PlayAGS, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PLAYAGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

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

PLAYAGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 (unaudited)

⁽¹⁾ exclusive of depreciation and amortization

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

PLAYAGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(amounts in thousands)

 (unaudited)

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

PLAYAGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

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

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

PlayAGS, Inc. (the "Company," "PlayAGS," "we," "us," or "our") is a leading designer and supplier of gaming products and services for the gaming industry. We operate in legalized gaming markets across the globe and provide state-of-the-art, value-add products in three distinct segments: Electronic Gaming Machines (“EGM”), which includes server-based systems and back-office systems that are used by Class II Native American, Mexico and the Philippines gaming jurisdictions and Class III Native American, commercial and charitable jurisdictions; Table Products (“Table Products”), which includes live felt table games, side-bets and progressives as well as our newly introduced card shuffler, Dex S; and Interactive Games (“Interactive”), which provides social casino games on desktop and mobile devices (our "Interactive Social" reporting unit) as well as a platform for content aggregation used by real-money gaming (“RMG”) online casino operators (our "RMG Interactive" reporting unit). Each segment’s activities include the design, development, acquisition, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, installation and servicing of a distinct product line.

The Company filed a Registration Statement on Form 10 on December 19, 2013, which went effective under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on December 19, 2013. On January 30, 2018, we completed the initial public offering of 10,250,000 shares of our common stock, at a public offering price of $16.00 per share (the “IPO”). On February 27, 2018, we sold an additional 1,537,500 shares of common stock, pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise in full of the over-allotment option.

Electronic Gaming Machines

Our EGM segment offers a selection of video slot titles developed for the global marketplace, and EGM cabinets which include the Alora, Orion Portrait, Orion Curve, Orion Rise, Orion Upright, ICON, Big Red (“Colossal Diamonds”) and our Orion Slant. In addition to providing complete EGM units, we offer conversion kits that allow existing game titles to be converted to other game titles offered within that operating platform.

Table Products

Our Table Products include proprietary table products, side-bets, progressives, and table technology related to blackjack, poker, baccarat, craps and roulette. We have a number of popular proprietary brands, including In Bet Gaming (“In Bet”), Buster Blackjack, Double Draw Poker and Criss Cross Poker that are based on traditional well-known public domain games such as blackjack and poker; however, these proprietary games provide intriguing betting options that offer more excitement and greater volatility to the player, ultimately enhancing our casino customers’ profitability. In addition, we offer a single deck card shuffler for poker tables, Dex S and recently introduced our second shuffler, the Pax S single-deck pack shuffler, which we plan to launch in 2020.

Interactive

We operate a Business-to-Business ("B2B") online gaming platform for content aggregation that we offer to our RMG online casino customers. This platform aggregates content from several game suppliers and offers online casino operators the convenience to reduce the number of integrations that are needed to supply the online casino. We also operate Business-to-Consumer (“B2C”) social casino games that include online versions of our EGM titles and are accessible to players on multiple mobile platforms. Our B2C social casino games are available on our mobile app, Lucky Play Casino. The app contains numerous AGS game titles available for consumers to play for free or with virtual currency they purchase in the app. 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are omitted or condensed in these condensed consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of Management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods have been made. The interim results reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors considered relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of the estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the impact of the decline in business activity brought about by the coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) continues to evolve. As a result, many of our estimates and assumptions required increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. As events continue to evolve and additional information becomes available, our estimates may change materially in future periods.

Revenue Recognition

Leasing of equipment in both our EGM and Table Products segments is accounted for under lease accounting guidance in ASC 842, "Leases" (ASC 842) and is recorded in gaming operations revenue. Our remaining revenue streams are accounted for under ASC 606 "Revenue from contracts with customers" (ASC 606) including equipment sales in our EGM and, to a lesser extent, in our Table Products segments. Revenue earned in our Interactive segment is recorded in gaming operations revenue.

The following table disaggregates our revenues by type within each of our segments (amounts in thousands):

Gaming Operations

Gaming operations revenue is earned by providing customers with gaming machines, gaming machine content licenses, table products, back-office equipment and linked progressive systems, which are collectively referred to as gaming equipment, under participation arrangements. The participation arrangements convey the right to use the equipment (i.e., gaming machines and related integral software) for a stated period of time, which typically ranges from one to three years upon which the contract continues on a month-to-month basis thereafter. In some instances, the Company will enter arrangements for longer periods of time; however, many of these arrangements include the ability of the customer to cancel the contract and return the games to the Company, a provision which renders their contracts effectively month-to-month contracts. The Company will also enter into lease contracts with a revenue sharing arrangement whereby the lease payments due from the customer are variable. Our participation arrangements are accounted for as operating leases primarily due to these factors. In some instances, we will offer a free trial period during which no revenue is recognized. If during or at the conclusion of the trial period the customer chooses to enter into a lease for the gaming equipment, we commence revenue recognition according to the terms of the agreement.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

Under participation arrangements, the Company retains ownership of the gaming equipment installed at the customer facilities and receives either revenue based on a percentage of the win per day generated by the gaming equipment or a fixed daily fee. Thus, in our consolidated financial statements the Company records revenue monthly related to these arrangements and the gaming equipment is recorded in property and equipment, net on our balance sheet and depreciated over the expected life of the gaming equipment.

The majority of the Company’s leases require the Company to provide maintenance throughout the entire term of the lease. In some cases, a performance guarantee exists that, if not met, provides the customer with the right to return the gaming machines to the Company. This performance guarantee is considered a cancellation clause, a provision which renders their contracts effectively month-to-month contracts. Accordingly, the Company accounts for these contracts in a similar manner with its other operating leases as described above.

Gaming operations revenue is also earned from the licensing of table product content and is earned and recognized primarily on a fixed monthly rate. Our B2C social casino products earn revenue from the sale of virtual coins or chips, which is recorded when the purchased coins or chips are used by the customer. B2C social casino revenue is presented gross of the platform fees. B2B social casino products earn revenue primarily based on a percentage of the monthly revenue generated by the white label casino apps that we build and operate for our customers. RMG revenue is earned primarily based on a percentage of the revenue produced by the games on our platform as well as monthly platform fees and initial integration fees. RMG revenue is presented net of payments to game and content suppliers.

Equipment Sales

Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized and recorded when the following criteria are met:

Equipment sales are generated from the sale of gaming machines, table products and licensing rights to the integral game content software that is installed in the related equipment, parts, and other ancillary equipment. Also included within the deliverables are delivery, installation and training, all of which occur within a few days of arriving at the customer location. Equipment sales do not include maintenance beyond a standard warranty period. The recognition of revenue from the sale of gaming devices occurs as the customer obtains control of the product and all other revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Our contracts include a fixed transaction price. Amounts are due from customers within 30 to 90 days of the invoice date and to a lesser extent we offer extended payment terms of 12 to 24 months with payments due monthly during the extended payment period.

The Company enters into revenue arrangements that may consist of multiple performance obligations, which are typically multiple distinct products that may be shipped to the customer at different times. For example, sales arrangements may include the sale of gaming machines and table products to be delivered upon the consummation of the contract and additional game content conversion kits that will be delivered at a later date when requested by the customer to replace the game content on the customer’s existing gaming machines. Products are identified as separate performance obligations if they are distinct, which occurs if the customer can benefit from the product on its own and is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract.

