Quarterlytics / Technology / Spectra Systems Corporation / FY2021 Annual Report

Spectra Systems Corporation
Annual Report 2021

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FY2021 Annual Report · Spectra Systems Corporation
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Leading the industry in 
innovation, performance 
and sustainability

Spectra Systems Corporation
Annual report and accounts 2021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We invent, develop and 
manufacture integrated 
security solutions.

Spectra is an industry leader 
in the authentication and 
gaming controls markets.

Spectra provides integrated solutions 
comprised of engineered materials and 
hardware for authentication and software 
systems which analyze gaming transactions.

Spectra Systems’ 20-year track record of providing 
covert technology to central banks is unmatched. 
To date, its expertise in LEVEL III authentication 
has been implemented by 20 central banks, 
including two in the G7. Its knowledge of optical 
physics in incorporating taggants and high-speed 
reading of covert features enables Spectra to 
provide the highest level of banknote 
security worldwide.

STR ATEGIC REPORT

1 

2 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Highlights

Spectra at a glance

Investment case

Strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Chief Executive Officer’s statement

10   Case study: Banknote Disinfection Patent

CORPOR ATE GOVERNANCE

11 

 Board of Directors

13  Senior management

14  Corporate governance statement

17  Committee reports

19  Directors’ report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22 

Independent auditor’s report

23  Consolidated balance sheets

24  Consolidated statements of income 

25 

 Consolidated statements of 
comprehensive income

26 

 Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity

27  Consolidated statements of cash flows

28 

 Notes to the financial information

ibc 

 Shareholder and corporate information

Discover more online www.spsy.com

HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue (US$ million)

Adjusted PBTA (US$ million)

Adjusted earnings per share (US¢)

16.6

(2020: 14.7)

6.6

(2020: 6.0)

12.0

(2020: 11.9)

21 

20 

19 

16.6

14.7

13.2

21 

20 

19 

6.6

6.0

5.2

21 

20 

19 

12.0

11.9

10.4

Financial highlights

Operational highlights

 5  Revenue up 13% for the year at US$16,592k 

(2020: US$14,675k) 

 5 Adjusted EBITDA1 up 8% at US$6,896k (2020: US$6,357k)

 5 Adjusted PBTA1 up 10% to US$6,622k (2020: US$6,039k)

 5 Adjusted earnings2 per share at US$12.0 cents 

(2020: US$11.9 cents)

 5 Execution of a contract with our central bank customer 
relating to the second phase of the sensor development 

program followed by an amendment to include the 

capability to detect exotic counterfeit notes 

 5 Renewed the agreement for the supply of banknote 

security materials with our long-time central bank customer 

for another five years and received the first year’s order 

 5 Net income at US$5,163k (2020: US$5,124k)

which was 65% higher than a typical order

 5 Cash generated from operations up 45% to US$8,084k 

(2020: US$5,574k)

 5 Received the first orders from a new customer using our 
materials in K-cups, more than doubling the sales of 

 5 Strong, debt-free balance sheet, with cash3 of US$16,775k 

this product over 2020 levels

(2020: US$14,038k) 

 5 Declaring annual dividend of US$0.11 per share to be paid 

in June

 5 Buy-back of 500,000 shares during the year

 5 Obtained a new customer for our TruBrand™ product 
in addition to current tobacco related sales in China

 5 Established a complete vertical integration of polymer 

banknote substrate manufacturing to produce ready for 

 5 Donated US$35k to Leicester Royal Infirmary SACT Suite 

printing substrates

Extension project

1  Before stock compensation expense and non-controlling interest

2   Before amortization stock compensation expense and non-controlling interest

3   Does not include US$500k (2020: US$1,099k) of restricted cash 

and investments

 5 Commenced a polymer print trial with a Middle Eastern 

central bank

 5 Validated the efficacy of the AerisTM banknote cleaning 
process for deactivating Covid, with third party testing 

results showing the deactivation of Covid to below 

detectable limits 

 5 Patented our new Banknote Disinfection System and 
introduced the product to the market with one Asian 

central bank requesting a price quotation

 5 Selected by one of the largest US lotteries to provide our 
internal control software, expanded the business into 

Canada with a new contract award and renewed a 

long-term US lottery customer contract

 5 Converted to LED lighting at our R&D and manufacturing 

facilities to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce electric 

consumption by an estimated 59,000 kwh annually

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

1

STRATEGIC REPORTSPECTRA AT A GLANCE

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

Spectra authentication products are comprised 
of engineered materials and hardware systems 
which verify the unique signatures of the 
authentication materials in banknotes and 
brand products.

Our gaming software platforms are used 
by lotteries to validate the large number of 
transactions processed each day.

45 billion

banknotes with our 
security features are 
circulating worldwide.

950 million

dollars of energy 
drinks sold annually that 
contain our materials.

155 million

American passports 
contain our document 
technology.

25 million

transactions processed 
by our ICS gaming 
technology on 
a daily basis.

60 million

bottles of hair product  
are protected from 
counterfeiting with our 
SpectraGuard technology.

8 million

packs of high-end 
cigarettes protected 
by our TruBrand™ 
technology annually.

2

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

STRATEGIC REPORTOUR CUSTOMERS

OUR MARKETS

Our end customers include a G7 central bank and one of 
the world’s largest commercial security printers, which has 
supplied our technology to a second G7 central bank and 
numerous other central banks. 

Additionally, several recognizable brand authentication 
customers use our technologies to protect their consumer 
goods brands, while our Secure Transactions Group provides 
solutions for 21 lotteries, 17 in the United States of America 
and four international.

Our solutions have been used by:

 5 20 central banks including two G7 central banks;

 5 commercial security printers and papermakers;

 5 Crane & Co.;

 5 suppliers of security threads for world currencies;

 5 LMI Packaging Solutions;

 5 Fres-Co System USA, Inc.;

 5 multinational consumer product companies;

 5 Governments of Turkey, India, Malaysia, Netherlands 

and Norway; 

 5 Intralot SA;

 5 Scientific Games International Inc.;

 5 International Game Technology PLC;

 5 lotteries in 17 states within the United States of America; and

 5 lotteries in four countries.

With over 150 billion banknotes manufactured annually 
worldwide and 85% of all transactions performed using 
banknotes, this business has proven to be a high-quality, 
long-term revenue source for the Company.

The Covid pandemic has highlighted the importance of 
banknotes as a store of value, particularly in times of crisis.
With 20 central banks having used our products and newly 
developed technologies, particularly for polymer banknotes, 
we expect continued strong earnings from this sector. With 
polymer substrate banknotes growing at 18% CAGR, the 
Company is positioned to enter this market with the only 
covert, machine-readable substrate.

With billions of dollars lost to counterfeit goods, the ability to 
empower anyone with a smartphone to authenticate products 
and banknotes containing our materials transforms the market. 
Our TruBrand™, TruStamp™ and TruNote™ suite of solutions 
are the only materials-based smartphone authentication 
technologies in the world and rely on our proprietary materials 
rather than easily counterfeited images.

Spectra’s current suite of portable reader-based solutions as 
well as related optical materials can be used for authenticating 
and tracking consumer and tax-bearing products. Our reader-
based business has grown considerably in Asia and has several 
recognizable brand owners as customers.

Consumer confidence is central to strong lottery sales and any 
perceptions of indiscretions in the lottery operation can destroy 
years of effort in building a strong customer base. Lotteries and 
gaming regulators need an independent mechanism for providing 
visibility and assurance that their operation is playing by the 
rules. Many lottery jurisdictions require that an Independent 
Control System (ICS), such as our Premier64 Integrity ICS, be in 
place to meet consumer assurance requirements.

OUR SOLUTIONS

Authentication systems
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 
all levels of security.

 5 Level I: Provides unique overt, 
luminescent visual effects, 
including gas-sensitive materials
 5 Level II: Provides the public with 
a smartphone-based solution 
to examine banknotes for 
authenticity and denomination 

 5 Level III: 

 5 Used by 20 central banks, 

including two G7 banks, our 
covert materials and sensors 
provide the highest level of 
banknote security worldwide

Secure transactions
Spectra’s Secure Transactions 
Group is a leading supplier 
of Independent Control 
Systems (ICS) for real-
time fraud control and risk 
management to government-
sanctioned gaming operators. 
Currently deployed in North 
America, Europe and Asia, our 
systems monitor and audit more 
than US$20 billion in annual sales 
for online, internet and mobile 
phone-based lotteries and pari-
mutuel organizations.

Our Premier64 Integrity ICS 
benefits and advantages include:

 5 fully automated independent 

real-time monitoring;

 5 support of both online and 
instant lottery games; and

 5 World’s first and only 
machine-readable 
polymer substrate

 5 monitoring online 

systems from all major 
gaming operators.

Smartphone authentication
Spectra’s materials-based 
technology enables end-users 
to authenticate consumer 
brands and banknotes with a 
smartphone. This technology 
eliminates the need for 
costly readers and allows the 
consumer to authenticate 
the product themselves.

 5 TruBrand™, TruNote™ 
and TruStamp™ are 
materials-based technologies 
that do not rely on easily 
counterfeited images
 5 TruTrack™ allows brand 
owners or government 
authorities to collect the 
geographic location, time and 
authentication status of each 
scan for monitoring and 
analysis purposes

Optical materials
In the course of developing 
our authentication solutions 
for over a decade, Spectra 
has created a large number 
of unique optical materials 
which are responsive to various 
forms of excitation, from light 
to ambient environmental 
conditions, including gaseous 
constituents. These products 
are used in secure documents 
as well as K-cups and banknote 
security threads.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

3

STRATEGIC REPORTINVESTMENT CASE

Our core strengths

Spectra is a profitable,  
cash–generative technology 
business with no debt, 
predictable long-term 
income streams and excellent 
growth opportunities.

Discover more online 
www.spsy.com

1

Future  
growth outside 
banknotes

2

Secure  
financial base

Core 
strengths

4

Future growth 
within banknotes

3

Technical  
advantages

1. FUTURE GROW TH 
OUTSIDE BANKNOTES

2 . SECURE 
FINANCIAL BA SE

3. TECHNIC AL 
ADVANTAGES

4. FUTURE GROW TH 
WITHIN BANKNOTES

 5 TruBrand™ smartphone 

 5 Successfully 

authentication 
technology in use by 
some Chinese tobacco 
manufacturers with the 
potential to transform 
a brand owner’s ability 
to identify the time 
and place where 
counterfeits are found

 5 Adoption of 

TruBrand™ smartphone 
authentication 
technology outside 
tobacco industry

 5 New market 

opportunities for 
optical materials in 
consumer applications

 5 Expansion of 

K-cup business to 
new customers

commercialized optical 
technologies across 
multiple sectors

 5 Approximately 45 billion 
banknotes worldwide 
and 155 million US 
passports contain our 
security technologies

 5 Long-term security 
features for central 
banks, governments 
and global corporations 
which once installed 
are near permanent 
features on multi-
year contracts

 5 For the 12 months to 
December 31 2021:

 5 Generated revenues 
of US$16.6 million

 5 Adjusted profit 
before tax of 
US$6.6 million

 5 Generated cash 

from operations of 
US$8.1 million

 5 Very little reliance 
on third parties

 5 Manufacturing, 

servicing and R&D 
all managed in house

 5 Long-term management 

team holds the 
technical expertise 
and is fully aligned to 
shareholders with a 
collective shareholding 
of 11% (including 
share options)

 5 Next generation of 
products includes 
the potentially 
transformative 
growth from polymer 
banknote substrates, to 
disinfecting solutions 
and cloud-based 
authentication and 
data metrics

 5 Growth in use of 

polymer banknotes 
is a clear opportunity 
for Spectra to 
sell Fusion™ its 
newly developed 
machine-readable 
polymer substrate

 5 Significant scope 

to increase market 
share of the growing 
banknote authentication 
market through 
innovative materials

 5 Breakthrough technology 

for disinfection of 
banknotes for casinos 
and central banks

 5 A comprehensive contract 
with a major world central 
bank for the development, 
manufacture and servicing 
of a sensor system 
with US$8.8 million of 
development funding and 
as much as US$50.0 million 
for the delivery of sensors

4

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGY

Focused on our future growth.

