=============================================================================== UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998 ------------------ OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission File Number 0-24216 IMAX CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Canada 98-0140269 ----------------------------------- ------------------------ (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 2525 Speakman Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 1B1 --------------------------------------------------- ------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Postal Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (905) 403-6500 -------------- NONE ------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No --- -- Indicate the number of shares of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Class Outstanding as of October 31, 1998 - -------------------------- ---------------------------------- Common stock, no par value 29,557,084 Page 1 of 18
IMAX CORPORATION INDEX Page ---- PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements 3 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings 15 Item 6. Listing of Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17 Signatures 18 FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in this Report on Form 10-Q under the captions "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Legal Proceedings" may constitute forward looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could effect these statements include the timing of theater system deliveries, the mix of theater systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, and foreign currency fluctuations. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Page 2
IMAX CORPORATION <TABLE> <CAPTION> Page ---- PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS <S> <C> <C> The following condensed consolidated financial statements are filed as part of this Report: Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 5 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the nine month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 6 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7 </TABLE> Page 3
IMAX CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Amounts in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (in thousands of U.S. dollars) (UNAUDITED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 -------------- ------------- ASSETS Current assets <S> <C> <C> Cash and cash equivalents $ 44,824 $ 64,069 Short-term marketable securities 22,905 10,184 Accounts receivable 39,950 32,401 Current portion of net investment in leases 8,827 6,007 Inventories and systems under construction (note 2) 24,511 21,922 Prepaid expenses 3,580 2,474 -------- -------- Total current assets 144,597 137,057 Long-term marketable securities 8,504 16,277 Net investment in leases 73,608 51,825 Film assets 52,008 42,036 Capital assets 45,789 41,360 Goodwill 42,025 43,915 Other assets 13,309 11,889 -------- -------- Total assets $379,840 $344,359 ======== ======== LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 4,792 $ 7,129 Accrued liabilities 24,444 24,220 Current portion of deferred revenue 37,829 29,067 Income taxes payable 852 318 -------- -------- Total current liabilities 67,917 60,734 Deferred revenue 10,118 13,618 Senior notes 65,000 65,000 Convertible subordinated notes 100,000 100,000 Deferred income taxes 31,218 19,596 -------- -------- Total liabilities 274,253 258,948 -------- -------- MINORITY INTEREST 4,426 2,950 -------- -------- REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES 1,478 1,344 -------- -------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (notes 3 and 4) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Capital stock 54,076 52,604 Retained earnings 45,859 28,642 Cumulative translation adjustment (252) (129) -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity 99,683 81,117 -------- -------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $379,840 $344,359 ======== ======== </TABLE> (See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements on pages 7 to 10.) Page 4
IMAX CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Amounts in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) (UNAUDITED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 1998 1997 1998 1997 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Revenue Systems $35,793 $22,477 $ 93,047 $ 60,456 Films 5,163 10,521 18,986 33,468 Other 2,877 2,893 10,742 9,949 ------- ------- -------- -------- 43,833 35,891 122,775 103,873 COSTS AND EXPENSES 17,845 15,558 51,722 47,949 ------- ------- -------- -------- GROSS MARGIN 25,988 20,333 71,053 55,924 Selling, general and administrative expenses 7,790 6,880 25,686 21,569 Research and development 865 620 2,224 1,429 Amortization of intangibles 631 632 1,890 1,907 ------- ------- -------- -------- EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS 16,702 12,201 41,253 31,019 Interest income 1,044 1,645 3,448 4,485 Interest expense (3,310) (3,340) (9,927) (9,972) Foreign exchange loss (120) (98) (349) (76) ------- ------- -------- -------- EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST 14,316 10,408 34,425 25,456 Provision for income taxes (6,322) (4,536) (15,469) (11,281) ------- ------- -------- -------- EARNINGS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST 7,994 5,872 18,956 14,175 Minority interest (874) (387) (1,476) (844) ------- ------- -------- -------- NET EARNINGS $ 7,120 $ 5,485 $ 17,480 $ 13,331 ======= ======= ======== ======== EARNINGS PER SHARE (NOTE 5) Basic $0.24 $0.19 $0.59 $0.46 Diluted $0.23 $0.18 $0.57 $0.44 </TABLE> (See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements on pages 7 to 10.) Page 5