Revenue is allocated to the separate performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices determined at contract inception. Standalone selling prices are primarily determined by prices that we charge for the products when they are sold separately. When a product is not sold separately, we determine the standalone selling price with reference to our standard pricing policies and practices. We elected to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price, sales taxes and all other items of a similar nature, and also elected to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment of our promise to transfer the goods. Accordingly, shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

Revenue allocated to any undelivered performance obligations is recorded as a contract liability. The balance of our contract liabilities was not material as of  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of deposits held at major banks and other marketable securities with original maturities of 90 days or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash amounts represent funds held in escrow as collateral for the Company’s surety bonds for various gaming authorities.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

Accounts receivable are stated at face value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable and notes receivable, which are non-interest bearing, deemed to have a high risk of collectability. The Company reviews the accounts receivable and notes receivable on a monthly basis to determine if any receivables will potentially be uncollectible. The Company analyzes historical collection trends and changes in the customers’ payment patterns adjusted for current economic conditions, customer concentration, and credit worthiness when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. A large percentage of receivables are with Native American tribes and the Company has concentrations of credit risk with several tribes. The Company includes any receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in the overall allowance for doubtful accounts. Changes in the assumptions or estimates reflecting the collectability of certain accounts could materially affect the allowance for both accounts and notes receivable.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

Allowance for Expected Credit Losses 

Management estimates the allowance for expected credit losses balance using relevant available information from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in the current environmental economic conditions and reasonable and supportable forecast. The allowance for expected credit losses on financial instruments is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The financial instruments that do not share risk characteristics, such as receivables related to development agreements, are evaluated on an individual basis. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the related financial instruments, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate, based on a historical model that includes periodic write-offs, recoveries, and adjustments to the reserve. Historically, the identified portfolio segments have shared low collectability risk with immaterial write-off amounts. The Company made an accounting policy election not to present the accrued interest receivable balance on a separate statement of financial position line item. Accrued interest receivable is reported within the respective receivables line items on the consolidated balance sheet. 

The following table excludes receivables related to operating leases and presents all other receivables' gross amortized cost, allowance for credit losses and amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment as of  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of parts and supplies that are used to repair and maintain machinery and equipment as well as EGMs in production and finished goods held for sale. Inventories are stated at net realizable value. Cost of inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for all components of inventory. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities and updates estimates for the net realizable value of inventories. This process includes examining the carrying values of parts and ancillary equipment in comparison to the current fair market values for such equipment (less costs to sell or dispose). Some of the factors involved in this analysis include the overall levels of the inventories, the current and projected sales levels for such products, the projected markets for such products and the costs required to sell the products, including refurbishment costs. Changes in the assumptions or estimates could materially affect the inventory carrying value. As of  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the value of raw material inventory was $24.3 million and $29.1 million, respectively. As of  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the value of finished goods inventory was $6.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively. There was no work in process material as of  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Property and Equipment

The cost of gaming equipment, consisting of fixed-base player terminals, file servers and other support equipment as well as other property and equipment, is depreciated over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method for financial reporting. The Company capitalizes costs incurred for the refurbishment of used gaming equipment that is typically incurred to refurbish a machine in order to return it to its customer location. The refurbishments extend the life of the gaming equipment beyond the original useful life. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The Company routinely evaluates the estimated lives used to depreciate assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

The Company reviews its property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company groups long-lived assets for impairment analysis at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows can be measured independently of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. This is typically at the individual gaming machine level or at the cabinet product line level. Impairment testing is performed and losses are estimated when indicators of impairment are present and the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

When the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the asset’s carrying amount, an impairment loss is measured to the extent the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount.

The Company measures recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. The Company’s policy is to impair, when necessary, excess or obsolete gaming machines on hand that it does not expect to be used. Impairment is based upon several factors, including estimated forecast of gaming machine demand for placement into casinos. While the Company believes that the estimates and assumptions used in evaluating the carrying amount of these assets are reasonable, different assumptions could affect either the carrying amount or the estimated useful lives of the assets, which could have a significant impact on the results of operations and financial condition.

Intangible Assets

The Company reviews its identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are determined for identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, when indicators of impairment are present and the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount.

When the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the intangible asset’s carrying amount, an impairment loss is measured to the extent the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount.

Certain trade names have an indefinite useful life and the Company tests these trade names for possible impairment at least annually, on October 1, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. If we believe, as a result of our qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required.

Costs of Capitalized Computer Software

Internally developed gaming software represents the Company’s internal costs to develop gaming titles to utilize on the Company’s gaming machines. Internally developed gaming software is stated at cost and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software, using the straight-line method. Software development costs are capitalized once technological feasibility has been established and are amortized when the software is placed into service. The computer software we develop reaches technological feasibility when a working model of the computer software is available. Any subsequent software maintenance costs, such as bug fixes and subsequent testing, are expensed as incurred. Discontinued software development costs are expensed when the determination to discontinue is made. Software development costs are amortized over the expected life of the title or group of titles, if applicable, to amortization expense.

On a quarterly basis, or more frequently if circumstances warrant, the Company compares the net book value of its internally developed computer software to the net realizable value on a title or group of titles basis. The net realizable value is determined based upon certain assumptions, including the expected future revenues and net cash flows of the gaming titles or group of gaming titles utilizing that software, if applicable.

Goodwill

The excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The Company tests for possible impairment of goodwill at least annually, on October 1, or when circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company has the option to begin with a qualitative assessment, commonly referred to as “Step 0”, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. This qualitative assessment may include, but is not limited to, reviewing factors such as the general economic environment, industry and market conditions, changes in key assumptions used since the most recently performed valuation and overall financial performance of the reporting units. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, the Company performs a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis, and depending upon the results of that measurement, the recorded goodwill may be written down and charged to income from operations when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. 

Acquisition Accounting

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 805, “Business Combinations” (ASC 805), in accounting for business acquisitions. It requires us to recognize separately from goodwill the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Significant estimates and assumptions are required to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable. These estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement and typically include the calculation of an appropriate discount rate and projection of the cash flows associated with each acquired asset. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” (ASC 820) to its financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as a market-based measurement intended to estimate the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. These inputs are categorized as follows:

The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of our long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for similar issues (Level 2 inputs). The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of  September 30, 2020 and  December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

Accounting for Income Taxes

We conduct business globally and are subject to income taxes in U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. Determination of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes depends on several factors, including estimates of the timing and probability of realization of deferred income taxes, reserves for uncertain income tax positions and income tax payment timing.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Taxes on income of our foreign subsidiaries are provided at the tax rates applicable to the tax jurisdictions in which they are located. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of those benefits is considered more likely than not and a valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets which do not meet this threshold.

The recoverability of certain deferred tax assets is based in part on estimates of future income and the timing of temporary differences, and the failure to fully realize such deferred tax assets could result in a higher tax provision in future periods.

We apply the accounting guidance to our uncertain tax positions and under the guidance, we may recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain position only if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the issue. The amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that we believe has greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.