Our strategic priorities

Spectra’s aim is to generate attractive returns for shareholders made 
up of capital and income growth (historical dividend yield exceeding 4%).

STR ATEGIC AIM
Capitalize on existing 
customer relationships 
and suite of banknote products

STR ATEGIC AIM
Leverage our core capabilities 
to increase high-margin 
specialty materials sales and 
expand into new markets

STR ATEGIC AIM
Advance smartphone 
authentication technology

Development strategy
 5 Future development of covert 

materials and sensors will continue 
to be primarily externally funded

 5 Increased focus on 
polymer banknotes

 5 Additional business from 

existing customers

Progress
 5 Introduced Fusion™, the world’s 
first machine-readable polymer 
banknote substrate

 5 Supplied G7 central bank print works 
with three advanced quality control 
units used in the manufacturing of 
banknotes with our materials

 5 The execution of a multi-million 
dollar sensor development and 
supply contract with a major world 
central bank

 5 Developed new exotic counterfeit 

detection sensor

 5 Delivered largest order of covert 
material to G7 central bank in 
company history

 5 Commenced a polymer print trial with 

a middle eastern central bank

Outlook
 5 Complete development and deliver a 
new suite of sensors to a major world 
central bank

 5 A supply agreement for 

polymer-based technology developed 
with a major central bank

 5 Sale of banknote disinfection systems

Development strategy
 5 Expand palette of TruBrand™ 
taggants and applications

 5 Internal development and licensing 

of novel phosphors

 5 Refine staffing to focus on 

specialty materials and polymer 
banknote marketing

Progress
 5 Successfully initiated new line of 
business in consumer products, 
namely coffee K-cups and added a 
second customer in late 2021

 5 Launched a new phosphor which 

outperforms market-leading material

Outlook
 5 New sales channel for phosphor 

materials through a major specialty 
chemical supplier 

 5 Increased opportunities with 
long-standing G7 customers

 5 Further expansion of the optical 

materials business

Development strategy
 5 Leverage TruBrand™ smartphone 
technology to create new revenue 
streams for materials as well as the 
Secure Transactions Group

 5 Focus on large, billion unit 

opportunities

Progress
 5 Obtained approval for TruBrand™ 
materials on tobacco products 
sold in China

 5 Market introduction of our 

TruBrand™ product in the Chinese 
market on 8,000,000 packs of 
cigarettes annually

 5 Introduction of smartphone-readable 

packaging films where print is 
not an option

 5 Adoption of our TruBrand™ 

product outside of the tobacco 
industry through a new stationery 
supplies customer

Outlook
 5 Use of TruBrand™ on several billion 

cigarette packs in China

 5 Continued expansion of TruBrand™ 
usage to other markets such as 
food products

 5 Utilize the Secure Transactions Group 
for cloud-based server authentication 
of TruBrand™

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

5

STRATEGIC REPORTSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Engaging with our stakeholders

Section 172
Section 172 of the Companies Act 
2006 requires the Board of Directors to 
take into consideration the interests of 
stakeholders and other matters in their 
decision making. The Board of Directors 
of the Company believes that they have 
acted in a way to best promote the 
success of the Company. The Directors 
fulfil their duty by ensuring that there 
is a strong governance structure at 
the Board level and throughout the 
Company. The Board regularly reviews 
our principal stakeholders and how we 
engage with these stakeholders and has 
identified our shareholders, customers, 
employees and suppliers as our key 
stakeholders. The Board takes seriously 
the views of these stakeholders in setting 
and implementing our strategy. In the 
following pages, we set out how we have 
engaged with these key stakeholders.

In addition to these key stakeholders, 
the impact on the environment and the 
communities in which the Company 
operates is considered when making 
decisions. During 2021, the Company 
donated US$35,000 to the Leicester Royal 
Infirmary SACT Suite Extension project. 
In terms of protecting the environment, 
the Company converted to LED lighting 
at our research and development and 
manufacturing facilities to reduce 
our carbon footprint and reduce 
electric consumption by an estimated 
59,000 kwh annually.

Shareholders

Employees

Why we engage
 5 To ensure that our strategy is aligned 
with the interests of shareholders

 5 To increase the share price and total 

shareholder return

 5 To give a clear and consistent message

How we engage
 5 Investor interaction via phone calls, 

face to face meetings, Zoom meetings, 
site visits and investor roadshows

 5 Regular investor meetings following the 

full year and mid year results

 5 Issuance of the Annual Report, 

mid year results and RNS issuances 
throughout the year

 5 Updating our investor relations website

 5 Participate in recorded interviews 

which are disseminated and posted 
on our website

Why we engage
 5 To ensure we maintain a highly 
motivated and skilled workforce

 5 To ensure ongoing focus on health 
and safety and employee wellbeing

How we engage
 5 Regularly scheduled meetings to 

encourage the generation of new ideas

 5 Senior management maintains an open 
door policy and invites discussion from 
our employees

 5 Professional development and a tuition 
reimbursement program to support 
employee progression

 5 Covid protocols to safeguard the health 

of our employees

 5 Senior and long-serving staff are 

incentivized through the Company 
Share Option Plan, with 2.8 million 
options currently outstanding 
to employees

 5 Annual holiday party and company 

outing to foster camaraderie

Customers

Suppliers

Why we engage
 5 To exceed the expectations of our 
customers and build long-term 
relationships

 5 To maintain a high level of 

product quality

How we engage
 5 A dedicated account team for our 

customers to provide timely responses

 5 Regular customer meetings to discuss 

the “customer experience”

 5 Service-level agreements and 

quality standards

 5 Providing 24 x 7 support for 
critical customer needs

 5 Going "above and beyond" to meet the 
complete satisfaction of our customers

Why we engage
 5 To manage supply chain risk, especially 

in regards to Covid

 5 To build a global supply chain and 
develop long-term relationships to 
make materials and services available 
when needed

 5 To ensure the use of the best quality 

materials and resources we can source

 5 To ensure security of supply and high 

supplier standards

How we engage
 5 Regular communication with 

our key suppliers

 5 Supplier evaluations and audits

6

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

STRATEGIC REPORTCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT

We continue to develop cutting edge 
technologies to remain the innovation 
leader in the authentication industry and 
to offer our shareholders the springboard 
to even bigger growth of their Company.

Introduction
Through achieving key commercial 
milestones, as described in the Review of 
Operations below, Spectra Systems has 
delivered an excellent performance for the 
2021 financial year, continuing its track 
record of year-on-year profit growth.

Revenue for the year was US$16,592k 
(2020: US$14,675k) driven by: larger demand 
for our materials to meet the increased 
banknote demands of one of our existing 
central bank customers, customer funded 
sensor development efforts and increased 
sales of our specialty optical material used 
in K-cups. Adjusted EBITDA (before stock 
compensation expense) for the year increased 
8% to US$6,896k compared to the prior year 
of US$6,357k, notwithstanding a US$494k 
provision for excess and obsolete inventory.

Having generated cash from operations 
of US$8,084k (2020: US$5,574k), cash at 
the period end amounted to US$16,775k 
(2020: US$14,038k), excluding US$500k 
and US$1,099k of restricted cash and 
investments as of December 31, 2021 and 
2020. This is notwithstanding US$4,302k 
paid to shareholders during June 2021 in the 
form of the Company’s dividend of US$0.095 
per share and share buy-backs of US$1,170k. 

The Company is therefore declaring an 
increased annual dividend of US$0.11 per share 
to be paid in June. The Company will continue 
to have sufficient cash resources thereafter to 
execute on its growth plans as well as support 
the required financial requirements expected 
from our sensor development customer 
during the sensor delivery phase. 

Review of operations

Physical and Software 
Authentication Business
The Authentication Systems business generated 
revenue of US$14,718k (2020: US$13,251k) 
and adjusted EBITDA of US$6,556k (2020: 
US$6,121k). Authentication Systems revenues 
are driven by sales of covert materials and their 
associated equipment and service, optical and 

security phosphor materials and license royalties. 
We sell covert materials directly to one major 
world central bank and indirectly to numerous 
other central banks through a major banknote 
supplier and printer with which we have existing 
license and supply agreements for the exclusive 
rights to our technology. 

The increased revenue is due to: larger 
demand for our materials to meet the 
increased banknote demands of one of our 
existing central bank customers, customer 
funded sensor development efforts and 
increased sales of our product used in K-cups. 

The 2020/2021 central bank order for our 
covert consumables reached the highest level 
in the Company’s history amounting to over 
three and a half times the average historical 
order. This order was partially fulfilled in 
2020 with the balance delivered in 2021. 
This exceptional order was followed by the 
2021/2022 order from the same central bank 
which was in turn 75% of the largest order. 

Our long-established relationship with this 
major world central bank continues to 
drive the introduction of more advanced 
products and an increasingly steady stream 
of hardware sales to authenticate our covert 
materials which reached record sales this 
year. We have received US$8.8 million of 
funding from this customer to develop a new 
generation of sensors with sensor deliveries 
anticipated to begin in 2024 and continue 
through 2026. The sensors will be the most 
advanced authentication sensors in the world 
with unmatched capabilities and will provide 
anticipated hardware revenues of approximately 
US$50 million and service contracts worth in 
excess of US$8 million over a ten-year period.

We have advanced FusionTM our machine-
readable covert polymer substrate as well 
as our ability to supply standard polymer 
substrate by developing a fully integrated 
and highly secure operation which allows 
us to sell fully ready for printing substrates 
with full opacification and conducting layers 
in all print format requirements. This is a 

The sensors will be 
the most advanced 
authentication sensors 
in the world with 
unmatched 
capabilities and will 
provide anticipated 
hardware revenues of 
approximately US$50 
million and service 
contracts worth in 
excess of US$8 million 
over a ten year period.

major advancement which allows us to 
directly compete with the other suppliers in 
the industry, even at the level of standard 
polymer substrates without machine 
readability. In Q4 of 2021 we produced a 
large number of custom designed polymer 
substrate sheets with full conductive and 
opacity layers for a Middle Eastern central 
bank print trial which is currently in progress. 
Following the Banknote Conference, we 
have created early traction with three major 
central banks including a G7 central bank.

Leveraging our position as a trusted supplier 
of advanced authentication technology to 
central banks and in order to respond to the 
Covid-19 pandemic, we have developed a 
new system alongside Aeris™, our banknote 
cleaning equipment. The new patented 
technology, our Banknote Disinfection 
System, is capable of disinfecting to sterile 
levels up to 5,000,000 banknotes in one hour.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

7

STRATEGIC REPORTCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT continued

Finally, several of our phosphors with 
white, red and yellow emissions are under 
evaluation by several potential customers 
including a large specialty chemical supplier.

customer. We continue development of a 
new software platform which has led to costs 
depressing EBITDA but which will result in 
lower support costs in the long run.

