Quarterlytics / Technology / Spectra Systems Corporation

Spectra Systems Corporation

spsy · LSE Technology
Claim this profile
Ticker spsy
Exchange LSE
Sector Technology
Industry
Employees 11-50
← All annual reports
FY2014 Annual Report · Spectra Systems Corporation
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
S

p

e

c

t

r

a

S

y

s

t

e

m

s

C

o

r

p

o

r

a

t

i

o

n

A

n

n

u

a

l

r

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

a

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

4

A leading provider 
of advanced 
technology‑based 
security solutions

Spectra Systems Corporation
Annual report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spectra Systems Corporation 
is an established world leader 
in providing security technology, 
from banknotes and products 
to electronic gaming.

Spectra provides an integrated solution in that it supplies engineered materials 
for authentication and processing purposes, as well as hardware and software 
systems which verify the unique signatures of the authentication materials.

34

WE OPERATE IN 
34 COUNTRIES

WE HAVE 32 STAFF 
IN OUR OFFICES

46% INCREASE 
IN REVENUE

THREE ACQUISITIONS 
SINCE 2012

Review of the year
IFC  Corporate statement
1 
2 
4  Our strategy
6 

Highlights
Spectra at a glance

 Chief Executive 
Officer’s statement

Corporate governance
 Board of Directors and 
8 
senior management

10  Directors’ report

20 

32 

Independent auditors’ report

Financial statements
15 
16  Balance sheets
17 

 Statements of income and 
other comprehensive income

18  Statements of cash flows
19 

 Statements of stockholders’ 
equity
 Notes to the 
financial information
 Shareholder and corporate 
information

Discover more online   
www.spsy.com

HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue (US$’000)

16,906

(2013: 11,572)

11,572

9,379

Financial highlights (all figures in 000s)

 –  Revenue increased 46% to US$16,906k 

16,906

(2013: US$11,572k)

 –  Adjusted EBITDA1 before taxation of US$2,143k, 

compared to a prior year loss of US$(657k)

7,278

7,416

 –  Adjusted earnings1 per share of US$0.05, compared 

10

11

12

13

14

Chief Executive Officer’s statement
Page 6

Our strategy
Page 4

to a prior year loss of US$(0.02)

 –  Strong balance sheet, with cash of US$9,773k 

(2013: US$13,435k) at 31 December

1  Before stock compensation expense and exceptional items.

Operational highlights

 –  Large G8 banknote authentication materials order 

fully fulfilled 

 –  Shipping of sensors for US$8million contract 
continued through 2014, and expected to be 
completed by Q3 2015

 – Phosphor sales at record levels in 2014

 –  New manufacturing facility is security cleared by 
our corporate partner. First deliveries shipped for 
sale to corporate partner’s 18 central bank customers. 
Final material qualification for a Spectra G8 central 
bank customer is underway and expected to 
conclude by Q3 2015

 –  AerisTM note cleaning testing on behalf of a G8 central 
bank progressing very well and testing on behalf of 
an Asian central bank commencing in Q3 2015. USA 
patents for the technology were issued in Q1 2015 

 –  Secure Transactions Group performed in line 

with expectations 

 –  Inksure asset purchase transaction closed in 2014, 

generating sales in line with expectations, 
with growth forecast in 2015

1

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Review of the yearSPECTRA AT A GLANCE

Spectra is a highly responsive organization 
that develops customized solutions for 
its customers.

OUR SOLUTIONS

Authentication systems

Secure transactions

Spectra’s sophisticated capabilities allow us to invent, 
develop and manufacture integrated solutions comprised 
of a system of taggant materials and sensor equipment 
to authenticate banknotes at high processing speeds.

Our solutions are used by:

 – two G8 central banks;

Spectra’s secure transactions group is the leading 
supplier of real-time fraud control and risk management 
systems to government-sanctioned gaming operators. 
Currently deployed in North America, Europe, Asia and 
Africa, integrity systems monitor and audit more than 
US$20 billion in annual sales for online, internet and 
mobile phone-based lotteries and pari-mutuel organizations.

 – 17 other central banks for currency authentication; and

Our products have been engineered to provide:

 – a major G8 country for passport security.

 – fully automated independent real-time monitoring; and

 – vendor independence – designed for any gaming system.

Banknote cleaning

Smartphone authentication of product brands

Spectra’s new technology has the potential 
to substantially reduce central bank costs and 
environmental issues in disposing of soiled bank notes.

TruBrand™
Spectra has completed the development of a new label 
technology and smartphone application which reliably 
confirms the authenticity of high value brands in the 
retail environment.

Customers can ensure they are buying a real product 
and brand owners can obtain valuable data on their 
customers who are using the TruBrand™ app connected 
to our secure servers and data mining operations. 

2

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014OUR CUSTOMERS

OUR PROGRESS

Our customers include a G8 central bank 
organization and one of the world’s largest 
commercial security printers and papermakers, 
which supplies the Company’s technology to 
a second G8 central bank and numerous other 
central banks. 

Our solutions are used by:

 – 19 central banks

 –  Commercial security printers and papermakers

 – Crane & Co

 – National lotteries in seven countries

 –  Suppliers of security threads for world currencies

 – Intralot SA

 – Scientific Games International

 – GTECH S.p.A.

TM

The world’s first banknote cleaning system

Overview

The area of banknote fitness and cleaning continues 
to provide the Company with a potentially much larger 
target market within the banknote industry than our 
security activities, and will enable us to provide central 
banks with products which generate an immediate 
return on investment.

 – Aeris™ extracts sebum and other contaminants that limit 
the useability of paper substrate banknotes through soiling. 

 – Dry process that does not compromise substrate, security 

features or print.

 – Process over 1 million banknotes per day.

 – Banknotes can remain strapped or bundled during 
processing for easy handling and high productivity.

 – Lower environmental impact of shredded notes.

Cleaned half of bank note

Aeris™ progress

Our progress with testing AerisTM has demonstrated 
a strong business case which we believe will prove 
compelling but will require patience and continued 
efforts to create a level of comfort through increasingly 
larger volume testing.

Aeris™ outlook

The Board continues to be particularly excited by this 
technology, which has the potential to substantially 
reduce central bank costs and environmental issues 
in disposing of soiled banknotes. It was therefore delighted 
that two US patents on the use of supercritical fluids 
for cleaning and decontaminating banknotes in circulation 
were issued to the Company in January 2015.

3

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Review of the yearOUR STRATEGY

The Company’s strategy for increasing 
revenue and earnings is based on:

Strategic aim

Development strategy

Progress

Integrate advanced 
technologies into 
existing security 
products

Integrate new machine-readable technologies 
into public security features for banknotes, 
tax stamps and brand product packaging 
with a focus on Asia.

 – Covert machine-readable technology 

developed to scale up levels with central 
bank and available for sale worldwide.

 – Agreement with a large Asian central bank 

 – Covert technologies.

 – No redesign of banknotes or tax stamps 

required for faster adoption.

under review.

Enhance and 
upgrade our ICS 
product package

Advanced 
smartphone 
authentication 
technology

Breakthrough 
disruptive 
technology 
for banknotes

Increase our Secure Transactions Group 
revenues by:

 – Successful premier system conversion and 

go-live in Colorado.

 – Providing higher value product upgrades 

to existing customers.

 – Bundling our software transaction 

capabilities with our machine-readable 
features to offer authorities complete track 
and trace solutions for tax stamps, IDs and 
other government documents.

 – Developed new web-portal and random 
number generator audit module for use 
by a major customer.

Continue to make advances on 
a smartphone-based physical 
authentication technology to allow 
consumers to authenticate brand products 
in real time using smartphone platforms.

 – Beta launch and trail of TruBrand™ with 

major Asian spirits brand.

 – Cooperative development partnerships with 

a major, worldwide label manufacturer.

 – Patents filed and Pending.

Continue the development efforts on 
products that can result in significant savings 
for central banks with regards to note 
processing, replacement volumes 
and environmental impact.

 – Technology introduced and very well 

received at a major industry tradeshow, 
Banknote 2014.

 – Two patents issued.

 – Trials underway with two major central banks.

4

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Outlook

 – Strong traction with two new covert 

banknote features.

Prospects include:

 – G8 central bank;

 – Asian central banks; and

 – new five year contract for tax stamp 

holograms and real estate candidate in Asia.

 – Growth in online lotteries in the USA.

 – Pending bids in foreign lotteries.

 – Higher margins for bundled devices.

 – Under evaluation by Asian spirits customer.

 – Opportunities for apparel and footwear.

 – Commercial machine available for sale 

in Q3 2015.

OUR MARKETS

Spectra Systems’ market opportunity has expanded 
dramatically with our introduction of the world’s 
first banknote cleaning system, Aeris™. With nearly 
150 billion banknotes manufactured yearly at a 
cost approaching US$10 billion annually along 
with the increasing demands that governments 
reduce costs, we are poised to capitalize on our 
banknote cleaning technology. Aeris™ machines 
have the potential for generating over US$1 billion 
of hardware sales with ongoing service revenue.