We are required to make significant judgments when evaluating our uncertain tax positions and the related tax benefits. We believe our assumptions are reasonable; however, there is no guarantee that the final outcome of the related matters will not differ from the amounts reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals. We adjust our liability for uncertain tax positions based on changes in facts and circumstances such as the closing of a tax audit or changes in estimates. Our income tax provision may be impacted to the extent that the final outcome of these tax positions is different than the amounts recorded.

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 748, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ACT (the “CARES Act”).  We do not expect the CARES Act, to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

Contingencies

The Company assesses its exposures to loss contingencies including claims and legal proceedings and accrues a liability if a potential loss is considered probable and the amount can be estimated. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, if the actual loss from a contingency differs from Management’s estimate, there could be a material impact on the results of operations or financial position. Operating expenses, including legal fees, associated with contingencies are expensed when incurred.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the period end rate of exchange for asset and liability accounts and the weighted average rate of exchange for income statement accounts. The effects of these translations are recorded as a component of other accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity.

Liquidity and Financing and COVID-19

Due to the business disruption caused by the rapid nationwide spread of the novel coronavirus and the actions by state and tribal governments and businesses to contain the virus, almost all of the Company’s customers closed their operations during the month of  March and April 2020 and their respective markets have been significantly and adversely impacted. Beginning in May 2020 and continuing through September, casinos began to reopen at limited capacity and nearly all of our customers' casino properties in the United States and Canada were partially open as of September 30, 2020 under limited operations. As of  September 30, 2020 in Mexico, approximately half of our customers' casinos were partially open under capacity limitations. As a result of the temporary closures of our casino customers, there has been a decrease in the amount of money spent by consumers on our revenue shared installed base and the amount of daily fees of our participation EGMs and a slow down to the expansion of existing casinos or development of new casinos. Specifically, gaming operations revenue and equipment sales have decreased compared to the prior year period as a result of the temporary closures of our casino customers. Similarly, our EGM and Table Products segment operating results have been disrupted because each segment’s activities including design, development, acquisition, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, installation and servicing of its products lines have been temporarily halted or significantly reduced. In addition, each segment’s revenue from leasing, licensing and selling products has been adversely impacted due to the temporary closures of our casino customers. As a result, the Company took several actions to adapt to the severity of the crisis. Among other things, the Company implemented short-term furloughs with retained benefits, company-wide salary reductions, and reduced its workforce by over 10%. Our non-employee directors have also agreed to reduce their fees by 50%. Some of the Company's customers have reopened at limited capacity, some have reopened and then been required to close again due to local conditions and regulations relating to the spread of the coronavirus, and there are also customers who still remain closed. Depending on the length of casino closures and if they are required to close again, the Company will consider additional reductions to payroll and related expenses through additional employee furloughs in order to conserve liquidity.

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $113.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. Under the First Lien Credit Agreement (defined below in Note 6), the Company was required to comply with certain financial covenants at the end of each calendar quarter, including to maintain a maximum net first lien leverage ratio of 6.0 to 1.0. On May 1, 2020, the Company entered into an Incremental Assumption and Amendment Agreement No. 4 ("Amendment No.4") which amended its First Lien Credit Agreement to, among other things, (i) provide for a suspension of the testing of the financial covenant for the fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and (ii) during the period beginning on May 1, 2020, and ending on the date on which the Company delivers a compliance certificate with respect to the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2021 (unless earlier terminated by the Company), make certain modifications to the negative covenants set forth in the First Lien Credit Agreement and, solely for purposes of determining compliance with the financial covenant during the first three quarters of 2021 once testing resumes, the calculation of EBITDA. As a result of Amendment No. 4, and based on the Company's projected operating results for the next twelve months, the Company expects that it will be in compliance with its covenants under the First Lien Credit Agreement for at least the next twelve months. Pursuant to the terms of Amendment No. 4, the Company incurred incremental term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $95.0 million, of which the Company received $83.3 million in net proceeds (after original issue discount and related fees, which is described in Note 6). The incremental term loans incurred pursuant to Amendment No. 4 bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower's option, either LIBOR or the base rate, subject to an interest rate floor plus an applicable margin of 13.0% for LIBOR loans and 12.0% for base rate loans. Any voluntary prepayment of the incremental term loans incurred pursuant to Amendment No. 4 during the first two years after May 1, 2020 will be subject to a customary “make-whole” premium. On or after May 1, 2022 and prior to November 1, 2022, a voluntary prepayment of the incremental term loans incurred pursuant to Amendment No. 4 will be accompanied by a 1.00% payment premium. Other than described above, the incremental term loans have the same terms applicable to the outstanding term loans under the First Lien Credit Agreement. As a result of the additional financing, along with cash and cash equivalents on hand as of September 30, 2020, Management believes that the Company has sufficient liquidity to fund its operating requirements and meet its obligations as they become due for at least the next twelve months.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which provides updated guidance on how an entity should measure credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaced the current incurred loss measurement methodology with a lifetime expected loss measurement methodology. Subsequently, in November 2018 the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, which clarified that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, but should rather be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05 providing targeted transition relief to all reporting entities within the scope of Topic 326. The new standard and related amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This guidance is expected to be applied using a modified retrospective approach for the cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective and using a prospective approach for debt securities for which any other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized before the effective date. The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective approach for all applicable financial assets measured at amortized cost. The Company elected the practical expedient to exclude accrued interest from tabular disclosure and not to estimate an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest. Results for reporting beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 while prior amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The standard did not materially impact our consolidated net earnings and had no impact on cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the standard prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after January 1, 2020. The standard did not materially impact our consolidated net earnings and had no impact on cash flows. 

 We do not expect that any other recently issued accounting guidance will have a significant effect on our financial statements.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS

In Bet Gaming II

During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, the Company acquired certain intangible assets related to table game intellectual property from In Bet Gaming, Inc ("In Bet II"). The acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business and the assets acquired were measured based on our estimates of their fair values at the acquisition date. We attribute the goodwill recognized to our ability to commercialize the products over our distribution and sales network, opportunities for synergies, and other strategic benefits. The consideration of $4.0 million was allocated primarily to tax deductible goodwill for $1.2 million and intangible assets of $2.8 million, which will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 9.3 years.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

Gaming equipment and other property and equipment are depreciated over the respective useful lives of the assets ranging from two to six years. Depreciation expense was $9.6 million and $11.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Depreciation expense was $30.3 million and $33.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):

⁽¹⁾ Accumulated goodwill impairment charges for the Interactive segment as of  September 30, 2020 were $8.4 million.

During the first quarter of 2020, our EGM and Table Products reporting units' operating results were significantly lower than expectations, driven by the rapid nationwide spread of the novel coronavirus and the actions taken by state and tribal governments and businesses, including the closure of casinos, in an attempt to contain the virus. Many of our customers temporarily closed their operations and the markets that we serve were significantly and adversely impacted, which was considered to be a triggering event. These closures resulted in a reduction of gaming operations revenues particularly related to our leased EGMs and Table Products as we ceased to bill our customers from the date that they closed. The closures also impacted equipment sales revenue due to a decline in our customer demand to purchase our EGMs and other products during the closures.  Accordingly, we performed a quantitative assessment, or “Step 1” analysis, as of March 31, 2020 to analyze whether this triggering event resulted in an impairment of associated goodwill in these two reporting units.  There is no balance of goodwill in the Company’s other reporting unit.

