

Selling expenses increased to $13.4 million in Fiscal 2018 from $9.4 million in Fiscal 2017 primarily due 
to the addition of Gamco and Diamond Game for an entire year in 2018, as well as higher compensation 
costs. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in contract support costs. 

Other expenses 

Other expenses decreased to $0.4 million in Fiscal 2018 from $0.7 million in 2017, primarily due to the 
increase in the income from the EBITDA support agreement with a full year of Diamond Game, partially 
offset by the increased loss on equity investment. 

Foreign exchange 

The net foreign exchange loss was $4.7 million in Fiscal 2018 compared to a net gain of $0.9 million in 
Fiscal 2017.  The 2018 net foreign exchange loss consisted of a $4.6 million unrealized loss primarily as 
a result of the increased Canadian equivalent value of U.S.  dollar denominated accounts payable and 
long-term debt with the weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  In 2018 Pollard 
added almost $29 million of U.S. dollar denominated debt, with the acquisitions of Gamco and Schafer, 
which is subject to revaluation through the  income statement.  At December 31, 2018, the Canadian 
dollar had weakened relative to the U.S. dollar, resulting in the substantial unrealized foreign exchange 
loss.  

In addition to the unrealized foreign exchange loss in 2018, Pollard incurred a realized foreign exchange 
loss  of  $0.1  million  as  a  result  of  foreign  currency  denominated  accounts  receivable  collected  being 
converted into Canadian dollars at unfavorable foreign exchange rates. 

The 2017 net foreign exchange gain consisted of a $1.4 million unrealized gain primarily as a result of 
the decreased Canadian equivalent  value of  U.S. dollar 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 $0.5 million as a result of foreign currency denominated 
account  receivables  collected  being  converted  into  Canadian  dollars  at  unfavorable  foreign  exchange 
rates. 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Adjusted EBITDA was $48.8 million in Fiscal 2018 compared to $44.0 million in Fiscal 2017.  The primary 
reasons for the increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $4.8 million were the increase in gross profit of $14.9 
million (net of amortization and depreciation), a decrease in other expenses of $0.3 million and a decrease 
in  realized  foreign  exchange  loss  of  $0.4  million.    These  increases  to  Adjusted  EBITDA  were  partially 
offset by higher administration expenses (net of acquisition and severance costs) of $6.8 million and an 
increase in selling expenses of $4.0 million. 

Our  lotteries  and  charitable  gaming  business,  excluding  our  2018  acquisition  of  Gamco,  generated 
approximately $5.0 million lower Adjusted EBITDA compared to Fiscal 2017.  Gross profit decreased by 
approximately $3.0 million (excluding depreciation and amortization) due to lower licensed games sales 
and  higher  costs  of  goods  sold  despite  slightly  lower  instant  ticket  production  volumes.    Higher 
administration costs (excluding acquisition costs) increased by approximately $2.0 million primarily due 
to  higher  compensation  expenses  to  support  Pollard’s  growth  strategies  of  acquisition  and  digital 
innovation, as well as increased professional fees and IT infrastructure related expenses.  

9 

These decreases in lotteries and charitable gaming Adjusted EBITDA were partially offset by acquisitions 
of Gamco and Schafer, and the full year impact of Diamond Game, totaling approximately $9.8 million. 

Interest expense 

Interest expense increased to $4.2 million in Fiscal 2018 from $3.9 million in Fiscal 2017 primarily as a 
result of the additional interest expense related to increased long-term debt incurred with the acquisitions 
of Gamco and Schafer. 

Amortization and depreciation  

Amortization and depreciation, including depreciation of property and equipment and the amortization of 
intangible  assets,  totaled  $18.0  million  during  Fiscal  2018  which  increased  from  $13.1  million  during 
Fiscal 2017. The increase was a result of the addition of Diamond Game, Gamco and Schafer including 
the amortization and depreciation relating to the purchase price allocations to tangible and intangible 
assets acquired. 

Income taxes  

Income tax expense was $5.9 million in Fiscal 2018, an effective rate of 28.5%, which was higher than 
our domestic rate of 27.0% due primarily to non-deductible amounts relating to expenses incurred in the 
acquisitions and the effect of foreign exchange. Partially offsetting these increases was the lower federal 
income tax rates in the United States.   

Income tax expense was $7.2 million in Fiscal 2017, an effective rate of 30.0%, which was higher than 
our domestic rate of 27.0% due primarily to adjustments relating to the acquisition of Diamond Game, 
the effect of higher tax rates in the United States in 2017 on current taxes and non-deductible amounts 
primarily relating to expenses incurred in the acquisition of Diamond Game.  Partially offsetting these 
increases was the reduction in the future federal income tax rates in the United States which reduced 
related deferred taxes.  

Net income  

Net income was $14.9 million in Fiscal 2018 compared to net income of $16.8 million in Fiscal 2017. Our 
lotteries and charitable gaming business generated lower net income compared to 2017 due to the lower 
instant ticket production and sales volumes combined with the large unrealized foreign exchange loss.  
Partially offsetting these decreases were the net income associated with the 2018 acquisitions and the 
inclusion of a full year of Diamond Game.   

Specifically the reasons for the decrease in net income were the increase in net foreign exchange loss of 
$5.6 million, the increase in administration expenses of $3.6 million, the increase in selling expenses of 
$4.0 million and the increase in interest expense of $0.3 million.  Partially offsetting these decreases in 
net income were the increase in gross profit of $10.0 million, the decrease in other expenses of $0.3 
million and the decrease in income taxes of $1.3 million. 

Earnings per share (basic and diluted) decreased to $0.58 per share in Fiscal 2018 from $0.71 per share 
in Fiscal 2017.   

10 

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Cash provided by operating activities 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018,  cash  flow  provided  by  operating  activities  was  $39.7  million 
compared to $28.4 million in Fiscal 2017.  Higher net income before income taxes and after non-cash 
adjustments  in  Fiscal  2018  contributed  an  additional  $9.5  million  to  the  increase  in  cash  provided  by 
operating activities compared to Fiscal 2017.   

For the fiscal year 2018, changes in the non-cash component of working capital increased cash flow from 
operations by $4.0 million. The increase was due primarily to a decrease in accounts receivables, partially 
offset by  an increase in  inventory and a decrease in  accounts payable and accrued liabilities.  For the 
fiscal  year  2017,  changes  in  the  non-cash  component  of  working  capital  decreased  cash  flow  from 
operations  by  $2.9  million.  The  decrease  was  due  primarily  to  increases  in  inventory  and  prepaid 
expenses and deposits, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.  

Cash used for interest payments increased to $4.5 million in 2018 as compared to $3.7 million in 2017.  
Cash used for pension plan contributions increased to $5.5 million in 2018 as compared to $5.3 million 
in 2017.  Cash used for income taxes paid was $10.2 million in 2018 compared to $6.1 million in 2017.  
Income tax payments in 2018 included the final installments for the 2017 tax year and initial installments 
for 2018.  Increasing taxable income in 2017 resulted in a higher installment requirement. 

Cash used for investing activities 

In the year ended December 31, 2018, cash used for investing activities was $77.1 million compared to 
$51.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2017.  In Fiscal 2018, Pollard used $21.6 million, net of 
cash acquired, to purchase Gamco and $30.4 million to purchase Schafer.  In addition, Pollard expended 
$15.1 million in capital expenditures, $2.8 million on its investment in its iLottery joint venture and $7.1 
million on additions to intangible assets.   

In Fiscal 2017, Pollard used $39.3 million, net of cash acquired, to purchase Diamond Game.  In addition, 
Pollard invested $6.9 million in capital expenditures, $2.2 million in its iLottery joint venture and $2.2 
million on additions to intangible assets. 

Cash provided by financing activities 

Cash provided by financing activities was $42.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2018, compared 
to $21.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2017.   

During Fiscal 2018, Pollard raised $35.4 million, net of expenses, from the issuance of common shares, 
which was used, in part, to repay $16.7 million of subordinated debt.  In addition, Pollard received net 
proceeds from long-term debt of $27.9 million, partially to fund the acquisitions of Gamco and Schafer.  
These cash receipts were partially offset by $0.6 million of financing costs and dividends paid of $3.1 
million. 

During Fiscal 2017, Pollard received net proceeds from long-term debt of $13.5 million and $10.6 million 
from subordinated debt, which partially funded the acquisition of Diamond Game.  These cash receipts 
were partially offset by $0.3 million of financing costs and dividends paid of $2.8 million. 

11 

As at December 31, 2018, Pollard had unused committed credit facility of $58.9 million, in addition to 
$11.2 million in available cash resources.  These amounts, in addition to cash flow provided by operating 
activities, are available to be used for future working capital requirements, contractual obligations, capital 
expenditures, dividends and to assist in financing future acquisitions. 

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2018 TO DECEMBER 31, 2018 
FOURTH QUARTER OF 2018 

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

(millions of dollars) 

Three months ended  Three months ended 
December 31, 2017 
December 31, 2018 

(unaudited) 

(unaudited) 

Sales 

Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

  Administration 

  Selling 

  Other income 
Income from operations 

  Finance costs 

Income (loss) before income taxes  

Income taxes: 

  Current (recovery) 

  Future  

Net income (loss) 

Adjustments: 

  Amortization and depreciation  

  Interest 

  Unrealized foreign exchange loss  

  Acquisition costs  

  Severance costs 

  Income taxes (recovery) 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Lotteries and charitable gaming 

Diamond Game  

Adjusted EBITDA 

$70.2 

56.9 
13.3 

7.9 

3.6 

(0.1) 
1.9 

4.2 

(2.3) 

(0.4) 

- 

(0.4) 

($1.9) 

5.3 

1.2 

3.1 

0.2 

- 

(0.4) 

$7.5 

$4.9 

2.6 

$7.5 

$79.6 

62.1 
17.5 

7.5 

2.6 

- 
7.4 

1.3 

6.1 

1.5 

0.3 

1.8 

$4.3 

4.5 

1.3 

0.5 

0.3 

0.3 

1.8 

$13.0 

$10.1 

2.9 

$13.0 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales  

During the three months ended December 31, 2018, Pollard achieved sales of $70.2 million, compared 
to $79.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2017.  Factors impacting the $9.4 million sales 
decrease were: 

Instant  ticket  sales  volumes  for  the  fourth  quarter  of  2018  were  significantly  lower,  31.9%,  than  the 
fourth quarter of 2017, which decreased sales by $19.4 million. The reduction in instant ticket volumes 
was  two-fold.  Production  orders  were  down  almost  15%  from  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  due  to  a 
temporary decline in orders from our customer portfolio as a number of our larger customers had lower 
orders during the quarter.  The reduction in order volumes was temporary and reflects the variability of 
order patterns and the nature of our sales mix with relatively few orders of a large dollar amount.  With 
the start of the first quarter of 2019 our production volumes and order levels have returned to similar 
levels experienced in the first three quarters of 2018.   

Secondly, approximately 14% of the tickets produced in the quarter did not meet the revenue recognition 
standards primarily because shipments to the lotteries were not required until early 2019.  This is similar 
to the situation that occurred in the first quarter of 2017 when timing of customer receipts delayed the 
revenue recognition of produced tickets until the next quarter. We anticipate a majority of these deferred 
sales volumes to be shipped and recognized in the first quarter of 2019.  The impact of these factors 
resulted  in  an  approximate  reduction  in  Adjusted  EBITDA  of  $6.0  million.    A  decrease  in  the  average 
selling prices of instant tickets further reduced sales by $0.4 million. 

Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in our ancillary instant ticket products and services 
volumes, primarily sales from the addition of Schafer, increased iLottery revenues, and partially offset by 
lower licensed product sales. The net of these increased revenue by $1.5 million.   

The increase in charitable gaming volumes, primarily as a result of the addition of Gamco, increased sales 
by $7.1 million from 2017, including its Oasis division’s sale of electronic pull-tab machines into the North 
Dakota market.  Also the higher average selling price for charitable games in 2018 further increased sales 
by $0.4 million. 

During the three months ended December 31, 2018, Pollard generated approximately 80.5% (2017 – 
67.1%) 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 2018 the actual U.S. dollar value was converted to Canadian dollars 
at an average rate of $1.311, compared to an average rate of $1.275 during the fourth quarter of 2017.  
This 2.9% increase in the value of the U.S. dollar resulted in an approximate increase of $1.4 million in 
revenue relative to 2017.   

Cost of sales and gross profit 

Cost of sales was $56.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $62.1 million in the fourth 
quarter  of  2017.    Cost  of  sales  was  lower  in  the  quarter  as  a  result  of  the  decrease  in  instant  ticket 
volumes discussed above.  Partially offsetting the decrease was increases in cost of goods sold incurred 
with the inclusion of Gamco and Schafer as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.   

Gross profit was $13.3 million (18.9% of sales) in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $17.5 million 
(22.0% of sales) in the fourth quarter of 2017. This decrease in gross profit was primarily the result of 
the decrease in instant ticket production and sales volumes.  The decrease in our order volumes was 
temporary and reflects the variability of our order patterns and the nature of our sales mix with relatively 

13 

few orders of a large dollar amount. With the start of the first quarter of 2019 our production volumes 
and order levels have returned similar to the levels experienced in the first three quarters of 2018.   

Partially offsetting this reduction in gross profit was the gross profit earned by Gamco and Schafer and 
increased iLottery gross profits.  The gross profit percentage was lower due to the decrease in instant 
tickets  volumes,  partially  offset  by  increased  sales  of  ancillary  instant  ticket  products  and  services, 
including higher iLottery sales, and the inclusion of Gamco and Schafer. 