Aeris™ has no competition and, now that patents have been 
issued, the market is ours exclusively.

The combination of the banknote authentication market, 
where we are one of several competing companies, along 
with the Aeris™ banknote cleaning system, where we will be 
the sole supplier, dramatically expands the market potential 
of this sector of our business within the coming years. 

Our high-speed, machine-readable banknote authentication 
technology is utilized by many central banks to prevent 
sophisticated counterfeiting of their currency and will 
facilitate our ability to introduce and sell Aeris™ systems.

Spectra’s secure internal control systems (ICS) software 
products have been augmented with new capabilities since 
the acquisitions and have resulted in revenue growth potential 
with existing customers as well as with new ones. Our ICS 
software products provide methods for fraud detection 
and statistical analysis and have recently been adopted 
in internet-based lotteries, a growing sector of the 
gaming industry.

Spectra’s suite of portable reader-based solutions including 
smartphone app-based products can be used for authenticating 
and tracking consumer and tax-bearing products, both locally 
and through cloud-based internet connections. The fusion of 
our physical products along with internet-based operations 
has the potential for significantly expanding this segment 
of our business.

5

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Review of the yearCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT

Through achieving key commercial 
milestones, Spectra Systems has 
increased revenues substantially 
over those generated in 2013.

Introduction
Through achieving key commercial milestones, Spectra Systems 
has increased revenues substantially over those generated 
in 2013, which has resulted in a return to profits, with 2013 
losses transformed into a meaningful profit in 2014. 

 – the qualification of our new manufacturing facility by our 
partner, a major worldwide supplier of banknote printing 
services and paper, and first shipments from our facility to that 
partner; and tangible traction towards final material qualification 
by a G8 central bank, which is anticipated later this year; and

Revenue exceeded prior year by 46% at US$16,906k 
(2013: US$11,572k). EBITDA for the year, adjusted primarily 
for stock compensation expense, amounted to US$2,143k, 
compared to a prior year loss before exceptional items 
of US$(657k). 

Revenue was driven by exceptionally large material orders 
from our G8 central bank customer. Although orders of this 
magnitude are unlikely in 2015, the customer is considering 
entering into a ten year contract which will include materials 
as well as quality control equipment and services. Such a 
contract is expected to reimburse cost incurred in building 
the facility and would enhance the visibility of future revenues. 
Improved margins from both cost-cutting initiatives and lower 
manufacturing costs from the in-house facility are long-lived 
initiatives which will contribute to profitability going forward.

Cash at the period end amounted to US$9,773k 
(2013: US$13,435k), which reflects the acquisition of Inksure 
assets for approximately US$1.4million and the settlement of 
the lawsuit for approximately US$2million. The Company has 
no debt and therefore has sufficient resources to execute 
on its manufacturing plans with its cash reserves. 

Review of operations

Authentication Systems
The Spectra Systems Authentication Systems activities delivered 
a particularly strong performance compared to 2013, generating 
revenue of US$15,527k (2013: US$9,982k) and EBITDA of 
US$1,924k, compared to a prior year loss of US$(1,143k).

Particular achievements included:

 – the successful completion of a very large order for a central 
bank customer, demonstrating our ability to deliver large 
volumes of machine-readable authentication consumables 
on time and to a consistently high quality;

 – the delivery of over 115 upgraded sensors in 2014, with the 
remainder to be delivered in 2015 to a G8 central bank, 
demonstrating our capability to provide extremely 
sophisticated hardware systems. This order also serves 
to support the longevity of our future consumable sales 
to this customer;

 – phosphor sales reaching record levels in 2014;

6

 – the ongoing evaluation by a G8 central bank of a new covert 

security feature for polymer notes, which is a refinement of the 
second generation authentication work funded and abruptly 
canceled by another G8 central bank last year. In addition, 
discussions with a major Asian central bank for a banknote 
security feature based on this technology are expected 
to result in a development agreement in 2015.

Our Authentication Systems businesses delivered a particularly 
strong performance in 2014, a year in which they benefited from 
several significant contracts (for sensors and the very large 
consumables order); however, the revenues from these contracts 
are not expected to be replicated in 2015. The Board is, however, 
confident that new opportunities for consumables will compensate 
for these concluded revenues within several years.

In the branded goods industry, the use of mobile phones 
to authenticate products has been regarded as the holy grail 
of the authentication industry for many years. Many have 
tried producing security features that are easily subverted 
or simply only work in highly controlled environments. 
Spectra has solved this problem and has a label available 
for sale called TruBrandTM, which is compatible with most, 
but not all, packaging. In parallel, it is continuing work on a 
version which will allow us to tap into the sportswear and 
footwear market, which requires soft fabric-based labels.

Secure Transactions Group technologies
The Secure Transactions Group, formed around the various 
gaming technology acquisitions made in 2012, performed 
in line with management expectations, generating EBITDA 
of US$569k (2013: US$760k) on revenue of US$1,379k 
(2013: US$1,590k). The decrease in revenue was anticipated 
as a result of certain customers transitioning to in-house 
control systems, as well as expected delays in contract 
execution gap for new customers.

The Secure Transactions Group has been particularly successful 
in upselling existing customers to its “Premier Integrity” 
package, which includes bundled licensing, integration of new 
games, and services. This bundling approach, with higher overall 
margins, allows us to maintain our revenue base as we continue 
to compete for new lottery and gaming customers worldwide.

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 201446%

Increase in revenues

2,143K

Adjusted EBITDA (US$)

Banknote cleaning
The area of banknote fitness and cleaning continues to provide 
the Company with a potentially much larger target market 
within the banknote industry than our security activities, 
and will enable us to provide central banks with products 
which generate an immediate return on investment. 

While there was no revenue contribution from the business line 
in 2014 or 2013, development expenses related to the product 
validation and marketing were US$350k (2013: US$274k). 

This strategy will allow the Company to further exploit its 
largely developed expertise and technology. In the same 
way that machine-readable features are added to holograms 
in our tax stamp and brand authentication products, we are 
attempting to introduce high-level, covert features into 
banknotes within existing public features such as inks, security 
threads and phosphors. By doing so, we hope to overcome 
the long cycle note redesign process. We believe we will be 
able to tap into the Asian market with this approach, in both 
the banknote and product authentication sides of the technology. 

Notwithstanding the decision of the Banco de México, which 
is heavily invested in polymer notes, that Spectra Systems’ 
AerisTM banknote cleaning technology was not appropriate 
for its needs, testing of the technology continues with a G8 
central bank, with very positive results, and is scheduled 
to commence with an Asian central bank in Q3 2015. 

The Board continues to be particularly excited by this 
technology, which has the potential to substantially reduce 
central bank costs and environmental issues in disposing 
of soiled banknotes. It was therefore delighted that two US 
patents on the use of supercritical fluids for cleaning and 
decontaminating banknotes in circulation were issued 
to the Company in January 2015.

Our progress with testing AerisTM has demonstrated a strong 
business case which we believe will prove compelling but will 
require patience and continued efforts to create a level of 
comfort through increasingly larger volume testing.

Strategy
The Company’s strategy for increasing revenue and earnings 
is based on:

 – integrating new machine-readable technologies into public 

security features for banknotes, tax stamps and brand product 
packaging with a particular focus on Asia;

 – expanding our Secure Transactions Group contributions by 

providing higher value product upgrades to existing customers; 

 – continuing to develop a smartphone-based physical 

authentication technology to allow consumers to authenticate 
branded products in real time using mobile phone platforms; 

 – validating our products that result in significant savings for 

central banks with regards to note processing and replacement 
volumes; and 

 – controlling operating costs while maintaining strong capabilities 
for delivery of products as well as development of technology. 

Prospects
The Company’s prospects have continued to grow through 
the combination of the Company’s organic banknote and 
product authentication development efforts and the Inksure 
acquisition, as well as our demonstration of a breakthrough 
technology for cleaning banknotes. 

Particularly important avenues for revenue growth are:

 – increased sales of taggants and readers to primarily Asian 

customers in the brand authentication sector;

 – smartphone based product authentication which is gaining 

customers in Asia; and 

 – the eventual adoption of our new generation covert security 

feature in the polymer notes of a G8 central bank and a newly 
developed covert feature for a major Asian central bank by 2017.

The combination of our new manufacturing facility shipping 
product for use by 18 central banks and the expected material 
qualification and contract renewal with a G8 central bank in 2014 
will have a significant impact on our machine-readable materials 
margins. With more aggressive marketing efforts by our licensing 
partner, we anticipate increasing earnings from such successes.