On the software security side of our business, 
the Secure Transactions Group, formed 
around the various gaming technology 
acquisitions made in 2012, generated 
an Adjusted EBITDA of US$340k  
(2020: US$236k) on revenue of US$1,874k 
(2020: US$1,424k). Revenue increased due 
to software development related to the 
introduction of new games by our lottery 
customers. During 2021, we were selected 
by one of the largest US lotteries to provide 
our internal control software, renewed a 
long-term US lottery customer contract and 
expanded the business into Canada with 
a new contract award. This new customer 
we believe will open the door to the other 
four additional lotteries in Canada where we 
hope to win contracts based on successful 
performance with this new Canadian 

Solaris BioSciences Investment Asset
In December 2020, the Company made an 
investment in Solaris BioSciences, whose core 
technology is well understood by us. The results 
of Solaris BioSciences are consolidated by 
the Company. As Solaris BioSciences is a 
development stage company, it does not 
generate revenue and generated an EBITDA 
loss of US$80k attributable to the Company’s 
ownership share. This loss is included in the 
Authentication Systems EBITDA of US$6,556k.

Solaris BioSciences is in the early stages 
of a financing round and currently has 
approximately US$130,000 of cash to fund 
its operations. Solaris BioSciences has applied 
to the UK tax authorities to obtain VCT/
EIS status which if granted, will allow Solaris 
BioSciences to focus its financing in the UK.

Review of operations continued
Physical and Software 
Authentication Business continued
This technology is expected to gain traction 
with the increased realization that Covid-19 
is likely to become endemic. Marketing of this 
product is being undertaken jointly with Royal 
Dutch Kusters Engineering, the world’s leading 
supplier of banknote destruction systems 
and advanced engineering solutions for unfit 
currency. We continue to be optimistic that 
we will sell a first unit(s) in 2022.

With our TruBrandTM smartphone 
authentication product having been 
successfully introduced into the Chinese 
tobacco market on over 6 million packs in 
retail stores in 2019, we have obtained a new 
long-term customer in the stationery industry 
who is suffering from counterfeiting losses 
in China and have begun another set of trials 
with a second tobacco company. We have 
greatly expanded our search for new long-term 
customers for TruBrandTM and are working 
with partner companies to secure business 
for motor vehicle registrations. In addition, 
we have continued to move forward with 
an opportunity for milk products in Asia and 
expect to be in a testing phase in Q2 of 2022.

During H1 of 2021, our K-cup material was 
accepted for production by a new K-cup 
lid printer with exceptionally large orders 
commencing in H2 of 2021. This customer 
is expected to be approximately 20% larger 
in sales volume than the current customer 
and we are confident that this business line 
will reach a million dollars of high margin 
materials sales in aggregate in 2022. The new 
business will not require additional staffing 
and hence will be accretive to our earnings. 

CENTR AL BANK SENSOR DE VELOPMENT CONTR AC T  

C A SE STUDY

Spectra Systems Corporation, a leader in machine-
readable high speed banknote authentication, 
brand protection technologies and gaming 
security software, is pleased to announce that it 
has executed an agreement with its central bank 
customer, in addition to the sensor agreement 
announced on 2 February 2021, to include a 
new capability in those sensors to detect "exotic 
counterfeits". The new contract will result in an 
additional US$1.2 million of development funding 
to begin immediately. This contract increases 
the total development funding to US$8.7 million 
and could increase the sensor sales revenue by 
US$7.5 million to US$41.5 million, depending on 
the total order size.

This is a significant development 
which underpins the central bank’s 
confidence in our technology 
capabilities and further bolsters 
the case for cash going forward.

Nabil M. Lawandy
Chief Executive Officer

8

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

STRATEGIC REPORTStrategy
The Company’s strategy for increasing 
revenue and earnings continues to be 
focused on both brand authentication and 
a robust effort to commercialize our covert 
security technologies with an emphasis on 
polymer banknotes and technology driven 
existing central bank customers.

The brand authentication sector offers 
short-term growth potential and some very 
large opportunities for smartphone-based 
technology and advanced optical materials, 
while the covert banknote security sector 
provides stable long-term, multi-decade 
revenues once new contracts are executed. 

In addition, we have deliberately and successfully 
positioned the Company to be the world’s 
only provider of technology for disinfecting 
banknotes from Covid-19 on a large scale and on 
a time scale which meets supply challenges for 
both central banks and casinos. We believe that 
this is of particular importance for polymer notes 
where numerous studies, including our own 
data obtained at Boston University’s National 
Emerging Infections Disease Laboratories, 
indicate that Covid-19 survives for the longest 
periods on this type of banknote substrate.

Prospects 
The Company continues to have numerous 
long-term and short-term prospects. 
The short-term opportunities are expected 
in the 2022–2024 period and the long-term 
opportunities are expected in the 2024–2028 
time frame.

The important, near-term opportunities include: 

 5 supply of upgraded sensors worth up to 

 5 fulfillment of new, larger than typical 

pre-Covid-19 orders for covert materials 
to a long-standing central bank customer 
during 2022;

 5 additional sensor development funding;

 5 completion of the development of the 

new generation of sensors for a 
long-standing central bank customer 
with US$6.2 million of revenue still to 
be recognized through 2023;

 5 increased sales of TruBrand™ related 
products to reach the level of several 
million dollars per annum in both tobacco 
and other opportunities such as tax 
stamps and government documents;

 5 increase the K-cup business to the 

US$1 million per annum level and beyond;

 5 first sales of our newest patent pending 

phosphor product;

 5 sale of our first banknote cleaning or 

decontamination system to central banks;

 5 qualification with a central bank 

of our Fusion™ machine-readable 
polymer substrate; 

 5 expand our gaming software business 

in Canada and other non-USA 
customers; and

 5 supply of quality control equipment to 

a central bank.

The longer-term opportunities include:

 5 a supply agreement for our polymer 
substrate technology (Fusion™) with 
a major central bank; and

US$50 million to a central bank customer.

The combination of these prospects, both 
short and long term, has positioned the 
Company to maintain its excellent progress 
for the foreseeable future. We continue to 
develop cutting edge technologies to remain 
the innovation leader in the authentication 
industry and to offer our shareholders the 
springboard to even bigger growth of their 
Company. We believe that we have a number 
of transformative opportunities ahead in 
several aspects of our business that will 
potentially further accelerate our earnings. 

Dividend
With the Company having a seventh year 
of sustainable profits, reaching their highest 
levels since its admission to trading on 
AIM, and having sufficient resources to 
execute on its growth plans with its existing 
cash reserves, the Board is delighted to 
again issue an increased dividend. Our 
dividend policy takes account of the 
Group’s profitability, underlying growth 
and maintenance of sufficient cash reserves. 
The Board therefore intends to pay an annual 
dividend of US$0.11 per share on or about 
June 24, 2022 to shareholders of record as 
of June 6, 2022.

Nabil M. Lawandy
Chief Executive Officer
March 21, 2022

NE W K CUP ORDERS E XCEED E XPEC TATIONS 

C A SE STUDY

Spectra Systems Corporation, 
a leader in machine-readable high 
speed banknote authentication, 
brand protection technologies, 
and gaming security software, 
is pleased to announce that 
its newest customer using the 
company’s optical materials in 
K-cups for Keurig brewers has 
already placed three orders 
totaling US$394,000 since 
September. The orders from the 
new customer are already 93% of 
the expected 2021 revenues from 
this product and 46% higher than 
total orders in 2020.

Based on this order pattern, 
we expect that this new 
customer, along with the 
existing customer, will 
result in over US$1 million 
of high margin revenue 
in 2022.

Nabil M. Lawandy
Chief Executive Officer

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

9

STRATEGIC REPORTAllowance of Banknote 
Disinfection Patent by 
the United States Patent 
and Trademark Office

Spectra Systems Corporation, a leading provider of 
advanced technology solutions for banknote and 
product authentication and gaming security, is pleased 
to announce that it has received a notice of allowance 
from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for 
its technology for disinfecting banknotes from SARS-2 
and other biohazards. The patent is expected to be issued 
within six weeks. Additionally, patent applications have 
been filed in other regions worldwide.

The technology can disinfect five million notes in less 
than two hours and uses nitrogen obtained from the 
ambient air to create an oxygen-free atmosphere, 
along with heat, to deactivate SARS-2.

The Covid-19 pandemic has raised questions 
about the health safety of banknotes. Given that 
several new SARS-2 variants have been shown 
to be more virulent, it is likely that Covid-19 will 
become endemic. Central banks and casinos 
that exchange cash with the public may 
conclude that a proactive approach rather than 
denial is the logical approach to maintaining the 
use of cash worldwide. Our newest product is 
designed specifically to address this situation 
effectively, and its patent was, we understand, 
allowed in record time.

Nabil M. Lawandy
Chief Executive Officer

10

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

STRATEGIC REPORT 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Spectra Systems Corporation

Our Board of Directors has a 
collective responsibility to 
shareholders for the sustainable 
long-term success of the business.

BJ PENN
Non-executive Chairman

NABIL M. L AWANDY
President and Chief Executive Officer

C

G

N

A

G

Mr. Penn was Acting Secretary of the US Navy from March 
to May 2009, having previously been Assistant Secretary 
of the US Navy (Installations and Environment) since 2005. 
Mr. Penn began his career as a Naval Aviator and was named 
EA-6B Pilot of the Year in 1972. Throughout his distinguished 
career, significant leadership assignments included: Executive 
Officer/Commanding Officer VAQ 33, Battalion Officer at the 
US Naval Academy, Air Officer on the USS America, Special 
Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, Commanding 
Officer of NAS North Island, CA, and Deputy Director of the 
Navy Office of Technology Transfer & Security Assistance. 
Mr. Penn left the Navy in 1995, joining Loral Corporation 
as Director of International Business. In 1996, Loral sold its 
defense electronics and system integration businesses to 
Lockheed Martin and Mr. Penn was assigned to Lockheed 
Martin’s corporate staff. Mr. Penn returned to the US Navy 
in 2001 as Director of Industrial Base Assessments.

Mr. Penn received his BS in Industrial Technology from Purdue 
University and his MS in Human Resource Management 
and Personnel Administration from the George Washington 
University. Mr. Penn has also received certificates in 
Aerospace Safety from the University of Southern California 
and in National Security for Senior Officials from the Kennedy 
School, Harvard University. Mr. Penn serves as Trustee at the 
George Washington University and is on the board of the 
Naval Aviation Museum.

Dr. Lawandy is the founder, President and Chief Executive 
Officer of the Company. Dr. Lawandy started his career at the 
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where he was a pioneer 
in the development of sub-millimeter optically pumped lasers. 
From 1981 to 1999, Dr. Lawandy was a tenured full professor 
of Engineering and Physics at Brown University, where 
his work focused on instabilities in single and multimode 
lasers and a wide spectrum of non-linear optics and atom-
field interaction problems. In addition to Spectra Systems 
Corporation, Dr. Lawandy has founded two other companies, 
Spectra Disc Corporation and Solaris Nanosciences, and has 
raised over US$80 million in investment capital.