Administration expenses 

Administration expenses increased to $7.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $7.5 million 
in the fourth quarter of 2017.  The increase was partially a result of the inclusion of Schafer and Gamco 
in 2018.  Additional reasons for the increase were higher compensation expenses to support Pollard’s 
growth  strategies  of  digital  innovation,  as  well  as  increased  professional  fees.  These  increases  were 
partially offset by a reduction in Diamond Game compensation and severance costs compared to 2017. 

Selling expenses 

Selling expenses increased to $3.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 from $2.6 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily as a result of the inclusion of Schafer and Gamco, in addition 
to  higher  selling  related  costs  in  Diamond  Game  when  compared  to  2017.    Partially  offsetting  these 
increases was a decrease in contract support costs. 

Foreign exchange  

The net foreign exchange loss was $3.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to a net loss of 
$nil  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017.    The  2018  net  foreign  exchange  loss  consisted  of  a  $3.1  million 
unrealized loss primarily as a result of the increased Canadian equivalent value of U.S. dollar denominated 
accounts payable and long-term debt due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. 
dollar. The Canadian dollar weakened approximately 5.5% since the beginning of the fourth quarter of 
2018 and this movement, combined with higher U.S. dollar denominated debt relating to the acquisitions, 
generated  a  substantial  unrealized  foreign  exchange  loss.  The  unrealized  foreign  exchange  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 
exchanges rates. 

The 2017 net foreign exchange loss consisted of a $0.5 million unrealized loss which was primarily as a 
result of the decreased Canadian equivalent value of U.S. denominated accounts receivables with the 
weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  This loss was fully offset by the realized 
foreign exchange gain of $0.5 million, as a result of foreign currency denominated account receivables 
collected being converted into Canadian dollars at favorable foreign exchanges rates. 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Adjusted EBITDA was $7.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $13.0 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2017.  The primary reason for the reduction were the lower sales and production volumes of 
instant tickets noted above which negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $6.0 million.  
In  addition,  the  increase  in  administration  expenses  (net  of  severance  and  acquisition  costs)  of  $0.8 
million, an increase in selling expenses of $1.0 million and the decrease in the realized foreign exchange 

14 

 
gain of $0.4 million further lowered Adjusted EBITDA.  The 2018 acquisitions increased Adjusted EBITDA 
by approximately $3.0 million. 

Interest expense 

Interest expense was $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 consistent with $1.3 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2017. 

Amortization and depreciation  

Amortization  and  depreciation,  including  depreciation  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  the 
amortization of intangible assets, increased to $5.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared 
to $4.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2017.  The increase was a result of the additions of Diamond 
Game,  Gamco  and  Schafer  including  the  amortization  and  depreciation  relating  to  the  purchase  price 
allocations to tangible and intangible assets acquired. 

Income taxes (recovery) 

Income tax recovery was $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, an effective rate of 16.3% which 
was lower than our domestic rate of 27.0% due primarily to non-deductible amounts relating to expenses 
incurred in the acquisitions and the effect of foreign exchange. Partially offsetting these decreases were 
the lower federal income tax rates in the United States.   

Income tax expense was $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, an effective rate of 28.8% which was 
higher  than  our  domestic  rate  of  27.0%  due  primarily  to  adjustments  relating  to  the  acquisition  of 
Diamond Game, the effect of higher tax rates in the United States in 2017 on current taxes, the effect of 
foreign exchange and non-deductible amounts primarily relating to expenses incurred in the acquisition 
of Diamond Game.  Partially offsetting these increases was the reduction in the future federal income tax 
rates in the United States which reduced related deferred taxes. 

Net income (loss) 

Net loss was $1.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to net income of $4.3 million in the 
fourth quarter of 2017.  The primary reasons for the decrease in net income were the lower gross profit 
of $4.2 million, due to the reduction in instant ticket sales and production volumes partially offset by the 
impact of the 2018 acquisitions, the increase in foreign exchange loss of $3.0 million, the increase in 
administration expenses of $0.4 million and the increase in selling expenses of $1.0 million.  Partially 
offsetting these decreases was the reduction in income taxes of $2.2 million. 

Earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted) decreased to ($0.08) per share in the fourth quarter of 2018 
from $0.18 per share in the fourth quarter of 2017. 

15 

 
 
Quarterly Information 

(unaudited) 
(millions of dollars) 

Q4 
2018 

Q3 
2018 

Q2 
2018 

Q1 
2018 

Q4 
2017 

Q3 
2017 

Q2 
2017 

Q1 
2017 

Sales 

$70.2 

$94.5 

$86.8 

$80.4 

$79.6 

$70.6 

$77.9 

$57.5 

Adjusted EBITDA 

7.5 

14.2 

14.1 

13.0 

13.0 

11.6 

13.1 

6.3 

Net income (loss) 

(1.9) 

7.2 

5.0 

4.6 

4.3 

4.7 

6.0 

1.8 

The significant decrease in instant ticket volumes in the fourth quarter of 2018 reduced sales, Adjusted 
EBITDA and net income.  Net income was further reduced by the large unrealized foreign exchange loss 
in the quarter. 

The  trend  of  increased  sales,  Adjusted  EBITDA  and  net  income,  starting  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017 
through to the third quarter of 2018, was primarily as a result of higher instant ticket volumes and the 
additions of Diamond Game and Gamco. 

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 significantly impact 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. 

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

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As  at  December  31,  2018,  Pollard’s  investment  in  non-cash  working  capital  decreased  $4.0  million 
compared  to  December  31,  2017,  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  decreased  investment  in  accounts 
receivables, partially offset by an increase in inventory and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued 
liabilities.    

December 31,  December 31, 

 2018 

2017 

Working Capital 
Total Assets 
Total Non-Current Liabilities 

$65.5 
$305.6 
$142.9 

$44.6 
$228.3 
$124.8 

Credit Facility 

Pollard’s credit facility was renewed effective June 22, 2018.  The credit facility provides loans of up to 
$160.0 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 $160.0 
million Canadian equivalent.  The credit facility also includes an accordion feature which can increase the 
facility  by  $25.0  million.    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, 2018, 
the outstanding letters of guarantee were $1.3 million.  The remaining balance available for drawdown 
under the credit facility was $58.9 million. 

Under the terms and conditions of the credit facility agreement Pollard is required to maintain certain 
financial covenants including debt to income before interest, income taxes, amortization and depreciation 
(“Adjusted EBITDA”) ratios and certain debt service coverage ratios.  As at December 31, 2018, 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. Under the terms of the agreement the facility is committed for a three-year period, renewable 
June 22, 2021. Principal payments are not required until maturity. The facility can be prepaid without 
penalties.  

Pollard believes that its credit facility and ongoing cash flow from operations will be sufficient to allow it 
to  meet  ongoing  requirements  for  investment  in  capital  expenditures,  working  capital,  dividends  and 
acquisitions.  

Subordinated Debt 

On June 23, 2017, Pollard entered into a loan agreement with Pollard Equities Limited for a subordinated 
term loan with a seven year term, repayable at any time (subject to meeting certain financial covenants 
under the secured credit facility). The loan was provided to assist with the purchase of Diamond Game. 
A  total  of  $25.1  million  was  drawn  in  the  third  quarter  of  2017.  Interest  on  the  subordinated  debt 
commenced  with  the  first  draw  at  a  rate  of  8%.    Quarterly  principal  payments  on  the  loan  facility 
commenced the month following the first draw, which occurred August 4, 2017.  

In addition to the mandatory quarterly payments, Pollard has made three lump sum prepayments.  On 
September  20,  2017,  Pollard  repaid  $7.5  million  in  outstanding  principal  and  on  February  23,  2018, 
Pollard repaid an additional $7.5 million in outstanding principal.  On June 29, 2018, Pollard repaid in full 
the remainder of the outstanding principal in the amount of $7.5 million. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Share Data 

As at December 31, 2018 outstanding share data was as follows:  

Common shares 

25,625,658 

In February 2018, 2,070,000 common shares were issued through a share offering. 

In October 2018, 12,500 common shares were issued through the exercise of stock options. 

As at March 13, 2019, outstanding share data was as follows:  

Common shares 

25,625,658 

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 October 17, 2018, 12,500 stock options were exercised.  
As at December 31, 2018, the total share options issued and outstanding were 237,500. 

Dividends 

On March 13, 2019, the Board of Directors increased the rate of dividend from $0.03 per quarter per 
common share to $0.04 per quarter per common share, declaring a dividend of $0.04 per common share 
payable on April 15, 2019, for the quarter ending March 31, 2019. 

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 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

Long-term debt 

$129.4 

$4.8 

$5.6 

$119.0 

- 

- 

Operating leases 

$20.0 

$5.7 

$4.9 

$3.8 

$3.2 

$2.4 

Total 

$149.4 

$10.5 

$10.5 

$122.8 

$3.2 

$2.4 

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, 2018, the aggregate fair value of the assets of Pollard’s 
defined  benefit  pension  plans  was  $52.9  million  and  the  accrued  benefit  plan  obligations  were  $73.3 
million. Pollard’s total annual funding contribution for its defined pension plans in 2019 is expected to be 
approximately $4.7 million, compared to $4.7 million in 2018, including $1.2 million in additional solvency 
payments.  

18 

 
 
 
 
One of Pollard’s Canadian pension plans was subject to a solvency valuation beginning with its December 
31, 2016, valuation.  The solvency valuation is required to be updated annually.  As at the December 31, 
2017, valuation there was a deficit of $9.4 million, due to the low current levels of the mandated interest 
rate used to discount the future liabilities. As a result, Pollard is subject to additional special pension plan 
payments of approximately $1.2 million per year through to 2026.  These additional solvency payments 
do not impact pension expense and therefore will not affect our net income or Adjusted EBITDA and 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 

Pollard Equities Limited and affiliates 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, Pollard paid property rent of $3.2 million (2017 - $3.2 million) 
and $0.5 million (2017 - $0.4 million) in plane charter costs to affiliates of Equities.  In addition, Pollard 
paid Equities $0.4 million (2017 - $1.0 million) of interest on Pollard’s subordinated debt. 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, Equities paid Pollard $0.07 million (2017 - $0.07 million) for 
accounting and administration fees.   

At December 31, 2018, Pollard owed Equities and its affiliates $0.6 million (2017 - $1.9 million) for rent, 
interest, expenses and other items.   

Neogames S.à r.l. and affiliates 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018,  Pollard  reimbursed  operating  costs  and  paid  software 
royalties of $3.3 million (2017 - $2.9 million) to its iLottery partner, which are recorded in cost of sales.   

At December 31, 2018, included in accounts payable  and accrued liabilities is a  net amount owing to 
Pollard’s iLottery partner of $0.9 million (2017 - $0.7 million) for reimbursement of operating costs and 
capital expenditures, and its share of operating profits. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

Described in the  notes to  Pollard’s 2018 audited  consolidated financial statements are the accounting 
policies and estimates that Pollard believes are critical to its business. Please refer to note 2 (c) to the 
audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, for a discussion of the 
significant accounting estimates and judgements. 

Future Changes in Accounting Policies 

In January 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board (“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 

19 

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.  

Pollard has undertaken a preliminary review of all lease contracts and has applied the new measurement 
model for lessees. Pollard leases a number of manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States. 
The present value of the remaining lease payments will be recognized on the balance sheet as right to 
use assets and related lease liabilities upon adoption. The nature of expenses related to those leases will 
now  change  because  Pollard  will  recognize  a  depreciation  charge  on  the  right  to  use  assets  and  an 
interest expense on the related lease liabilities. Pollard intends to adopt the standard using the modified 
retrospective  approach,  using  the  practical  expedient  of  setting  the  initial  right  to  use  asset  and  the 
corresponding  lease  liability  equal.  No  restatement  is  required  under  this  approach.  Pollard  has 
preliminarily estimated that the transitional impact on the consolidated statements of financial position 
will result in recognizing right to use assets and corresponding lease liabilities of $18.7 million. 

In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. The 
Interpretation aims to reduce diversity in how companies recognize and measure a tax liability or tax 
asset when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Interpretation is effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively. Pollard does not expect 
the Interpretation to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.  

In October 2017, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. 
The amendments clarify that long-term interests in associates and joint ventures, to which the equity 
method  is  not  applied,  are  in  the  scope  of  both  IFRS  9 Financial Instruments  (including  impairment 
testing) and IAS 28 in terms of the application of IFRS 9 loss absorption and the impairment requirements 
of IAS 28. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. 
Pollard  does  not  expect  the  amendments  to  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  consolidated  financial 
statements upon adoption. 

In February 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits. The amendments were 
issued to specify how an entity determines pension expenses when changes to a defined benefit plan 
occur. When a change to a plan takes place, including an amendment, curtailment or settlement, IAS 19 
requires an entity to remeasure its employee benefit plan liability or asset. The amendments require an 
entity to use the updated assumptions from this remeasurement to determine current service cost and 
the  net  finance  cost  for  the  remainder  of  the  reporting  period  after  the  change  to  the  plan.  The 
amendments are for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and are 
to be applied prospectively. Pollard does not expect the amendments to have a significant impact on the 
consolidated financial statements upon adoption.  

Industry Risks and Uncertainties 

Pollard is exposed to numerous risks and uncertainties which are described in this MD&A and Pollard’s most 
recent Annual Information Form dated March 13, 2019, which is available under Pollard’s profile on SEDAR 
(www.sedar.com).  

20 

 
 
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. 

Credit risk 

Credit risk is 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 by approximately $0.02 million for year 
ended  December  31,  2018  (2017  -  $0.15  million).    A  50  basis  point  strengthening/weakening  in  the 
foreign exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and Euro would decrease/increase the income before 

21 

income  taxes  due  to  changes  in  operating  cashflow  by  approximately  $0.08  million  for  year  ended 
December 31, 2018 (2017 - $0.07 million). 