We are delighted that the overall business is on an upward 
trajectory. However, as stated above, we benefited in 2014 
from several significant contracts, the revenues from which 
are not expected to be replicated in 2015. The Board is, 
however, confident that new opportunities for consumables 
will compensate for these concluded revenues within several 
years. The Board therefore believes that the Company 
continues to have excellent prospects.

Nabil M. Lawandy
Chief Executive Officer
April 17, 2014

7

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Review of the yearBOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BJ Penn  
Non-executive Chairman

Nabil M. Lawandy 
President and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Penn was Acting Secretary of the US Navy from March to 
May 2009, having previously been Assistant Secretary of the Navy 
(Installations and Environment) from March 2005. He was also 
Director, Industrial Base Assessments from October 2001 to March 
2005, with responsibility for the overall health of the US defense 
industrial base. He commenced his career as a Naval Aviator, having 
received his BS from Purdue University, West Lafayette, and his 
MS from the George Washington University, Washington, DC. 
Mr. Penn has been a member of the Board since June 2010 
and became Chairman of the Board on 7 June 2011.

Dr. Lawandy is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer 
of the Company. From 1981 to 1999, Dr. Lawandy was a tenured 
full professor of Engineering and Physics at Brown University in 
Providence, Rhode Island. He holds a BA in Physics, and an MSc and 
PhD in Chemistry, each from the Johns Hopkins University. He has 
authored over 170 reviewed scientific papers and is an inventor on 52 
US and 27 foreign issued patents. He has also received a Presidential 
Young Investigator award, an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, a Rolex 
Award for Enterprise and a Samuel Slater Award for Innovation.

Donald Stanford  
Non-executive Director

Oussama Salam  
Non-executive Director

Mr. Stanford, who was until 2001 the Chief Technical Officer of GTECH 
Corporation, is an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science and Engineering 
at Brown University. He holds a BA in International Relations and an 
MS in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, both from Brown 
University. Over 30 years, he has held every technical leadership position, 
including Vice President of Advanced Development and Chief Technology 
Officer. Mr. Stanford serves on several boards including Spectra Systems, 
Times Squared Academy Charter School and the Business Innovation 
Factory. Mr. Stanford is a member of the R.I. Science and Technology 
Advisory Council. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the School of 
Engineering and is an instructor in the Program in Innovation, Management 
and Entrepreneurship (PRIME). He serves on the Brown advisory councils 
to the President and the School of Engineering. In 1999 Don received 
the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement. 
In 1999 he also received the Honorable Thurgood Marshall award 
for community service from the NAACP. In 2002 he received the 
Brown Graduate School’s Distinguished Graduate award and the R.I. 
Professional Engineer’s Award for Community Service.

Dr. Salam is the Chairman of the Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation. 
He received a BSc in Civil Engineering from Loughborough University 
of Technology in 1968, an MS in Traffic and Transportation Engineering 
from the Department of Civil Engineering, Ohio State University, 
in 1969, and a PhD in the Finite Elements Method from the Department 
of Civil Engineering, Ohio State University, in 1974. He served as 
Director General of the construction department of International 
Center for Commerce & Contracting, a leading construction company 
in Saudi Arabia, from September 1978 until December 2000. In 1990 
he co-founded Pillar BV, a venture capital business-consulting firm 
based in Paris, and remained a partner until September 1999. He also 
co-founded WorldCare Limited, a leading company in the emerging 
field of global eHealth, and served on its board of directors from 1993 
until June 1998. Dr. Salam is currently a Board member of Spectra 
Systems Corporation. Dr. Salam is involved in the business development 
of these companies in Europe and the Middle East. Currently he lives 
in Beirut, Lebanon.

Roland Puton 
Non-executive Chairman

Jeffrey Donohue 
Non-executive Chairman

Mr. Puton has been a member of the Company’s Board of Directors 
since 1997. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of 
Rolex Watch USA Inc. from 1984 until his retirement in 2000. He holds 
a degree in business administration from the Swiss Business School. 
Mr. Puton is a member of the board of directors of the American 
Watch Association and the Fifth Avenue Association. He is a member 
of the Canadian 24 Karat Club and is an Honorary Director of the 
Explorers Club. Also, Mr. Puton is a member of the American Alpine 
Club, a board member of the American Swiss Foundation, and a 
member of the Advisory Council of the Swiss Society of New York.

Jeffrey Donohue is Corporate Counsel for Novartis Institutes 
for BioMedical Research, Inc. (NIBRI), the research arm of the global 
healthcare products company Novartis. Mr. Donohue has provided 
legal guidance on NIBRI’s strategic acquisitions, licensing agreements, 
academic and government-backed consortia, and drug discovery 
collaborations. Mr. Donohue is also an Adjunct Professor at Boston 
University School of Law, where he teaches advanced courses on 
licensing and intellectual property transactions. Before joining NIBRI, 
Mr. Donohue served as Corporate Counsel at Vertex Pharmaceuticals 
Incorporated, a pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, 
Massachusetts. Mr. Donohue started his legal career at Kirkpatrick 
& Lockhart LLP (now KLGates), where he spent seven years advising 
clients on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities 
matters. Mr. Donohue obtained his JD from Boston University and a BA 
from Brandeis University.

8

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014 
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
   
Martin Jaskel 
Non-executive Director

Martin Jaskel has over 40 years of involvement in the financial services 
industry. He began in the UK government bond market as a broker 
with leading firms, latterly as a Partner in W Greenwell & Co. In 1986 
as an element of the deregulation of the UK markets, W Greenwell 
was sold to Midland Bank and became the leading Gilt Edged Market 
Maker, of which he was a Director. In 1988 he was appointed Director 
of Global Sales and Marketing of Midland Montagu Treasury (the Treasury 
division of Midland Bank) after chairing a committee to redesign the 
distribution of Treasury products. In 1990 he was appointed Director 
of Global Sales at NatWest Treasury and rebuilt the neglected franchise 
global distribution of Treasury and Capital Markets products. In 1994 
he was promoted to Managing Director of Global Trade and Banking 
Services. He sat on the Advisory Board of ECGD, the UK export-import 
bank, was responsible for several years for signing off all the UK exposure 
to BAE and Airbus and sat on several government and Bank of England 
advisory boards. In 1997 he left NatWest and founded a financial services 
consultancy, which included a consultancy at KPMG Corporate Finance 
and the corporate FX division of Travelex plc, and an interim appointment 
as the Managing Director of a private real estate company with a 
£500 million portfolio of commercial and residential property. In 
2005 he joined European American Capital Limited, an FSA authorized 
and regulated specialized advisory bank, as Senior Advisor. He has 
wide experience as a Non-executive Director of both publicly quoted 
and private companies.

Key

Audit Committee

Compensation Committee

Government Security Committee

Nominating Committee

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Douglas A. Anderson 
Chief Financial Officer, 
Company Secretary and Treasurer

Mr. Anderson joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in December 
2006 and was appointed Company Secretary in June 2011. Prior to joining 
the Company, Mr. Anderson was employed by Bluestreak Inc., a global 
marketing technology company, where he served as President. Mr. Anderson 
also held several financial positions including Director and Secretary 
of Bluestreak’s wholly owned UK subsidiary, Bluestreak International 
Limited. Prior to Bluestreak, he was responsible for financial and account 
operations at Log On America, a publicly traded telecommunication 
company. He also spent three years at Ernst & Young advising clients 
on financial strategy, accounting and compliance needs. Mr. Anderson 
holds an MBA from Boston University and a BA from the University of 
Rhode Island.

William Goltsos 
Vice President, Engineering

Dr. Goltsos was appointed Vice President, Engineering, in April 2000. 
From September 1996 to April 2000, he served as Senior Systems Engineer. 
Prior to that, from 1992 to 1996, he served as a staff member of the 
MIT/Lincoln Laboratory’s Optical Communications Group. Dr. Goltsos 
holds a BSc in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an 
MSc and PhD in Physics from Brown University.

James Cherry 
Director of Authentication Systems

Mr. Cherry serves as Director of Authentication Systems. He joined the 
Company in 2002 from Auspex Systems, an enterprise network data 
storage system business, where he had been involved in marketing 
and product management for seven years. Prior to that, he had 
worked for five years at DuPont in product management.

Scott Tillotson 
Director of Secure Transactions

Mr. Tillotson serves as Director of the Secure Transactions Group. 
Mr. Tillotson has held a variety of positions with Spectra for nine years 
and GTECH Corporation, a leader in the lottery industry, for eight years 
in product marketing and management. Prior to that, he worked for 
the IBM Corporation as an Account Executive and Systems Engineer. 
Scott holds a BSEE from Purdue University.

Andrei Smuk 
Director of Research and Development

Dr. Smuk, who joined the Company in 2000, was appointed Director 
of Research and Development in 2006. He is responsible for the 
development of advanced materials and innovative sensor systems. 
He received a PhD in Physics from Brown University in 2000 and 
an MS in Applied Physics from the Moscow Institute of Physics and 
Technology in 1994.