IMAX CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW Amounts in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (in thousands of U.S. dollars) (UNAUDITED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Nine months ended September 30, 1998 1997 -------------------- -------------------- <S> <C> <C> CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN): OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net earnings $ 17,480 $ 13,331 Items not involving cash: Depreciation and amortization 11,430 9,926 Deferred income taxes 11,673 8,024 Minority interest 1,476 844 Amortization of discount on senior notes -- 311 Other 1,354 115 Change in net investment in leases (24,842) (9,261) Change in deferred revenue on film production 4,725 (5,841) Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities (11,925) (13,721) -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 11,371 3,728 -------- -------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Increase in marketable securities (4,882) (8,803) Increase in film assets (14,401) (17,137) Purchase of capital assets (9,467) (8,840) Increase in other assets (3,038) (3,242) -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (31,788) (38,022) -------- -------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of long-term debt -- (1,201) Class C preferred shares dividends paid (386) -- Common shares issued 1,472 4,993 -------- -------- Net cash provided by financing activities 1,086 3,792 -------- -------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 86 243 -------- -------- DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS DURING THE PERIOD (19,245) (30,259) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 64,069 102,589 -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 44,824 $ 72,330 ======== ======== </TABLE> (See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements on pages 7 to 10.) Page 6
IMAX CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) For the Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (UNAUDITED) 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Imax Corporation and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries. The nature of the Company's business is such that the results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year. In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary to make the results of operations for the interim periods a fair statement of such operations. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 which should be consulted for a summary of the significant accounting policies utilized by the Company. 2. INVENTORIES AND SYSTEMS UNDER CONSTRUCTION September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 -------------------- -------------------- Raw materials $ 9,326 $ 6,943 Work-in-process 14,672 14,508 Finished goods 513 471 ------- ------- $24,511 $21,922 ======= ======= 3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS From time to time the Company engages in hedging activities to reduce the impact of fluctuations in foreign currencies on its profitability and cash flow. The credit risk exposure associated with these activities would be limited to all unrealized gains on contracts based on current market prices. The Company believes that this credit risk has been minimized by dealing with highly rated financial institutions. To fund Canadian dollar costs through February 2000, the Company had entered into forward exchange contracts as at September 30, 1998 to hedge the conversion of $44.0 million of its cash flow into Canadian dollars at an average exchange rate of Canadian $1.44 per U.S. dollar. In addition, the Company had entered into forward exchange contracts as at September 30, 1998 to hedge the conversion of 149.2 million Yen of its cash flow in 1998 and 1999 into U.S. dollars at an average exchange rate of 134 Yen per U.S. dollar. The Company has also entered into foreign currency swap transactions to hedge minimum lease payments receivable under sales-type lease contracts denominated in Japanese Yen and French Francs. These swap transactions fix the foreign exchange rates on conversion of 139 million Yen at 98 Yen per U.S. dollar through September 2004 and on 15.5 million Francs at 5.1 Francs per U.S. dollar through September 2005. These hedging contracts are expected to be held to maturity; however, if they were terminated on September 30, 1998, the Company would have realized a loss of approximately $2.1 million based on the then prevailing exchange rates. Page 7
IMAX CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont'd) In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) For the Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (UNAUDITED) 4. CONTINGENCIES (a) In April 1994, Compagnie France Film Inc. filed a claim against the Company in the Superior Court in the District of Montreal, in the Province of Quebec, alleging breach of contract and bad faith in respect of an agreement which the plaintiff claims it entered into with the Company for the establishment of an IMAX theater in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Until December 1993, Predecessor Imax was in negotiations with the plaintiff and another unrelated party for the establishment of an IMAX theater in Quebec City. In December 1993, Predecessor Imax executed a system lease agreement with the other party. During the negotiations, both parties were aware of the other party's interest in also establishing an IMAX theater in Quebec City. The plaintiffs claimed damages of Canadian $4.6 million, representing the amount of profit they claimed they were denied due to their inability to proceed with an IMAX theater in Quebec City, together with expenses incurred in respect of this project and pre-judgment interest. Compagnie France Film had also incorporated a shell company, 3101-8450 Quebec Inc. ("3101"). 