PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
OR
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For transition period from to
Commission File Number 001-39652
PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 88-1802794 | |||||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
10150 Covington Cross Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89144
(725) 877-7000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Class A common stock | MYPS | Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
Redeemable warrants exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share | MYPSW | Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☒ | ||||||||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||
Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes ☐ No ☒
As of October 31, 2023, there were 117,573,136 shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 16,457,769 shares of Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding.
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Table of Contents
Page | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 | |||||
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this Quarterly Report, about our future financial performance, strategy, expansion plans, future operations, future operating results, estimated revenues, losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “goal,” “project” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, statements about:
•our business strategy and market opportunity;
•our future financial performance, including our expectations regarding our revenue, cost of revenue, gross profit, or gross margin, operating expenses (including changes in sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses), and profitability;
•market acceptance of our games;
•our ability to raise financing in the future and the global credit and financial markets;
•factors relating to our business, operations, financial performance, and our subsidiaries, including:
◦changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which we operate, variations in operating performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting our business;
◦our ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realize additional opportunities; and
◦general economic conditions and their impact on levels of spending by players, our awards partners, and our advertisers, including risks of inflation and recession and other macroeconomic conditions.
•our ability to maintain relationships with our platforms, such as the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore, and Facebook;
•the accounting for our outstanding warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock;
•our ability to develop, maintain, and improve our internal control over financial reporting;
•our ability to maintain, protect, and enhance our intellectual property rights;
•our ability to successfully defend litigation brought against us;
•our ability to successfully identify, close and integrate acquisitions to contribute to our growth objectives;
•our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors;
•the impact of geopolitical conditions, including the wars between Ukraine and Russia and between the State of Israel and Hamas, as well as evolving conflicts in surrounding areas; and
•the impact of public health epidemics or pandemics (including COVID-19) on our business.
These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans, estimates and projections in light of information currently available to us, and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in other filings that we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time, that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the risks described under the heading
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“Risk Factors” are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any risk factor or combination of risk factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are also not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
We intend to announce material information to the public through our Investor Relations website, ir.playstudios.com, SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and public webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors, customers, and the public about our company, our offerings, and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on our website or social media could be deemed to be material information. As such, we encourage investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above, including our website and the social media channels listed on our Investor Relations website, and to review the information disclosed through such channels. Any updates to the list of disclosure channels through which we will announce information will be posted on the investor relations page on our website.
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PART I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
PLAYSTUDIOS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited, in thousands, except par value amounts)
(unaudited, in thousands, except par value amounts)
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 129,807 | $ | 134,000 | |||||||
Receivables | 29,501 | 27,016 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 10,777 | 14,963 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 170,085 | 175,979 | |||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 18,027 | 17,532 | |||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 10,212 | 15,562 | |||||||||
Intangibles assets and internal-use software, net | 74,717 | 77,231 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 47,133 | 47,133 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 20,991 | 13,969 | |||||||||
Other long-term assets | 3,534 | 4,603 | |||||||||
Total non-current assets | 174,614 | 176,030 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 344,699 | $ | 352,009 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
Accounts payable | 2,658 | 4,425 | |||||||||
Warrant liabilities | 2,301 | 3,682 | |||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 4,219 | 4,571 | |||||||||
Accrued liabilities | 25,413 | 21,473 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 34,591 | 34,151 | |||||||||
Minimum guarantee liability | — | 1,500 | |||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 6,545 | 11,660 | |||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 1,327 | 2,385 | |||||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 7,872 | 15,545 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 42,463 | $ | 49,696 | |||||||
Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value (100,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022) | — | — | |||||||||
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value (2,000,000 shares authorized, 122,090 and 116,756 shares issued, and 117,367 and 115,635 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively) | 12 | 11 | |||||||||