Five  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, 2018, the amount of financial liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars exceeded the 
amount  of  financial  assets  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  by  approximately  $36.1  million  (2017  -  $1.3 
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  $0.2 
million (2017 - $0.01 million). 

Pollard also uses financial hedges, including foreign currency contracts, to help manage foreign currency 
risk.  At December 31, 2018, 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 $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 - $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.  

In accordance with IFRS 9, Pollard has applied the expected credit loss model in evaluating the credit 
risk associated with its accounts receivable. As part of this analysis, Pollard groups its customers into two 
tranches:  government  lottery  organizations  and  charitable  gaming  distribution  networks.  For  sales  to 
government lottery organizations, Pollard has assessed the loss allowance at zero based on the nature 
of  the  customer  organizations,  and  no  history  of  losses,  collection  issues,  or  significantly  overdue 
receivables, as well as other customer-specific and forward-looking macroeconomic factors. Pollard has 
performed the same assessment for charitable gaming distribution network customers, resulting in the 
provision of a loss allowance of $0.2 million, which is netted against accounts receivables. 

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 $160.0 million for its 
Canadian  operations  and  up  to  US$12.0  million  for  its  U.S.  subsidiaries.    At  December  31,  2018,  the 
unused balance available for drawdown was $58.9 million (2017 - $34.2 million). 

The  2019  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. 

22 

 
 
Outlook 

The lottery industry remains very robust, with continued consumer demand presenting lotteries with the 
foundation for growing their revenue and proceeds raised for good causes.  Showing particularly strong 
growth is the instant ticket product line.  Higher price points, greater prize payouts, varying ticket sizes 
and play mechanics, all continue to drive higher retail sales and ultimately greater demand for our instant 
tickets over the long term.  We also believe our ancillary and support products for instant tickets will see 
increased demand. These items, such as iLottery and digital games, loyalty solutions and other related 
services, also help expand sales of instant tickets creating more opportunities for Pollard. 

We believe our first quarter 2019 Adjusted EBITDA will return to expected levels and we anticipate this 
trend to continue. Orders can vary in the short-term and on a quarter to quarter basis can impact our 
results.  We believe growing our volumes and market share will help mitigate this variability.   

Revenue recognition standards and delivery terms can impact when we are able to recognize our instant 
ticket production in revenue.  Over a longer period of time these variations are lessened but over the 
short term it can have an impact on our financial results.  We anticipate the majority of the instant ticket 
volumes that were deferred at the end of 2018 to be recognized in the first quarter of 2019. 

Much of our revenue is based on long term contracts and our current contract portfolio is well positioned 
with no large contracts up for expiry in 2019. We renewed or extended all our major contracts that came 
due in 2018.  Many of our contracts allow the lottery to choose from multiple suppliers, which provides 
Pollard the opportunity to win market share from other suppliers by providing successful products for the 
lottery.  Over the past few years this has been one of the keystones of our growth and we will continue 
to focus on this strategy in 2019.  We have previously disclosed that there were a number of large instant 
ticket contracts that came up for bid in 2018 where Pollard was not a major supplier.  These contract bid 
processes remain underway as we enter 2019. 

The ability to develop and sell proprietary products and services is a key success factor for Pollard.  Our 
specialty instant tickets such as Scratch FX® and laminated products such as PlayBooks® have been very 
important in supporting lotteries in their growth initiatives and we are planning to continue to invest in 
the resources to develop more innovative products and services.  Ticket features such as Clear PlayTM 
and  the  development  and  roll  out  of  our  PlayOnTM  player  engagement  solution  are  examples  of  the 
development necessary to remain partner of choice. 

We expect our first quarter 2019 revenue to be boosted due to the deferral of completed tickets from 
2018 being delivered in the first three months of 2019. This additional sales volume will supplement the 
revenue from sales of tickets produced in the first quarter.   

We anticipate our 2019 CAPEX to be at similar levels expended in 2018 once adjusted for the full year of 
ownership of our recent acquisitions.  Included in our  planned capital expenditures are new eGaming 
machines  for  our  Diamond  Game  and  Oasis  operations.    These  expenditures  can  vary  depending  on 
timing of new machine placements and new contract wins.  We expect our operations to generate strong 
free cash flow after consideration of CAPEX and expect to use these funds to pay down bank debt and 
to contribute to any additional acquisitions. 

Charitable gaming remains steady, with ongoing orders from private distributors supporting pull-tab and 
bingo paper sales.  Third party data has indicated some retail sales growth of these products which is a 
positive sign.  The charitable gaming business generates strong cash flow, as it requires minimal capital 
investment. 

23 

In  early  2018  we  increased  our  instant  ticket  capacity  by  recommissioning  our  original  press  line  in 
Ypsilanti.  We are in the process of adding supplementary equipment to this original press line which will 
add incremental capacity in 2019 to help ensure we will have the capability to effectively and efficiently 
handle future sales growth. 

In  January  2019,  the  United  States  Department  of  Justice  (“DOJ”)  issued  a  new  interpretation  of  its 
previous  2011  interpretation  relating  to  the  applicability  of  the  Wire  Act  to  internet  gaming  including 
operations conducted by state lotteries. The 2011 interpretation had determined that the Wire Act, which 
prohibited gambling or associated gambling activity from utilizing interstate wire communication facilities, 
including the internet, only applied to sports betting.  As a result, a number of state lotteries initiated 
iLottery businesses to sell their lottery products over the internet within each of their own states to local 
residents.  The new January 2019 interpretation reverses this view and, in effect, indicates the Wire Act 
is not restricted to just sports gambling.  The DOJ granted an initial 90-day grace period from the date 
of release of their ruling (January 14, 2019) for various organizations to assess the impact.  Subsequently 
the  DOJ  granted  an  additional  60-day  grace  period  for  a  total  of  150  days.  This  new  interpretation 
reverses the 2011 ruling and raises uncertainty as to how the Wire Act will be applied to existing and 
future gaming activities including those run by state sponsored lotteries. 

On February 15, 2019, Pollard Banknote Limited and NeoPollard Interactive LLC. filed a motion with the 
United  States  District  Court  for  the  District  of  New  Hampshire  (“District  Court”)  requesting  a  formal 
declatory judgement clarifying that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting.  Simultaneously, the State 
of New Hampshire also filed a motion with the District Court requesting the same definitive clarification.   

We believe the January 2019 DOJ interpretation is incorrect on a number of key issues relating to existing 
and long-time legacy lottery gaming products and we are confident a definitive ruling from the District 
Court will reconfirm that iLottery and other gaming operations conducted by state lotteries are not subject 
to the Wire Act and can therefore continue to operate as they have for many years. Notwithstanding the 
uncertainty brought on with the Department of Justice reinterpretation, interest in iLottery operations 
continues to rise among many lottery organizations. We expect opportunities to provide these services 
to lotteries will continue to grow and are actively pursuing a number of them in 2019. 

The integration of our recently acquired Schafer retail merchandising business is proceeding as expected 
and we are looking for opportunities to maximize instant ticket sales through innovative use of point of 
sale dispensers. The integration of our International Gamco business with our American Games business 
is  also  progressing  well.  At  the  same  time,  Diamond  Game  is  pursuing  a  number  of  new  market 
opportunities  for  its  eGaming  machines  and  will  be  increasing  the  number  of  machines  in  developing 
markets.   

Our strategic vision includes pursuing acquisitions to expand our product offerings and we are actively 
looking at a number of tactical additions that would further enhance Pollard’s position as partner of choice 
for the lottery and charitable gaming industries. 

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 

24 

designed appropriately and are effective at providing reasonable assurance of achieving the disclosure 
objectives. 

Pollard  has  limited  its  design  of  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  to  exclude  controls,  policies  and 
procedures of Schafer, as it was acquired not more than 365 days before the end of the financial period 
to which this MD&A relates. 

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. 

Pollard has limited its design of ICFR to exclude controls, policies and procedures of Schafer, as it was 
acquired not more than 365 days before the end of the financial period to which this MD&A relates. 

No  changes  were  made  in  Pollard’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2018, 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,  2018,  is  available  on  SEDAR  at 
www.sedar.com. 

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

25 

 
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, 2019 

ROBERT ROSE 
Chief Financial Officer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements of 

POLLARD BANKNOTE 
LIMITED  

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

To the Shareholders of Pollard Banknote Limited 

Opinion 

the  consolidated  statements  of 

We  have  audited  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Pollard Banknote Limited  (the  Entity),  which 
comprise 
financial  position  as  at  December  31,  2018  and 
December 31, 2017,  the  consolidated  statements  of  income,  comprehensive  income,  changes  in  equity 
and  cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of 
significant accounting policies (hereinafter referred to as the “financial statements”). 

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
consolidated  financial  position  of  the  Entity  as  at  December  31,  2018  and  December  31,  2017,  and  its 
consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

Basis for Opinion 

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards.  Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the “Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit 
of the Financial Statements” section of our auditors’ report. 

We are independent of the Entity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit 
of the financial statements in Canada and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with these requirements. 

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

Other Information 

Management is responsible for the other information. Other information comprises: 

‐ 

‐ 

the information included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed with the relevant Canadian 
Securities Commissions. 
the  information,  other  than  the  financial  statements  and  the  auditors’  report  thereon,  included  in  a 
document likely to be entitled “Annual Report 2018”. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information 
identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, and remain alert for indications that the other 
information appears to be materially misstated. 

1 

        KPMG LLP One Lombard Place Suite 2000 Winnipeg MB R3B 0X3 Telephone (204) 957-1770 Fax (204) 957-0808 www.kpmg.ca   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.  Document Classification: KPMG Confidential                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We  obtained  the  information  included  in  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  filed  with  the  relevant 
Canadian Securities Commissions, as at the date of this auditors’ report. If, based on the work we have 
performed  on  this  other  information,  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material  misstatement  of  this  other 
information, we are required to report that fact in the auditors’ report. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

The  information,  other  than  the  financial  statements  and  the  auditors’  report  thereon,  included  in  a 
document likely to be entitled “Annual Report 2018” is expected to be made available to us after the date 
of this auditors’ report. If, based on the work we will perform on this other information, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact to those charged 
with governance.   

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements 

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

In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Entity’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern 
basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Entity or to cease operations, or has 
no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Entity’s financial reporting process. 

Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes 
our opinion. 

Reasonable  assurance  is  a  high  level  of  assurance,  but  is  not  a  guarantee  that  an  audit  conducted  in 
accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  will  always  detect  a  material 
misstatement when it exists. 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the 
financial statements. 

As  part  of  an  audit  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards,  we  exercise 
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. 

We also: 

- 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to 
fraud  or  error,  design  and  perform  audit  procedures responsive  to those risks, and obtain audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting 
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control. 

-  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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. 

2 

      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made by management. 

-  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting 
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events 
or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If 
we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ 
report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, 
to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of 
our auditors’ report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Entity to cease to continue 
as a going concern. 

-  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the 
disclosures,  and  whether  the  financial  statements  represent  the  underlying  transactions  and 
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

-  Communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned 
scope  and  timing  of  the  audit  and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies 
in internal control that we identify during our audit. 

-  Provide  those  charged  with  governance  with  a  statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant 
ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and 
other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, 
related safeguards. 

-  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 
business activities within the group Entity to express an opinion on the financial statements. We 
are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely 
responsible for our audit opinion. 

Chartered Professional Accountants 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this auditors’ report is Robert Kowalchuk. 

Winnipeg, Canada  

March 13, 2019 

3 

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

Assets 

Current assets 

Cash 
Restricted cash 
Accounts receivable 
Inventories (note 7) 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Income tax receivable 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment (note 8) 
Equity investment (note 9) 
Goodwill (note 10) 
Intangible assets (note 11) 
Deferred income taxes (note 12) 

Total non-current assets 

  December 31, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017* 

$ 

$ 

11,174 
10,158 
34,675 
45,353 
6,943 
2,279 
110,582 

71,606 
1,164 
69,667 
50,086 
2,495 
195,018 

5,603 
5,780 
40,749 
32,008 
6,331 
–   
90,471 

54,319 
877 
51,768 
27,746 
3,093 
137,803 

Total assets 

$ 

305,600 

$ 

228,274 

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

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 

Current liabilities 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Dividends payable 
Income taxes payable 
Contract liabilities (note 18) 
Current portion long-term debt (note 13) 
Current portion subordinated debt (note 14) 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Long-term debt (note 13) 
Subordinated debt (note 14) 
Contract liabilities (note 18) 
Other non-current liabilities 
Pension liability (note 15) 
Deferred income taxes (note 12) 

Total non-current liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 

Share capital (note 16) 
Reserves 
Deficit 

Total shareholders’ equity 

Commitments and contingencies (note 17) 

December 31, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017* 

$ 

$ 

43,058 
768 
408 
814 
40 
–   
45,088 

115,756 
–   
43 
466 
20,357 
6,252 
142,874 

108,605 
12,698 
(3,665) 
117,638 

36,766 
706 
3,373 
702 
784 
3,585 
45,916 

83,771 
13,149 
789 
753 
22,959 
3,368 
124,789 

73,209 
2,965 
(18,605) 
57,569 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

$ 

305,600 

$ 

228,274 

*  Pollard  has  initially  applied  IFRS  15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and  IFRS  9 Financial 
Instruments at January 1, 2018. Under the transition methods chosen, comparative information has not 
been restated. See note 3. 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

On behalf of the Board: 

“Dave Brown”             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 (note 18) 

Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

Administration 
Selling 
Other expenses (note 19) 
Income from operations 

Finance costs (note 20) 
Finance income (note 20) 
Income before income taxes 

Income taxes (note 12) 

Current  
Deferred (reduction) 

2018 

2017* 

$ 

331,868 

$ 

285,654 

256,131 
75,737 

32,154 
13,395 
464 
29,724 

9,836 
(881) 
20,769 

5,175 
742 
5,917 

219,916 
65,738 

28,609 
9,412 
675 
27,042 

4,172 
(1,104) 
23,974 

7,902 
(712) 
7,190 

Net income  

Net income per share (basic) (note 21) 

Net income per share (diluted) (note 21) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

14,852 

$ 

16,784 

0.58      $ 

0.58 

  $ 

0.71 

0.71 

*  Pollard  has  initially  applied  IFRS  15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and  IFRS  9 Financial 
Instruments at January 1, 2018. Under the transition methods chosen, comparative information has not 
been restated. See note 3. 