3101 was to, among other things, enter into a lease for the proposed IMAX theater site. In November 1993, while negotiations between Compagnie France Film and the Company were still ongoing, 3101 entered into a lease for the site. 3101 defaulted on the lease and the landlord sued 3101 in an unrelated action to which the Company was not a party. In February 1996, 3101 was found liable to pay the landlord damages in the amount of Canadian $2.5 million. Subsequent to that judgment 3101 intervened in the lawsuit between Compagnie France Film and the Company in order to claim from the Company damages in the amount of Canadian $2.5 million. The Company disputed these claims, and the suit went to trial in January 1998. In a decision rendered in April 1998, the Court dismissed the plaintiffs' claims with costs. In May 1998, Compagnie France Film Inc. and 3101 both filed appeals of the April 1998 decision to the Court of Appeal. The Company believes that it will be successful in responding to these appeals and the ultimate loss, if any, will not have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of this litigation. (b) On February 26, 1996, Iwerks Entertainment, Inc. filed a complaint against the Company alleging violations under the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, tortious interference with contracts and prospective economic advantage, and unfair competition. The plaintiff was seeking unquantified damages, injunctive relief and restitution. All claims against the Company were dismissed in a summary judgement in April 1998. In May 1998, Iwerks Entertainment, Inc. filed an appeal of this decision. The amount of the loss, if any, cannot be determined at this time. (c) On March 5, 1998, Rosalini Film Productions Inc. filed a claim against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging breach of written agreement, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud and deceit, negligent misrepresentation, unfair competition, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit, constructive trust and declaratory relief with respect to a film project the plaintiff claimed to have pursued with the Company. The plaintiff was seeking unquantified damages. The Company disputed this claim and intended to vigorously defend this action. In April 1998, the plaintiff filed a voluntary dismissal of its claim. In October 1998, counsel to the plaintiff advised the Company's counsel that the claim is being refiled. The amount of loss, if any, cannot be determined at this time. Page 8
IMAX CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont'd) In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) For the Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (UNAUDITED) 4. CONTINGENCIES (CONT'D) (d) In addition to the litigation described above, the Company is currently involved in other litigation which, in the opinion of the Company's management, will not materially affect the Company's financial position or future operating results, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome for any such litigation. 5. EARNINGS PER SHARE (a) Pursuant to shareholders' approval at the Annual and Special Meeting held on May 6, 1997 the Company's shares were split on a 2-for-1 basis in May 1997. Earnings per share data for the prior year periods give effect to the stock split as if it had taken place at the beginning of the respective period. (b) Reconciliations of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per-share computations are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 1998 1997 1998 1997 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------- Net earnings available to common shareholders: <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net earnings $ 7,120 $ 5,485 $17,480 $13,331 Less: Accrual of dividends on preferred shares (43) (43) (128) (128) Accretion of discount of preferred shares (46) (41) (135) (119) Net earnings used in computing basic earnings ------- ------- ------- ------- per share 7,031 5,401 17,217 13,084 Interest expense on Convertible Subordinated Notes, net of tax 885 -- 1,769 -- Net earnings used in computing diluted ------- ------- ------- ------- earnings per share $ 7,916 $ 5,401 $18,986 $13,084 ======= ======= ======= ======= Weighted average number of common shares (000's): Issued and outstanding at beginning of period 29,280 28,966 29,115 27,885 Weighted average shares issued in the period 23 36 131 482 Weighted average used in computing basic ------- ------- ------- ------- earnings per share 29,303 29,002 29,246 28,367 Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares assumed acquired under the Treasury Stock Method 1,031 1,378 1,156 1,697 Assumed conversion of Convertible Subordinated Notes 4,672 -- 3,115 -- ------- ------- ------- ------- Weighted average used in computing diluted earnings per share 35,006 30,380 33,517 30,064 ======= ======= ======= ======= </TABLE> Page 9
IMAX CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont'd) In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Tabular amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) For the Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (UNAUDITED) 5. EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONT'D) Common shares potentially issuable pursuant to the Convertible Subordinated Notes were excluded from the computations for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 since they would have had an antidilutive effect on earnings per share. Options to purchase 2.2 million common shares at an average price of $23.32 per share were outstanding in the third quarter of 1998 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares during the period and their inclusion would have been antidilutive. 6. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, became effective for the Company's 1998 fiscal year. Comprehensive income items include certain gains and losses, such as foreign currency translation adjustments, that bypass the Company's net earnings and are accumulated directly in shareholders' equity. Comprehensive income was $7,099,000 and $5,613,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively and $17,426,000 and $13,543,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Page 10