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value (25,000 shares authorized, 16,457 and 16,457 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively). | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 306,111 | 290,337 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 17,227 | 16,756 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,022) | (151) | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,723 and 1,166 shares at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively | (20,094) | (4,642) | |||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 302,236 | 302,313 | |||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 344,699 | $ | 352,009 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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PLAYSTUDIOS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenue | $ | 75,858 | $ | 72,127 | $ | 233,774 | $ | 210,931 | |||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenue(1) | 19,862 | 21,703 | 58,276 | 63,657 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing | 18,786 | 19,249 | 55,283 | 59,336 | |||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | 17,367 | 15,110 | 53,503 | 46,561 | |||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 10,747 | 9,864 | 33,688 | 28,763 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 11,537 | 8,583 | 33,686 | 25,265 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring and related | 1,280 | 796 | 7,112 | 10,968 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating costs and expenses | 79,579 | 75,305 | 241,548 | 234,550 | |||||||||||||||||||
Loss from operations | (3,721) | (3,178) | (7,774) | (23,619) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | 4,216 | 4,676 | 1,381 | 1,139 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest income, net | 1,364 | 843 | 3,521 | 1,050 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other (loss) income, net | (198) | (475) | 906 | (836) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other income, net | 5,382 | 5,044 | 5,808 | 1,353 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 1,661 | 1,866 | (1,966) | (22,266) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit | 2,139 | 1,763 | 2,437 | 6,186 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 3,800 | $ | 3,629 | $ | 471 | $ | (16,080) | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | — | $ | (0.13) | |||||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.02 | $ | — | $ | (0.13) | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 133,351 | 129,032 | 132,546 | 127,529 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 149,655 | 146,920 | 148,911 | 127,529 |
(1)Amounts exclude depreciation and amortization.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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PLAYSTUDIOS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(unaudited, in thousands)
(unaudited, in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 3,800 | $ | 3,629 | $ | 471 | $ | (16,080) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment(1) | (393) | (159) | (871) | (561) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive loss | (393) | (159) | (871) | (561) | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 3,407 | $ | 3,470 | $ | (400) | $ | (16,641) |
(1)These amounts are presented gross of the effect of income taxes. The total change in foreign currency translation adjustment and the corresponding effect of income taxes are immaterial.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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PLAYSTUDIOS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited, in thousands)
(unaudited, in thousands)
Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2022 | 111,883 | $ | 11 | 16,130 | $ | 2 | $ | 280,756 | $ | (9) | $ | 14,830 | $ | 295,590 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3,629 | 3,629 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 1,037 | — | 327 | — | 459 | — | — | 459 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares upon vesting of restricted stock units | 487 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | 3,984 | — | — | 3,984 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (159) | — | (159) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2022 | 113,407 | $ | 11 | 16,457 | $ | 2 | $ | 285,199 | $ | (168) | $ | 18,459 | $ | 303,503 |
Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 | 110,066 | $ | 11 | 16,130 | $ | 2 | $ | 268,522 | $ | 393 | $ | 34,539 | $ | 303,467 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | (16,080) | (16,080) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 1,823 | — | 327 | — | 1,148 | — | — | 1,148 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares upon vesting of restricted stock units | 1,518 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | 15,529 | — | — | 15,529 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (561) | — | (561) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2022 | 113,407 | $ | 11 | 16,457 | $ | 2 | $ | 285,199 | $ | (168) | $ | 18,459 | $ | 303,503 |
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PLAYSTUDIOS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited, in thousands)
(unaudited, in thousands)
Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2023 | 116,004 | $ | 11 | 16,457 | $ | 2 | $ | 302,528 | $ | (629) | $ | 13,427 | (20,094) | 295,245 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3,800 | — | 3,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 583 | — | — | — | 464 | — | — | — | 464 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock vesting, net of shares withheld | 780 | 1 | — | — | (1,637) | — | — | — | (1,636) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | 4,756 | — | — | — | 4,756 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (393) | — | — | (393) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | 117,367 | $ | 12 | 16,457 | $ | 2 | $ | 306,111 | $ | (1,022) | $ | 17,227 | (20,094) | $ | 302,236 |
Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 115,635 | $ | 11 | 16,457 | $ | 2 | $ | 290,337 | $ | (151) | $ | 16,756 | (4,642) | 302,313 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | 471 | — | 471 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 3,234 | — | — | — | 2,920 | — | — | — | 2,920 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock vesting, net of shares withheld | 2,055 | 1 | — | — | (2,877) | — | — | — | (2,876) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | 15,731 | — | — | — | 15,731 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (3,557) | — | — | — | — | — | — | (15,452) | (15,452) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (871) | — | — | (871) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | 117,367 | $ | 12 | 16,457 | $ | 2 | $ | 306,111 | $ | (1,022) | $ | 17,227 | (20,094) | $ | 302,236 |
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PLAYSTUDIOS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
(unaudited, in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 471 | $ | (16,080) | |||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 33,686 | 25,265 | |||||||||
Amortization of loan costs | 113 | 106 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 14,391 | 13,563 | |||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | (1,381) | (1,139) | |||||||||
Change in fair value of contingent consideration | (950) | — | |||||||||
Asset impairments | 2,042 | 8,353 | |||||||||
Deferred income tax expense | (6,973) | (6,601) | |||||||||
Other | (57) | 14 | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | |||||||||||
Receivables | (3,780) | 1,777 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,348 | 1,948 | |||||||||
Income tax receivable | (936) | 190 | |||||||||
Accounts payable & accrued liabilities | (2,269) | 4,430 | |||||||||
Other | 691 | (595) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 36,396 | 31,231 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (5,114) | (10,852) | |||||||||