Dr. Lawandy holds a BA in Physics, and an MS and PhD in 
Chemistry, all from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Lawandy 
has authored over 180 reviewed scientific papers and is 
an inventor on over 80 US and foreign issued patents. 
His entrepreneurial and scientific work has been covered 
in several high-profile publications including the London 
Financial Times, the Economist, Scientific American, Science 
News, the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, the Boston 
Globe, Fox News and BBC Television. Dr. Lawandy has also 
received a Presidential Young Investigator Award, an Alfred 
P. Sloan Fellowship, a Cottrell Award, a Rolex Award for 
Enterprise and a Samuel Slater Award for Innovation.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

11

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEBOARD OF DIRECTORS continued

A

C

G

N

Audit Committee

Compensation Committee

Government Security Committee

Nominating Committee

Committee Chairman

DONALD STANFORD
Non-executive Director

JEREMY FRY
Non-executive Director

A

C

N

A

C

N

Mr. Stanford, who was from 1979 until 2001 the Chief 
Technical Officer of GTECH Corporation, is an Adjunct 
Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Brown 
University and is an instructor in the Program in Innovation, 
Management, and Entrepreneurship (PRIME). Mr. Stanford is 
also on the faculty of Brown’s School of Professional Studies. 
Mr. Stanford is a founding member of GTECH (renamed IGT) 
and, over the course of 30 years, he held every technical 
leadership position, including Vice President of Advanced 
Development and Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Stanford 
serves on several boards including YearUp Providence and the 
Business Innovation Factory. Mr. Stanford is a founding board 
member of Times2 STEM Charter School in Providence and 
served on its board for 20 years. In 2008, Mr. Stanford was 
re-engaged by IGT as a consultant. 

Mr. Stanford is a past member of the RI Science and 
Technology Advisory Council. Mr. Stanford also served on 
the Brown advisory councils to the President and the School 
of Engineering. Mr. Stanford holds a BA in International 
Relations and an MS in Computer Science and Applied 
Mathematics, both from Brown University. In 1999, 
Mr. Stanford received both the Black Engineer of the Year 
Award for Professional Achievement and the Honorable 
Thurgood Marshall Award for Community Service from 
the NAACP. In 2002, Mr. Stanford received the Brown 
Graduate School’s Distinguished Graduate Award and the 
RI Professional Engineers Award for Community Service.

Mr. Fry has over 30 years of experience in finance and 
operations and in particular intellectual property. Following 
a successful executive international career with large scale 
enterprises, Mr. Fry, who is based in the UK, established 
his own consultancy business in 2005. Since forming 
the consultancy business, he has worked across a broad 
spectrum of business clients, advising start-ups to publicly 
listed enterprises. Over the past 15 years he has assumed 
numerous roles including Executive Chairman, Non-Executive 
Chairman, Non-Executive Director, CEO and COO leading 
and supporting a number of successful investor acquisitions 
and exits. More recently, he has been focused on advisory 
and non-executive initiatives including his appointment to 
the boards of Blackspace Security Limited and Sentrybay 
Limited, leading cyber-security companies working in financial 
services and regulated markets, where he is Chair of the 
Audit Committee.

Through 2019 and into 2020, his time was spent working 
on a very significant restructuring of an industrial company 
involving negotiations with lenders and shareholders, 
addressing balance sheet and operational challenges. Mr. Fry, 
a Chartered Marketeer, holds a degree in Biochemistry and 
Molecular Biology from Cardiff Metropolitan University 
(formerly Llandaff Technical College), a postgraduate diploma 
in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing via 
Cardiff Business School and an Executive MBA from the 
University of Reading.

12

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESENIOR MANAGEMENT

Our senior management team 
highlights our strong internal talent 
base, providing clear direction and 
support for all areas of the business.

BRIAN MCL AIN, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

Mr. McLain has been Spectra’s Chief Financial Officer since 
January 2017. With extensive financial experience in both public and 
private businesses, Mr. McLain is responsible for managing all financial 
and administrative functions of Spectra Systems. Before joining 
Spectra, Mr. McLain served as the Corporate Controller for OMNIlife 
Science, Inc. and was responsible for all financial and accounting 
operations. Prior to OMNI, Mr. McLain progressed from the role of 
Corporate Controller to Vice President, Finance & Business Solutions 

at SeraCare Life Sciences, Inc. which was quoted on NASDAQ prior 
to being bought out in 2012. 

Previously, Mr. McLain served in various roles at International Power, 
a UK-owned power producer, and Excelergy Corporation, a 
venture-backed software business. Mr. McLain started his career at 
Arthur Andersen, assisting clients with financial statement preparation 
and other accounting needs. Mr. McLain holds a BS from Boston 
College and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

WILLIAM GOLTSOS, Vice President of Engineering

G

Dr. Goltsos has been Spectra’s Vice President, Engineering, from 
April 2000 to the present. From September 1996 to April 2000, 
Dr. Goltsos served as a Senior Systems Engineer for Spectra. Prior to 
that, from 1992 to 1996, Dr. Goltsos served as a Staff Member of 

the MIT/Lincoln Laboratory’s Optical Communications Group. 
Dr. Goltsos holds a PhD in Physics from Brown University, an MS in 
Physics from Brown University, and a BS in Physics from Rensselaer 
Polytechnic Institute.

JAMES CHERRY, Director of Business Development

Mr. Cherry serves as Director of Business Development. Mr. Cherry 
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, Mr. Cherry had worked for five years at DuPont 
in product management.

ANDREI SMUK , Director of Research and Development

Dr. Smuk, who joined the Company in 2000, was appointed Director of 
Research and Development in 2006. Dr. Smuk is responsible for the 
development of advanced materials and innovative sensor systems. 

Dr. Smuk 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.

SAM HOFER , Director of ICS Operations

Mr. Hofer joined the Company in 2020 as Director of ICS Operations 
and is responsible for Spectra’s lottery business. Mr. Hofer has over 
20 years’ experience managing software development in various roles 
including game design, innovation and product management. Recently, 
Mr. Hofer worked for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for 
seven years, exploring innovation for retail lottery as well as managing 

online lottery as the business and product lead. Mr. Hofer was 
published in LaFleur’s as a thought leader in the lottery industry. 
Previously, Mr. Hofer served in various roles at Electronic Arts, 
including Game Designer and Senior Product Manager. Mr. Hofer 
holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University and is certified as both 
a Product Manager and Scrum Master.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

13

CORPORATE GOVERNANCECORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Chairman’s statement

The Board of Directors recognizes the importance of sound 
corporate governance to give our shareholders and other stakeholders 
confidence in our business. As Chairman of the Board, I have ultimate 
responsibility for ensuring that the Board adopts and implements a 
recognized corporate governance code in accordance with our stock 
market listing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The 
Board has adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) Corporate 
Governance Code 2018. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has 

responsibility for the implementation of governance throughout 
our organization under the direction of the Board.

The QCA Corporate Governance Code 2018 has ten key principles 
and we set out below how we apply those principles to our business. 

The Honorable BJ Penn
Chairman of the Board
April 1, 2022

PRINCIPLE 1

Please refer to pages 2 to 5 for the details of our strategy and business model.

Establish a strategy and 
business model which 
promotes long-term value 
for shareholders

PRINCIPLE 2

Seek to understand and 
meet shareholder needs 
and expectations

The Board is committed to understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of its 
shareholders and believes that maintaining good communications is the best way to do so. 
The Company informs shareholders through regulatory news announcements and on its 
corporate website. All shareholders are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting. 
Subject to confidentiality and regulatory restrictions, the CEO meets with shareholders by 
appointment, which the Board believes has been successful.

PRINCIPLE 3

Take into account wider 
stakeholder and social 
responsibilities and 
their implications for 
long-term success

The long-term success of the Company is dependent on its relationships with its 
various stakeholders: customers, suppliers and employees amongst others. The Company 
has built strong relationships with its customers and considers itself a business partner, 
helping its customers develop solutions to meet their needs. The management team is in 
constant contact with its customers and seeks feedback to determine customer needs. The 
Company also maintains relationships with its key suppliers to ensure it is updated on new 
developments that may be utilized to the benefit of its customers. Our employees are also a 
key factor in the successful growth of the Company. Management is in constant contact with 
its employees and encourages employees to generate new ideas. To align employees with 
the long-term success of the Company, key employees have been granted stock options.

PRINCIPLE 4

Embed effective risk 
management, considering 
both opportunities and 
threats, throughout 
the organization

As a small cap company quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, 
the Board is sensitive to the impact of risks upon the Company. The Board meets with 
Company management on a regular basis to monitor the risks facing the Company 
and identify appropriate measures to mitigate any potential impact. The Board assures 
itself of the efficacy of risk management and related control systems through corporate 
performance and periodic reports.

14

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEPRINCIPLE 5

Maintain the Board as a 
well-functioning, balanced 
team led by the Chair

The Board is responsible for formulating, reviewing and approving the Company’s strategy, 
budgets and corporate actions. Please refer to page 21 for the details of our Board structure 
and Committees. Given the size of the Board, Committee topics are often discussed by the 
full Board rather than limited to each Committee’s members. This allows the full Board to 
stay informed of the particular issues being addressed by each Committee. Please refer to 
the Directors’ report on page 21 for Board attendance.

PRINCIPLE 6

Ensure that between 
them the Directors have 
the necessary up-to-date 
experience, skills 
and capabilities

The Board of Directors brings a broad range of skills to address the challenges faced by 
a company that sells its products worldwide. The Board consists of highly experienced 
professionals with complementary backgrounds that meet the needs of the Company. Each 
Director is responsible for maintaining his or her own skill set, part of which is achieved by 
remaining active in industry. The Nominating Committee of the Board is tasked with finding 
and nominating qualified candidates to serve on the Board. Please refer to our Directors’ 
biographies on pages 11 and 12 for more information on our Board of Directors. In addition 
to the Directors, our Chief Financial Officer and outside General Counsel attend all Board 
meetings and bring financial, legal and business acumen to Board discussions. The Board 
and its Committees will also seek external expertise and advice where required.

PRINCIPLE 7

Evaluate Board 
performance based 
on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking 
continuous improvement

PRINCIPLE 8

Promote a corporate 
culture that is based 
on ethical values 
and behaviors

The Board evaluation process is designed to identify opportunities for improving the 
performance of the Board and to ensure it has the necessary skills and experience to fulfill 
its responsibilities both today and in the future, through adequate succession planning to the 
degree appropriate given the size of the Company. Given the current size of the Company, 
the evaluation process is performed internally, by the Board, on an ongoing basis. Any 
deficiencies identified will be addressed in a constructive manner and, if necessary, changes 
of the Board will be considered in conjunction with the Nominating Committee.

The transnational nature of our business operations requires firm action on our part 
to work with integrity. As a Company, we strive to conduct ourselves according to the 
highest standards of ethical conduct. Throughout its operations, Spectra seeks to avoid 
even the appearance of impropriety in the actions of its Directors, officers, employees and 
agents. The Board has implemented policies to promote ethical conduct and relies on the 
management team to ensure ethical values and behaviors are respected.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

15

CORPORATE GOVERNANCECORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT continued

PRINCIPLE 9

Maintain governance 
structures and processes 
that are fit for purpose 
and support good decision 
making by the Board

The Board takes responsibility for the performance of the Company and ensures that all 
decisions are taken in the best interest of the Company. Although the Board has delegated 
the operational management of the Company to the CEO and other senior management, 
the Board retains oversight of their actions and retains approval authority for acquisitions, 
dividend payments and significant expenditures and contracts.