IMAX CORPORATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THEATER SIGNINGS AND BACKLOG During the third quarter of 1998, the Company signed contracts for 14 IMAX theater systems valued at $41.9 million, representing a 3% increase over the $40.6 million value of the 16 theater systems (including one theater in which the Company had an equity interest) signed in the third quarter of 1997. The Company does not attribute any value to theaters in which it has an equity interest in its signing totals. For the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the Company signed contracts for 35 theater systems valued at $102.3 million, a 15% increase over the $89.1 million value of the 40 contracts (including seven theaters in which the Company had an equity interest) signed in the prior year period. The increase in the average theater value signed in the nine months ended September 30, 1998 versus the prior year period is due to the increase in the number of IMAX 3D theater system signings and international theater signings. As a result of these theater signings, the Company's sales backlog grew to $195.6 million at September 30, 1998, a 3% increase from $189.2 million at June 30, 1998 and a 12% increase from $175.4 million at December 31, 1997. One of the Company's customers in Asia has been severely affected by the economic turmoil and is in default of their agreement to open two Imax theaters. The Company has reduced backlog by these two deals and will attempt to reach a settlement with the customer. The Company's sales backlog at September 30, 1998 represented contracts for 84 theater systems, including the upgrade of two existing theaters to IMAX 3D. Most of the 41 IMAX 3D SR theater systems in backlog represent theater systems contracted for under multi-theater exhibitor agreements and may be replaced in backlog by larger IMAX 3D theater systems when specific theater locations are determined in the future. There are 13 theater systems in backlog which will be located at theaters in which the Company has an equity interest. The Company's sales backlog will vary from quarter to quarter depending on the signing of new systems which adds to backlog and the delivery of systems which reduces backlog. Sales backlog represents the minimum revenues under signed system sale and lease agreements that will be recognized as revenue as the associated theater systems are delivered. The minimum revenue comprises the upfront fees plus the present value of the minimum royalties due under sales-type lease agreements for the first ten years of the initial lease term. The value of sales backlog does not include revenues from theaters in which the Company has an equity interest, letters of intent, IMAX(R) Ridefilm(TM) system contracts or long-term conditional theater commitments. As of September 30, 1998, there were 26 IMAX Ridefilm theaters in operation and a backlog of 15 IMAX Ridefilm systems, including six upgrades. THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 VERSUS THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 The Company reported net earnings of $7.1 million or $0.23 per share on a diluted basis for the third quarter of 1998 compared to $5.5 million or $0.18 per share on a diluted basis for the third quarter of 1997. Earnings per share information for the prior year period has been adjusted for the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 which became effective by December 15, 1997. The Company's revenues for the third quarter of 1998 increased 22% to $43.8 million from $35.9 million in the corresponding quarter last year as a result of growth in systems revenue which more than offset a decline in film revenue. Page 11
IMAX CORPORATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT'D) THEATER SIGNINGS AND BACKLOG (CONT'D) Systems revenue, which includes revenue from theater system sales and leases, royalties and maintenance fees, increased approximately 59% to $35.8 million in the third quarter of 1998 from $22.5 million in the same quarter last year. The Company delivered nine theater systems in the third quarter of 1998 versus five theater systems in the third quarter of 1997. Film revenue comprises revenue recognized from film production, film distribution and film post-production activities. Film revenue decreased 51% to $5.2 million in the third quarter of 1998 from $10.5 million in the same quarter last year due to a reduction in film distribution revenue and film post- production revenue. Film distribution revenue was lower in the third quarter of 1998 compared to the third quarter of 1997 due to the timing of Imax distributed film releases. The Company's major 1998 film releases will not occur until the fourth quarter. Film post-production revenue declined over the prior year period due to a non-recurring revenue item included in 1997. Other revenues were consistent at $2.9 million in the current and prior year quarter. There were no IMAX Ridefilm systems delivered in the third quarter of 1998 or 1997. Gross margin for the third quarter of 1998 was $26.0 million, or 59% of total revenue, compared to $20.3 million, or 57% of total revenue, in the corresponding quarter last year. The increase in gross margin as a percentage of total revenue is due to the higher proportion of systems revenue (which is generally higher margin than film and other revenues) in the third quarter of 1998 compared to the corresponding quarter in 1997. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $7.8 million in the third quarter of 1998 compared to $6.9 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in 1998 over 1997 resulted from an increase in affiliate relations initiatives, marketing efforts and staffing additions in the Company's film department, particularly in marketing and distribution. The effective tax rate on earnings before taxes differs from the statutory tax rate and will vary from quarter to quarter primarily as a result of the amortization of goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes, and the provision of income taxes at different tax rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 VERSUS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 The Company reported net earnings of $17.5 million or $0.57 per share on a diluted basis for the first nine months of 1998 compared to $13.3 million or $0.44 per share on a diluted basis for the first nine months of 1997. Earnings per share information for the prior year period has been adjusted for the 2-for- 1 stock split which became effective by May 27, 1997 and the adoption of FASB 128 which became effective by December 15, 1997. The Company's revenues for the first nine months of 1998 increased 18% to $122.8 million from $103.9 million in the corresponding period last year primarily as a result of an increase in systems revenue which more than offset a decline in film revenue. Systems revenue increased approximately 54% to $93.0 million in the first nine months of 1998 from $60.5 million in the same period last year as the Company recognized revenues on 25 theater systems compared to 14 theater systems in the same period last year. Recurring revenues from both royalties (net of arrears billings in 1997) and maintenance fees increased 10% in the first nine months of 1998 over the prior year period due to growth in the IMAX theater network. Page 12
IMAX CORPORATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT'D) THEATER SIGNINGS AND BACKLOG (CONT'D) Film revenue decreased 43% to $19.0 million in the first nine months of 1998 from $33.5 million in the same period last year due mainly to declines in film production and film distribution revenues. Film production revenue declined by $5.8 million in the first nine months of 1998 versus last year. In 1997 the Company completed and delivered a third party film to a sponsor whereas in 1998 it has been producing its own film projects. Film distribution revenue decreased 45% in the first nine months of 1998 compared to the same period last year due to the timing of film releases as the Company's major 1998 film releases will not occur until the fourth quarter of 1998. Gross margin for the first nine months of 1998 was $71.1 million, or 58% of total revenue, compared to $55.9 million, or 54% of total revenue, in the corresponding period last year. The increase in gross margin as a percentage of total revenue is primarily due to the higher proportion of systems revenue (which has generally a higher margin than film and other revenue) in the first nine months of 1998 compared to the corresponding period in 1997. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $25.7 million in the first nine months of 1998 compared to $21.6 million in the first nine months of 1997. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in 1998 over 1997 is the result of several factors including an increase in performance based compensation, increased affiliate relations initiatives and staffing additions in the Company's film area, particularly in marketing and distribution. Research and development expenses were $2.2 million in the first nine months of 1998 compared to $1.4 million in the first nine months last year. The higher level of expenses in 1998 reflects costs associated with the development of a new sound system. The research and development expenses incurred in the first half of 1997 were lower than historical levels as some of the Company's technical staff had been redirected to the design and production of the new IMAX 3D SR theater system and were not engaged in research and development activities. The effective tax rate on earnings before taxes differs from the statutory tax rate and will vary from quarter to quarter primarily as a result of the amortization of goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes, and the provision of income taxes at different tax rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES At September 30, 1998, the Company's principal source of liquidity included cash and cash equivalents of $44.8 million, marketable securities totalling $31.4 million, trade accounts receivable of $40.0 million, net investment in leases due within one year of $8.8 million and the amounts receivable under contracts in backlog which are not yet reflected on the balance sheet. The Senior Notes due March 1, 2001 are subject to redemption by the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 1, 1998 at redemption prices expressed as percentages of the principal amount (1998 - 104.29%; 1999 - 102.86%; 2000 - 101.43%) together with interest accrued thereon to the redemption date. Subject to market conditions, the Company may elect to redeem some or all of the Senior Notes prior to their maturity as part of a refinancing of its capital structure. Page 13