Additions to internal-use software | (16,516) | (15,597) | |||||||||
Other | (225) | 346 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (21,855) | (26,103) | |||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from stock option exercises | 2,922 | 1,144 | |||||||||
Payments for tax withholding of stock-based compensation | (2,877) | — | |||||||||
Payment for tender offer of warrants | — | (1,792) | |||||||||
Payments for minimum guarantee obligations | (2,360) | (5,000) | |||||||||
Repurchases of treasury stock | (15,452) | — | |||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (17,767) | (5,648) | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation | (967) | (913) | |||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (4,193) | (1,433) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 134,000 | 213,502 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 129,807 | $ | 212,069 | |||||||
Supplemental cash flow disclosures: | |||||||||||
Interest paid | $ | 148 | $ | 150 | |||||||
Income taxes paid, net of refunds | 2,308 | 411 | |||||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||||||
Capitalization of stock-based compensation | $ | 1,340 | $ | 1,966 | |||||||
Additions to intangible assets related to licensing agreements | 9,832 | — | |||||||||
Exchange of notes receivable as consideration related to the WonderBlocks Acquisition | — | 1,055 | |||||||||
Contingent consideration related to the WonderBlocks Acquisition | — | 1,564 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited, in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
NOTE 1—BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Organization and Description of Business
On June 21, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), Acies Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (prior to the Closing Date, “Acies”), consummated the previously announced business combination (“Acies Merger”) with PlayStudios, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Old PLAYSTUDIOS”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 1, 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Acies, Catalyst Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Acies, Catalyst Merger Sub II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Acies, and Old PLAYSTUDIOS.
PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc., formerly known as Acies Acquisition Corp. (the "Company” or "PLAYSTUDIOS"), was incorporated on August 14, 2020 as a Cayman Islands exempted company, and domesticated into a Delaware corporation on June 21, 2021. The Company's legal name became PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. following the closing of the Acies Merger.
The Company develops and operates online and mobile social gaming applications (“games” or “game”) each of which incorporate a unique loyalty program offering “real world” rewards provided by a collection of rewards partners. The Company’s games are free-to-play and available via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore, and Facebook (collectively, “platforms” or “platform operators”). The Company creates games based on its own original content as well as third-party licensed brands. The Company generates revenue through the in-game sale of virtual currency and through advertising.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references herein to “PLAYSTUDIOS,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are used to refer collectively to PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Certain reclassifications in these financial statements have been made to comply with US GAAP applicable to public companies and SEC Regulation S-X.
The significant accounting policies referenced in the annual consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2022 have been applied consistently in these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position as of September 30, 2023, and its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022 was derived from the audited annual financial statements but does not contain all of the footnote disclosures from the annual financial statements. The Company made certain reclassifications to the comparative balances in the condensed consolidated financial statements to conform with current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include the estimated consumption rate of virtual goods that is used in the determination of revenue recognition, useful lives of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, the expensing and capitalization of research and development costs for internal-use software, assumptions used in accounting for income taxes, stock-based compensation and the evaluation of goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment. The Company believes the accounting estimates are appropriate and reasonably determined. Due to the inherent uncertainties in making these estimates, actual amounts could differ materially.
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Emerging Growth Company
At September 30, 2023, the Company qualified as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and the Company has taken and may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to comply with the new or revised standards. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has opted to take advantage of such extended transition period available to emerging growth companies which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. The Company did not lose its emerging growth company status through December 31, 2023. As a result, the Company does not expect to adopt any accounting pronouncements currently deferred based on private company standards until a year subsequent to 2023. The Company will reevaluate its eligibility to retain emerging growth company status at the end of its second quarter of 2024, and otherwise as required.
NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
For a discussion of our significant accounting policies and estimates, please refer to our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2023.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
The Company’s management has evaluated all of the recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standards-setting bodies through the filing date of these financial statements and does not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements will have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current guidance with a current expected credit loss model (“CECL”) that incorporates a broader range of reasonable and supportable information including the forward-looking information. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2023. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
WonderBlocks Acquisition
On August 2, 2022, playBLOCKS, Inc., a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("playBLOCKS") entered into an agreement with WonderBlocks Labs, Inc. (“WonderBlocks"), which provides tools for the development of a play-to-earn loyalty platform for digital entertainment on the Ethereum blockchain, pursuant to which playBLOCKS acquired substantially all of the assets of WonderBlocks. playBLOCKS paid WonderBlocks $2.0 million less Indebtedness (borrowed money and accrued interest, including debt to the Company) at closing. We believe this acquisition will allow us to enhance our playAWARDS model with new Web3 features and capabilities.