Based on our quantitative analysis, the fair value was 34% greater than the carrying value for the EGM reporting unit and 21% greater for the Table Products reporting unit. As of October 1, 2019 (the date of the Company’s annual impairment assessment), the fair values of the EGM reporting unit and the Table Products reporting unit were 50% and 111% greater than their respective carrying values. We estimated the fair value of both reporting units using the discounted cash flow method. The most significant factor in the assessment was the projected cash flows adjusted for the estimated adverse impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations.  Our projected cash flows for the current year are dependent on our assumptions for when our casino customers will reopen. The current year projected cash flows and those for future years are also impacted by our estimate of when the operations of our casino customers will return to pre-COVID-19 levels. Given the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 across our business, the long-range cash flow projections that we use to assess the fair value of our businesses and assets for purposes of impairment testing are subject to greater uncertainty than normal. Other factors included in the discounted cash flow calculation were the discount rate of 10% for EGM and 14% for Table Products and the long-term growth rate of 3% for both reporting units. As of October 1, 2019, the discount rates utilized in the discounted cash flow projections were 10% and 14% for the EGM and Table Products reporting units, respectively. During the second and third quarters of 2020, based on the performance of our re-opened customers and our related revenue share including our projections for future periods, we concluded that there are no triggering events that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below their carrying value as of  September 30, 2020. We will continue to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our operations. If our projections do not align with our actual results in future quarters, we will update the projected cash flows, which may result in an impairment of goodwill.

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

Intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives ranging from one to twelve years. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $10.9 million and $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $36.1 million and $35.3 million for the  nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

Management reviews intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. There were no impairments recorded for the period ended September 30, 2020. For the period ended  September 30, 2019, we recorded a full impairment of RMG customer relationships, gaming licenses, and game content, which had a carrying value of $0.6 million. We also reduced the value of the RMG technology platform by $0.7 million to its fair value of $0.4 million as of  September 30, 2019.

The Company enters into development agreements and placement fee agreements with certain customers to secure floor space under lease agreements for its gaming machines. Amounts paid in connection with the development agreements are repaid to the Company in accordance with the terms of the agreement, whereas placements fees are not reimbursed. For development agreements in the form of a loan, interest income is recognized on the repayment of the notes based on the stated rate or, if not stated explicitly in the development agreement, on an imputed interest rate. If the stated interest rate is deemed to be other than a market rate or zero, a discount is recorded on the note receivable as a result of the difference between the stated and market rate and a corresponding intangible asset is recorded. The intangible asset is recognized in the financial statements as a contract right under development agreement and amortized as a reduction in revenue over the term of the agreement. Placement fees can be in the form of cash paid upfront or free lease periods and are accreted over the life of the contract and the expense is recorded as a reduction of revenue. We recorded a reduction of gaming operations revenue from the accretion of contract rights under development agreements and placement fees of $1.9 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We recorded a reduction of gaming operations revenue from the accretion of contract rights under development agreements and placement fees of $5.6 million and $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

NOTE 5. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

First Lien Credit Facilities

On June 6, 2017 (the “Closing Date”), AP Gaming I, LLC (the “Borrower”), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, entered into a first lien credit agreement (“the First Lien Credit Agreement”), providing for $450.0 million in term loans and a $30.0 million revolving credit facility. The proceeds of the term loans were used primarily to repay the Company's then existing term loans, other indebtedness, to pay for the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing and otherwise for general corporate purposes. The full amount of the revolving credit facility was drawn on March 19, 2020 as a precautionary measure in order to increase the Company’s cash position and facilitate financial flexibility in light of the uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. The full amount of the revolving credit facility was repaid in October 2020 and remains available for the Company to draw upon in the future. The term loans will mature on February 15, 2024, and the revolving credit facility will mature on June 6, 2022. The term loans require scheduled quarterly payments in amounts equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the term loans, with the balance due at maturity.  Borrowings under the term loans and revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower’s option, either LIBOR or the base rate, subject to an interest rate floor plus an applicable margin rate. In addition, on a quarterly basis, the Borrower is required to pay each lender under the revolving credit facility a commitment fee in respect of any unused commitments thereunder at a rate of 0.50% per annum.

On December 6, 2017, the Borrower entered into incremental facilities for $65.0 million in term loans (the “December Incremental Term Loans”).  The net proceeds of the December Incremental Term Loans were used to finance the acquisition of electronic gaming machines and related assets operated by Rocket Gaming Systems (“Rocket”) and to pay fees and expenses in connection therewith and for general corporate purposes. 

An additional $1.0 million in loan costs were incurred related to the issuance of the December Incremental Term Loans. Given the composition of the lender group, the transaction was accounted for as a debt modification and, as such, $0.9 million in third-party costs were expensed and included in the loss on extinguishment and modification of debt. The remaining amount was capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the agreement.

On February 8, 2018, the Borrower completed the repricing of its existing $513.0 million term loans under its First Lien Credit Agreement (the “Term Loans”). The Term Loans were repriced from 550 basis points to 425 basis points over LIBOR. The LIBOR floor remained at 100 basis points.

On February 8, 2018, in connection with the repricing of the Term Loans, third-party costs of $1.2 million were expensed and included in the loss and modification of debt. Existing debt issuance costs of $0.4 million were written-off and also included in the loss on extinguishment and modification of debt.

On October 5, 2018, the Borrower entered into an Incremental Assumption and Amendment Agreement No. 2 (the “Incremental Agreement No. 2”) with certain of the Borrower’s subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto from time to time and the administrative agent. The Incremental Agreement No. 2 amended and restated that certain First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2017, as amended on December 6, 2017 and as amended and restated on February 8, 2018 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto, the administrative agent and other parties named therein (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), to (a) reduce the applicable interest rate margin for the Term B Loans (as repriced, the “Repriced Term B Loans”) under the Credit Agreement by 0.75% (which shall increase by an additional 0.25% if at any time the Borrower receives a corporate credit rating of at least B1 from Moody’s, regardless of any future rating) and (b) provide for the incurrence by the Borrower of incremental term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $30.0 million (the “Incremental Term Loans” and together with the Repriced Term B Loans, the “Term B Loans”).

On October 5, 2018, in connection with the repricing of the Term Loans, third-party costs of $1.5 million were expensed and included in the loss on extinguishment and modification of debt.

On August 30, 2019, the Borrower entered into Amendment No. 3 (the "Repricing Amendment") to the credit agreement. The Repricing Amendment reduced the interest rate margin on the revolving credit facility to the same interest rate margin as the term loans issued under the credit agreement.