IMAX CORPORATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT'D) LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONT'D) The 5 3/4 % Convertible Subordinated Notes (the "Subordinated Notes") due April 1, 2003 are convertible into common shares of the Company at the option of the holder at a conversion price of $21.406 per share (equivalent to a conversion rate of 46.7154 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Subordinated Notes) at any time prior to maturity. The Subordinated Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company on or after April 1, 1999 at redemption prices expressed as percentages of the principal amount (1999 - 103.286%; 2000 - 102.464%; 2001 - 101.643%; 2002 - 100.821%) plus accrued interest. The Subordinated Notes may only be redeemed by the Company between April 1, 1999 and April 1, 2001 if the last reported market price of the Company's common shares is equal to or greater than $30 per share for any 20 of the 30 consecutive trading days prior to the notice of redemption. The Subordinated Notes may be redeemed at any time on or after April 1, 2001 without limitation. The Company partially funds its operations through cash flow from operations. Under the terms of the Company's typical theater system lease agreement, the Company receives cash payments before it completes the performance of its obligations. Similarly, the Company receives cash payments for some of its film productions in advance of related cash expenditures. These cash flows have generally been adequate to finance the ongoing operations of the Company. In the first nine months of 1998, cash provided by operating activities amounted to $11.4 million after the payment of interest on the Senior and Convertible Notes totaling $9.4 million, an increase of $24.8 million in net investment in leases related to theater systems delivered under sales-type lease agreements in the first nine months of 1998 and a $7.6 million increase in accounts receivable principally attributable to up-fronts billed in connection with the higher signings and delivery activities. Cash flow from operations also includes an increase of $4.7 million in funds held for sponsored film productions which will be expended in future periods. Cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 1998 included: an increase of $4.9 million in marketable securities; an increase in film assets of $14.4 million, primarily related to T-REX: Back to the Cretaceous, Galapagos and other films in development; expenditures of $9.5 million on capital assets, principally wholly-owned theaters, cameras, a building expansion at Sonics Associates and other assets under construction; and an increase in other assets of $3.0 million, primarily related to joint venture operations. During the first nine months of 1998, cash provided by financing activities included $1.5 million of proceeds from common shares issued under the Company's stock option plan partially reduced by a payment of accrued dividends on the Class C preferred shares totalling $0.4 million. The Company believes that cash flows from operations together with existing cash balances and the working capital facility will continue to be sufficient to meet cash requirements in the foreseeable future. Page 14
IMAX CORPORATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT'D) IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 The Year 2000 issue involves the inability of computer programs and computer chips to distinguish between the year 1900 and the year 2000. The Company has assessed, and continues to assess, the impact of the Year 2000 issue on its operations including information technology and non-information technology systems. The Company has decided to upgrade its key information technology systems, in particular, the cost accounting and financial software systems, in the first quarter of 1999. The Company believes that with this upgrade, the Year 2000 issue will not pose any significant operational problem for its cost accounting and financial software systems. Although final cost estimates have yet to be determined, it is expected that upgrading these systems will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations in 1998 and 1999. The Company has been evaluating its non-information technology systems including the projector and sound systems to determine whether those systems are Year 2000 compliant. While to date the Company has found no Year 2000 incompatibility, the Company will continue its evaluation and analysis at minimal cost and expects to complete this evaluation and analysis in the first quarter of 1999. The impact of the Year 2000 issue on the Company will also be affected by the Year 2000 readiness of its customers; suppliers of raw materials, components and software; and providers of facilities, equipment and services. Failure by these parties to be Year 2000 compliant may adversely impact the Companies production, revenue and the timing of cash receipts. The Company has begun to make inquiries of such third parties (principally, suppliers and providers) in this regard, and based on the responses to these inquiries, the Company will decide by the end of the second quarter of 1999 to what extent a contingency plan needs to be developed. There is no assurance that a material adverse effect on the Company may be avoided due to the failure of such third parties to address the Year 2000 issue in a timely fashion. PART II OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In April 1994, Compagnie France Film Inc. filed a claim against the Company in the Superior Court in the District of Montreal, in the Province of Quebec, alleging breach of contract and bad faith in respect of an agreement which the plaintiff claims it entered into with the Company for the establishment of an IMAX theater in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Until December 1993, Imax was in negotiations with the plaintiff and another unrelated party for the establishment of an IMAX theater in Quebec City. In December 1993, Predecessor Imax executed a system lease agreement with the other party. During the negotiations, both parties were aware of the other party's interest in also establishing an IMAX theater in Quebec City. The plaintiffs claimed damages of Canadian $4.6 million, representing the amount of profit they claimed they were denied due to their inability to proceed with an IMAX theater in Quebec City, together with expenses incurred in respect of this project and pre-judgement interest. The Company disputed Page 15