9

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Corporate governance 
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
for the year ended December 31, 2014

The Directors present their report and the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Domicile
Spectra Systems Corporation is a C corporation and is registered and domiciled in the United States.

Principal activity
The principal activities of the Company are to invent, develop and sell integrated optical systems that provide customers with 
increased efficiency, security tracking and product life. The integrated systems combine consumables and engineered optical 
materials with software and hardware for use in applications. The Company also provides software tools to the lottery and 
gaming industries for fraud detection, money laundering, match fixing and statistical analysis. 

Results and dividends
The Company’s statement of comprehensive income is set out on page 16 and shows the result for the year.

The Company reported a US$257,000 provision for income taxes in 2014. There is no federal or state income tax liability on 
the respective income tax returns due to timing differences arising between items of income and expenses recorded on the 
books and those reported on the tax returns. Additionally, the Company has approximately $25,500,000 in federal and state 
net operating loss carryforwards to offset future income reported on the respective tax returns.

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2013: US$nil).

Review of business and future developments
A review of the operations of the Group is contained in the Group at a glance review on pages 2–3.

Principal risks and uncertainties and financial risk management

Complex products
Certain of the products produced by the Company are highly complex and are designed to be used in complex systems. 
Failure to correct errors or other problems identified after deployment could result in events that may have a negative effect 
on the Company’s business and financial conditions. 

The Company’s markets may become impacted by technological change
Markets for the Company’s products may become characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards 
and increasingly sophisticated customer requirements. The introduction of products embodying new technology and the 
emergence of new industry standards could render the Company’s existing products obsolete and unmarketable and may 
exert price pressures on exiting products. If the Company could not then develop products that remain competitive in terms 
of technology and price and that meet customer needs, this could have a negative impact on the business.

Expiry of patents
All patents have a limited duration of enforceability. US patents generally have a duration of 20 years from the filing date. 
Once a patent expires, the invention disclosed in the patent may be freely used by the public without accounting to the 
patent owner, as long as there are no other unexpired patents that embrace an aspect of the invention. There is no certainty 
that any improvement, new use or new formulation will be patented to extend the protection of the underlying invention, 
or provide additional coverage to adequately protect the invention. As a result, the public may have the right to freely use 
the invention described in and previously protected by an expired patent.

Dependence on key personnel
The success of the Company’s revenues are dependent on a limited number of employees, and in particular the 
Chief Executive Officer and other managers with technological and development input. The Company has endeavored 
to ensure its key employees are incentivized but cannot guarantee the retention of these staff. It also has the benefit 
of key-man insurance.

Forward-looking statements
All statements other statements of historical fact, contained in this document constitute “forward-looking statements”. 
In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may”, “intend”, “might”, “will”, “should”, 
“could”, “would”, “believe”, or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are 
based on assumptions and estimates and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, 
financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results to be materially different from any 
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. New factors may 
emerge from time to time that could cause the Company’s business not to develop as it expects and it is not possible for 
the Company to predicts all such factors. Given these uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place any undue reliance 
on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any such 
forward-looking statements in this document to reflect future events or developments.

10

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014

Key performance indicators (in thousands)
 – Revenue US$16,906 (2013: US$11,572) 

 – Adjusted EBITDA before taxation of US$2,143 (2013: US($657))

 – Adjusted EBITDA per share, in cents, of US$0.05 (2013: US($0.02))

 – Basic earnings/(loss) per share, in cents, of US$0.02 (2013: US($0.07))

Post reporting date events
None.

Financial instruments
Details of the use of financial instruments by the Company are contained in note B of the financial statements.

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ report and the financial statements on the basis of preparation 
set out in note A of the financial statements and in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 
(US GAAP). The Directors of the Company are responsible for the document in which the financial information is included.

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 – select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 – make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

 – state whether they have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained 

in the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to 
ensure that the financial statements comply with all legal requirements. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets 
of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Directors’ interests
The Directors’ beneficial interests in the common stock of the Company were as follows:

Ordinary shares

O. Salam

N. Lawandy

R. Puton

M. Jaskel

December 31,

2014

2013

3,594,464

1,833,570

314,514

9,960

3,594,464

1,833,570

314,514

9,960

5,752,508

5,752,508

Substantial shareholdings
The following shareholders held 3% or more of the issued common stock of the Company at December 31, 2014:

HSBC Client Holdings Nominee (UK) Limited

O. Salam

Albany International

The Bank of New York (Nominees) Limited

Commerz Nominees LTD

Rock (Nominees) Limited

N. Lawandy

Clearwater Capital Group

Fitel Nominees Limited

Ordinary 
shares

5,507,740

3,594,464

3,160,526

2,650,000

2,157,115

2,137,478

1,883,570

1,813,850

1,526,112

% of issued

12.17

7.94

6.98

5.86

4.77

4.72

4.16

4.01

3.37

24,430,855

53.98

11

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Corporate governanceDIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
for the year ended December 31, 2014

Directors’ compensation
The following table details Directors’ earned compensation for the year ended December 31, 2014:

Executive Directors

N. Lawandy

Non-executive Directors

B. Penn

O. Salam

M. Jaskel

R. Puton

D. Stanford

J. Donohue

Total

Salary 
and bonus 

Benefits

Board fees

Total 
compensation

$ 

475,000 $ 

27,437

$ 

— $ 

502,437

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

$ 

475,000 $ 

27,437

$ 

72,000 $ 

574,437

Directors’ share options
At December 31, 2014, Directors had options or warrants to purchase ordinary shares under the Company’s stock option plan 
as follows:

Options held at
 December 31,
2014

Weighted 
average 
exercise price

Options vested 
at December 31,
2014

2,449,229

$ 

120,000

129,000

120,000

133,000

120,000

3,071,229

$ 

0.69

0.60

0.63

0.60

0.63

0.60

0.67

2,374,229

120,000

129,000

120,000

133,000

120,000

2,996,229

N. Lawandy

B. Penn

O. Salam

M. Jaskel

R. Puton

D. Stanford

12

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Corporate governance
The Board comprises one Executive Director, Nabil M. Lawandy, and six independent Non-executive Directors: BJ Penn, as 
Chairman, Jeffrey Donohue, Martin Jaskel, Roland Puton, Oussama Salam, and Donald Stanford. The Board usually meets at 
least every three months to closely monitor the progress of the Company towards the achievement of budgets, targets and 
strategic objectives.

The Board also operates four committees, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating Committee, 
and the Government Security Committee.

The Audit Committee comprises Roland Puton, as Chairman, Jeffrey Donohue, and Martin Jaskel. It has primary responsibility 
for monitoring the quality of internal controls and ensuring that the financial performance of the Company is properly measured 
and reported on. It will receive and review reports from the Company’s management and auditors relating to the interim and 
annual accounts and the accounting and internal control systems in use throughout the Company. The Audit Committee intends 
to meet no less than three times each financial year and has unrestricted access to the Company’s auditors.

The Compensation Committee comprises Roland Puton, as chairman, Martin Jaskel, Oussama Salam and Donald Stanford. 
It reviews the performance of Executive Directors and makes recommendations to the Board on matters relating to their 
remuneration and terms of employment. The Committee also makes recommendations to the Board on proposals for the 
granting of shares options and other equity incentives pursuant to any share options scheme or equity incentive scheme 
in operation from time to time. 

The Nominating Committee comprises Martin Jaskel, as Chairman, BJ Penn, Oussama Salam and Donald Stanford. 
The Committee seeks and nominates qualified candidates for election or appointment to Spectra’s Board of Directors.

The Government Security Committee comprises BJ Penn, as Chairman, and Nabil M. Lawandy. It is responsible for ensuring 
the implementation within the Company of all procedures, organizational matters and other aspects pertaining to the security 
and safeguarding of information, including the exercise of appropriate oversight and monitoring of operations to ensure that 
protective measures are effectively maintained and implemented.

The Board intends to comply with Rule 21 of the AIM Rules relating to directors’ dealings and will also take all reasonable 
steps to ensure compliance by the Company’s applicable employees and the Company has adopted a share dealing code 
for this purpose on substantially the same terms as the Model Code.

Website publication
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a website. 
Financial statements are published on the Company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing  the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. 
The maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility 
also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

Auditors
All of the current Directors have made themselves aware of any information needed by the Company’s auditors for the 
purposes of its audit and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. The Directors are not aware of any 
relevant information of which the auditors are unaware.