On May 1, 2020 the Borrower entered into an Incremental Assumption and Amendment Agreement No. 4 (“Amendment No. 4”) with certain of the Borrower’s subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto and the administrative agent, which amended the First Lien Credit Agreement to provide for covenant relief (as described in Note 1) as well as an aggregate principal amount of $95.0 million in incremental term loans, of which the net proceeds received by the Company were $83.3 million after original issue discount and related fees. The incremental term loans incurred pursuant to Amendment No. 4 bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower’s option, either LIBOR or the base rate, subject to an interest rate floor plus an applicable margin of 13% for LIBOR loans and 12% for base rate loans. Any voluntary prepayment of the incremental term loans incurred pursuant to Amendment No. 4 during the first two years after May 1, 2020 will subject to a customary ”make-whole” premium. On or after May 1, 2022 and prior to November 1, 2022, a voluntary prepayment of the incremental term loans incurred pursuant to Amendment No. 4 will be accompanied by a 1.00% payment premium. Other than described above, the incremental term loans have the same terms applicable to the outstanding term loans under the First Lien Credit Agreement.

An additional $11.7 million in loan costs including original issue discount, lender fees, and third-party costs were incurred related to Amendment No. 4. Given the composition of the lender group, the transaction was accounted for as a debt modification for existing lenders and, as such, $3.1 million in third-party costs were expensed and included in the loss on extinguishment and modification of debt. The remaining $8.6 million was capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the agreement.

As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with the required covenants of our debt instruments.  See Note 1 “Liquidity and Financing and COVID-19” for a description of a change to our financial covenants for future periods.

Finance Leases

The Company has entered into leases for vehicles and equipment that are accounted for as finance leases.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide that our authorized capital stock will consist of 450,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of September 30, 2020, we have 35,697,583 shares of common stock and zero shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

Voting Rights. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted for action by the stockholders, and do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of our directors. 

Dividend and Distribution Rights

All shares of our common stock are entitled to share equally in any dividends and distributions our board of directors may declare from legally available sources, subject to the terms of any outstanding preferred stock.

Share repurchase program

During 2019, the board of directors approved a share repurchase program that will permit the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of the Company’s shares of common stock through August 11, 2021.

NOTE 8. WRITE-DOWNS AND OTHER CHARGES

The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income include various transactions, such as loss on disposal or impairment of long-lived assets and fair value adjustments to contingent consideration that have been classified as write-downs and other charges. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $1.9 million in write-downs and other charges primarily related to the write-off of placement fee intangible assets associated with the sale of previously leased EGMs to distributors in the period.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $2.8 million in write-downs and other charges driven by the write-off of placement fee intangible assets associated with the sale of previously leased EGMs to distributors in the period of $1.9 million, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration of $0.8 million (the Company used level 3 fair value inputs based on projected cash flows), and $0.1 million in other write-downs.

During the three months ended  September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $0.8 million in write-downs and other charges driven by losses from the disposal of assets of $0.6 million, impairment to intangible assets of $0.1 million related to game titles (the Company used level 3 fair value measurements based on projected cash flows) and a fair value adjustment to contingent consideration of $0.1 million (the Company used level 3 fair value measurements based on projected cash flows).

During the nine months ended   September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $6.9 million in write-downs and other charges driven by the impairment of goodwill in our RMG Interactive reporting unit of $3.5 million as well as related impairments of intangible assets in the RMG Interactive reporting unit of $1.3 million. We also recorded losses from the disposal of assets of $1.0 million, an impairment to intangible assets of $0.5 million related to game titles (the Company used level 3 fair value measurements based on projected cash flows) and a fair value adjustment to contingent consideration of $0.5 million (the Company used level 3 fair value measurements based on projected cash flows).

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 9. BASIC AND DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE

The Company computes net (loss) income per share in accordance with accounting guidance that requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) on the face of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net (loss) income for the period by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Basic EPS includes common stock weighted for average number of shares issued during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net (loss) income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, increased by potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS excludes all potential dilutive shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive common shares include stock options and restricted stock (see Note 11).

There were no potentially dilutive securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended  September 30, 2020 were 955,792 restricted shares, as such securities were anti-dilutive. Excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the nine months ended  September 30, 2020 were 857,453 restricted shares and 43,454 stock options, as such securities were anti-dilutive.

Excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended  September 30, 2019 was 651,611 restricted shares and 505,309 stock options, as such securities were anti-dilutive. Excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was 594,265 restricted shares and 733,605 stock options, as such securities were anti-dilutive.

NOTE 10. BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has established a 401(k) plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for its employees. The 401(k) Plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their earnings, and the Company may match a percentage of the contributions on a discretionary basis. In April 2020, the Company temporarily suspended 401(k) matching contributions and there were no contribution expenses associated with the 401(k) Plan for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The expense associated with the 401(k) Plan for the three months ended September 2019, was $0.3 million. The expense associated with the 401(k) Plan for the nine months ended  September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $0.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

On April 28, 2014, the board of directors of the Company approved the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). Under the LTIP, the Company is authorized to grant nonqualified stock options, rights to purchase shares of common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards to be settled in, or based upon, shares of common stock to persons who are directors and employees of and consultants to the Company or any of its subsidiaries on the date of the grant. The LTIP will terminate ten years after approval by the board. Subject to adjustments in connection with certain changes in capitalization, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards under the LTIP is 2,253,735 after giving effect to the 1.5543 - for - 1 stock split consummated on January 30, 2018 in connection with our initial public offering.  As of September 30, 2020, 423,268 shares remain available for issuance; however, the Company will not issue additional awards under this plan.

On January 16, 2018, our board adopted and our stockholders approved the 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”) pursuant to which equity-based and cash incentives may be granted to participating employees, directors and consultants. The Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended, provides for an aggregate of 4,607,389 shares of our common stock and 2,186,046 shares remain available for issuance.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has granted equity or equity-based awards to eligible participants under its incentive plans. The awards include options to purchase the Company’s common stock, restricted stock or restricted stock units and phantom stock units. These awards include a combination of service and market conditions, as further described below. 

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $0.1 million in stock-based compensation for stock options and $1.6 million for restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $0.3 million in stock-based compensation for stock options and $4.4 million for restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. For the three months ended  September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $0.2 million in stock-based compensation for stock options and $1.8 million for restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. For the nine months ended  September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $0.7 million in stock-based compensation for stock options and $4.6 million for restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards. 

We recognize stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for time-based awards and we recognize the expense for awards with market conditions over the service period derived from the related valuation. As of September 30, 2020, $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense was associated with stock options, $12.0 million was associated with restricted stock or restricted stock units and $2.1 million with phantom stock units. The unrecognized compensation expense associated with stock options, restricted and phantom stock units is expected to be recognized over a 1.4, 2.3 and 2.5 year weighted average period, respectively.

The Company calculates the grant date fair value of stock options that vest over a service period using the Black Scholes model. For stock options and other stock awards that contain a market condition related to the return on investment that the Company’s stockholders achieve or obtaining a certain stock price, the awards are valued using a lattice-based valuation model. The assumptions used in these calculations are the expected dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected term (in years). Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from comparable companies. The expected time to liquidity is based on Management’s estimate. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve for a term equivalent to the estimated time to liquidity. There were no options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Stock Options 

Stock option awards represent options to purchase common stock and are granted pursuant to the Company’s incentive plans, and include options that the Company primarily classifies as Tranche A or time based, Tranche B and Tranche C.