The Chairman is responsible for leadership of the Board and ensuring its effectiveness. 
The Chairman, with the assistance of the CEO, sets the Board’s agenda and ensures that 
adequate time is available for proper discussion of all items.

The CEO is responsible for running the business and implementing the decisions and 
policies of the Board. The CEO is also responsible for accurate, appropriate and timely 
communications with shareholders.

While not a Board member, the CFO attends all Board meetings. The CFO is responsible 
for the Company’s finances, human resources and compliance activities. The CFO seeks the 
advice of outside General Counsel when necessary.

The Non-executive Directors are appointed to provide strategic advice and independent 
oversight as well as to challenge the CEO.

The Board may create or disband Committees depending on the operations of the 
Company. The Board has established the following Committees to assist with oversight and 
governance: Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Government Security.

The Audit Committee 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 
auditor 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 will have unrestricted access to the Company’s 
auditor. The Audit Committee comprises Donald Stanford as Chairman, Jeremy Fry and 
Nabil Lawandy.

The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the CEO and makes 
recommendations to the Board on matters relating to his remuneration and terms of 
employment. The Committee also makes recommendations to the Board on proposals for 
the granting of share options and other equity incentives pursuant to any share option 
scheme or equity incentive scheme in operation from time to time. The Compensation 
Committee comprises Donald Stanford as Chairman, Jeremy Fry and BJ Penn.

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

The Security Committee 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 Security Committee comprises BJ Penn as Chairman and Nabil Lawandy.

PRINCIPLE 10

Communicate how the 
Company is governed 
and is performing by 
maintaining a dialogue 
with shareholders and 
other relevant stakeholders

The Board is committed to maintaining good communication with all of its stakeholders, 
including shareholders. The Company’s website, and its Investor Relations section in 
particular, provides useful information to assist stakeholders in assessing the performance 
of the Company.

Results of shareholder meetings and details of votes cast will be publicly announced through 
the regulatory information system. The Board will seek to understand the reasons behind 
any significant votes cast against a resolution at any general meeting.

Board Committee reports are included on pages 17 and 18.

16

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

CORPORATE GOVERNANCECOMMITTEE REPORTS 

Audit Committee report

Nominating Committee report

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present our Nominating Committee report for 
2021 which describes our activities and areas of focus during the 
year ended December 31, 2021. The main role of the Committee is 
to review the structure, size and composition of the Board, identify 
and propose to the Board suitable candidates to fill Board positions 
and keep under review the leadership needs of the Company. 

Given the size of the Company, all Board members typically attend 
the Nominating Committee meetings. In addition, the Chief Financial 
Officer and the Company’s outside General Counsel typically 
attend the Nominating Committee meetings. During 2021, the 
Nominating Committee:

 5 reviewed the composition, size and structure of the Board;

 5 identified Jeremy Fry as a qualified candidate for the Board 
and appointed Mr. Fry to the Board after the passing of 
Martin Jaskel; and

 5 recommended the re-election of the existing Board members.

The Honorable BJ Penn
Chairman
April 1, 2022

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present our Audit Committee report for 2021 which 
describes our activities and areas of focus during the year ended 
December 31, 2021. The Board is satisfied that the members of the 
Audit Committee bring a wide range of skills, expertise, experience 
and competence relevant to the sector in which the Company 
operates and that Donald Stanford possesses the necessary recent 
and relevant financial experience to effectively chair the Committee. 

The main role of the Audit Committee includes:

 5 monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, 
including reviewing its annual and half-year financial statements 
and accounting policies;

 5 reviewing the effectiveness of the internal controls and risk 

management; and

 5 overseeing the relationship with the Company’s auditor, 

Miller Wachman LLP, and assessing the effectiveness of the 
external audit.

The Audit Committee intends to meet no less than three times each 
financial year. Given the size of the Company, all Board members 
typically attend the Audit Committee meetings. In addition, the 
Chief Financial Officer and the Company’s outside General Counsel 
typically attend the Audit Committee meetings. During 2021, the 
Audit Committee:

 5 re-appointed Miller Wachman LLP as the Company’s 

external auditor;

 5 reviewed and recommended to the Board the approval of the 

2020 annual report and the 2021 half-year results announcement;

 5 reviewed the accounting treatment related to the recognition of 

revenue for certain development contracts; 

 5 reviewed the provision for excess and obsolete inventory; and

 5 reviewed the audit approach and scope of the audit work to be 

undertaken by the external auditor and associated fee.

Donald Stanford
Chairman
April 1, 2022

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

17

CORPORATE GOVERNANCECOMMITTEE REPORTS continued

Compensation Committee report

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present our Compensation Committee report for 
2021 which describes our activities and areas of focus during the 
year ended December 31, 2021. The Compensation Committee 
reviews the performance of the CEO and makes recommendations 
to the Board on matters relating to his compensation and terms 
of employment. The Committee also makes recommendations to 
the Board on proposals for the granting of share options and other 
equity incentives pursuant to any share option scheme or equity 
incentive scheme in operation from time to time. The Compensation 
Committee aims to provide a competitive compensation package 
which will attract and retain Directors and management with the 
requisite experience and ability to manage the Company and generate 
superior long-term performance. The four main elements of the 
compensation package are: base salary, annual bonus, benefits and 
share options. Given the size of the Company, all Board members 

typically attend the Compensation Committee meetings. In addition, 
the Chief Financial Officer and the Company’s outside General 
Counsel typically attend the Compensation Committee meetings.

During 2021, the Compensation Committee:

 5 assessed the 2020 performance of the Chief Executive Officer and 
approved a bonus of US$100,000 based on the excellent financial 
results for 2020; and

 5 approved the issuance of stock options.

Donald Stanford
Chairman
April 1, 2022

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

Ordinary shares

N. Lawandy

B. Penn

J. Fry

D. Stanford

December 31,

2021

2,247,736

107,436

—

45,797

2020

2,247,736

55,467

—

—

2,400,969

2,303,203

Directors’ compensation
The following table details the Directors’ earned compensation for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Executive Directors

N. Lawandy

Non-executive Directors

B. Penn

J. Fry

D. Stanford

Total

Salary
and bonus 

Benefits

Board fees

Total
compensation

$ 

493,750

$ 

31,221

$ 

— $ 

524,971

—

—

—

—

—

—

31,500

28,875

31,500

31,500

28,875

31,500

$ 

493,750

$ 

31,221

$ 

91,875

$ 

616,846

Directors’ share options
At December 31, 2021, Directors had options or warrants to purchase ordinary shares under the Company’s stock option plan as follows:

N. Lawandy

B. Penn

J. Fry

D. Stanford

18

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

Options held at
December 31,
2021

Weighted
average
exercise price

Options vested
at December 31,
2021

1,881,063

$ 

100,000

60,000

100,000

2,141,063

$ 

0.34

0.34

2.44

0.34

0.40

1,881,063

100,000

—

100,000

2,081,063

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

for the year ended December 31, 2021

The Directors present their report and the audited consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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

Principal activity
The principal activity of the Company is 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, money 
laundering and match fixing detection, as well as statistical analysis.

Results and dividends
The Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 
income are set out on pages 24 and 25 and show the results for 
each year.

There are nominal federal and state income tax liabilities on the 
respective income tax returns due to timing differences arising 
between items of income and expense recorded on the books 
and those reported on the tax returns. Additionally, the Company 
has approximately US$1.8 million in federal net operating loss 
carryforwards to offset future income reported on the respective 
tax returns.

The Directors intend to pay a dividend of US$0.11 per share on or 
about June 24, 2022 to shareholders of record as of June 6, 2022.

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

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 pricing pressure on 
existing 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 is dependent on a limited 
number of employees, in particular the Chief Executive Officer and 
other managers with technological and development input. The 
Company has endeavored to ensure that its key employees are 
incentivized but cannot guarantee the retention of these staff.

COVID-19 pandemic 
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, with uncertainty about 
its duration, severity and lasting impact. The Company is subject to 
vaccine mandates that apply to its employees and may be subject 
to additional measures as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The 
implementation of these mandates and any requirements for showing 
compliance with them, may result in employee dissatisfaction, attrition 
of existing employees and difficulty in attracting new employees. 
The full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 
Company’s business and financial condition will depend on future 
developments which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. 

Forward-looking statements
All statements, other than 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 predict 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.

Key performance indicators (in thousands)
 5 Revenue of US$16,592k (2020: US$14,675k)

 5 Adjusted EBITDA of US$6,896k (2020: US$6,357k)

 5 Adjusted PBTA of US$6,622k (2020: US$6,039k)

 5 Adjusted earnings per share of US12.0 cents (2020: US11.9 cents)

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

19

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’ REPORT continued 

for the year ended December 31, 2021

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:

 5 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

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

 5 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, 
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.

Substantial shareholdings
The following shareholders held 3% or more of the issued common stock of the Company at December 31, 2021:

Mr. and Mrs. N. Slater

Close Asset Management Limited

Sandon Capital

Herald Investment Management Ltd.

O. Salam

Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.

N. Lawandy

H. Heye

Ordinary
shares

4,666,985

4,610,868

4,255,000

2,929,300

2,265,764

2,250,000

2,247,736

1,813,850

% issued

10.30

10.18

9.39

6.47

5.00

4.97

4.96

4.00

25,039,503

55.27

20

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Corporate governance
As of December 31, 2021, the Board comprised one Executive Director, Nabil Lawandy, and three independent Non-executive Directors, BJ 
Penn as Chairman, Jeremy Fry 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.

Board attendance in 2021

N. Lawandy

B. Penn

J. Fry

D. Stanford

President and Chief Executive Officer

Non-executive Chairman

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

8/8

7/8

8/8

8/8

100%

88%

100%

100%

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

The Audit Committee comprised Donald Stanford as Chairman, 
Nabil Lawandy and Jeremy Fry. 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 auditor 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 will have unrestricted access to 
the Company’s auditor.

The Compensation Committee comprised Donald Stanford as 
Chairman, Jeremy Fry and BJ Penn. It reviews the performance of 
the Executive Directors and makes recommendations to the Board 
on matters relating to remuneration and terms of employment. The 
Committee also makes recommendations to the Board on proposals 
for the granting of share options and other equity incentives pursuant 
to any share options scheme or equity incentive scheme in operation 
from time to time.

The Nominating Committee comprised BJ Penn as Chairman, 
Jeremy Fry 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 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 the 
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. 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.

Auditor
All of the current Directors have made themselves aware of any 
information needed by the Company’s auditor for the purpose 
of its audit and have established that the auditor is aware of that 
information. The Directors are not aware of any relevant information 
of which the auditor is unaware.

Miller Wachman LLP has expressed its willingness to continue as the 
Company’s auditor and a resolution to re-appoint Miller Wachman 
LLP will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

Brian McLain
Company Secretary
April 1, 2022

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Spectra Systems Corporation

Opinion
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Spectra Systems Corporation and subsidiary, which comprise the 
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the consolidated 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.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Spectra 
Systems Corporation as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in 
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are 
required to be independent of Spectra Systems Corporation and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant 
ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our audit opinion.

Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in 
the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Spectra Systems Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after 
the date that the consolidated financial statements are available to be issued.

Auditor’s Responsibility
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level 
of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted 
auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from 
fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control. Misstatements, including omissions, are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually 
or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the consolidated financial statements.