Miller Wachman LLP have expressed their willingness to continue as the Company’s auditors and a resolution to reappoint 
Miller Wachman LLP will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

Douglas A. Anderson
Company Secretary
May 11, 2015

13

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Corporate governanceFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report 

15 
16  Balance sheets 
17  Statements of income and other comprehensive income 
18  Statements of cash flows 
19  Statements of stockholders’ equity 
20  Notes to the financial information 
32  Shareholder and corporate information

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Spectra Systems Corporation 
Providence, Rhode Island
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Spectra Systems Corporation, which comprise the balance 
sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related statements of income and other comprehensive income, 
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and 
maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in 
accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan 
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor 
considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to 
design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 
effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the 
appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

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

Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of Spectra Systems Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows 
for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Miller Wachman LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Boston, Massachusetts
May 11, 2015

15

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Financial statementsBALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2014 and 2013

Assets

Current assets

 Cash and cash equivalents 

  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 
of $20,000 at December 31, 2014

 Other receivables

 Deferred contract costs

 Inventory

 Prepaid expenses

 Deferred tax assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net

Other assets

 Intangible assets, net

 Restricted cash and investments

 Deferred tax assets

 Other assets

Total other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities

 Accounts payable

 Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

 Deferred revenue

 Contingent liability

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity

  Common stock, $0.01 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized

 45,251,370 shares issued and outstanding

 Additional paid – in capital – common stock

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 Accumulated deficit

Total stockholders’ equity

2014

2013

$ 

9,772,846

$ 

13,434,737

1,702,438

50,653

—

4,195,180

111,319

215,000

2,284,111

4,947

10,263

2,968,718

156,678

344,000

16,047,436

19,203,454

2,824,282

2,903,144

4,092,210

2,500,000

774,000

183,941

7,550,151

3,075,082

2,500,000

902,000

73,682

6,550,764

$ 

26,421,869

$ 

28,657,362

$ 

738,878

$ 

1,633,323

1,223,676

2,165,744

4,128,298

926,424

3,040,203

5,599,950

292,653

103,087

—

2,000,000

292,653

4,420,951

2,103,087

7,703,037

452,514

54,913,613

(60,063)

452,514

54,855,662

(4,897)

(33,305,146)

(34,348,954)

22,000,918

20,954,325

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

$ 

26,421,869

$ 

28,657,362

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

16

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

Revenues

 Product

 Service

 Royalty

Total revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses

 Research and development

 General and administrative

 Sales and marketing

Total operating expenses

Income/(loss) from operations

Other income/(expense)

 Interest income

 Other income

 Contingent liability

 Foreign currency gain

Total other income/(expense)

Income/(loss) before provision for income

Provision for income taxes

Net income/(loss)

Earnings/(loss) per share

 Earnings/(loss) per share, basic and diluted

 Weighted average number of common shares

Other comprehensive loss

 Unrealized (loss)/gain on currency exchange

 Reclassification for realized gain in net income

Total other comprehensive loss

Comprehensive income/(loss)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

2014

2013

$ 

14,163,982

$ 

1,928,431

813,936

16,906,349

8,208,984

8,697,365

3,033,934

3,775,627

659,322

7,468,883

1,228,482

69,727

250

—

2,349

72,326

1,300,808

257,000

7,956,291

3,154,532

461,219

11,572,042

6,006,729

5,565,313

2,850,812

3,437,237

641,971

6,930,020

(1,364,707)

138,759

250

(1,789,040)

12,634

(1,637,397)

(3,002,104)

—

$ 

1,043,808

$ 

(3,002,104)

$ 

$ 

0.02

$ 

(0.07)

45,251,370

45,251,370

(52,817) $ 

(2,349)

(55,166)

10,478

(12,634)

(2,156)

$ 

988,642

$ 

(3,004,260)

17

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Financial statementsSTATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

Cash flows from operating activities

 Net income/(loss)

 Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash from operating activities:

2014

2013

$ 

1,043,808

$ 

(3,002,104)

  Depreciation and amortization

  Stock-based compensation expense

  Allowance for doubtful accounts

  Allowance for Solaris note

  Provision for income taxes

  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

   Accounts receivable

   Other receivable

   Due from Solaris

   Unbilled revenue on contracts in progress

   Deferred contract costs

   Inventory

   Prepaid expenses

   Other assets

   Accounts payable

   Accrued expenses and other liabilities

   Deferred revenue

   Contingent liability

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

 Increase in restricted cash and investments

 Deposits for property, plant, and equipment

 Payment of patent and trademark costs

 Sales of investments

 Asset acquisitions

 Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

801,889

57,951

20,000

—

257,000

539,244

(45,706)

—

—

9,892

428,589

116,239

—

94,392

—

416,362

117,791

(4,748)

354,577

333,557

(1,226,462)

(1,894,198)

45,542

49,014

(894,010)

264,732

(668,455)

(2,000,000)

(28,725)

22,106

249,761

(4,916)

783,056

1,729,236

(1,745,561)

(289,025)

—

(1,450,000)

(162,000)

(308,863)

—

(1,042,441)

(354,859)

—

(225,983)

6,560,224

—

(771,835)

(1,868,163)

4,112,406

(48,167)

(3,661,891)

13,434,737

(5,799)

3,817,582

9,617,155

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

$ 

9,772,846

$ 

13,434,737

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 Income taxes paid

$ 

500 $ 

500

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

18

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014 
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

Common stock

Shares

Amounts

Additional
paid-in capital

Accumulated
deficit

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

Total
stockholders’
equity

Balance at December 31, 2012 

 45,251,370 

 $ 

452,514 

 $ 54,739,423  $ (31,346,850)  $ 

(2,741)  $ 23,842,346 

Compensation cost related to 
amortization of stock options

Reclassification for realized 
gain in net loss

Unrealized gain on  
currency exchange

Net loss

 116,239 

 116,239 

 (12,634)

 (12,634)

 10,478 

 10,478

(3,002,104)

 (3,002,104)

Balance at December 31, 2013

 45,251,370 

 $ 

452,514  $ 54,855,662 $ (34,348,954)  $ 

(4,897)  $ 20,954,325

Compensation cost related to 
amortization of stock options

Reclassification for realized 
gain in net income

Unrealized loss on  
currency exchange

Net income

 57,951

 57,951

 (2,349)

 (2,349)

 (52,817)

 (52,817)

1,043,808

 1,043,808

Balance at December 31, 2014

 45,251,370 

 $ 

452,514 

 $  54,913,613  $ (33,305,146)  $ 

(60,063)  $ 22,000,918

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

19

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Financial statementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION
for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

Note A – Corporate Information
Spectra Systems Corporation (the “Company”) develops and sells integrated optical systems that provide customers 
with increased efficiency, security tracking and product life. The integrated systems combine consumables and engineered 
optical materials with software and hardware for use in applications. The Company develops and sells its integrated 
solutions across a spectrum of markets, including currency manufacturing and cleaning, branded products, industrial 
logistics, and other highly sensitive documents. The Company also provides software tools to the lottery and gaming 
industries for fraud detection, money laundering, match fixing and statistical analysis. 

The Company was incorporated on July 3, 1996 in Delaware as Spectra Acquisition Corporation. On August 26, 1996, the 
Company purchased substantially all of the assets of SSC Science Corporation (SSCSC) and changed its name to Spectra 
Science Corporation. The assets were purchased for US$1,654,000 in cash plus common stock warrants. The acquisition was 
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

On June 8, 2001, the Company changed its name to Spectra Systems Corporation.

On July, 25 2011, the Company raised US$20,241,179, net of offering costs, on the London Stock Exchange in a placing of 
18,592,320 common shares at a placing price of £0.753 per new common share (the “Placing Price”), representing 41.09% 
of the enlarged common share capital of the Company. As a result of the offering, anti-dilution provisions found in the 
Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation converted all of the issued and outstanding preferred 
shares into 17,185,052 common shares, giving 26,659,050 common shares in issue at the time of the placing. 

On June 6, 2012, the Company acquired, all of the assets of ESI Integrity, Inc., including its proprietary source codes, 
multi-year contracts, long-standing customer relationships and assumed liabilities. US$1,425,000 was paid in consideration 
for the assets.

On September 14, 2012, the Company acquired certain assets of Lapis Software Associates, including its proprietary source 
codes, multi-year contracts and long-standing customer relationships, and assumed liabilities. US$726,000 was paid in 
consideration for the assets.

On February 28, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets of Inksure Technologies, Inc., including its long-standing 
customer relationships and authentication technology. US$1,356,000 was paid in consideration for the assets (see note O). 