Tranche A or time-based options are eligible to vest in equal installments of 20% or 25% on each of the first five or four anniversaries of the date of the grant, subject to continued employment with the Company or its subsidiaries. In the event of a termination of employment without cause or as a result of death or disability, any such time-based options which would have vested on the next applicable vesting date shall become vested, and the remaining unvested time-based options shall be forfeited. In addition, upon a Change in Control (as defined in the incentive plans), subject to continued employment through the date of the Change in Control, all outstanding unvested time-based options shall immediately vest. An IPO does not qualify as a Change in Control as it relates to the vesting of stock options.

All other option awards are eligible to vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance conditions (collectively, “Performance Options”). These performance conditions included the achievement of investor returns or common stock trading prices. These performance conditions were achieved in October of 2018 for all Performance Options that have been granted and there are currently 556,763 Performance Options exercisable and outstanding.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

A summary of the changes in stock options outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is as follows:

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are typically eligible to vest in equal installments of 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of the grant, subject to continued employment with the Company or its subsidiaries. In the event of a termination of employment without cause upon or within 12 months following a change in control or as a result of death or disability, any such unvested time-based awards shall become vested.

Certain restricted stock units are eligible to vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance conditions. Vesting occurs on the first day that the average price per share of our common stock for the prior 60 consecutive trading days exceeds certain stock prices, subject to continued employment with the Company or its subsidiaries.

A summary of the changes in restricted stock outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is as follows:

Phantom Stock Units

Phantom stock awards are typically eligible to vest in equal installments of 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of the grant, subject to continued employment with the Company or its subsidiaries. In the event of a termination of employment without cause upon or within 12 months following a change in control or as a result of death or disability, any such unvested awards shall become vested. The first vesting tranche of the phantom stock award must be settled in cash and the second, third and fourth vesting tranches may be settled in cash or stock at the Company’s discretion. The phantom stock awards that the Company intends to settle in cash are accounted for as liability awards and are re-measured at fair value each reporting period until they become vested with compensation expense being recognized over the requisite service period. The liability associated with such rewards is included in “Accrued Liabilities” within the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. All other stock-based awards are classified as equity.

A summary of the changes in phantom stock outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is as follows:

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES

The Company's effective income tax rate for the three months ended  September 30, 2020, was a benefit of 13.1%. The difference between the federal statutory rate of 21.0% and the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended  September 30, 2019, was primarily due to changes in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and lapse in the applicable statute of limitations for certain uncertain tax positions. The Company's effective income tax rate for the three months ended  September 30, 2019, was an expense of 53.6%. The difference between the federal statutory rate of 21.0% and the Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended  September 30, 2019, was primarily due to changes in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and changes in the estimated forecast of pre-tax book income and loss for each respective jurisdiction.

The Company's effective income tax rate for the nine months ended  September 30, 2020, was a benefit of 6.9%. The difference between the federal statutory rate of 21.0% and the Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended  September 30, 2020, was primarily due to changes in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, various permanent items and lapse in the applicable statute of limitations for certain uncertain tax positions. The Company's effective income tax rate for the nine months ended  September 30, 2019, was a benefit of 23.1%. The difference between the federal statutory rate of 21.0% and the Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, was primarily due to changes in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, various permanent items, lapse in the applicable statute of limitations for certain uncertain tax positions and impairment of goodwill.

The Company entered into an indemnification agreement with the prior owners of Cadillac Jack (acquired in May of 2015) whereby the prior owners have agreed to indemnify the Company for changes in tax positions by taxing authorities for periods prior to the acquisition. As of September 30, 2020, an indemnification receivable of $0.7 million has been recorded in other assets in the financial statements. This amount includes the indemnification of the original pre-acquisition tax positions along with any related accrued interest and penalties and is offset by a corresponding liability for unrecognized tax benefits in other long-term liabilities. When the related unrecognized tax benefits are favorably resolved, a corresponding charge to relieve the associated indemnification receivable would be recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, there was no change in the indemnification receivable. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized a $3.2 million reduction in the indemnification receivable and related charges in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income primarily due to lapse in the applicable statute of limitations on indemnified tax positions. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized a $0.1 million increase and a $5.4 million reduction in the indemnification receivable and related charge in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income due to accrued interest and lapse in the applicable statute of limitations on indemnified tax positions.

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is subject to federal, state and Native American laws and regulations that affect both its general commercial relationships with its customers, as well as the products and services provided to them. Periodically, the Company reviews the status of each significant matter and assesses the potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be estimated, the Company accrues a liability for the estimated loss. If a potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered reasonably possible, the Company discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, the Company reassesses the potential liability related to their pending claims and litigation and may revise their estimates. Such revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on the results of operations and financial condition.

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded a $1.6 million loss reserve, for which insurance coverage has been triggered. In accordance with GAAP, the offsetting insurance recovery will be recognized when it is realized or realizable in a future period.

On June 25, 2020, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Case No. 20-cv-1209, by Manjan Chowdhury against the Company and certain of its officers, individually and on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Company securities between August 2, 2018 and August 7, 2019. The complaint alleges that the defendants made false and misleading statements concerning the Company’s forward-looking financial outlook and accounting for goodwill and intangible assets in its RMG Interactive reporting unit, resulting in injury to the purported class members as a result of the decline in the value of the Company’s common stock following its release of its second quarter 2019 results on August 7, 2019. The complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The defendants believe the claims are without merit, and intend to defend vigorously against them, but there can be no assurances as to the outcome.

On July 31, 2020, a second plaintiff, Andrew Miller, filed a putative class action lawsuit in the same court that alleges essentially the same claims on behalf of the same putative class against the same defendants as in the earlier-filed Chowdhury action. U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, Case No. 20-cv-1428. As in Chowdhury, the complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The defendants believe these claims too are without merit, and intend to defend vigorously against them, but there can be no assurances as to the outcome.

On August 4, 2020, a third plaintiff, Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System (“OPPRS”), filed a putative class action lawsuit in the same court asserting similar claims to those alleged in Chowdhury and Miller, based on substantially the same conduct. U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, Case No. 20-cv-1443. Specifically, OPPRS claims that the Company, certain of its officers, and certain entities that allegedly beneficially held over 50% of the Company’s common stock at the beginning of the class period, violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by allegedly making false and misleading statements concerning, among other things, the Company’s forward-looking financial outlook and accounting for goodwill and intangible assets in its iGaming reporting unit, and the adequacy of its internal controls over financial reporting, resulting in injury to the purported class members as a result of the decline in the value of the Company’s common stock following its release of its second quarter 2019 results on August 7, 2019.  OPPRS brings these Exchange Act claims on behalf of a slightly larger putative class than in Chowdhury and Miller, and includes all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Company securities between May 3, 2018 and August 7, 2019. In addition, based on substantially similar alleged false or misleading statements, OPPRS asserts claims under Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, on behalf of all persons who purchased Company common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s August 2018 and March 2019 secondary public offerings.  These secondary offering claims are brought against the same defendants identified above, plus certain of the Company’s directors and the underwriters.  The defendants believe the claims are without merit, and intend to defend vigorously against them, but there can be no assurances as to the outcome.