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  

$ 

14,852 

$ 

16,784 

2018 

2017* 

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 

9,733 

(952) 

Defined benefit plans remeasurements, net of 
income tax (reduction) (note 12 & note 15) 

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

  2,720 
12,453 

(7,397) 
(8,349) 

Comprehensive income  

$ 

27,305 

$ 

8,435 

*  Pollard  has  initially  applied  IFRS  15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and  IFRS  9 Financial 
Instruments at January 1, 2018. Under the transition methods chosen, comparative information has not 
been restated. See note 3. 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

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

Year ended December 31, 2018 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

$ 

73,209 

2,965 

(18,605) 

57,569 

Share 
capital 

Translation 
reserve 

Deficit 

Total 
 equity 

Adjustment on initial application of IFRS 15, net of 

income tax (note 3) 

           –    

               –    

332 

Adjusted balance at January 1, 2018 

73,209 

2,965 

(18,273) 

Net income 

Other comprehensive income 

Foreign currency translation differences – 

foreign operations 

Defined benefit plans remeasurements, net 

of income tax (note 12 & note 15) 

Total other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

$ 
$ 

–    

–    

–    

–    
–    

–   

14,852 

9,733 

–   

–   

2,720 

9,733 
9,733 

2,720 
17,572 

 –   

110 

332 

57,901 

14,852 

9,733 

2,720 

12,453 
27,305 

35,396 

110 

Issue of common shares (note 16) 

35,396 

               –    

Share based compensation 

Dividends to owners of Pollard Banknote Limited 

–    

–    

–   

–   

(3,074) 

(3,074) 

Balance at December 31, 2018 

$ 

108,605 

12,698 

(3,665) 

117,638 

Year ended December 31, 2017 

Balance at January 1, 2017 

Net income 

Other comprehensive loss 

Foreign currency translation differences – 

foreign operations 

Defined benefit plans remeasurements, net 

of income tax reduction  

Total other comprehensive loss 

Total comprehensive income (loss) 

Share based compensation  

$ 
$ 

Dividends to owners of Pollard Banknote Limited 

–    

–    

–    

–    
–    

–    

–    

Share 
capital 

Translation 
reserve 

Deficit 

$ 

73,209 

3,917 

(25,289) 

–   

16,784 

Total 
 equity 

51,837 

16,784 

(952) 

–   

(952) 

–   

(7,397) 

(7,397) 

(952) 
(952) 

–   

–   

(7,397) 
9,387 

122 

(8,349) 
8,435 

122 

(2,825) 

(2,825) 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

$ 

73,209 

2,965 

(18,605) 

57,569 

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 loss (gain) 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment  
Loss on equity investment (note 9) 
Pension expense (note 15) 
Contract liabilities (note 18) 

Interest paid 
Income tax paid 
Pension contribution 
Change in non-cash operating working capital  

(note 23) 

Investing activities 

Additions to property, plant and equipment (note 8) 
Acquisition of Integrity Bingo 
Acquisition of INNOVA Gaming Group, Inc. (note 6) 
Acquisition of International Gamco, Inc. (note 6) 
Acquisition of Schafer (note 6) 
Equity investment (note 9) 
Additions to intangible assets (note 11) 

Financing activities 

Proceeds from issue of share capital (note 16) 
Net proceeds from long-term debt (note 13) 
Net proceeds from (repayments of) subordinated debt  
Change in other non-current liabilities 
Deferred financing charges paid (note 13) 
Change in dividend payable 
Dividends paid 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in foreign currency 

Change in cash position 

Cash position, beginning of year 

2018 

2017* 

$ 

14,852 

$ 

16,784 

5,917 
18,017 
4,243 
4,533 
–   
2,631 
6,449 
(773) 
(4,484) 
(10,187) 
(5,534) 

3,997 
39,661 

(15,090) 
–   
–   
(21,558) 
(30,447) 
(2,842) 
(7,145) 
(77,082) 

35,396 
27,878 
(16,734) 
(328) 
(561) 
62 
(3,074) 
42,639 

353 

5,571 

5,603 

7,190 
13,155 
3,962 
(1,436) 
74 
1,727 
5,082 
(163) 
(3,699) 
(6,127) 
(5,312) 

(2,879) 
28,358 

(6,948) 
(502) 
(39,318) 
–   
–   
(2,204) 
(2,246) 
(51,218) 

–   
13,520 
10,602 
383 
(342) 
–   
(2,825) 
21,338 

(375) 

(1,897) 

7,500 

Cash position, end of year 

$ 

11,174 

$ 

5,603 

* Pollard has initially applied IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and IFRS 9 Financial Instruments at 

January 1, 2018.  Under the transition methods chosen, comparative information has not been restated. See note 3. 

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, 2018 and 2017 

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, 2018, 
comprise Pollard, Pollard’s subsidiaries and its interest in other entities. Pollard is primarily involved 
in the manufacture and sale of lottery and gaming products. 

The controlling entity of Pollard is Pollard Equities Limited (“Equities”), a privately held company. On 
February  1,  2018,  Pollard  completed  a  share  offering,  which  reduced  Equities’  ownership  to 
approximately 67.5% of Pollard’s increased outstanding share amount. Further details are provided 
in note 16. 

The operations of International Gamco, Inc. (“Gamco”), acquired during the first quarter of 2018, 
are  included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  from  February  1,  2018.  Further  details  are 
provided in note 6. 

The  operations  of  Schafer  Systems  (2018)  Inc.,  acquired  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2018,  are 
included in the consolidated financial statements from October 31, 2018. Further details are provided 
in note 6. 

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,  2019,  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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

2. 

Basis of preparation (continued): 

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. 

(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.  Pollard  also  chooses  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 10. 

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.  Further 
details are provided in note 15. 

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 12. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

2. 

Basis of preparation (continued): 

Acquisition accounting: 

For acquisition accounting purposes, all identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in a business 
combination  are  recognized  at  fair  value  at  the  date  of  acquisition.  Estimates  are  used  to 
calculate the fair value of these assets and liabilities.  

3. 

Accounting standards implemented in 2018: 

(a)  Revenue from contracts with customers: 

In May 2014, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued IFRS 15 Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers. The new standard specifies a single, five-step revenue recognition model 
that  requires  entities  to  recognize  revenue  when  control  of  the  promised  goods  or  services  is 
transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to 
be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also requires more informative, 
relevant disclosures. IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IAS 18 Revenue.  

Under  certain  contracts,  Pollard  is  compensated  for  its  products  based  on  its  customers’  sales  of 
those products at retail. Prior to IFRS 15, Pollard recognized sales under these contracts at the time 
the  product  was  sold  at  retail.  Under  IFRS  15  Pollard  has  concluded  that  control  transfers  to  its 
customers at delivery of the product to the customer. This will accelerate the recognition of sales 
under these contracts to the time of receipt of shipment. Pollard’s sales under these contracts could 
vary year over year depending on the timing of shipments.  

Pollard adopted the new standard retrospectively, with the cumulative effect of initially applying the 
standard recognized at January 1, 2018, in opening deficit. The impact of transition to IFRS 15 on 
opening deficit at January 1, 2018, was a reduction of $332, net of $123 of income taxes. The impact 
on  the  statement  of  financial  position  included  an  increase  in  accounts  receivable  of  $3,260,  a 
decrease in inventories of $2,805 and an increase in the deferred income tax liability of $123.  

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018,  Pollard’s  revenue  increased  by  $3,052  and  cost  of  sales 
increased  by  $2,104  as  a  result  of  the  accelerated  revenue  recognition  point  on  contracts  where 
Pollard  is  compensated  for  its  products  based  on  its  customers’  sales  at  retail.  As  a  result  of  the 
transitional adjustment, Pollard’s sales in the year ended December 31, 2018, decreased by $3,184 
and cost of sales decreased by $2,789, as these sales were previously recorded in opening deficit 
upon adoption at January 1, 2018.  

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 15, Pollard’s accounting policies for Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers  have  been  updated  in  note  4  and  applied  from  January  1,  2018.  Additional  revenue 
disclosures are presented in note 18. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

3. 

Accounting standards implemented in 2018 (continued): 

(b)  Financial instruments: 

In  July  2014,  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  9  Financial Instruments,  which  replaced  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.  

Pollard  adopted  the  new  standard  retrospectively.  The  adoption  of  IFRS  9  did  not  result  in  any 
transition adjustments being recognized as at January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new standard 
had no material impact on Pollard’s consolidated financial statements. 

The  standard  contains  three  classification  categories  for  financial  assets:  measured  at  amortized 
cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) and fair value through profit or loss 
(“FVTPL”). The classification of financial assets under IFRS 9 is based on the business model in which 
a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. The standard eliminates 
the previous IAS 39 categories of held to maturity, loans and receivables, and available for sale. Most 
of the requirements in IAS 39 for classification and measurement of financial liabilities were carried 
forward in IFRS 9; as a result, the adoption did not change Pollard’s accounting policies for financial 
liabilities. The classification changes for each class of Pollard’s financial assets and financial liabilities 
upon adoption at January 1, 2018 are summarized in the following table: 

Financial assets and liabilities 

IAS 39 

IFRS 9 

Cash 
Restricted cash 
Accounts receivable* 
Accounts payable and accrued 

Loans and receivables 
Loans and receivables 
Loans and receivables 
Other financial liabilities 

Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 

$ 

IAS 39/IFRS 9 
carrying value 

5,603 
5,780 
 44,009 

liabilities 

Other non-current liabilities 
Dividends payable 
Long-term debt 
Subordinated debt 

Other financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities 

Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 

             (36,766) 
                   (753) 
                   (706) 
               (83,771) 
             (13,149) 

*January 1, 2018 figure includes the impact of the transitional adjustment booked to opening 
deficit upon adoption of IFRS 15 of $3,260. Further details are provided in note 3(a). 

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 9, Pollard’s accounting policies for Financial Instruments have 
been updated in note 4 and applied from January 1, 2018. Additional IFRS 9 disclosures are 
presented in note 27 and note 28. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

3. 

Accounting standards implemented in 2018 (continued): 

(c)  Share-based payments: 

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 had no 
material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 

(d)  Foreign currency transactions and advance consideration: 

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 had no material 
impact on the consolidated financial statements. 

4. 

Significant accounting policies: 

The  accounting  policies  set  out  below  have  been  applied  consistently  to  all  periods  presented  in 
these consolidated financial statements, except as described in note 3.  

(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, 2018 

December 31, 2017 

Pollard Holdings, Inc. 
Pollard (U.S.) Ltd. 
Pollard Games, Inc. 
Pollard iLottery Inc. 
Diamond Game Enterprises 
Diamond Game Enterprises Canada ULC 
International Gamco, Inc. 
Schafer Systems (2018) Inc. 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100       
100     

                         –   
                         – 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

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, 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. 

(b)  Business combinations: 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition 
is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments and liabilities incurred or 
assumed at the date of exchange. Acquisition costs for business combinations are expensed as 
incurred  and  included  in  administration  expenses.  Identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities 
assumed are measured at their fair value at the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of 
consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded 
as goodwill.  

(c)  Restricted cash: 

Pollard,  under  certain  contractual  arrangements,  controls  cash  that  is  not  available  for  use. 
Pollard  records  an  equal,  offsetting  liability  classified  within  accounts  payable  and  accrued 
liabilities.  Restricted  cash  includes  player  deposits  held  for  the  benefit  of  Pollard’s  iLottery 
customer, in addition to funds held for security purposes and certain contractual 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.  

(d)  Revenue recognition: 

Pollard previously recognized revenue under IAS 18 when persuasive evidence of an arrangement 
existed,  significant  risk  and  benefits  of  ownership  were  transferred,  the  sales  price  to  the 
customer was fixed or was determined, and collection of the resulting receivable was reasonably 
assured. The significant risks of ownership and benefits of ownership were normally transferred 
in accordance with the shipping terms agreed to with the customer.  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Under IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenue is recognized when a customer 
obtains  control  of  the  goods  or  services.  Pollard  determines  revenue  recognition  through  the 
following  steps:  a)  identification  of  the  contract  with  a  customer,  b)  identification  of  the 
performance obligations in the contract, c) determination of the transaction price, d) allocation 
of  the  transaction  price  to  the  performance  obligations  in  the  contract  and  e)  recognition  of 
revenue when Pollard satisfies a performance obligation. 