Note B – Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial 
statements and accompanying notes. The accounting estimates that require the management’s most difficult and subjective 
judgments include the assessment of recoverability of property, plant, and equipment; the valuation of inventory; intangible 
assets; and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities. The actual results may differ materially 
from management’s estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers highly liquid investment purchases with a maturity of 90 days or less at date of acquisition 
to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash and Investments
Restricted cash and investments represents money market investments held as collateral for certain performance 
agreements entered into by the Company in 2014 and 2013 as required in accordance with terms of a services contract. 
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the agreement required US$2,500,000 be maintained as collateral. The collateral will 
be released as the Company meets contractual milestones. Included in the US$2,500,000 as of December 31, 2014 is 
a certificate of deposit of US$1,055,053 which is considered an investment.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and 
cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company’s cash management policies restrict investments to low-risk 
highly liquid securities, and the Company restricts its transactions to financial institutions with good credit standing. 
The Company has cash, including restricted, on deposit with two financial institutions that are insured by the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to US$250,000 per institution. As of December 31, 2014, the amount in excess 
of the FDIC limit was US$5,265,275. Also included in cash at December 31, 2014 is US$6,532,950 of cash in bank accounts in 
the United Kingdom and Canada. The foreign bank account in Canada with a balance of US$536,850 is subject to exchange 
rate changes. Neither account is FDIC insured. 

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the concentration of business with 
government entities.

20

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Note B – Significant Accounting Policies continued
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers continued
The following table summarizes the number of customers that individually comprise greater than 10% of total revenues and 
their aggregate percentage of the Company’s total revenues:

Year ended 
December 31,

2014

2013

Number of 
significant 
customers

3

3

Percentage 
of total 
revenues

78%

82%

The following table summarizes the number of customers that individually comprise greater than 10% of total accounts 
receivable and their aggregate percentage of the Company’s total accounts receivable:

Year ended 
December 31,

2014

2013

Number of 
significant 
customers

2

2

Percentage 
of total 
receivables

59%

58%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable 
and accounts payable, are carried in the financial statements at amounts that approximate their fair market values at 
December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which 
prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon 
the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for 
identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by 
observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 – Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market 
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has a certificate of deposit of US$1,055,053 and US$1,036,867, respectively, 
which is included in restricted cash and investments of US$2,500,000. The Company considers this certificate of deposit as 
a Level 2 investment.

Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign operations is the applicable local currency, the Canadian dollar. 
The functional currency is translated into US Dollars for balance sheet accounts using currency exchange rates in effect as 
of the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using an average exchange rate in effect during the applicable 
period. The translation adjustments are deferred as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other 
comprehensive loss.

Accounts Receivable
At December 31, 2014, the Company had a US$20,000 allowance for doubtful accounts. There is no allowance for doubtful 
accounts at December 31, 2013.

Inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company 
regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision to write down excess and obsolete inventory to its 
estimated net realizable value if less than cost.

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are recorded at the purchase price. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the 
estimated useful lives of assets ranging from 7 to 15 years. The Company evaluates the possible impairment of long-term 
assets annually and/or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.

21

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Financial statementsNote B – Significant Accounting Policies continued
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated on the basis of purchase price. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method 
over the following estimates useful lives:

Laboratory equipment 

three–seven years

Computer and office equipment 

three–five years

Furniture and fixtures 

seven years

Leasehold improvements   

Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life

Software 

three–five years

Manufacturing equipment   

five–seven years

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the assets 
and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated from accounts and any resulting gain or loss 
is reflected in net income.

Computer Software
The Company capitalizes certain costs in connection with developing new internal software once certain criteria are met. 
Overhead, general, administrative and training costs are expensed as incurred.

Investment in Affiliates
The Company accounts for investments in affiliates under the cost method of accounting if the Company owns less 
than 20% of the affiliate’s outstanding capital. As of December 31, 2014, the Company held a 19% ownership in an affiliate 
(SpectraMed) and a 10% ownership in an affiliate (Solaris). These affiliates have had significant losses in prior years and 
the Company had previously reduced its investments in these affiliates to US$nil.

Accounting for Stock-based Compensation
In accounting for the Employee Stock Option Plan, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate 
compensation costs associated with options granted to employees. Total compensation costs are recorded over the option 
vesting period, generally three years. The Company recorded compensation costs of US$57,951 and US$116,239 for 2014 and 2013, 
respectively, under the Plan. 

Revenue Recognition
Product revenue includes sales of pigments and security taggants, delivery of prototypes, and contracts with 
multiple elements including nonrecurring engineering and follow-on manufacturing. Service revenue includes 
research and development services provided for a fixed price or provided for a specific period.

Revenues related to sales of pigments and security taggants and research and development services provided for a 
specific period are generally recognized when products are shipped or services are provided, the risk of loss has passed 
to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue from multiple element arrangements is deferred until all elements of the contract are delivered unless all of the 
following criteria have been met: (1) the product or service has been delivered; (2) the fee for the delivered element is not 
subject to forfeiture, refund or concession based on performance or delivery of the undelivered element; and (3) the fair 
value of the delivered element is determined based upon the price charges by the Company or the price charged by 
competitors when similar services or products are sold separately, in which case the revenues for each element will 
be recognized independently in accordance with the Company’s policy.

The Company enters into arrangements that can include various combinations of software, services and hardware. 
Where elements are delivered over different periods of time, and when allowed under US GAAP, revenue is allocated to 
the respective elements based on their relative selling prices at the inception of the arrangement and revenue is recognized 
as each element is delivered.

Revenue from fixed-price development contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by 
the percentage of effort incurred to date compared to estimated total effort for each contract. That method is used because 
management considers total effort to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. Because of inherent 
uncertainties in estimating effort, it is at least reasonably possible that the estimates used will change within the near term.

Royalties are recognized when they are earned based on sales or use of technologies by third parties, except where future 
income is not anticipated to cover non-refundable advances received when the excess royalty is taken to income.

22

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedfor the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note B – Significant Accounting Policies continued
Research and Development
Internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Certain third party research and development costs 
are capitalized in connection with contracted work. These costs are expensed as certain milestones are achieved. Overhead, 
general administrative and training costs are expensed as incurred. At December 31, 2012, the Company had an outstanding 
contract with a third party to adapt an existing capability to certain specific requirements. Such costs totaling US$343,820 
have been capitalized as deferred contract costs and are being expensed as certain milestones are met. The milestones 
were met in 2013 and these costs were expensed.

Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred. No advertising expense was incurred in 2014 or 2013.

Income Tax
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income taxes. The benefits from net operating losses 
carried forward may be impaired or limited in certain circumstances. In addition, a valuation allowance can be provided 
for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. 
The Company has a deferred tax asset of US$989,000 and US$1,246,000, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. 
The change of US$257,000 represents the provision for income tax expense. For 2014, there is no federal or state income 
tax liability on those respective income tax returns.

Shipping and Handling
The Company reports the cost of shipping and handling as an operating expense. Shipping and handling expense was 
US$231,356 and US$105,184 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Reclassification
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts in order to conform to current period presentation.

Subsequent Events
In preparing these financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition 
or disclosure through May 11, 2015, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

Note C – Related Party Transactions
100% of the sales of the Company’s phosphor products, which amounted to approximately US$1,650,000 and US$463,000 
for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are to a company owned by a shareholder. 

Note D – Inventories 
Inventories consist of the following: 

Raw materials

Finished goods

December 31,

2014

2013

$ 

3,952,203

$ 

242,977

2,621,159

347,559

$ 

4,195,180 $ 

2,968,718

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014

23

Financial statementsNote E – Property and Equipment 
Property and equipment consists of the following:

Laboratory equipment

Computer and office equipment

Furniture and fixtures

Leasehold improvements

Software

Manufacturing equipment

Total

Less: accumulated depreciation

December 31,

2014

2013

$ 

963,950 $ 

611,911

136,850

1,802,635

361,621

2,151,154

6,028,121

(3,203,839)

723,370

565,425

116,961

1,801,059

349,711

2,121,167

5,677,693

(2,774,549)

$ 

2,824,282

$  

2,903,144

Depreciation expense amounted to US$429,290 and US$154,590 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note F – Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following:

Patents

Customer relationships

Non-compete agreements

Developed technology

Tradename

Trademarks

Goodwill

Total

Less: accumulated amortization

December 31,

2014

2013

$ 

1,531,013

$ 

1,239,890

1,730,000

177,440

510,000

30,000

17,739

1,536,946

5,533,138

(1,440,928)

1,130,000

110,000

390,000

—

—

1,276,946

4,146,836

(1,071,753)

$ 

4,092,210 $ 

3,075,083

Amortization expense amounted to US$369,175 and US$273,998 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

Estimated amortization expense for the next five years are as follows:

Year ending 
December 31,

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

24

$ 

372,125

359,357

339,932

305,258

267,997

910,593

$ 

2,555,262

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedfor the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
Note G – Other Assets
Other assets consist of the following:

Rental deposits

Other deposits

License agreements

Equipment deposits

Note H – Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following:

Royalties

Employee compensation

Professional fees

Property and sales taxes

Product warranty

Other

Note I – Income Taxes
The approximate components of the income tax provision are as follows:

Income tax provision (benefit) computed at:

Federal statutory rate – current

State statutory rate – current

Federal deferred

State deferred

Change in valuation allowance

Provision for income taxes

December 31,

2014

$ 

19,453

$ 

—

2,488

162,000

2013

19,836

2,344

4,477

47,025

$ 

183,941

$ 

73,682

December 31,

2014

$ 

668,019

$ 

269,723

64,793

101,086

25,000

95,055

2013

352,148

338,228

98,235

82,245

25,000

30,568

$ 

1,223,676

$ 

926,424

December 31,

2014

2013

$ 

(50,000) $ 

(300,000)

(9,000)

726,000

128,000

(538,000)

(53,000)

(640,000)

(113,000)

1,106,000

$ 

257,000 $ 

—

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate with our effective income tax rate was as follows:

Statutory federal rate

State income taxes, net of income tax benefit

Non-deductible expenses and other

Change in valuation allowance

Federal credits

Effective tax rate

December 31,

2014

34.0%

3.0%

7.8%

(18.2%) 

(6.8%)

19.8%

2013

34.0%

0.0%

(3.2%)

(30.8%) 

0.0%

0.0%

25

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Financial statementsNote I – Income Taxes continued
Approximate deferred income tax assets are as follows:

Depreciation and amortization

Deferred revenue

Deferred rent

Federal and state tax credits

Inventory

Bad debts

Contingent liability

Net operating loss carryforward

Valuation allowance

Total deferred income tax assets

December 31,

2014

2013

$ 

(94,000) $ 

(471,000)

8,000

1,039,000 

240,000

8,000

—

8,985,000

102,000

344,000

12,000

1,046,000 

178,000

—

825,000

8,002,000

(8,726,000)

(9,263,000)

$ 

989,000 $ 

1,246,000

The Company uses an effective tax rate of 40% consisting of a federal rate of 34% and a state rate of 6% net of federal effect.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards expiring between 2018 and 2034 for US federal 
income tax purposes of approximately US$25,450,000 and US$1,756,000 expiring between 2017 and 2018 for state income 
tax purposes. A valuation allowance has been established for US$8,726,000 and US$9,263,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively, for the deferred tax benefit related to those loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. 

At December 31, 2014, the Company also had approximately US$731,000 and US$308,000 of tax credit carryforwards 
that are available to offset federal and state liabilities, respectively. The credits will begin to expire between 2015 and 2028 
for federal and between 2018 and 2020 for state.

The utilization of the tax carryforwards described above are dependent upon future profitability prior to any expiration 
dates. Additionally, alternative minimum taxes, if any, and substantial changes in ownership and tax laws and regulations 
may substantially limit their realization.

Note J – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
The Company accounts for the effect of any uncertain tax positions based on a “more likely than not” threshold to the 
recognition of the tax positions being sustained based on the technical merits of the position under scrutiny by the applicable 
taxing authority. If a tax position or positions are deemed to result in uncertainties of those positions, the unrecognized 
tax benefit is estimated based on a “cumulative probability assessment” that aggregates the estimated tax liability for all 
uncertain tax positions. The Company is not currently under examination by any taxing jurisdiction. The Company’s 
federal and state income tax returns are generally open for examination for three years following the date filed.

Note K – Commitments

Lease Commitments
The Company holds four real estate leases. The Company’s lease agreement for corporate office space expired 
September 30, 2012 and is now in a month-to-month arrangement. The Company signed a five-year lease agreement 
for a new space in East Providence beginning in November 2013 and expiring in October 2017. To support our ICS business, 
the Company signed a two-year lease beginning in February 2013 through January 2015. In 2014, the Company renewed 
the lease for another two years from February 2015 through January 2017. The Company’s lease for laboratory space in 
East Providence was extended through May 31, 2017. Rent expense was US$434,592 and US$423,376 for the years 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments are as follows:

Year ending 
December 31,

2015

2016

2017

26

$ 

337,615

337,615

198,559

$ 

873,789

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedfor the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
Note K – Commitments continued
License and Supply Agreements
In 1996, and subsequently amended in 1999 and 2002, the Company entered into a license agreement under which the 
Company obtained a nonexclusive right to use certain technology through the term of the licensor’s patents on such 
technology. The license agreement contains provisions for royalties to be paid on sales of products developed under 
the agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded US$461,095 and US$335,220, 
respectively in royalty expense.

In 2002, the Company entered into a supply agreement whereby the Company agreed to purchase a certain quantity of laser 
materials at the established price. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is required to purchase all materials from 
one vendor. The Company met its obligations under that agreement. The Company was required to purchase all spare parts 
for the laser materials from that vendor until December 2013. During 2013, the Company had purchased US$79,581 of materials.

Note L – Stockholders’ Equity

Common and Preferred Stock
The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended in 2007, authorizes the Company to issue 125,000,000 shares of 
common stock (the “Common Stock”), US$0.01 par value, and 17,882,179 shares of preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”), 
US$0.01 par value, of which 2,000,000 shares are undesignated. The Board designated 4,167,000 shares of preferred stock 
as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A”), 1,700,000 as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B”), 
2,000,000 as Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B-1”), 600,000 as Series B-2 Convertible Preferred Stock 
(“Series B-2”), 150,000 as Series B-3 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B-3”), 100,000 as Series B-4 Convertible 
Preferred Stock (“Series B-4”), 100,000 as Series B-5 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B-5”), 1,777,778 as Series C 
Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series C”), 2,362,400 as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series D”), and 2,925,000 
as Series E-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series E-1”).

On July 25, 2011, the Company raised US$20,241,179, net of offering costs, on the London Stock Exchange in a placing of 
18,592,320 common shares at a placing price of £0.753 per new common share (the “Placing Price”), representing 41.09% 
of the enlarged Common Share capital of the Company. As a result of the offering, anti-dilution provisions found in the 
Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation converted all of the issued and outstanding preferred shares 
into 17,185,052 common shares giving 26,659,050 common shares in issue at the time of the placing. At December 31, 2014, 
there were 45,251,370 common shares issued and outstanding and no preferred shares in issue. 

Warrants
 – 2008 Common Stock Warrants

 On April 7, 2008, the Company raised US$600,000 in exchange for 1,000,000 common shares valued at US$0.60 each. 
The Company paid a 10% commission and also provided the agent with warrants to purchase 275,000 common shares 
at an exercise price of US$0.60 per share. The warrants expired on April 7, 2013. 

 – WH Ireland Warrant Agreement

 Pursuant to a warrant agreement dated July 19, 2011, the Company created and issued warrants to WH Ireland under 
Regulation D of the US Securities Act, which entitles the holder to subscribe for up to 452,514 common shares at 
an exercise price of £0.753 per share. The warrants expired on July 25, 2014. Under the Black-Scholes pricing model, 
the Company estimated the fair value of the warrants to be US$273,318. These costs have been included as part of the 
2011 offering costs.

Stock Option Plan
In December 1996, the Company’s Board of Directors, who control a majority of the shares of the Company, approved the 
1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”).

The 1997 Plan provided that key employees, non-employee Directors, and certain consultants and advisors may be granted 
either nonqualified or incentive stock options for the purchase of the Company’s common stock at the fair market value on 
the date of the grant. Stock options generally vest over three years. The options would be exercisable over a period up to 
ten years from the date of grant.

27

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Financial statements 
 
Note L – Stockholders’ Equity continued
Stock Option Plan continued
In February 2002, the Company adopted the 2002 Stock Plan (the “2002 Plan”) which provided for the grant of incentive 
stock options and nonqualified stock options, stock awards and stock purchase rights for the purchase of up to 1,500,000 
shares of the Company’s common stock to officers, employees, consultants and Directors of the Company. The Board of 
Directors is responsible for the administration of the 2002 Plan. The Board determines the term of each option, the option 
exercise price, the number of shares for which each option is granted and the rate at which each option is exercisable. 
Incentive stock options may be granted to an officer or employee at an exercise price per share of not less than the fair 
value per common share on the date of the grant (not less than 110% of fair value in the case of holders of more than 10% 
of the Company’s voting stock) and with a term not to exceed ten years from the date of the grant (five years for incentive 
stock options granted to holders of more than 10% of the Company’s voting stock). Nonqualified stock options may be 
granted to consultants or Directors at an exercise price per share of not less than 85% of the fair value of the common stock.

Upon the effective date of the 2002 Plan, the 1997 Plan was terminated. The termination did not affect the previously 
issued options.

In 2007, the number of shares available for grant under the 2002 Plan increased from 1,500,000 to 3,500,000. 

In May 2007, the Company adopted the 2007 Stock Plan (the”2007 Plan”) which provided for the grant of incentive stock 
options and nonqualified stock options, stock awards and stock purchase rights for the purchase of up to 14,100,000 shares 
of the Company’s common stock to officers, employees, consultants and Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors 
is responsible for administration of the 2007 Plan. The Board determines the term of each option, the option exercise price, 
the number of shares for which each option is granted and the rate at which each option is exercisable.