These three related putative class actions pending in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada will be consolidated in the next few months.

PLAYAGS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 14. OPERATING SEGMENTS

We report our business segment results by segment in accordance with the “management approach.” The Management approach designates the internal reporting used by our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), who is our Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), for making decisions and assessing performance of our reportable segments.

See Note 1 for a detailed discussion of our three segments. Each segment’s activities include the design, development, acquisition, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, installation and servicing of its product lines. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on revenues and segment adjusted EBITDA, which is defined in the paragraph below.

Segment revenues include leasing, licensing, or selling of products within each reportable segment. Segment adjusted EBITDA includes the revenues and operating expenses from each segment adjusted for depreciation, amortization, write-downs and other charges, accretion of placement fees, non-cash stock based compensation expense, as well as other costs such as certain acquisitions and integration-related costs including restructuring and severance charges; initial public offering and secondary offerings costs; legal and litigation expenses including settlement payments; new jurisdictions and regulatory licensing costs; non-cash charges on capitalized installation and delivery; contract cancellation fees; and other adjustments primarily composed of professional fees incurred by the Company for projects, corporate and public filing compliance and other costs deemed to be non-recurring in nature. Revenues in each segment are attributable to third parties and segment operating expenses are directly associated with the product lines included in each segment such as research and development, product approval costs, product-related litigation expenses, sales commissions and other directly allocable sales expenses. Cost of gaming operations and cost of equipment sales primarily include the cost of products sold, service, manufacturing overhead, shipping and installation.

Segment adjusted EBITDA excludes other income and expense, income taxes and certain expenses that are managed outside of the operating segments.

The following provides financial information concerning our reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):   

⁽¹⁾ Non-cash item related to the accretion of contract rights under development agreements and placement fees.

The Company’s CODM does not receive a report with a measure of total assets or capital expenditures for each reportable segment as this information is not used for the evaluation of segment performance. The CODM assesses the performance of each segment based on adjusted EBITDA and not based on assets or capital expenditures due to the fact that two of the Company’s reportable segments, Table Products and Interactive, are not capital intensive. Any capital expenditure information is provided to the CODM on a consolidated basis. Therefore, the Company has not provided asset and capital expenditure information by reportable segment.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include any statements that address future results or occurrences. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or the negatives thereof. Generally, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as those discussed under “Item 1. Business” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2019 are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning our possible or assumed future actions and business strategies. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given the risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments unless required by federal securities law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, or unless specifically stated otherwise, references to the “Company”, “PlayAGS”, “AGS”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to PlayAGS, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Overview

We are a leading designer and supplier of EGMs and other products and services for the gaming industry. We operate our business in three distinct segments: EGMs, Table Products and Interactive. Each segment's activities include the design, development, acquisition, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, installation and servicing of a distinct product line. Founded in 2005, we historically focused on supplying EGMs, including slot machines, video bingo machines, and other electronic gaming devices, to the Native American gaming market. Since 2014, we have expanded our product line-up to include: (i) Class III EGMs for commercial and Native American casinos permitted to operate Class III EGMs, (ii) table game products and (iii) interactive products, all of which we believe provide us with growth opportunities as we expand in markets where we currently have limited or no presence. For the period ended September 30, 2020, approximately 74% of our total revenue was generated through recurring contracted lease agreements whereby we place EGMs and table game products at our customers’ gaming facilities under either a revenue sharing agreement (we receive a percentage of the revenues that these products generate) or fee-per-day agreement (we receive a daily or monthly fixed fee per EGM or table game product), or recurring revenue from our Interactive gaming operations.

EGM Segment

EGMs constitute our largest segment, representing 91% of our revenue for three months ended September 30, 2020. We have a library of proprietary game titles that we deliver on several state-of-the-art EGM cabinets. These include our premium lease only cabinets the Orion Starwall, Orion Rise and Big Red. Also, our core cabinets that are available for sale and lease include the Orion Portrait, Orion Curve, Orion Slant, Orion Upright and ICON.

We design all of our cabinets with the intention of capturing the attention of players on casino floors while aiming to maximize operator profits. We offer our customers the option of either leasing or purchasing our EGMs and associated gaming systems. Currently, we derive a substantial portion all of our revenues from EGMs installed under revenue sharing or fee-per-day lease agreements, also known as “participation” agreements, and we refer to such revenue generation as our “participation model”. 

Table Products

In addition to our existing portfolio of EGMs, we also offer our customers more than 40 unique table product offerings, including live felt table games, side bet offerings, progressives, card shufflers, signage, and other ancillary table game equipment. Our table products are designed to enhance the table games section of the casino floor (commonly known as “the pit”). Over the past 10 years, there has been a trend of introducing side bets on blackjack tables to increase the game’s overall hold. Our table products segment offers a full suite of side bets and specialty table games that capitalize on this trend, and we believe that this segment will serve as an important growth engine for the Company, including by generating further cross-selling opportunities with our EGM offerings. As of September 30, 2020, we had an installed base of 4,012 table products domestically and internationally and we believe we are presently a leading supplier of table products to the gaming industry based on number of products placed.

Our Table Products segment focuses on high margin recurring revenue generated by leases. Nearly all of the revenue we generate in this segment is recurring.

Interactive

We operate a Business-to-Business ("B2B") online gaming platform for content aggregation that we offer to our real-money gaming (“RMG”) online casino customers. Our B2B platform, the AxSys Games Marketplace, aggregates content from several game suppliers and offers online casino operators the convenience to reduce the number of integrations that are needed to supply the online casino. By integrating with us, online casino operators have access to a significant amount of content from numerous game suppliers. We operate the AxSys Games Marketplace in regulated, legal online gaming jurisdictions such as the UK, parts of Europe, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
 
We also operate Business-to-Consumer (“B2C”) social casino games that include online versions of our popular EGM titles and are accessible to players worldwide on multiple mobile platforms, which we believe establishes brand recognition. Our B2C social casino games operate on a free-to-play model, whereby game players may collect virtual currency or other virtual consumable goods (collectively referred to as “virtual goods” or “virtual currency”) free of charge or the player may purchase additional virtual goods. Our B2C social casino games are available on our mobile app, Lucky Play Casino. The app contains numerous AGS game titles available for consumers to play for free or with virtual currency they purchase in the app.