Many of Pollard’s contracts have a single performance obligation, including the sale of instant 
tickets  and  related  products,  pull-tab  (or  break-open)  tickets,  bingo  paper,  pull-tab  vending 
machines,  ancillary  products  such  as  pull-tab  counting  machines  and  gaming  machines.  The 
single performance obligation in these contracts is the promise to transfer the individual goods. 
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when the customer obtains control of a product, which 
typically takes place when legal title and physical possession of the product is transferred to the 
customer. These conditions are usually fulfilled upon delivery. However, under certain contracts, 
Pollard is compensated for its products based on its customers’ sales of those products at retail. 
Prior to IFRS 15, Pollard recognized sales under these contracts at the time the product was sold 
at retail. Under IFRS 15, Pollard has concluded that control transfers to its customers at delivery 
of the product to the customer. This accelerates the recognition of sales under these contracts 
to the time of receipt  of shipment. Pollard’s sales  under these contracts could  vary year over 
year depending on the timing of shipments.  

Certain Pollard contracts include multiple performance obligations, including license and royalty 
sales, iLottery services, loyalty programs, digital and lottery management services, training and 
consulting. Where such arrangements exist, the transaction price is allocated to the performance 
obligations based upon the relative fair value of the various elements. The fair values of each 
element are determined based on the current market price of each of the elements when sold 
separately. Revenue is then recognized upon satisfaction of each performance obligation. Where 
Pollard provides software and related infrastructure, revenue is recognized over time based on 
the relevant measure of progress of the asset being transferred to the customer. 

Pollard earns revenue from leasing gaming machines and other equipment, and capitalizes the 
costs of installing gaming equipment.  Revenue from the provision of gaming services is generally 
recognized  as  a  daily  fee  or  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  generated  by  the  gaming  machines. 
Product support services, maintenance and periodic upgrades revenue is recognized over time 
as the related services are performed.   

Contract liabilities consist of customer advances for services to be rendered in the future and is 
recognized  as  income  in  future  periods.  Labour  costs  associated  with  performing  routine 
maintenance on participating gaming machines is expensed as incurred and included in cost of 
sales. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Volume rebates are accrued and recorded as a reduction to sales based on historical experience 
and management’s expectations regarding sales volume. 

(e)  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 operating capacity.  

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

(f)  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 fair value of the consideration transferred over the 
fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired of Pollard’s subsidiaries. Goodwill is not amortized 
but is subject to an annual impairment test to ensure its recoverable value remains greater than, 
or equal to, book value. 

(g)  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 and related fringes 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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Computer software and licenses 

Computer software consists of the cost of acquiring, developing and implementing these systems. 
Cost  of  implementation  include  third  party  costs  as  well  as  direct  labour  and  related  fringes 
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. 

Customer assets and patents 

Customer assets and patents that have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated 
amortization and accumulated impairment losses.  

Intangible  assets,  with  finite  useful  lives,  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 

7 to 16 years 
Term of patent 
3 to 10 years or term of license 
3 to 9 years 

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

Trademarks, trade names and brands 

Trademarks, trade names and brands have been deemed to have an indefinite life and are not 
amortized. For purposes of impairment testing, the fair value of the trademarks, trade names 
and brands are determined using the relief from royalty method.  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

(h)  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 
Charitable gaming machines 
Furniture, fixtures and computers 

Rate 

10 to 39 years 
Term of lease 
2 to 11 years 
3 to 8 years 
3 to 9 years 

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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

(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.  

(k)  Financial instruments: 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, replaced the previous 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. 

Financial assets are initially measured at fair value. On initial recognition, Pollard classifies its 
financial assets at either amortized cost, FVOCI or FVTPL, depending on its business model for 
managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. 
Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition, unless Pollard changes 
its business model for managing financial assets. Financial liabilities are classified at amortized 
cost.  

A  financial  asset  is  classified  as  measured  at  amortized  cost  if  it  meets  both  of  the  following 
conditions:  a)  the  asset  is  held  within  a  business  model  whose  objective  is  to  hold  assets  to 
collect  contractual  cash  flows  and  b)  the  contractual  terms  of  the  financial  asset  give  rise  on 
specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal 
outstanding. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

A financial asset is classified as measured at FVOCI if it meets both of the following conditions: 
a) it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual 
cash flows and selling financial assets and b) its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to 
cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. 

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. 
This  includes  all  derivative  financial  assets.  On  initial  recognition,  Pollard  may  irrevocably 
designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortized 
cost or at FVOCI as FVTPL, if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch 
that would otherwise arise. 

Hedge accounting 

Pollard  has  adopted  the  new  general  hedging  accounting  model  in  IFRS  9.  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.  

From time to time, Pollard enters into hedging arrangements in order to mitigate this exposure 
to foreign exchange fluctuations. Pollard determines the existence of an economic relationship 
between the hedging instrument and hedged item based on the currency, amount and timing of 
their respective cash flows. An assessment is made whether the derivative designated in each 
hedging relationship is expected to be and has been effective in offsetting changes in cash flows 
of the hedged item using the hypothetical derivative method.  

The fair value of each contract is included on the consolidated balance sheet as either a financial 
asset or liability. Changes in fair value are recorded in either other comprehensive income or the 
consolidated statement of income, depending on the nature of the hedged item.  

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or the hedging instrument is sold, 
expires, is terminated or is exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. When 
hedge accounting for cash flow hedges is discontinued, the amount that has been accumulated 
in the hedging reserve remains in equity until, for a hedge of a transaction resulting in recognition 
of a non-financial item, it is included in the non-financial item’s cost on its initial recognition or, 
for other cash flow hedges, it is reclassified to the consolidated statement of income in the same 
period or periods as the hedged expected future cash flows affects income or loss. If the hedged 
future cash flows are no longer expected to occur, the amounts that have been accumulated in 
the hedging reserve are immediately reclassified to the consolidated statement of income. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

(l) 

Impairment: 

Financial assets 

IFRS 9 replaces the incurred loss model in IAS 39 with an expected credit loss (“ECL”) model. 
The  new  impairment  model  applies  to  financial  assets  measured  at  amortized  cost,  contract 
assets and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments.  

Pollard applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses, which requires the 
use  of  the  lifetime  expected  credit  loss  provision  for  all  accounts  receivable.  Expected  credit 
losses are measured as the difference in the present value of the contractual cash flows that are 
due under the contract and the cash flows that Pollard expects to receive. The expected cash 
flows  reflect  all  available  information,  including  Pollard’s  historical  experience,  the  past  due 
status, and forward-looking macroeconomic factors. Further details are provided in note 27 and 
note 28. 

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  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

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. 

(m)  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. 

(n)  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”).  

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.  

(o)  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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

Defined contribution plans 

Pollard’s  U.S.  subsidiaries  maintain  four  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.   

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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

(p)  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 and U.S. state franchise 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.  

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. 

(q)  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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

4. 

Significant accounting policies (continued): 

(r)  Finance costs and finance income: 

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

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. 

(s)  Leases: 

The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance 
of the arrangement and requires an assessment of whether the arrangement conveys a right to 
use  the  asset.  When  substantially  all  risk  and  rewards  of  ownership  are  transferred  from  the 
lessor to the lessee, lease transactions are accounted for as finance leases. All other leases are 
accounted for as operating leases. 

Certain Pollard subsidiaries, as lessees, have entered into leases which are classified as finance 
leases. These leases are presented in the consolidated financial statements according to their 
nature. The interest element of the lease payment is recognized over the term of the lease based 
on the effective interest rate method and is included in finance expenses. 

5. 

Future accounting standards: 

(a)  Leases: 

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.  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

5. 

Future accounting standards (continued): 

Pollard  has  undertaken  a  preliminary  review  of  all  lease  contracts  and  has  applied  the  new 
measurement model for lessees. Pollard leases a number of manufacturing facilities in Canada 
and the United States. The present value of the remaining lease payments will be recognized on 
the balance sheet as right to use assets and related lease liabilities upon adoption. The nature 
of expenses related to those leases will now change because Pollard will recognize a depreciation 
charge on the right to use assets and an interest expense on the related lease liabilities. Pollard 
intends  to  adopt  the  standard  using  the  modified  retrospective  approach,  using  the  practical 
expedient of setting the initial right to use asset equal to the corresponding lease liability. No 
restatement  is  required  under  this  approach.  Pollard  has  preliminarily  estimated  that  the 
transitional impact on the consolidated statements of financial position will result in recognizing 
right to use assets and corresponding lease liabilities of $18,721. 

(b)  Uncertainty over income tax treatments: 

In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. 
The  Interpretation  aims  to  reduce  diversity  in  how  companies  recognize  and  measure  a  tax 
liability or tax asset when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Interpretation is 
effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019  and  is  to  be  applied 
retrospectively. Pollard does not expect the Interpretation to have a significant impact on the 
consolidated financial statements upon adoption.  

(c)  Investments in associates and joint ventures: 

In October 2017, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint 
Ventures. The amendments clarify that long-term interests in associates and joint ventures, to 
which the equity method is not applied, are in the scope of both IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, 
including impairment testing, and IAS 28 in terms of the application of IFRS 9 loss absorption 
and the impairment requirements of IAS 28. These amendments are effective for annual periods 
beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019.  Pollard  does  not  expect  the  amendments  to  have  a 
significant impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

5. 

Future accounting standards (continued): 

(d)  Employee benefits: 

In February 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits. The amendments 
were issued to specify how an entity determines pension expenses when changes to a defined 
benefit plan occur. When a change to a plan takes place, including an amendment, curtailment 
or settlement, IAS 19 requires an entity to remeasure its employee benefit plan liability or asset. 
The amendments require an entity to use the updated assumptions from this remeasurement to 
determine current service cost and the net finance cost for the remainder of the reporting period 
after  the  change  to  the  plan.  The  amendments  are  for  annual  and  interim  reporting  periods 
beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019  and  are  to  be  applied  prospectively.  Pollard  does  not 
expect the amendments to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements 
upon adoption.  

6. 

Acquisitions: 

(a)  INNOVA Gaming Group Inc.: 

On August 3, 2017, 10188557 Canada Inc. (the “Offeror”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pollard, 
acquired  17,929,021  common  shares  of  INNOVA  Gaming  Group  Inc.  (“INNOVA”  or  “Diamond 
Game”)  which  had  been  validly  tendered  under  the  offer  to  acquire  all  of  the  outstanding 
common shares (the “Offer”) for $2.50 in cash per common share. The Offer was extended until 
August 15, 2017.  

On August 15, 2017, an additional 1,167,946 common shares were acquired under the extension 
of  the  Offer  for  $2.50  in  cash  per  common  share.  A  total  of  19,096,967  common  shares  or 
95.13% of the issued and outstanding common shares were acquired under the Offer. On August 
18,  2017,  Pollard  mailed  to  all  remaining  holders  of  common  shares  a  Notice  of  Compulsory 
Acquisition pursuant to the provisions of Section 206 of the Canada Business Corporations Act to 
complete  the  acquisition  of  100%  of  the  common  shares.  On  September  18,  2017,  the 
Compulsory Acquisition was completed and the Offeror acquired the remaining 976,932 common 
shares not already held by the Offeror, thereby becoming the holder of 100% of the common 
shares.  On  September  19,  2017,  INNOVA  was  formally  delisted  from  the  Toronto  Stock 
Exchange. The acquisition was completed for aggregate consideration of $50,185. 

The  purchase  price  was  funded  by  proceeds  from  Pollard’s  credit  facility  and  additional 
subordinated debt. The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method. The 
fair  values  of  the  identifiable  assets  and  liabilities  have  been  based  on  management’s  best 
estimates and valuation techniques as at August 3, 2017, the acquisition date. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

6. 

Acquisitions (continued): 

Purchase price 
Cash acquired 
Net consideration paid 

Additional net tangible assets acquired 
Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Property and equipment 
Deferred income tax asset 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Income tax payable 
Deferred revenue 
Long-term debt 
Deferred income tax liability 
Net tangible assets acquired (excluding cash) 

Trademarks 
Software 
Patents 
Customer contracts 
Identifiable intangible assets acquired 
Goodwill acquired 

$ 

$ 

50,185 
          (10,867) 
39,318 

$  

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

3,702 
1,739 
2,255 
10,288 
5,912 
(5,915) 
(189) 
(2,505) 
(1,467) 
(4,892) 
8,928 

2,616 
2,733 
436 
10,247 
16,032 
14,358 

Subsequent  to  the  preliminary  assignment  of  fair  values  to  identifiable  assets  and  liabilities 
acquired, Pollard assessed there to be a high degree of uncertainty that it will be able to recognize 
value  from  a  portion  of  the  deferred  tax  asset  initially  valued.  As  a  result,  in  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2017, Pollard reduced the deferred income tax asset by $3,128, from $9,040 to 
$5,912 and increased the goodwill from $11,230 to $14,358.  

The  goodwill  acquired  is  largely  attributable  to  the  assembled  workforce  and  the  expected 
synergies from the combined businesses. This goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax 
purposes.  

During the period ended June 30, 2018, the acquisition accounting was finalized. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

6. 

Acquisitions (continued): 

(b)  International Gamco, Inc.: 

On February 1, 2018, Pollard Holdings Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pollard, acquired 100% 
of the common shares of International Gamco, Inc. (“Gamco”). The purchase price was funded 
by proceeds from Pollard’s credit facility and cash on hand. The acquisition has been accounted 
for  using the acquisition method.  The  fair  values  of the identifiable assets and liabilities have 
been based on management’s best estimates and valuation techniques as at February 1, 2018, 
the acquisition date. As per the sales agreement, the net purchase price was decreased by the 
amount of other current liabilities assumed, which were specified in the agreement. The majority 
of these other current liabilities were paid in March 2018. 