The 2007 Plan and the 2002 Plan existed at December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2014, 32,700 options were issued under the 1997 Plan, 2,202,864 options were issued under the 2002 Plan 
and 3,561,476 options were issued under the 2007 Plan. 344,451 options were issued without a plan. 7,958,509 options were 
available for grant under the 2007 Plan. 

Information related to stock options granted by the Company is summarized as follows (including certain options granted 
outside of the Plan):

Outstanding at beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/canceled

Outstanding at end of year

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Number of shares 
under option

Weighted average 
exercise price

Number of shares 
under option

Weighted average 
exercise price

6,533,103

$ 

45,000 $ 

—  

(436,612) $ 

6,141,491

$ 

0.74

0.36

—

0.58

0.74

6,586,803

$ 

81,000 $ 

—

(134,700) $ 

6,533,103

$ 

0.76

0.30

—

1.54 

0.74

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:

Exercise price range

US$0.30–US$0.84

US$0.85–US$1.23

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Number of
outstanding
shares

3,574,425

2,567,066

6,141,491

Weighted
average
contractual life
(years)

Weighted
average
exercise price

4.83

2.28

$ 

$ 

0.56

1.00

Number
of shares

3,378,064

2,567,066

$ 

$ 

5,945,130

Weighted
average
exercise price

0.57

1.00

28

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedfor the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
 
Note L – Stockholders’ Equity continued
Stock Option Plan continued
The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of our stock options. 
The valuations determined using this model are affected by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective 
variables including stock price, volatility, expected life of options, risk free interest rates, and expected dividends, if any. 
The assumptions used to value stock option grants for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:

Risk free rate 

0.09% – 0.10%

Expected life 

five years

Assumed volatility 

52.80% – 53.63%

Expected dividends 

None

Expected forfeitures 

75%

Unrecognized Compensation Costs
As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately US$26,000 of unrecognized compensation costs, adjusted for 
estimated forfeitures, related to unvested stock-based payments granted to our employees, Directors and consultants. 
Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and recognized over 
the remaining vesting periods of the stock grants.

Note M – Employee Retirement Plan
During 1999, the Company adopted a defined contribution Plan, established under the guidelines of Section 401(k) of the 
Internal Revenue Code (IRC), which covers all employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan at the beginning 
of the first month following the date of hire. Employees may contribute up to the maximum allowed by the (IRC) of eligible 
pay on a pretax basis. The Company made a matching contribution of 50% of employee contributions up to 4% of eligible 
salary. Company matching contributions vest at 25% after one year of service, 50% at the end of two years of service and 
100% at the end of three years of service. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s matching 
contribution was US$53,792 and US$38,416, respectively.

Note N – Contingent Liability
In December 2011, the Company was notified by a corporate shareholder regarding a license agreement between the 
Company and the shareholder dated March 8, 1999. The shareholder had stated that the Company owed the shareholder 
approximately US$2,100,000 in total for the years 2004 through 2010 based on their interpretation of the license 
agreement. The Company disagreed with the shareholder’s interpretation of the license agreement. 

In 2014, the Company and the shareholder reached a settlement that terminated the agreement and liabilities that would 
otherwise have continued through the remainder of the agreement. To settle the dispute for all past amounts due and all 
future amounts that may be due, the Company agreed to pay US$2,000,000 plus the relief of a receivable owed to the 
Company from the shareholder in the amount of approximately US$129,000. Accordingly, the Company recorded 
a contingent liability expense of US$1,789,040 in 2013 after offsetting accruals.

Note O – Business Combinations

Acquisition of Certain Assets from Inksure Technologies, Inc. 
On February 28, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets from Inksure Technologies, Inc., a leader in brand protection 
and tax stamp authentication headquartered in New York City, NY. The acquisition was strategic for the Company, allowing 
us to extend our reach into tax stamps and the authentication of commercial product brands. The Company will support the 
customers with resources existing in its banknote authentication division. The total purchase price was US$1,356,000 in 
cash with deferred consideration of US$35,000, dependent upon achieving a commercial milestone. The purchase price 
included Inksure’s long-standing customer relationships and authentication technology. We report Inksure as part of our 
authentication systems.

29

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014Financial statements 
 
Note O – Business Combinations continued
Acquisition of Certain Assets from Inksure Technologies, Inc. continued
The following tables provide further details of this acquisition:

Date of acquisition
Reporting business segment

Cash consideration paid to former owners

Allocation of purchase price:

 Accounts receivable

 Inventories

 Property, plant and equipment

 Goodwill

 Identifiable intangible assets

Total assets acquired

Deferred revenue

Other liabilities

Total liabilities acquired

Net assets assumed

Identifiable intangible assets

Customer relationships

Developed technology

Trade name

Non-compete agreements

Inksure
February 28, 2014
Authentication
systems

$ 

1,356,000 

 136,000 

 246,000 

— 

 260,000 

817,000 

$ 

 1,459,000 

— 

 (103,000)

 (103,000)

 1,356,000

$ 

$ 

Inksure

Weighted
average
amortization
period

Total

$ 

10.00 $ 

600,000

10.00  

5.00 

3.00 

120,000

30,000 

 67,000 

Weighted average amortization period and total

$ 

9.06

$ 

 817,000

30

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedfor the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note P – Segment reporting
In accordance with ASC 280, management has identified three operating segments. The first is the Authentication Systems 
Group, which captures the hardware, software, and materials related to banknote, tax stamp, and other high value goods. 
The second segment is the Secure Software Transactions Group. This group is characterized as providing an Internal Control 
System (ICS) software offering to the lottery and gaming industries. ICS provides tools for fraud detection, money laundering, 
match fixing, and statistical analysis. The third group is the Banknote Cleaning Group. This group captures the technology 
related to cleaning soiled banknotes.

Information for each reportable segment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

Gross
sales

Income (loss)
from operations

Depreciation and
amortization

Capital
expense

Segment
assets

2013

Secure Software Transactions

$ 

1,590,299 $ 

192,887 $ 

181,228 $ 

17,099 $  3,800,729

Authentication Systems

9,981,743

(1,286,394)

 247,361

 754,736

24,762,583

Banknote Cleaning

—

(271,200)

—

—

94,050

Total Segment

$  11,572,042 $  (1,364,707) $ 

428,589 $ 

771,835 $  28,657,362

2014

Secure Software Transactions

$ 

1,378,849 $ 

106,471 $ 

188,075 $ 

4,152 $  3,663,548

Authentication Systems

15,527,500

Banknote Cleaning

—

1,455,180

(333,169)

600,156

13,668

186,688

164,019

22,359,111

399,210

Total Segment

$  16,906,349 $ 

1,228,482 $ 

801,899 $ 

354,859 $  26,421,869

Note Q – Income/(Loss) Per Share
The calculation of income (loss) per share figures for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is based on the profit/(loss) 
attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$1,043,808 and (US$3,002,l04), respectively, divided by the weighted average 
number of shares in issue, shown in the table below. Since the year ended December 31, 2013 reflected a loss, including the 
potential conversion of warrants and options in the diluted EPS calculation would decrease the loss per share. Accordingly, 
they are considered anti-dilutive and are not included in the calculation of loss per share. For 2014, the exercise price of all 
options exceeded the average market price of the shares in issue and therefore are not considered in the calculations.

31

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014SHAREHOLDER AND CORPORATE INFORMATION

English Law Legal Counsel

Covington & Burling LLP
265 Strand 
London WC2R 1BH 
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 207 067 2000

US Based Legal Counsel

Adler, Pollock & Sheehan, PC
One Citizens Plaza, 8th Floor 
Providence, RI 02903 
United States of America

+1 401 274 7200

Registrar

Computershare Investor Services PLC
2nd Floor 
Vintners’ Place 
68 Upper Thames Street 
London EC4V 3BJ

+44 (0) 870 703 0300

Registered office

Spectra Systems Corporation
321 South Main Street, Suite 102 
Providence, RI 02903 
United States of America

+1 401 274 4700

Nominated Advisor

WH Ireland Limited
24 Martin Lane 
London EC4R 0DR 
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 207 220 1666

Broker

WH Ireland Limited
24 Martin Lane 
London EC4R 0DR 
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 207 220 1666

Auditors and Reporting Accountants

Miller Wachman LLP
100 Cambridge Street, 13th Floor 
Boston, MA 02114 
United States of America

+1 617 338 6800

RSM Tenon Audit Limited
66 Chiltern Street 
London W1U 4JT 
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 207 535 1400

32

Spectra Systems Corporation Annual report and accounts 2014 
Spectra Systems Corporation
321 South Main Street 
Providence, RI 02903 USA 
tel: 401.274.4700  fax: 401.274.3127 
email: info@spsy.com