In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:

 5 Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

 5 Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design 

and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements.

 5 Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 

circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Spectra System Corporation’s internal control. 
Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.

 5 Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, 

as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

 5 Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Spectra 

Systems Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the 
audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.

Miller Wachman LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 18, 2022

22

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

December 31, 2021 and 2020

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of US$7,000 in both 2021 
and 2020

Unbilled and other receivables

Inventory

Prepaid expenses

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net

Operating lease right-of-use asset, 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

  Operating lease liabilities

Taxes payable

  Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

  Operating lease liabilities 

  Deferred revenue

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (note K)

Stockholders’ equity

 Common stock, US$0.01 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2021 
and 2020; 45,303,644 and 45,554,724 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 
and 2020, respectively

Additional paid-in capital – common stock

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Accumulated deficit

Total Spectra Systems Corporation stockholders’ equity

  Noncontrolling interest

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and equity

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

2021

2020

$ 

16,775,096

$ 

14,038,295

2,241,867

629,813

1,944,003

298,603

2,587,333

476,424

2,793,954

273,749

21,889,382

20,169,755

1,439,166

971,649

7,160,819

500,000

1,080,000

111,301

8,852,120

1,725,575

1,181,095

7,200,153

1,099,021

1,400,000

124,462

9,823,636

$ 

33,152,317

$ 

32,900,061

$ 

 489,526

$ 

511,774

285,988

261,639

2,184,564

3,733,491

739,504

757,749

1,497,253

5,230,744

533,547

478,541

269,618

222,770

1,665,511

3,169,987

956,159

551,892

1,508,051

4,678,038

453,036

53,833,233

(136,881)

455,547

54,892,193

(135,031)

(26,870,037)

(27,730,611)

27,279,351

642,222

27,482,098

739,925

27,921,573

28,222,023

$ 

33,152,317

$ 

 32,900,061

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

23

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2021

2020

$ 

9,281,096

$ 

5,524,318

1,786,910

16,592,324

6,069,519

9,692,033

3,230,224

1,752,902

14,675,159

4,606,391

10,522,805

10,068,768

1,398,729

2,742,634

471,441

4,612,804

5,910,001

40,136

(18,804)

11,794

33,126

5,943,127

878,000

5,065,127

(97,703)

1,604,313

2,627,053

509,085

4,740,451

5,328,317

114,628

—

(15,851)

98,777

5,427,094

304,000

5,123,094

(1,035)

$ 

$ 

$ 

5,162,830

$ 

5,124,129

0.11

0.11

$ 

$ 

0.11

0.11

45,353,550

47,739,030

45,599,014

48,366,119

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Revenues

Product

Service

License and royalty

Total revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Research and development

General and administrative

Sales and marketing

Total operating expenses

Income from operations

Other income (expense)

Interest income

Loss on sale of equipment

Foreign currency income (loss)

Total other income, net 

Income before provision for income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income

  Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

Net income attributable to Spectra Systems Corporation

Earnings per share

Basic

  Diluted

Weighted average number of common shares

Basic

  Diluted

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

24

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Unrealized gain (loss) on currency exchange

Reclassification for realized (gain) loss in net income

Total other comprehensive loss

Comprehensive income

  Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

2021

2020

$ 

5,065,127

$ 

5,123,094

9,944

(11,794)

(1,850)

5,063,277

(97,703)

(31,744)

15,851

(15,893)

5,107,201

(1,035)

Comprehensive income attributable to Spectra Systems Corporation

$ 

5,160,980

$ 

5,108,236

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

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

25

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Common stock

Shares

Amount

Additional
paid-in capital

Treasury
stock

Accumulated
deficit 

Accumulated 
other
comprehensive
loss 

Noncontrolling 
interest

Total
stockholders’
equity 

Balance at December 31, 2019 45,897,631 $  458,986 $ 55,504,891 $ 

(1,690) $  (28,732,053) $  (119,138) $ 

— $  27,110,996

Compensation cost related to 
amortization of stock options

Reclassification for realized 
loss in net income 

Unrealized loss on 
currency exchange

—

—

—

—

—

—

59,523

—

—

Exercise of stock options

175,841

1,758

10,343

—

—

—

—

Repurchase and retirement 
of shares

Investment in Solaris 
BioSciences

Dividends paid

Net income (loss)

(645,000)

(6,460)

(987,243)

1,690

126,252

1,263

304,679

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(4,122,687)

5,124,129

—

15,851

(31,744)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

59,523

15,851

(31,744)

12,101

(992,013)

740,960

1,046,902

—

(4,122,687)

(1,035)

5,123,094

Balance at December 31, 2020 45,554,724 $  455,547 $ 54,892,193 $ 

— $  (27,730,611) $  (135,031) $  739,925 $  28,222,023

Compensation cost related to 
amortization of stock options

Reclassification for realized 
gain in net income 

Unrealized gain on 
currency exchange

—

—

—

—

—

—

70,896

—

—

Exercise of stock options

248,920

2,489

35,251

Repurchase and retirement 
of shares

Dividends paid

Net income (loss)

(500,000)

(5,000)

(1,165,107)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(4,302,256)

5,162,830

—

(11,794)

9,944

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

70,896

(11,794)

9,944

37,740

(1,170,107)

(4,302,256)

(97,703)

5,065,127

Balance at December 31, 2021 45,303,644 $  453,036 $ 53,833,233 $ 

— $  (26,870,037) $  (136,881) $ 642,222 $  27,921,573

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

26

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Cash flows from operating activities

  Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

  Depreciation and amortization

Stock-based compensation expense

Lease amortization expense

  Deferred taxes

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Provision for excess and obsolete inventory

Loss on sale of equipment

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

Unbilled and other receivable

Inventory

Prepaid expenses

  Other assets

Accounts payable

  Operating leases

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

  Deferred revenue

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Restricted cash and investments

Contribution from noncontrolling interest

Payment of patent and trademark costs

Proceeds from sale of equipment

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

  Dividends paid

Repurchase of shares

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

Income taxes paid

Non-cash investing activities

Acquisition of patents included in accounts payable

Equity issued for investment in Solaris BioSciences 

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

2021

2020

$ 

5,065,127

$ 

5,123,094

831,021

70,896

274,192

320,000

—

493,739

18,804

346,160

(153,384)

356,212

(24,717)

—

(44,493)

(265,028)

71,445

724,406

967,801

59,523

264,585

—

1,202

—

—

(1,089,914)

(81,713)

287,022

(83,843)

(149)

121,726

(252,303)

(74,043)

330,588

8,084,380

5,573,576

599,021

—

(470,994)

36,500

(76,105)

88,422

245,447

2,165

(459,279)

—

(457,767)

(669,434)

(4,302,256)

(1,170,107)

37,740

(4,122,687)

(992,013)

12,101

(5,434,623)

(5,102,599)

(1,378)

(13,601)

2,736,801

14,038,295

(212,058)

14,250,353

16,775,096

$ 

14,038,295

526,550

$ 

283,241

66,041

$ 

— $ 

220,770

305,942

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

27

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

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, money laundering and match fixing detection, as well as statistical analysis.

The Company was incorporated on July 3, 1996 in Delaware as Spectra Acquisition Corp. On August 26, 1996, the Company purchased 
substantially all of the assets of SSC Science Corporation 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, 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. 

Note B – Significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation and consolidation
The Company has prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted 
in the United States of America (US GAAP). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, any wholly owned 
subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIE) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary and entities in which the Company has a 
controlling interest. All material intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated on consolidation.

Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the 
amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and 
subjective judgments include the assessment of recoverability of property, plant and equipment; the valuation of inventory; intangible assets; 
revenue recognition; stock-based compensation; 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 the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.

Restricted cash and investments
Restricted cash and investments represent a certificate of deposit held as collateral for certain performance requirements in accordance with 
terms of a services contract. As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, a service contract required that US$500,000 be maintained as collateral 
for contract performance. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company collateralized the service contract with a certificate of deposit of 
US$500,000 and US$1,099,021, respectively, whose maturity exceeded 90 days at the date of acquisition. 

Significant concentrations 
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 and investments, including restricted, on 
deposit with financial institutions which are insured by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to US$250,000 per institution or the 
Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation up to 100,000 Canadian Dollars per institution. The Company also maintains cash on hand which is not 
subject to insurance. As of December 31, 2021, the amount of cash and investments, including restricted, not insured was US$16,546,367.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the concentration of business with government entities. 
The Company’s management attempts to minimize credit risk on its accounts receivable by monitoring credit exposure on a regular basis.

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 as of:

Number of significant customers

Percentage of total receivables

28

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

December 31,

2021

3

75%

2020

2

74%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Note B – Significant accounting policies continued
Significant concentrations 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 for the years ended:

Number of significant customers

Percentage of total revenue

The following table summarizes the geographic concentration of revenue for the years ended:

United States of America

Europe

Rest of World

December 31,

2021

3

70%

2020

2

63%

December 31,

2021

2020

$ 

13,015,938

$ 

10,615,694

3,360,432

215,954

3,588,121

471,344

$ 

16,592,324

$ 

14,675,159

Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding customer accounts. Management provides 
for uncollectible accounts through a provision for bad debt expense. As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had a US$7,000 
allowance for doubtful accounts.

Fair value of financial instruments
As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 due to their short-term nature.

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 December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has certificates of deposit of US$500,000 and US$1,099,021, respectively, which are included 
in restricted cash and investments. 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.

Inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. 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. Inventory includes finished goods, raw materials, labor and overhead.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

29

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
Note B – Significant accounting policies continued
Intangible assets
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to at 
least an annual assessment for impairment or whenever events or circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. There was no change to 
goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Other intangible assets consist of patents, trademarks and various intangible assets identified as part of a business combination such as 
contracts, customer relationships and technology. Patents and trademarks are recorded at cost. For intangible assets identified as part of 
a business combination, values are assigned using various valuation techniques, including the present value of expected future cash flows. 
Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from seven to 15 years. The Company 
evaluates the possible impairment of its intangible assets annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the 
assets may not be recoverable.

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 
estimated useful lives:

Laboratory equipment 

3–10 years

Computer and office equipment 

3–5 years

Furniture and fixtures 

7 years

Leasehold improvements 

Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life

Software   

Manufacturing equipment 

3–7 years

3–7 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.

Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (ROU) 
assets and operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the 
lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and 
liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Certain 
real estate leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for up to five years. The exercise of 
lease renewal options are at the Company’s sole discretion. When deemed reasonably certain of exercise, the renewal options are included in 
the determination of the lease term and lease payment obligation, respectively. When readily determinable, the Company uses the rate implicit 
in the lease contract in determining the present value of lease payments. If the implicit rate is not provided, the Company uses its incremental 
borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date, including the lease term. The operating lease ROU asset also 
includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over 
the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and has elected to account for the lease and non-
lease components as a single lease component.

Investment in affiliates and other entities
During the course of business, the Company enters into various types of investment arrangements. The Company determines whether such 
investments involve a VIE. If the entity is determined to be a VIE, then management determines if the Company is the primary beneficiary 
of the entity and whether or not consolidation of the VIE is required. The primary beneficiary consolidating the VIE must normally have 
both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to 
absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE, in either case that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When the 
Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the VIE is consolidated and the other party’s equity interest in the VIE is accounted for as 
a noncontrolling interest. 