IMAX CORPORATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (CONT'D) this claim and filed a defense in response. Compagnie France Film had also incorporated a shell company, 3101-8450 Quebec Inc. ("3101"). 3101 was to, among other things, enter into a lease for the proposed IMAX theater site. In November 1993, while negotiations between Compagnie France Film and the Company were still ongoing, 3101 entered into a lease for the site. 3101 defaulted on the lease and the landlord sued 3101 in an unrelated action to which the Company was not a party. In February 1996, 3101 was found liable to pay the landlord damages in the amount of Canadian $2.5 million. Subsequent to that judgment 3101 intervened in the lawsuit between Compagnie France Film and the Company in order to claim from the Company damages in the amount of Canadian $2.5 million. The Company disputed these claims and the suit went to trial in January 1998. In a decision rendered in April 1998, the Court dismissed the plaintiffs' claims with costs. In May 1998, the plaintiffs and 3101 both filed appeals of the decision to the Court of Appeal. The Company believes that the amount of loss, if any, will not have a material impact on the financial position or results of operation of the Company, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of this litigation. The Company filed a complaint in August 1994 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California claiming that Neil Johnson, NJ Engineering Inc. and Cinema Technologies Inc. engaged in unfair competition and misappropriated the Company's trade secrets in the design and manufacture of defendants' 70mm 15-perforation projection systems. The Company is seeking an injunction against Cinema Technologies Inc. to prevent shipment of projectors, which incorporate the Company's trade secrets, in addition to damages. The defendant brought two motions for summary judgement, one of which was based on the defendant's statute of limitations defense and the other based on, among others, the defendant's contention that the trade secrets at issue were not trade secrets. The court denied the motion based on the statute of limitations defense, granted the motion based on the unfair competition and trade secret status issues, and entered a judgment for the defendants. The Company filed an appeal of this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit, and on August 19, 1998 it affirmed the granting of the motion based on the trade secrets claim, but vacated and reversed, and remanded for further proceedings, with respect to the Company's unfair competition claim. The case was returned to the trial court in October 1998; a hearing date has not yet been fixed. Iwerks Entertainment, Inc. ("Iwerks") filed a complaint against the Company on February 26, 1996 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging violations under the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, and tortious interference with contracts and prospective economic advantage. Iwerks was seeking unquantified damages, injunctive relief and restitution. All claims against the Company were dismissed in a summary judgment in April 1998. In May 1998, Iwerks filed an appeal of this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The amount of loss, if any, cannot be determined at this time. On March 5, 1998, Rosalini Film Productions Inc. filed a claim against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging breach of written agreement, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud and deceit, negligent misrepresentation, unfair competition, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit, constructive trust and declaratory relief with respect to a film project the plaintiff claimed to have pursued with the Company. The plaintiff was seeking unquantified damages. The Company disputed this claim and intended to vigorously defend this action. In April 1998, the plaintiff filed a voluntary dismissal of its claim. In October 1998, counsel to the plaintiff advised the Company's counsel that the claim is being refiled. The amount of loss, if any, cannot be determined at this time. In addition to the litigation described above, the Company is currently involved in other litigation which, in the opinion of the Company's management, will not materially affect the Company's financial position or future operating results, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome for any such litigation. Page 16
IMAX CORPORATION ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) EXHIBITS 10.1 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1998, between Imax Corporation and Richard L. Gelfond. 10.2 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1998, between Imax Corporation and Bradley J. Wechsler. (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed in the three month period ended September 30, 1998. Page 17
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. IMAX CORPORATION Date: November 12, 1998 By: /s/ John M. Davison - ------------------------- ------------------- John M. Davison Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Page 18