Purchase price 
Cash acquired 
Net consideration paid 

Additional net tangible assets acquired 
Restricted cash - other current liabilities 
Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Property, plant and equipment 
Patents 
Deferred income tax asset 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Income taxes payable 
Other current liabilities 
Deferred income tax liability 
Net tangible assets acquired (excluding cash) 

Trade name 
Game library 
Customer relationships 
Identifiable intangible assets acquired 
Goodwill acquired 

$ 

$ 

$  

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

21,648 
(90) 
21,558 

5,999 
1,554 
4,831 
244 
7,025 
36 
1,362 
(1,853) 
(156) 
(5,999) 
(2,532) 
10,511 

526 
579 
4,058 
5,163 
5,884 

During  the  measurement  period,  the  fair  value  of  acquired  accounts  payable  and  accrued 
liabilities  was  increased  by  $601  with  an  offsetting  increase  to  goodwill  in  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2018. 

During the measurement period, the fair value of acquired prepaid expenses and deposits was 
decreased by $85 with an offsetting increase to goodwill in the year ended December 31, 2018. 

During the measurement period, the fair value of acquired inventories was increased by $320 
with an offsetting decrease to goodwill in the year ended December 31, 2018.  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

6. 

Acquisitions (continued): 

During the measurement period, the fair value of the acquired deferred income tax liability was 
increased by $160 with an offsetting increase to goodwill in the year ended December 31, 2018.  

Acquisition costs related to the Gamco purchase in the year ended December 31, 2018, were 
$227. These costs were included in administration expenses. 

During  the  period  between  February  1,  2018  and  December  31,  2018,  Gamco  generated 
revenues  of  approximately  $27,114  and  net  income  of  $1,081,  after  depreciation  and 
amortization of the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, which have been recorded in the 
consolidated financial statements. If Gamco had been acquired on January 1, 2018, incremental 
revenue  of  $2,217  and  net  loss  of  $4,755  (which  includes  $4,826  of  transaction  related 
expenditures, net of income tax) would have been recognized in the year ended December 31, 
2018. 

The  goodwill  acquired  is  largely  attributable  to  the  assembled  workforce  and  the  expected 
synergies  from  the  combined  businesses,  including  a  greater  share  of  the  charitable  gaming 
market. This goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  

During the period ended December 31, 2018, the acquisition accounting was finalized. 

(c)  Schafer Systems Inc.: 

On  October  31,  2018,  Pollard  Systems  Inc.,  a  wholly-owned  indirect  subsidiary  of  Pollard, 
acquired  substantially  all  of  the  operating  assets  and  business  of  Schafer  Systems  Inc. 
(“Schafer”),  the  leading  global  provider  of  lottery  ticket  dispensers  and  play  stations.  Pollard 
Systems Inc. was renamed Schafer Systems (2018) Inc. upon completion of the transaction. The 
purchase  price  was  funded  by  proceeds  from  Pollard’s  credit  facility  and  cash  on  hand.  The 
acquisition  has  been  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method.  The  fair  values  of  the 
identifiable assets and liabilities have been based on management’s best estimates and valuation 
techniques as at October 31, 2018, the acquisition date.  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

6. 

Acquisitions (continued): 

Consideration paid 

Net tangible assets acquired 
Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Property, plant and equipment 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Net tangible assets acquired 

Customer relationships 
Brand 
Patents 
Identifiable intangible assets acquired 
Goodwill acquired 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

30,447 

1,042 
2,566 
5,409 
(374) 
8,643 

11,426 
1,013 
132 
12,571 
9,233 

Acquisition costs related to the Schafer purchase in the year ended December 31, 2018, were 
$374. These costs were included in administration expenses. 

During  the  period  between  October  31,  2018  and  December  31,  2018,  Schafer  generated 
revenues of approximately $2,153 and net income of $152, after depreciation and amortization 
of the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, which have been recorded in the consolidated 
financial statements. If Schafer had been acquired on January 1, 2018, incremental revenue of 
$11,831 and net income of $1,897 would have been recognized in the year ended December 31, 
2018. 

The goodwill acquired is largely attributable to the assembled workforce, market share and the 
expected synergies and cost savings after integration of the combined businesses. This goodwill 
is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities 
acquired are preliminary and are subject to change if new information becomes available. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

7. 

Inventories: 

Raw materials 
Work-in-process 
Finished goods 

  December 31, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017 

$ 

$ 

$ 

18,537 
2,861 
23,955 

11,755 
930 
19,323 

45,353 

$ 

32,008 

During  2018,  Pollard  recorded  inventory  write-downs  of  $302  representing  an  increase  in  the 
obsolescence  reserves  and  reversal  of  previous  write-downs  of  $53  due  to  changes  in  foreign 
exchange rates. 

During  2017,  Pollard  recorded  inventory  write-downs  of  $457  representing  an  increase  in  the 
obsolescence  reserves  and  reversal  of  previous  write-downs  of  $26  due  to  changes  in  foreign 
exchange rates. 

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

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

8. 

Property, plant and equipment: 

Cost 

Land  Buildings 

Leasehold 
improve-
ments 

Equipment 

Furniture, 
fixture and 
computers 

Assets in 
progress & 
spare parts    Total 

Balance at January 1, 2017 

$ 

803 

  12,068 

3,306 

 154,054 

4,879 

1,579 

176,689 

Acquisitions 

Additions/net transfers 

Disposals 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

2017 

Acquisitions 

Additions/net transfers 

Disposals 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–   

 88 

–   

–   

–   

284 

8,468 

1,527 

293 

10,288 

5,674 

422 

480 

6,948 

–   

(10,087) 

(63) 

(309) 

(6) 

8 

–   

(10,093) 

–  

(364) 

$ 

 803 

12,156 

3,527 

157,800 

6,830 

2,352 

183,468 

881 

7,496 

–   

–   

47 

195 

–   

145 

–   

1,460 

–   

74 

3,832 

6,549 

(65) 

2,269 

–   

225 

12,434 

510 

6,376 

15,090 

–   

26 

–   

(65) 

44 

2,605 

2018 

$  1,731 

19,992 

5,061 

170,385 

7,366 

8,997 

213,532 

Accumulated 
depreciation 

Land  Buildings 

Leasehold 
improve-
ments 

Furniture, 
fixture and 
computers 

Assets in 
progress & 
spare parts   Total 

Equipment 

Balance at January 1, 2017 

$ 

Depreciation for the year 

Disposals 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

2017 

Depreciation for the year 

Disposals 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 
Balance at December 31, 

2018 

$ 

$ 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4,912 

1,915 

119,085 

 3,871             –   

129,783 

369 

–   

–   

424 

8,469 

 522             –   

9,784 

–   

(10,013) 

(6)            –   

(10,019) 

(189) 

(206) 

(4)          

           –   

(399) 

5,281 

2,150 

 117,335 

 4,383             –   

129,149 

444 

–   

2 

242 

      11,129 

233         

           –   

12,048 

–   

74 

(47)                –  

           –   

(47) 

691 

9             –   

776 

5,727 

2,466 

129,108 

4,625             –   

141,926 

Carrying amounts 

Land  Buildings 

ments  Equipment 

Leasehold 
improve- 

Furniture, 
fixture and 
computers 

Assets in 
progress & 
spare parts   Total 

At December 31, 2017 

$ 

803 

6,875 

At December 31, 2018 

$  1,731 

14,265 

1,377 

2,595 

40,465 

41,277 

2,447 

2,741 

2,352 

54,319 

8,997 

71,606 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

9.   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, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017 

$ 

$ 

$ 

877 
2,842 
(2,631) 
76 

468   

2,204 
(1,727) 
(68) 

1,164 

$ 

877 

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  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.  

10.  Goodwill: 

December 31, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017 

Balance, beginning of year 
Acquisition of Diamond Game (note 6) 
Acquisition of Integrity 
Acquisition of Gamco (note 6) 
Acquisition of Schafer (note 6) 
Effects of movements in exchange rates 

$ 

51,768  $ 
–   
–   
5,884 
9,233 
2,782 

Balance, end of year 

$ 

69,667  $ 

37,513 
14,358 
189 
–   
–   
(292) 

51,768 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

10.  Goodwill (continued):   

Impairment assessment methodology 

Pollard performs its annual goodwill impairment test as at December 31. Goodwill has been allocated 
as follows to Pollard’s CGUs: 

Lotteries 
American Games 
Diamond Game 
Gamco 
Schafer 

Total 

December 31, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017 

$ 

30,816  $ 

7,012 
15,741 
6,513 
9,585 

$ 

69,667  $ 

30,816 
6,457 
14,495 
–   
–   

51,768 

Goodwill allocated to the American Games, Diamond Game, Gamco and Schafer CGUs are subject to 
foreign exchange revaluation.  

For each CGU, 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 certain growth rates 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 

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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

10.  Goodwill (continued):   

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: 

Lotteries 
American Games 
Diamond Game 
Gamco 
Schafer 

Growth rates 

12.0% 
11.0% 
15.0% 
12.0% 
14.7% 

Growth rates are based on estimated sustainable long-term growth rates of the CGUs. A terminal 
value of 2% was applied in the value in use calculations for all of the above 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, 2018 and 2017 

11.  Intangible assets: 

Cost 

Balance at January 1, 

Customer 
assets 

Patents 

Trademarks 

Deferred 
development 

Computer 
software 
and 
licenses 

Total 

2017 

$ 

18,645 

5,187 

–   

1,148 

7,139 

32,119 

10,247 

436 

2,616  

–   

69 

–   

–   

–   

2,733 

16,032 

867 

936 

Balance at December 31, 

2017 

  $ 

28,991 

5,696 

15,484 

167 

–   

99 

–   

4 

–   

25 

2,641 

1,539 

62 

1,248 

1,310 

–   

17 

145 

1,210 

12,004 

50,542 

–   

579 

17,769 

Acquisitions 
Additions (net of 

investment tax credits) 

Additions – internally 
developed (net of 
investment tax credits)  

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Acquisitions 
Additions (net of 

investment tax credits) 

Additions – internally 
developed (net of 
investment tax credits) 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 

–   

742 

–   

429 

678 

1,849 

–   

1,769 

–   

46 

–   

323 

–   

5,296 

5,296 

–   

460 

2,598 

2018 

$ 

46,244 

6,651 

4,503 

1,639 

19,017 

78,054 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

11.  Intangible assets (continued):  

Customer 
assets 

Patents 

Trademarks 

Deferred 
development 

Computer 
software 
and 
licenses 

Total 

Accumulated amortization 

Balance at January 1, 

2017 
Amortization for the 

year 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 

2017 
Amortization for the 

year 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 

$ 

13,297 

4,781 

1,789 

128 

(16) 

(1) 

$ 

15,070 

4,908 

3,152 

204 

120 

6 

2018 

$ 

18,342 

5,118 

–   

–   

–   

–   

 –  

–  

–  

1,106 

1,019 

20,203 

104 

–   

595 

2,616 

(6) 

(23) 

1,210 

     1,608 

22,796 

36 

      1,555 

4,947 

–   

          99 

225 

1,246 

     3,262 

27,968 

Carrying amounts 

Customer 
assets 

Patents 

Trademarks 

Deferred 
development 

Computer 
software 
and 
licenses 

Total 

At December 31, 2017 
At December 31, 2018 

$  13,921 
$    27,902 

788 
1,533 

2,641 
4,503 

 –    
        333 

10,396 
15,815 

27,746 
50,086 

Amortization of intangible assets in 2018 of $4,947 (2017 – $2,616), was included in cost of sales. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

12.  Income taxes: 

Income tax expense 

Current  
Deferred (reduction) 

Total  

2018 

5,175 
742 

5,917 

$ 

$ 

2017 

7,902 
(712) 

7,190 

$ 

$ 

Income tax recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 

Amount 
before 
tax 

Tax  
expense 

2018 
Amount 
net of tax 

Amount 
before 
tax 

Tax 
benefit 

2017 
Amount 
net of tax  

Defined benefit plans 
remeasurement 
gain (loss) 

$ 

3,695 

(975) 

2,720  $ 

(9,875) 

2,478 

(7,397) 

Reconciliation of effective tax rate 

Net income for the year 
Total income tax expense 

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

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 

Non-deductible amounts 

Changes in enacted United States federal 

income tax rates  

Adjustments for tax of prior periods related 

to Diamond Game acquisition  

Other items  

Effect of non-taxable items related to 

foreign exchange 

2018 

2018 

2017 

$ 

$ 

27.0% 

(2.5%) 

2.7% 

0.0% 

0.0% 

(2.4%) 

14,852 
5,917 

20,769 
5,608 

(508) 

553 

–   

–   

(500) 

2017 

16,784 
7,190 

23,974 
6,473 

996 

887 

$ 

$ 

27.0% 

4.1% 

3.7% 

(9.4%) 

(2,261) 

5.1%  

1.4% 

1,217 

331 

3.7% 

764 

(1.9%) 

(453) 

28.5%  $ 

5,917 

30.0%  $ 

7,190 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

12.  Income taxes (continued): 

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 

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017 

$ 

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

exchange (gains) 
and losses 
Unused tax losses 
Contract liabilities 
Other 

23 
2,954 
259 
7,409 

1,126 
2,153 
56 
101 

48  $ 

685 
432 
7,738 

393 
1,855 
182 
98 

(9,319) 
(6,067) 
(57) 
(1,227) 

(7,762)  $ 
(2,082) 
–   
(1,488) 

(9,296) 
(3,113) 
202 
6,182 

(7,714) 
(1,397) 
432 
6,250 

(874) 
–   
(272) 
(22) 

(303) 
–   
–   
(71) 

252 
2,153 
(216) 
79 

90 
1,855 
182 
27 

Tax assets (liabilities) 

$ 

14,081 

11,431   $ 

(17,838) 

(11,706)  $ 

(3,757) 

(275) 

Movement in temporary differences during the year 

January 1, 
2017 

Recognized 
 in profit or 
loss 

Acquisitions 

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income 

Balance 
December 31, 
2017 

Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Inventories 
Employee benefits 
Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) 

$ 

and losses 
Unused tax losses 
Contract liabilities 
Other 

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

419 
–   
–   
72 

2,104 
911 
52 
(1,506) 

(2,911) 
849 
16 
978 

(329) 
193 
(159) 
(127) 

–   
1,662 
341 
82 

–   
–   
–   
2,478 

–   
–   
–   
–   

(7,714) 
(1,397) 
432 
6,250 

90 
1,855 
182 
27 

Tax assets (liabilities) 

$ 

(4,909) 

1,139 

1,017 

2,478 

(275) 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

12.  Income taxes (continued): 

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

(gains) and losses 

Unused tax losses 
Contract liabilities 
Other* 

January 1, 
2018 

Recognized 
 in profit or 
loss 

$ 

(7,714) 
(1,397) 
432 
6,250 

(406) 
(477) 
(71) 
(536) 

Acquisitions 

(1,176) 
(1,239) 
(159) 
1,443 

90 
1,855 
182 
(96) 

        162 
239 
(125) 

           – 

           – 
           – 
           – 

(39) 

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income 

Balance 
December 31, 
2018 

–   
–   
–   
(975) 

–   
–   
–   
–   

(9,296) 
(3,113) 
202 
6,182 

252 
2,094 
57 
(135) 

Tax assets (liabilities) 

$ 

(398) 

(1,214) 

(1,170) 

(975) 

(3,757) 

* January 1, 2018 figure includes the impact of the transitional adjustment booked to opening deficit 
upon adoption of IFRS 15 of $123. Further details are provided in note 3(a). 

Recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as follows: 

Deferred income tax expense (reduction) 
Finance income (loss) 

2018 

742 
472 

1,214 

$ 

$ 

2017 

(712) 
(427) 

(1,139) 

$ 

$ 

Amounts included in finance income relate to unrealized foreign exchange. 

Unrecognized deferred tax assets 

Deferred  tax  assets  have  not  been  recognized  in  respect  to  certain  tax  losses  because  it  is  not 
probable  that  future  taxable  profit  will  be  available  against  which  Pollard  can  use  the  benefits 
therefrom.  The  amount  of  tax  losses  not  recognized  at  December  31,  2018  was  $9,965  (2017  – 
$8,426), with an estimated tax effect of $2,690 (2017 – $2,332). These tax losses, related to the 
acquisition of Diamond Game in 2017, will expire between 2034 and 2038.  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

13.  Long-term debt: 

December 31, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017 

Credit facility, interest of 4.0% to 4.3%, payable 

monthly, maturing 2021 

$ 

116,177 

$ 

83,972 

Equipment debt, interest of 6.72%, payable monthly, 

maturing 2019 

Equipment lease, interest of 3.89% to 5.55% 

payable monthly, maturing 2019 

Deferred financing charges, net of amortization 

Less current portion  

4 

36 

(421) 

115,796 

(40) 

189 

647 

(253) 

84,555 

(784) 

$ 

115,756 

$ 

83,771 

Credit facility 

Deferred 
financing 

Equipment 
debt 

Equipment 
lease 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2018 

$ 

83,972 

(253) 

189 

647 

84,555 

Net proceeds (payments) 
Payment of deferred financing 

charges 

Total changes from financing 

cash flows 

28,705 

–   

(187) 

(640) 

27,878 

–   

(561) 

–   

–   

(561) 

28,705 

(561) 

(187) 

(640) 

27,317 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Amortization of deferred 

financing charges 

Total other changes 

3,500 

–   

3,500 

–   

393 

393 

Balance at December 31, 2018 

$ 

116,177 

(421) 

2 

–   

2 

4 

29 

–   

29 

3,531 

393 

3,924 

36 

115,796 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

13.  Long-term debt (continued): 

Credit facility 

Deferred 
financing 

Equipment 
debt 

Equipment 
lease 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2017 

$ 

71,003 

(151) 

–   

–   

70,852 

Net proceeds (payments) 
Payment of deferred financing 

charges 

Total changes from financing 

cash flows 

14,164 

–   

(193) 

(451) 

13,520 

–   

(342) 

–   

–   

(342) 

14,164 

(342) 

(193) 

(451) 

13,178 

Effect of movements in 

exchange rates 

Acquisitions 
Amortization of deferred 

financing charges 

Total other changes 

(1,195) 
–   

–   

(1,195) 

–   
–   

240 

240 

3 
379 

–   

10 
1,088 

(1,182) 
1,467 

–   

240 

525 

382 

1,098 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

$ 

83,972 

(253) 

189 

647 

84,555 

Credit facility 

Effective June 22, 2018, Pollard renewed its credit facility. The credit facility provides loans of up to 
$160,000 for its Canadian operations and US$12,000 for its U.S. subsidiaries. The credit facility also 
includes  an  accordion  feature  which  can  increase  the  facility  by  $25,000.  The  borrowings  for  the 
Canadian operations can be denominated in Canadian or U.S. dollars, to a maximum of $160,000 
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, 
2018,  the  outstanding  letters  of  guarantee  drawn  under  the  credit  facility  were  $1,337  (2017  – 
$1,909). 

Included in the total credit facility balance is a U.S. dollar denominated balance of US$43,600 (2017 
– US$14,700). 

Under the terms and conditions of the credit facility agreement Pollard is required to maintain certain 
financial  covenants  including  debt  to  income  before  interest,  income  taxes,  amortization  and 
depreciation (“Adjusted EBITDA”) ratios and certain debt service coverage ratios. As at December 
31, 2018, Pollard is in compliance with all financial covenants. 

As of December 31, 2018, Pollard had unused credit facility available of $58,860 (2017 – $34,202).  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

13.  Long-term debt (continued): 

Pollard’s credit facility is secured by a first security interest in all of the present and after acquired 
property  of  Pollard.  Under  the  terms  of  the  agreement  the  facility  is  committed  for  a  three-year 
period, renewable June 22, 2021. Principal payments are not required until maturity. The facility can 
be prepaid without penalties.  

Equipment debt and leasing 

Pollard’s  subsidiary,  Diamond  Game,  entered  into  agreements  to  purchase  equipment  payable  in 
monthly  installments  including  interest.  The  equipment  purchased  includes  charitable  gaming 
machines,  machinery  and  equipment,  and  computer  equipment  all  relating  to  the  operations  of 
Diamond Game. 

14.  Subordinated debt: 

Subordinated debt, interest of 8.00% payable 

quarterly, maturing 2024 

Less current portion 

December 31, 
2018 

  December 31, 
2017 

$                  –   

$                  –   
                  –   

$ 

$ 

16,734 

16,734 
(3,585) 

$                  –   

$ 

13,149 

On June 23, 2017, Pollard entered into a loan agreement with Equities for a subordinated term loan 
with a seven year term, repayable at any time (subject to meeting certain financial covenants under 
the secured credit facility). The loan was provided to assist with the purchase of Diamond Game. A 
total  of  $25,092  was  drawn  in  the  third  quarter  of  2017.  Interest  on  the  subordinated  debt 
commenced with the  first  draw at a rate of 8%. Quarterly principal payments  on the loan facility 
commenced the month following the first draw, which occurred August 4, 2017.  

In addition to the mandatory quarterly payments, Pollard has made three lump sum prepayments. 
On September 20, 2017, Pollard repaid $7,462 in outstanding principal and on February 23, 2018, 
Pollard repaid an additional $7,471 in outstanding principal. On June 29, 2018, Pollard repaid in full 
the remainder of the outstanding principal in the amount of $7,471. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

15.  Pension liability: 

December 31, 
2018 

December 31, 
2017 

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

Net pension liability 

 $ 

 $ 

52,946     $ 
(73,303)  

50,506 
(73,465) 

(20,357)    $ 

(22,959) 

Pollard sponsors non-contributory defined benefit plans providing pension benefits to its employees. 
Pollard has four defined benefit 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.  Two  of  the  plans  of  the  U.S.  subsidiaries  require  valuations  annually  with  the  last 
valuations  being  as  of  January 1,  2018.  One  of  the  Canadian  plans  of  Pollard  currently  requires 
valuation every year with the last valuation as of December 31, 2017. Pollard’s other Canadian plan’s 
valuation was as of January 1, 2017. Pollard’s U.S. subsidiaries also maintain four defined contribution 
plans. The pension expense for these defined contribution plans is the annual funding contribution 
by the subsidiaries.  

Pollard expects to contribute approximately $4,706 to its defined benefit plans in 2019. Included in 
the 2019 estimated contributions is $1,212 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, 
2018 

December 31, 
2017 

62.0% 
35.8% 
2.2% 

60.8% 
36.2% 
3.0% 

100.0% 

100.0% 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

15.  Pension liability (continued): 

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 gains (losses) 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

2018 

2017 

$ 

$ 

50,506 
1,788 
4,720 
(1,548) 
(3,024) 
504 

44,372 
1,834 
4,623 
(1,773) 
1,825 
(375) 

Fair value, end of year 

$ 

52,946 

$ 

50,506 

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 

2018 

2017 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

73,465 
4,839 
2,512 
(1,548) 
(6,790) 
825 

57,896 
3,934 
2,294 
(1,773) 
11,671 
(557) 

73,303 

$ 

73,465 

(20,357)  $ 

(22,959) 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

15.  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: 

2018 

2017 

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 

$ 

$ 

4,839 
2,512 
1,236 

(2,655) 

5,932 

517 

Net pension plans cost 

$ 

6,449 

$ 

Actuarial assumptions 

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

3,934 
2,294 
(3,659) 

2,190 

4,759 

323 

5,082 

Discount rate 
Rate of compensation increase 

2018 

2017 

3.9% to 4.6% 
0% to 3.0% 

3.4% to 3.8% 
0% to 3.0% 

Assumptions regarding future mortality have been based on published statistics and mortality tables. 
As of December 31, 2018, Pollard used CPM2014 Private Sector projected CPM-B mortality table for 
its  Canadian  subsidiary’s  pension  plans  and  the  RP-2018  healthy  mortality  tables  for  its  U.S. 
subsidiary’s pension plans. As of December 31, 2017, Pollard used CPM2014 Private Sector projected 
CPM-B mortality table for its Canadian subsidiary’s pension plans and the RP-2017 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, 2018 and 2017 

15.  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 (1% movement) 
Future mortality (one year) 

$ 
$ 
$ 

(13,112)  $ 
  $ 
$ 

1,906 
933 

17,390 
(1,745) 
(944) 

Increase 

Decrease 

Remeasurements 

Remeasurement gains (losses) arising on plan 

assets 

$ 

(3,024)  $ 

1,825 

2018 

2017 

Remeasurement (gains) losses arising on plan 

liabilities from: 

Demographic assumptions 
Financial assumptions 
Experience adjustments 

Remeasurement (gains) losses arising on plan 

liabilities 

$ 

$ 

$ 

23 
(8,601) 
1,788 

589 
8,698 
2,384 

(6,790)  $ 

11,671 

Remeasurements recognized in other comprehensive income 

Amount accumulated in deficit, beginning of year 
Recognized during the year, net of income tax 

Amount accumulated in deficit, end of year 

$ 

$ 

(19,393)  $ 

2,720 

(11,996) 
(7,397) 

(16,673)  $ 

(19,393) 

2018 

2017 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

16.  Share capital: 

Authorized 

Unlimited common shares 
Unlimited preferred shares 

               Shares  

Amount $ 

Issued 
Balance at January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 

Issuance of common shares 
Stock option exercise 

$ 

23,543,158 
2,070,000 
12,500 

73,209 
35,351 
45 

Balance at December 31, 2018 

25,625,658 

$ 

108,605 

Ownership restrictions: 

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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

16.  Share capital (continued): 

The shareholder must pay all the costs of the investigation incurred by any such Gaming Regulatory 
Authority. 

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, 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, 2018, Pollard is in compliance with all financial covenants. 

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

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 6, 2018, a dividend of $0.03 per share was declared, payable on January 15, 2019, to 
the shareholders of record on December 31, 2018. 

Issue of common shares: 

On February 1, 2018, Pollard announced that it had entered into an agreement with a syndicate of 
underwriters led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. (together, the “Underwriters”) to purchase on a bought 
deal basis 1,800,000 common shares of Pollard at a price of $18.45 per share. Pollard also granted 
the Underwriters an over-allotment option exercisable at any time up to 30 days following the closing 
of  the  offering,  to  purchase  up  to  an  additional  270,000  common  shares.  On  February  21,  2018, 
Pollard issued 2,070,000 common shares. The proceeds, net of commissions and offering expenses, 
was $35,351.  

On October 17, 2018, 12,500 common shares were issued in conjunction with the exercise of stock 
options. The proceeds were $45.  

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

16.  Share capital (continued): 

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. 

The Board of Directors previously approved awards of 250,000 options in total to purchase common 
shares of Pollard for certain key management personnel. Options were granted on three grant dates, 
with the exercise price being the common share price on the exercise price determination date. All 
of the outstanding options have seven year terms, vesting 25% per year over the first four years. 