On December 10, 2020, the Company invested US$702,000 in Solaris BioSciences (Solaris) and increased its equity interest from 4.79% to 
48.65% on an as-converted basis. The Company has concluded that Solaris is a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company 
has consolidated the accounts of Solaris as of December 10, 2020.

30

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
Note B – Significant accounting policies continued
Investment in affiliates and other entities continued
The aggregate carrying value of Solaris’ assets and liabilities after elimination of any intercompany transactions and balances in the consolidated 
balance sheets consists as follows:

Assets

Cash

Property, plant and equipment, net

Intangible assets, net

Total assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable

Accruals

Total liabilities

December 31, 

2021

2020

$ 

149,629

$ 

257,212

7,256

39,719

196,604

21,109

—

$ 

21,109

$ 

—

—

257,212

15,411

7,600

23,011

The Company accounts for investments in affiliates under the cost method of accounting if the Company owns less than 20% of the affiliates’ 
outstanding capital. As of December 31, 2021, the Company held a 19% ownership in an affiliate, SpectraMed. As SpectraMed had significant 
losses in prior years, the Company had previously reduced its investments in SpectraMed 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 
using the straight-line attribution method. The Company recognizes the effects of forfeitures in compensation cost when they occur.

Revenue recognition
General
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606).

The Company’s sources of revenues are as follows:

 5 Product revenue includes sales of pigments and security taggants and sales of equipment

 5 Service revenue includes:

 5 Secure Transactions software licensing and support as well as development services to customize our software to meet specific 

customer needs

 5 Maintenance and repair services related to manufactured equipment

 5 Research and development services

 5 License and royalty for the use of the Company’s know-how and technology

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration 
expected to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This condition normally is met when the product has been delivered or 
upon performance of services. 

When contracts with customers include multiple performance obligations, significant judgment is involved in determining whether each 
performance obligation is distinct or should be combined with other performance obligations within the contract. In addition, the transaction 
price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation using an estimate of stand-alone selling price. Estimating the stand-alone selling price 
requires significant judgment and is generally based on observable prices or a cost plus margin approach. 

Product revenue is generally recognized upon transfer of control of the product at a point in time upon delivery of the product to the customer 
pursuant to the terms of the contract. 

Revenues for maintenance and repairs and research and development services are generally recognized over time as the services are 
performed. Revenues for fixed-price services are generally recognized over time applying input methods to estimate progress to completion.

Generally, our software contracts contain multiple promised goods and services, including the following: (i) term software license; (ii) installation 
and training; (iii) unspecified future enhancements; (iv) maintenance and support; and (v) optional professional services in the future. The term 
software license, installation and unspecified future enhancements are considered one performance obligation as the software is dependent 
on the installation and the enhancements are critical to the utility of the software. As the enhancements are delivered over time, revenue is 
recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Maintenance and support services are provided over the term of the contract and revenue 
is recognized over time based on the term of the contact. Future professional services, if any, are recognized over time based on hours incurred.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

31

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note B – Significant accounting policies continued
Revenue recognition continued
General continued
During 2018, the Company executed both a supply agreement and a technology license agreement with an existing customer to continue supplying 
an existing product and extend the rights to the underlying technology in perpetuity. The customer will pay reduced rates for the product but will pay 
approximately US$10,500,000 in eleven payments over five years for the technology license. The extended payment terms were negotiated by the 
customer to ensure supply of product and therefore do not represent a significant financing component. The Company has combined the contracts 
as per the guidance in ASC 606 as both contracts were negotiated at the same time. The Company has identified two performance obligations: (i) the 
option to purchase product; and (ii) the technology and stand-ready obligation as the customer is required to pay the US$10,500,000 regardless of 
whether or not they purchase product and the technology cannot be used by the customer unless the Company defaults on its obligations within the 
agreements. The Company allocated approximately US$1,800,000 to the option to purchase product based on observable stand-alone selling prices 
and will recognize this revenue at each point in time as product is delivered. The Company allocated approximately US$8,700,000 to the technology 
and stand-ready obligation based on the residual approach and will recognize this revenue over time as royalty revenue, ratably over five years.

During 2021, the Company initiated work on contracts with a central bank to develop new sensors for the authentication of its banknotes. The 
Company has combined the contracts as per the guidance in ASC 606 as the contracts and consideration were negotiated as a package and 
there is a single performance obligation; prototype sensors. Revenue is recognized over time as the prototype sensors do not have an alternate 
use due to their specialized nature. Revenue is recognized on a percentage of completion basis using costs incurred to date relative to total 
estimated costs at completion to measure progress. Interim milestone payments are received as work progresses.

Revenue is reported net of incentive rebates and discounts.

The following table summarizes the type of revenue for the years ended:

Product

Maintenance, repair and research and development services

License and royalty

Total Authentication Systems revenue

Secure Transactions revenue

December 31,

2021

2020

$ 

9,281,096

$ 

3,649,688

1,786,910

14,717,694

1,874,630

9,692,033

1,806,583

1,752,902

13,251,518

1,423,641

$ 

16,592,324

$ 

14,675,159

Credit terms are predominately short-term in nature. As such, there is not a significant financing component within the customer contracts. 

Contract balances and other disclosures 
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. The Company records an unbilled receivable when revenue 
is recognized prior to invoicing and a contract liability (deferred revenue) when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance. 
Software customers typically pay an upfront license fee and equipment maintenance contracts are typically billed annually in advance. Deferred 
revenue expected to be realized within one year is classified as a current liability. The following table summarizes the activity in our contract 
liabilities for the reporting period and the ending balance by operating segment: 

Balance, beginning of year

Currency translation

Deferral of revenue

Revenue recognized

Balance, end of year

Authentication Systems

Secure Transactions

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

$ 

2,217,403

$ 

1,884,870

504

4,873,690

(4,149,284)

1,945

5,673,530

(5,342,942)

$ 

2,942,313

$ 

2,217,403

1,767,055

1,175,258

1,059,171

1,158,232

$ 

2,942,313

$ 

2,217,403

As of December 31, 2021, there was an unbilled receivable of approximately US$464,000 within unbilled and other receivables on the balance 
sheet which will be invoiced in 2022. As of December 31, 2020, there was an unbilled receivable of approximately US$316,000 within unbilled 
and other receivables on the balance sheet which was invoiced in 2021.

32

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note B – Significant accounting policies continued
Contract balances and other disclosures continued
Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations represents contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized (“contracted 
not recognized revenue”), which includes unearned revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods. 
Contracted not recognized revenue was US$20,062,992 as of December 31, 2021, of which we expect to recognize approximately 41% of the 
revenue over the next twelve months, 29% over the following twelve months and the remaining 30% thereafter. This percentage depends on 
our estimate of future work performed which cannot be predicted with certainty.

Warranties 
If a warranty is applicable, a warranty liability is recorded at the time of sale. The warranty liability is estimated by assessing historical experience to 
the current applicable population. Warranty costs may differ from those estimated if actual claim rates are higher or lower than our historical rates.

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 and administrative and 
training costs are expensed as incurred. 

Costs incurred internally in researching and developing a computer software product to be sold to customers are charged to expense until 
technological feasibility has been established for the product. Once technological feasibility is established, software costs are capitalized until 
the product is available for general release to customers. Judgment is required in determining when technological feasibility of a product is 
established. The amortization of these capitalized software costs is included in cost of revenue over the estimated life of the products which 
is estimated to be ten years.

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. For 2021 and 2020, there are estimated state tax liabilities of US$262,000 and 
US$223,000 respectively and no federal income tax liability on those respective income tax returns. 

Advertising costs
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred. Advertising expense was US$nil for both 2021 and 2020.

Shipping and handling
The Company reports the cost of shipping and handling as an operating expense. Shipping and handling expense was US$110,451 and 
US$110,771 for 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Recent accounting guidance 
In March 2020, the FASB issued authoritative guidance, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The new 
guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and 
hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The 
guidance also establishes (i) a general contract modification principle that entities can apply in other areas that may be affected by reference 
rate reform and (ii) certain elective hedge accounting expedients. The amendment is effective for all entities through December 15, 2022. 
The Company does not expect the adoption of the guidance to have an impact on its consolidated financial statement disclosures, results of 
operations and financial position.

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract 
Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. This ASU requires acquiring entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets 
and contract liabilities in a business combination. This guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements will 
depend on business combinations occurring on or after the effective date.

Note C – Related party transactions
On September 30, 2015, the Company purchased certain assets from Solaris in exchange for US$213,917 in cash. The agreement required the 
Company to pay Solaris 10% of any revenues hereafter received by the Company from the commercial exploitation of the assets. The Chief Executive 
Officer of Solaris is also the Chief Executive Officer of Spectra. No royalty payments were made during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. 

On December 10, 2020, the Company invested US$702,000 in Solaris and increased its equity interest from 4.79% to 48.65% on an as-converted basis. 
Prior to the investment, the Chief Executive Officer of Spectra owned 84.54% of Solaris which declined to 46.01% after the transaction. As part of the 
transaction, the Company was to provide US$100,000 of services at cost to Solaris. These services were fully provided in 2021. In addition, the Company 
provides nominal accounting support to Solaris and allows Solaris use of optical table space and facilities at Spectra. In accordance with Delaware law, 
the transaction was (i) unanimously approved by all three of Spectra’s Non-executive Directors and (ii) specially approved by a majority-in-interest of the 
disinterested stockholders of Solaris. In addition, going forward Spectra’s shares in Solaris will be voted as directed by Spectra’s Non-executive Directors.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

33

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNote D – Inventories 
Inventories consist of the following:

Raw materials

Work in process

Finished goods

Total

Less: reserve for excess and obsolete inventory

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,

2021

2020

$ 

1,705,151

$ 

1,854,062

—

988,852

2,694,003

(750,000)

9,506

1,186,647

3,050,215

(256,261)

$ 

1,944,003

$ 

2,793,954

December 31,

2021

2020

$ 

1,386,396

$ 

1,129,420

311,099

114,354

1,546,714

411,651

1,427,756

5,197,970

(3,758,804)

362,209

114,354

1,533,871

342,466

1,708,619

5,190,939

(3,465,364)

$ 

1,439,166

$ 

1,725,575

Depreciation expense amounted to US$307,468 and US$416,849 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 

Note F – Leases
The Company holds four real estate leases. During 2018, the Company signed a lease agreement for corporate office space which expires in 
October 2023. The Company extended its lease agreement for manufacturing and warehouse space in East Providence through October 2022. 
To support the Secure Transactions Group, the Company signed a lease which has been extended through January 2025. The Company’s lease 
for laboratory space in East Providence has been extended through May 31, 2023. Certain real estate leases include one or more options to 
renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for up to five years. Operating lease costs were US$400,854 and US$390,965 for 
the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments are as follows:

Year ending December 31,

2022

2023

2024

2025

Supplemental information related to leases are as follows:

Weighted average remaining lease term

Weighted average discount rate

34

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

$ 

310,011 

128,832

23,540

1,962

$ 

464,345

December 31, 2021 

1.7 years

4.4%

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note G – 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,

2021

2020

$ 

4,809,167

$ 

3,043,000

188,440

1,502,000

30,000

188,577

3,040,607

4,369,483

3,043,000

188,440

1,502,000

30,000

157,267

3,040,607

12,801,791

(5,640,972)

12,330,797

(5,130,644)

$ 

7,160,819

$ 

7,200,153

Amortization expense amounted to US$510,328 and US$537,727 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense is as follows:

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Thereafter

Goodwill by operating segment is as follows:

Authentication Systems

Secure Transactions

Note H – Other assets
Other assets consist of the following:

Rental deposits

Capitalized software costs, net

Year ending December 31, 

$ 

495,597

490,557

429,709

417,208

334,459

1,952,682

$ 

4,120,212

December 31,

2021

2020

1,763,661

$ 

1,276,946

1,763,661

1,276,946

3,040,607

$ 

3,040,607

December 31,

2021

18,726

$ 

92,575

111,301

$ 

2020

18,662

105,800

124,462

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Amortization expense of capitalized software costs amounted to US$13,225 for both of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. 