Key Drivers of Our Business

Our revenues are impacted by the following key factors:

The factors above have been significantly affected by COVID-19 and the related closure of nearly all of our casino customer locations. Due to the business disruption caused by the rapid nationwide spread of the novel coronavirus and the actions by state and tribal governments and businesses to contain the virus, almost all of the Company’s customers closed their operations during the month of March and April 2020 and their respective markets have been significantly and adversely impacted. Beginning in May 2020 and continuing through September, casinos began to reopen at limited capacity and nearly all of our customers' casino properties in the United States and Canada were partially open as of September 30, 2020 under limited operations. As of September 30, 2020, in Mexico, approximately half of our customers' casinos were partially open under capacity limitations. As a result of the temporary closures of our casino customers, there has been a decrease in the amount of money spent by consumers on our revenue shared installed base and the amount of daily fees of our participation EGMs and a slow down to the expansion of existing casinos or development of new casinos. Specifically, gaming operations revenue and equipment sales have decreased compared to the prior year period as a result of the temporary closures of our casino customers. Similarly, our EGM and Table Products segment operating results have been disrupted because each segment’s activities including design, development, acquisition, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, installation and servicing of its products lines have been temporarily halted or significantly reduced. In addition, each segment’s revenue from leasing, licensing and selling products has been adversely impacted due to the temporary closures of our casino customers. As a result, the Company took several actions to adapt to the severity of the crisis. Among other things, the Company implemented short-term furloughs with retained benefits, company-wide salary reductions, and reduced its workforce by over 10%. Our non-employee directors have also agreed to reduce their fees by 50%. Some of the Company's customers have reopened at limited capacity, some have reopened and then been required to close again due to local conditions and regulations relating to the spread of the coronavirus, and there are also customers who still remain closed. Depending on the length of casino closures and if they are required to close again, the Company will consider additional reductions to payroll and related expenses through additional employee furloughs in order to conserve liquidity.

Our expenses are impacted by the following key factors:

Variations in our selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses are primarily due to changes in employment and salaries and related fringe benefits.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

We have made several strategic acquisitions over the past two years. 

In Bet Gaming II.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we acquired certain intangible assets related to table game intellectual property from In Bet Gaming, Inc (“In Bet II”). The acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business and the assets acquired were measured based on our estimates of their fair values at the acquisition date. We attribute the goodwill recognized to our ability to commercialize the products over our distribution and sales network, opportunities for synergies, and other strategic benefits. The consideration of $4.0 million was allocated primarily to tax deductible goodwill for $1.2 million and intangible assets of $2.8 million.
 
Integrity.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we acquired all of the equity of Integrity Gaming Corp. (“Integrity”), a regional slot route operator with over 2,500 gaming machines in operation across over 33 casinos in Oklahoma and Texas. The acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were measured based on our estimates of their fair values at the acquisition date. We attribute the goodwill recognized to our ability to utilize Integrity’s installed base to maximize revenue of the combined product portfolio and the synergies we can obtain through the reduction in our combined service and overhead costs. The total consideration for this acquisition was $52.6 million. The consideration was allocated primarily to non-tax deductible goodwill for $11.4 million, property and equipment of $12.7 million and intangible assets of $30.6 million.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

The following tables set forth certain selected condensed consolidated financial data for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): 

Revenues 

Gaming Operations.

Gaming operations revenue decreased $16.2 million primarily due to a decrease in our EGM and Table Products segments. EGM RPD decreased by 26.3% compared to the prior year and tables average lease price decreased by 27.2% due to the temporary casino closures that began in March 2020 caused by COVID-19. Nearly all of the Company's customers were closed during April 2020 and a limited number began to reopen at reduced capacity starting in late-May through September 2020. As of September 30, 2020, nearly all of our customers' casino properties in the United States and Canada were open under limited operations. On September 30, 2020 in Mexico, approximately half of our customers' casinos were open under capacity limitations. Additional decreases in gaming operations revenue are due to a decrease in our domestic EGM installed base year over year due to sales of 1,367, lower yielding units to distributors during the last twelve months (891 in prior periods and 476 in the third quarter of 2020). During the third quarter, several of our customers reconfigured their slot floors in response to COVID and, as a result, removed nearly 350 EGMs from our domestic installed base. Our international EGM installed base also decreased year over year due primarily to the permanent closure of certain casinos in Mexico and the sale of previously leased EGMs during the last twelve months. The decrease in our EGM and Table Products segments was partially offset by an increase of $0.7 million in our Interactive segment primarily related to an increase in our RMG revenues.

Equipment Sales.

The decrease in equipment sales was primarily due to a decrease of 1,004 EGMs sold year over year. We sold 387 EGM units during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 1,391 EGM units in the prior year period. EGM equipment sales revenue also includes revenue from the sale of 476 previously leased, lower yielding units to a distributor in the current year period, which units are not included in our sold unit count or domestic average sales price.

Operating Expenses

Cost of gaming operations. The decrease in costs of gaming operations was the result of a $2.2 million decrease in direct expenses that are related to the volume of revenue primarily due to decreased activity as a result of the temporary casino closures and limited capacity of re-opened casinos caused by COVID-19. The decrease was also attributable to a decrease in field service-related expenses year over year by $0.9 million. These decreases were partially offset by $0.8 million increases in inventory valuation related charges. As a percentage of gaming operations revenue, costs of gaming operations was 22.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 19.4% for the prior year period.

Cost of Equipment Sales. - The decrease in cost of equipment sales is attributable to the 387 EGM units sold during the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 1,391 units sold in prior year period. As a percentage of equipment sales revenue, costs of equipment sales was 30.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 50.2% for the prior year period and the difference is primarily due to the 476 units sold to a distributor in the current year at a higher margin than the Company's historical average margin.

Selling, general and administrative. - The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily due to a decrease of $2.7 million in salary and benefits, and a $0.8 million decrease in sales and marketing expense, resulting from Management's actions taken to decrease spending amid the COVID-19 crisis including employee furloughs, reduction in work force and salary reductions. The prior year expense included a $1.6 million loss reserve recorded in the third quarter that is described in Item 1 “Financial Statements” Note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. These decreases were offset by $1.2 million in bad debt expense recorded in the current year related to accounts receivable from our customers in Mexico.

Research and development. - The decrease in research and development expenses is primarily due to a decrease of $1.9 million in salary and benefits and a $0.3 million decrease in delayed development fees resulting from Management's actions taken to decrease spending amid the COVID-19 crisis including employee furloughs, reduction in work force and salary reduction. 

Write-downs and other charges. - During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $1.9 million in write-downs and other charges primarily related to the write-off of placement fee intangible assets associated with the sale of previously leased EGMs to distributors in the period.

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $0.8 million in write-downs and other charges driven by losses from the disposal of assets of $0.6 million, impairment to intangible assets of $0.1 million related to game titles and a fair value adjustment to contingent consideration of $0.1 million.

Depreciation and amortization. - The decrease was predominantly due to several assets purchased in Cadillac Jack acquisition that reached the end of their five-year useful lives during the current year.

Other Expense, net

Interest expense. The increase in interest expense is predominantly attributed to an increase of $95.0 million in the principal amounts outstanding under the incremental first lien credit facilities, an increase of $30.0 million in debt outstanding on our revolving credit facility and additional interest from financed placement fees. See Item 1. “Financial Statements” Note 6 for a detailed discussion regarding long-term debt. These increases in debt principal are offset by a decrease in variable interest rate applicable to the loans under the first lien credit facilities year over year.

Other expense.  The change in other expense was due to the effect of foreign currency fluctuation on trade payables and receivables denominated in foreign currencies.

Income Taxes. The Company's effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was a benefit of 13.1%. The difference between the federal statutory rate of 21.0% and the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to changes in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and lapse in the applicable statute of limitations for certain uncertain tax positions. The Company's effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019, was an expense of 53.6%. The difference between the federal statutory rate of 21.0% and the Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019, was primarily due to changes in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and changes in the estimated forecast of pre-tax book income and loss for each respective jurisdiction.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

The following tables set forth certain selected condensed consolidated financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):