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 
Number of options granted 
Share price 
Exercise price 

Exercise price determination date 
Expected volatility 
Option life (expected weighted average 

life) 

Risk-free interest rate (based on 
Canadian government bonds) 

April 24, 
2017 

  October 3, 
2016 

March 10, 
 2014 

$ 

$ 
$ 

2.27 
125,000   

$ 

10.00    $ 
10.00    $ 

April 21, 
2017 

         29.3%   

1.87 
25,000 
8.12 
8.12 
September 
30, 2017 
30.7% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

0.82 
100,000 
3.63 
3.63 
March 7, 
2014 
           33.7%  

4.75 years 
0.6% to 
0.7% 

  4.75 years 
0.6% to 
0.7% 

4.75 years 
1.7% to 
2.1% 

Number 

2018 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Number 

2017 
  Weighted average 
exercise price 

Balance, beginning of year 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 

250,000  $ 
$ 

          – 
    (12,500) 

Balance, end of year 

237,500  $ 

7.26 
– 
3.63 

7.46 

125,000  $ 
125,000  $ 

4.53 
10.00 

              – 

                  – 

250,000  $ 

7.26 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

16.  Share capital (continued): 

On October 17, 2018, 12,500 stock options were exercised by a member of Pollard’s key management 
at an exercise price of $3.63 per share. As a result, 12,500 common shares were issued. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  no  share  options  had  expired.  Of  the  237,500  options  outstanding  at 
December 31, 2018, 68,750 were exercisable.   

17.  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: 

2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 

$ 

5,704 
4,888 
3,832 
3,205 
2,353 

Pollard  is  contingently  liable  for  outstanding  letters  of  guarantee  in  the  amount  of  $1,337  at 
December 31, 2018 (2017 – $1,909). These letters of guarantee are part of Pollard’s credit facility 
and are secured as disclosed in note 13. 

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. During 2019, Pollard entered into a new lease. The base rental 
rate is approximately US$375, which is based on the current market value as 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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

17.  Commitments and contingencies (continued): 

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 its lease for an additional five year term) for annual rent of $313 per year. The rental 
rate was based on current market value as determined through independent appraisal. 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. 

18.  Revenue and contract balances: 

In  the  following  tables,  revenue  from  contracts  with  customers  is  disaggregated  by  geographical 
segment and product line: 

Revenue – geographical segment 

Year ended December 31, 2018 

Canada 
United States 
International 

Total  

Lotteries and 
charitable 
gaming 

Diamond Game  

Total 

$ 

65,750 
  170,643 
69,369 

$ 

       11,343 
    14,763 
          – 

$ 

77,093 
  185,406 
  69,369 

$ 

305,762 

      $ 

       26,106 

$ 

331,868 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

18.  Revenue and contract balances (continued): 

Revenue – geographical segment 

Year ended December 31, 2017 

Canada 
United States 
International 

Total  

Lotteries and 
charitable 
gaming 

Diamond Game  

Total 

$ 

59,176 
  154,442 
61,769 

      $ 

$ 

        5,126 
        5,141           
           – 

64,302 
  159,583 
  61,769 

$ 

275,387 

      $ 

    10,267 

$ 

285,654 

Revenue – product line 

Year ended December 31, 2018 

Lotteries and 
charitable 
gaming 

Diamond Game  

Total 

Lottery  
Charitable 
Gaming systems 

  $         250,580 
    55,182 
      – 

    $ 

–   
                    –   
     26,106 

$ 

250,580 
  55,182 
26,106 

Total  

$ 

305,762 

$           26,106 

$ 

331,868 

Revenue – product line 

Year ended December 31, 2017 

Lotteries and 
charitable 
gaming 

Diamond Game  

Total 

Lottery 
Charitable 
Gaming systems 

$ 

247,649 
    27,738 

   – 

$                          
               –    
                 –   
           10,267 

$ 

247,649 
  27,738 
    10,267 

Total  

$ 

275,387 

$           10,267 

$ 

285,654 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

18.  Revenue and contract balances (continued): 

The following tables provide information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities 
from contracts with customers: 

Contract balances 

  December 31, 
2018 

January 1,  

2018 

Trade receivables, which are included in accounts 

receivable 

$ 

27,061  $ 

36,263 

Contract assets, which are included in accounts 

receivable (1) 

Contract liabilities (2) 

3,128 

857 

3,260 

1,491 

(1)  Pollard recognized contract assets upon adoption IFRS 15 as an adjustment to the opening 

balance at January 1, 2018. 

(2)  Contract liabilities were previously classified as deferred revenue. 

Contract liabilities 

Balance, beginning of year  
Increases due to cash received 
Revenue recognized during the year 

Balance, end of year 

Less current portion  

19.  Other expenses: 

Year ended 
December 31, 2018 

  $                     1,491 
                           982           
                       (1,616)                               

                           857          

                          (814) 

  $                         43 

Loss on equity investment (note 9) 
EBITDA support agreement income 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Other income 

2018 

2,631 
(2,000) 
–   
(167) 

$ 

464 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2017 

1,727 
(825) 
74 
(301) 

675 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

19.  Other expenses (continued): 

EBITDA support agreement 

One of Pollard’s subsidiaries, Diamond Game, previously entered into an EBITDA support agreement 
with  Amaya  Inc.  pursuant  to  which,  subject  to  certain  terms  and  conditions,  Amaya  Inc.  will  pay 
Diamond Game each year for up to five years from July 1, 2015, an amount equal to the shortfall, if 
any,  between  (i)  Diamond  Game’s  EBITDA  directly  or  indirectly  derived  from  the  deployment  of 
Diamond Game’s products at certain entertainment centers or in connection with Diamond Game’s 
relationship  with  a  certain  customer,  and  (ii)  $2,000.  This  agreement  remains  in  effect  after  the 
acquisition of Diamond Game’s common shares by Pollard. 

20.  Finance costs and finance income: 

Finance costs 

Foreign exchange loss 
Interest 

Finance income 

Foreign exchange gain 

21.  Net income per share: 

2018 

5,593 
4,243 

$ 

9,836 

$ 

2018 

881 

881 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  $ 

$ 

2017 

210 
3,962 

4,172 

2017 

1,104 

1,104 

2018 

2017 

Net income attributable to shareholders for basic 

and diluted net income per share 

$ 

14,852 

$ 

16,784 

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

25,439,952 
247,397 

  23,543,158 
212,329 

Weighted average number of shares (diluted) 

25,687,349 

  23,755,487 

Net income per share (basic) 

Net income per share (diluted) 

$ 

$ 

0.58 

0.58 

$ 

$ 

0.71 

0.71 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

22.  Personnel expenses: 

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

$ 

$ 

2018 

100,622 
16,760 
2,010 
517 
5,932 

2017 

84,718 
12,327 
2,792 
323 
4,759 

$ 

125,841 

$ 

104,919 

23.  Supplementary cash flow information:  

Change in non-cash operating working capital: 

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

24.  Related party transactions: 

Pollard Equities Limited and affiliates 

2018 

2017 

$ 

  $ 

14,002 
(7,799) 
(509) 
(531) 
(1,222) 
56 

632 
(3,184) 
(1,236) 
(1,086) 
2,877 
(882) 

$ 

3,997 

  $ 

(2,879) 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, Pollard paid property rent of $3,187 (2017 – $3,177) and 
$528 (2017 – $379) in plane charter costs to affiliates of Equities. In addition, during the year, Pollard 
paid Equities $421 (2017 – $1,006) interest on Pollard’s subordinated debt.  

During the year, Equities paid Pollard $72 (2017 – $72) for accounting and administration fees. 

At December 31, 2018, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is an amount owing to 
Equities and its affiliates for rent, expenses and other items of $560 (2017 – $1,900).  

Neogames S.à r.l. and affiliates 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, Pollard reimbursed operating costs and paid software 
royalties of $3,321 (2017 – $2,878) to its iLottery partner, which are recorded in cost of sales. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

24.  Related party transactions (continued): 

At December 31, 2018, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is a net amount owing to 
Pollard’s iLottery partner of $940 (2017 – $698) for reimbursement of operating costs and capital 
expenditures, and its share of operating profits. 

Key management personnel 

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 

2018 

3,543 

$ 

20   

619 

4,182 

$ 

2017 

3,115 
22 
512 

3,649 

$ 

$ 

As  at  December  31,  2018,  the  Directors  and  Named  Executive  Officers  of  Pollard,  as  a  group, 
beneficially owned or exercised control or direction over 17,456,558 common shares of Pollard. 

25.  Sales to major customers:  

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018,  sales  to  one  customer  amounted  to  12.7  percent  of 
consolidated sales and 11.1 percent to a second customer. In 2017, sales to one customer amounted 
to 12.0 percent of consolidated sales and 11.7 percent to a second customer. 

26.  Segmented information:  

Pollard has two reportable segments: Lotteries and charitable gaming and Diamond Game, which are 
Pollard’s strategic business units. The strategic business units offer different products and services, 
and  are  managed  separately.  For  each  of  the  strategic  business  units,  Pollard’s  Co–CEO’s  review 
internal management reports on a monthly basis. The Diamond Game segment was acquired August 
3, 2017, therefore in 2017, Pollard had only one segment for a portion of the year. 

The Lotteries and charitable gaming segment derives its revenues from the manufacture of instant 
tickets and related products. The Diamond Game segment derives its revenues from the development 
of game systems. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

26.  Segmented information (continued): 

Year ended December 31, 2018 

Lotteries and 
charitable 
gaming 

Diamond Game  

Total 

Revenues from external customers 
Operating costs and expenses 
Earnings before income taxes 
Total assets 

$ 

305,762 
288,673 
17,089 
242,692 

$ 

26,106 
22,426 
3,680 
62,908 

$ 

 331,868 
     311,099 
     20,769 
  305,600 

Sales: 

Canada 
U.S. 
Other 

Property, plant and equipment and goodwill: 

Canada 
U.S. 

27.  Financial instruments: 

2018 

2017 

$ 

77,093 
185,406 
69,369 

64,302 
159,583 
61,769 

331,868 

$ 

285,654 

December 31, 
2018 

December 31, 
 2017 

66,227 
75,046 

$ 

63,188 
42,899 

141,273 

$ 

106,087 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

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. 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

27.  Financial instruments (continued): 

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

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, 2018, the cash and restricted cash recorded at fair value was classified as level 
one of the fair value hierarchy. 

28.  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, 2018 and 2017 

28.  Financial risk management (continued): 

Credit risk 

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

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

December 31, 
2018 

December 31, 
2017 

$ 

$ 

30,929 
2,647 
1,289 
(190) 

37,786 
2,635 
366 
(38) 

$ 

34,675 

$ 

40,749 

In accordance with IFRS 9, Pollard has applied the expected credit loss model in evaluating the credit 
risk associated with its accounts receivable. As part of this analysis, Pollard has grouped its customers 
into two tranches: government lottery organizations and charitable gaming distribution networks. For 
sales to government lottery organizations, Pollard has assessed the loss allowance at zero based on 
the nature of the customer organizations, and no history of losses, collection issues, or significantly 
overdue receivables, as well as other customer-specific and forward-looking macroeconomic factors. 
Pollard has performed the same assessment for charitable gaming distribution network customers, 
resulting in the provision of a loss allowance, as shown in the table above. 

Liquidity risk 

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, 
2018: 

Total 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

Long-term debt 
Operating leases 

$ 

129,387 
19,981 

4,818 
5,704 

5,606 
4,887 

118,963 
3,832 

     –  
3,205 

    –  
2,353 

$ 

149,368 

10,522 

10,493 

122,795 

3,205 

2,353 

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

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

28.  Financial risk management (continued): 

Pollard’s approach is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet 
its liabilities when due. The 2019 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 by approximately $23 for year 
ended December 31, 2018 (2017 – $147). 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 $75 for year ended December 
31, 2018 (2017 – $65). 

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, 2018, the amount 
of  financial  liabilities  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  exceeded  the  amount  of  financial  assets 
denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  by  approximately  $36,147  (2017  –  $1,305).  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 $181 for the year ended December 
31, 2018 (2017 – $7). 

Pollard utilizes a number of strategies to mitigate its exposure to currency risk. Five 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, 2018, 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 $581 for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 – $423). 

 
 
 
 
Pollard Banknote Limited Annual Report Cover 2018.ai

DATE:_Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 14:12 

REV:_01

Inside Pages

Inside Front Page

Inside Back Page

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

Head Office

Manufacturing
Facilities

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

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

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

Chatsworth, California, USA
9340 Penfield Avenue, 91311

Adair, Iowa, USA
1000 Flag Road, 50002

Omaha, Nebraska, USA
9335 48th Street, 68152

The Board
of Directors
of Pollard
Banknote
Limited

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

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

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

Letter to Shareholders

Board of Directors

Management's Discussion and Analysis
Pollard Banknote Limited

Consolidated Financial Statements
of Pollard Banknote Limited

CONTENTS

Corporate Information

4-colour Process

E

S

A

B

S

R

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Size: 11" H x 17" W      

1059732

SUBJECT TO TECHNICAL REVIEW

NOTICE: When viewing this document as either a paper print or PDF, please note that the colours are not a true representation of the finished printed product.

Our final contract proof is a Kodak Approval including ink colour swatches, that will more closely match the printed ticket.

Shutterstock Image - #1151620328 (BASE) - The photograph(s) in this design is a copyrighted work. Download under Shutterstock Enhanced License Agreement is required before print production.

Pollard Banknote Limited Annual Report Cover 2018.ai

DATE:_Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 14:12 

REV:_01

Back Cover

Cover

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

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

4-colour Process

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Size: 11" H x 17" W      

1059732

SUBJECT TO TECHNICAL REVIEW

NOTICE: When viewing this document as either a paper print or PDF, please note that the colours are not a true representation of the finished printed product.

Our final contract proof is a Kodak Approval including ink colour swatches, that will more closely match the printed ticket.

Shutterstock Image - #1151620328 (BASE) - The photograph(s) in this design is a copyrighted work. Download under Shutterstock Enhanced License Agreement is required before print production.