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

35

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note I – Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following:

Employee compensation

Sales allowance and rebates

Professional fees

Property and franchise taxes

Other

Note J – 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

Income tax expense

December 31,

2021

2020

$ 

299,221

$ 

296,162

38,371

87,000

10,904

76,278

20,945

86,000

10,362

65,072

$ 

511,774

$ 

478,541

December 31,

2021

2020

$ 

1,478,000

$ 

1,156,000

492,000

(215,000)

(71,000)

(806,000)

385,000

(66,000)

(22,000)

(1,149,000)

$ 

878,000

$ 

304,000

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

Effective tax rate

Approximate deferred income tax assets are as follows:

December 31,

2021

21.0%

6.9%

59.1%

(72.2)%

14.8%

2020

21.0%

5.5%

28.8%

(49.7)%

5.6%

December 31,

2021

2020

Depreciation and amortization

$ 

(329,000) $ 

(340,000)

Deferred revenue

Federal tax credits

Inventory

Bad debts

Net operating loss carryforward

Valuation allowance

Total deferred income tax assets

295,000

870,000

182,000

2,000

370,000

(310,000)

92,000

892,000

71,000

2,000

1,799,000

(1,116,000)

$ 

1,080,000

$ 

1,400,000

As of December 31, 2021, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards expiring between 2022 and 2036 for US federal income tax purposes 
of approximately US$1,800,000. A valuation allowance has been established for US$310,000 and US$1,116,000 as of December 31, 2021 
and 2020, respectively, for the deferred tax benefit related to those loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. 

At December 31, 2021, the Company also had approximately US$870,000 of tax credit carryforwards that are available to offset federal 
liabilities. The credits will begin to expire between 2022 and 2031 for federal tax purposes.

36

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note J – Income taxes continued
The utilization of the tax carryforwards described above is 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.

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 and contingencies
The Company is involved from time to time in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is not currently a party to any 
lawsuit or proceeding.

Supply agreements
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had commitments to purchase approximately US$1,228,000 of materials and services during 2022.

Employment contracts 
The Company has made contractual commitments to certain employees providing for severance payments, including salary continuation, upon 
the termination of employment by the Company without substantial cause or by the employee for good reason. The contracts also generally 
provide for certain protections in the event of a change in control of the Company. These protections include the payment of certain severance 
benefits, such as salary continuation, upon the termination of employment following a change in control.

Note L – Stockholders’ equity
Common and preferred stock
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, 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, 2021 there were 45,303,644 common shares outstanding and no preferred shares in issue.

Share repurchases
On April 9, 2019, the Board of Directors approved, for an extendable period of twelve months therefrom, a share buy-back authority in 
respect of up to 4,500,000 common shares of the Company. The Board has extended this share buy-back authority through March 31, 2022. 
All shares repurchased are retired and restored to authorized and unissued shares. The Company repurchased 500,000 shares at a total cost 
of US$1,170,107 and 645,000 shares at a total cost of US$992,013 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of 
December 31, 2021, a total of 1,146,000 shares have been repurchased under the share buy-back authority.

Dividends
The Board of Directors declared the following dividends: 

Declaration date

March 22, 2021

March 23, 2020

Record date

Payment date

Dividend per share

Amount

June 4, 2021

June 25, 2021

June 5, 2020

June 26, 2020

$ 

$ 

0.095

0.09

$ 

$ 

4,302,256

4,122,687

Stock option plan
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, and the number of shares for which each option is granted 
and the rate at which each option is exercisable. Incentive stock options (ISO) 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 ISOs granted 
to holders of more than 10% of the Company’s voting stock). As the 2007 Plan is over ten years old, tax regulations prevent the issuance of 
further ISOs. 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. Stock options generally vest over three years and are exercisable over a period up to ten years from the date of 
grant. As of December 31, 2021, options to purchase 3,012,667 shares of common stock were outstanding and 1,072,022 shares of common 
stock have been issued under the 2007 Plan. As of December 31, 2021, 10,015,311 shares of common stock were available for grant under 
the 2007 Plan.

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

37

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNote L – Stockholders’ equity continued
Stock option plan continued
Information related to stock options granted by the Company is summarized as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/canceled

Outstanding at end of year

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Number of shares
under option

Weighted average
exercise price

Number of shares
under option

Weighted average
exercise price

3,719,667

$ 

60,000

(248,920)

(518,080)

3,012,667

$ 

0.59

2.44

0.56

1.20

0.51

4,075,517

$ 

72,000

(175,841)

(252,009)

3,719,667

$ 

0.54

2.44

0.49

0.65

0.59

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2021:

Exercise price range

US$0.30–US$0.84

US$0.85–US$2.51

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Number of
outstanding
shares

2,669,667

343,000

3,012,667

Weighted
average
contractual life
(years)

$ 

4.46

7.54

4.81

$ 

Weighted
average
exercise price

0.35

1.79

0.51

Number of
shares

2,669,667

$ 

235,000

2,904,667

$ 

Weighted
average
exercise price

0.35

1.49

0.44

As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average contractual life for exercisable stock options was 4.65 years.

The Company’s stock price closed at US$2.03 (£1.50) on December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the aggregate intrinsic value for 
outstanding and exercisable stock options was US$4,650,265 and US$4,627,345, respectively. Intrinsic value for stock options is defined as 
the difference between the current market value of the stock and the exercise price. The intrinsic value represents the value that would have 
been received by the option holders had the option holders exercised all of their options as of that date.

The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of its 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. During both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the weighted 
average grant date fair value of stock options granted was US$2.44. The assumptions used to value stock option grants are as follows for the 
year ended:

Risk free rate

Expected life (years)

Assumed volatility

Expected dividends

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the year ended:

Cost of sales

Research and development

General and administrative

Sales and marketing

December 31,

2021

0.83%

7

45.28%

4.0%

December 31,

2021

$ 

14,895

$ 

14,022

26,387

15,592

$ 

70,896

$ 

2020

0.63%

7

43.94%

4.0%

2020

32,674

14,802

1,442

10,605

59,523

As of December 31, 2021, there was approximately US$144,000 of unrecognized compensation cost, related to unvested stock-based 
payments granted to our employees and Directors, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. Total 
unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in forfeitures and recognized over the remaining vesting periods of the 
stock grants.

38

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 employee retirement plan (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, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s matching contributions were US$40,035 and US$40,529, respectively.

Note N – Business combinations
On December 10, 2020, the Company increased its equity interest in Solaris from 4.79% to 48.65% on an as-converted basis for total 
consideration of US$702,000 consisting of US$294,058 cash, the issuance of 126,252 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at 
US$305,942, the commitment to provide US$100,000 of research and administration services at cost to Solaris over the ensuing 24 months 
and the conversion of a US$2,000 receivable due from Solaris. See note C for related party nature of the transaction. The Company has concluded 
that Solaris is a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary and has consolidated the accounts of Solaris as of December 10, 2020. 
A noncontrolling interest is attributable to the 51.35% of Solaris not owned by the Company. The Company has accounted for the transaction 
as a business combination and will include Solaris as part of its Authentication Systems segment.

The transaction price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value. All fair value 
measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) 
inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates 
reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices.

The following table summarizes the final amounts recognized by the Company for the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in the transaction:

Total consideration transferred

Identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Cash

Other receivables

Intangible assets (15-year amortization period)

Goodwill

Accounts payable and other liabilities

Noncontrolling interest

Total net identified assets, at fair value

$ 

$ 

702,000

296,223

100,000

535,000

571,744

(60,007)

(740,960)

$ 

702,000

Note O – 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 the authentication of banknotes, tax stamps and other high-value goods. The second 
segment is the Secure Transactions Group, which provides an Internal Control System (ICS) software offering to the lottery and gaming 
industries. ICS provides tools for fraud, money laundering and match fixing detection, as well as statistical analysis. The third segment is 
the Banknote Cleaning Group, which captures the technology related to cleaning and disinfecting banknotes.

Information for each reportable segment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:

Gross
revenue

Income (loss)
from operations

Depreciation and
amortization

Capital
expense

Segment
assets

2021

Secure Transactions

$ 

1,874,630

279,974

$ 

39,527

$ 

1,158

$ 

1,882,745

Authentication Systems

14,717,694

Banknote Cleaning

—

5,704,398

(74,371)

Total

2020

Secure Transactions

$ 

$ 

1,423,641

16,592,324

$ 

5,910,001

Authentication Systems

13,251,518

Banknote Cleaning

—

$ 

$ 

737,634

53,860

831,021

85,075

823,420

59,306

$ 

$ 

68,715

6,232

76,105

3,682

393,594

60,491

$ 

$ 

30,787,305

482,267

33,152,317

1,964,323

30,447,694

488,044

134,818

5,341,181

(147,682)

Total

$ 

14,675,159

$ 

5,328,317

$ 

967,801

$ 

457,767

$ 

32,900,061

Annual report and accounts 2021 | Spectra Systems Corporation

39

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note P – Earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. 
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by considering the dilutive impact of common stock equivalents under the treasury stock method as if 
they were converted into common stock as of the beginning of the period or as of the date of grant, if later. Excluded from the calculation of 
diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were 125,425 and 8,656 shares, respectively, related 
to stock options because their exercise prices would render them anti-dilutive. The following table shows the calculation of basic and diluted 
earnings per common share:

Numerator

  Net income

Denominator

December 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

$ 

5,162,830

$ 

5,124,129

  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

45,353,550

45,599,014

Effect of dilutive securities

Stock options

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

Earnings per common share

Basic

  Diluted

2,385,480

2,767,105

47,739,030

48,366,119

$ 

$ 

0.11

0.11

$ 

$ 

0.11

0.11

Note Q – Subsequent events
The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred through March 18, 2022, the date these financial statements were available to 
be issued.

On March 21, 2022, the Company declared a dividend of US$0.11 per share to be paid on or around June 24, 2022 to shareholders of record 
as of June 6, 2022.

40

Spectra Systems Corporation | Annual report and accounts 2021

for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION continuedFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDER AND CORPORATE INFORMATION 

Registered office 
Spectra Systems Corporation 
40 Westminster Street, 2nd Floor 
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 

Joint Broker 
Allenby Capital Limited
5 St. Helen’s Place
London EC3A 6AB
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 203 328 5665

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

+1 617 338 6800 

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 (Jersey) Limited 
13 Castle Street
St Helier
Jersey JE1 1ES

+44 (0) 870 703 0300

Spectra Systems Corporation’s commitment to environmental issues 
is reflected in this Annual Report, which has been printed on Claro Silk, 
an FSC® certified material.

This document was printed by Opal X using its environmental print technology, 
which minimises the impact of printing on the environment, with 99% of dry 
waste diverted from landfill. Both the printer and the paper mill are registered 
to ISO 14001.

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