The Company recorded the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred in the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired as goodwill. The goodwill reflects our expectations of favorable future growth opportunities and anticipated synergies through the scale of our operations. The Company expects that none of the goodwill will be deductible for federal income tax purposes. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for WonderBlocks and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date:
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Consideration: | August 2, 2022 | ||||
Cash consideration | $ | 945 | |||
Note receivable plus accrued interest conversion | 1,055 | ||||
Contingent consideration | 1,564 | ||||
Total consideration transferred | $ | 3,564 | |||
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: | |||||
Developed technology (weighted-average useful life of 5 years) | 2,403 | ||||
Liabilities assumed | (15) | ||||
Total identifiable net assets | $ | 2,388 | |||
Goodwill | $ | 1,176 |
Brainium Studios Acquisition
On October 7, 2022, PLAYSTUDIOS US, LLC, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a membership interest purchase agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Brainium Studios LLC (“Brainium"), a mobile game publisher. The closing of the acquisition occurred on October 12, 2022, and Brainium became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The purchase price for the membership interests was $70.0 million at closing, as adjusted for cash, indebtedness, and working capital.
The Company recorded the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred in the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired as goodwill. The goodwill reflects our expectations of favorable future growth opportunities and anticipated synergies through the scale of our operations. The Company expects that substantially all of the goodwill will be deductible for federal income tax purposes. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Brainium and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date:
Consideration: | October 12, 2022 | ||||
Cash consideration | $ | 73,457 | |||
Contingent consideration | 1,797 | ||||
Total consideration transferred | $ | 75,254 | |||
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,738 | |||
Accounts receivable | 3,190 | ||||
Property and equipment | 4,042 | ||||
Operating lease assets | 4,195 | ||||
Trade names (weighted-average useful life of 10 years) | 1,500 | ||||
Developed technology (weighted-average useful life of 5 years) | 12,600 | ||||
Customer relationships (weighted-average useful life of 5 years) | 12,000 | ||||
Other assets | 740 | ||||
Liabilities assumed | (7,649) | ||||
Total identifiable net assets | $ | 34,356 | |||
Goodwill | $ | 40,898 |
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NOTE 4—RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following table is a summary of balance sheet assets and liabilities from related parties:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | Financial Statement Line Item | |||||||||||||||
Marketing Agreement | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,000 | Intangibles, net |
The Company’s revenues and expenses recognized from related parties were immaterial during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
MGM Resorts International (“MGM”)
MGM is a stockholder and MGM's Chief Commercial Officer also serves on the Company’s Board of Directors. MGM owned approximately 16.6 million and 16.6 million shares of the Company's outstanding Class A common stock as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
In April 2011, the Company entered into a joint marketing agreement with MGM (as amended, the “Marketing Agreement”) in exchange for assistance with marketing campaigns and the certain rights to utilize MGM’s licensed marks and licensed copyrights for the development of certain of the Company’s social casino games. The initial term of the Marketing Agreement was for one year from the go-live date of the first such game in July 2012, with automatic renewal provisions based on the games achieving specified performance criteria. As further described in Note 9—Intangible Assets and Internal-Use Software, Net, the Marketing Agreement was recorded as an indefinite-lived intangible asset.
NOTE 5—RECEIVABLES
Receivables consist of the following:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Trade receivables | $ | 28,802 | $ | 25,020 | |||||||
Other receivables | 699 | 1,996 | |||||||||
Total receivables | $ | 29,501 | $ | 27,016 |
Trade receivables generally represent amounts due to the Company from social and mobile platform operators, including Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook. Trade receivables are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. No allowance for doubtful accounts was considered necessary as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The following table summarizes the major receivables of the Company as a percentage of the total receivables as of the dates indicated:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Apple, Inc. | 47.8 | % | 33.6 | % | |||||||
Google, Inc. | 20.9 | % | 27.2 | % |
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any additional counterparties that exceeded 10% of the Company’s net accounts receivable.
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NOTE 6—PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Prepaid expenses | $ | 4,168 | 5,148 | ||||||||
Income tax receivable | 3,559 | 1,372 | |||||||||
Other current assets | 3,050 | 8,443 | |||||||||
Total other current assets | $ | 10,777 | $ | 14,963 |
NOTE 7—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
The following tables present the liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by input level, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Financial liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Warrants | $ | 1,346 | — | — | 1,346 | ||||||||||||||||||
Private Warrants | — | 955 | — | 955 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | 1,346 | $ | 955 | $ | — | $ | 2,301 |
December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Financial liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Warrants | $ | 2,153 | — | — | 2,153 | ||||||||||||||||||
Private Warrants | — | 1,529 | — | 1,529 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | 2,153 | $ | 1,529 | $ | — | $ | 3,682 |
NOTE 8—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Land and land improvements | $ | 1,680 | 1,382 | ||||||||
Building and building improvements | 5,763 | 3,705 | |||||||||
Computer equipment | 8,795 | 9,423 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvements | 9,610 | 10,204 | |||||||||
Purchased software | 2,309 | 4,471 | |||||||||
Furniture and fixtures | 4,288 | 3,553 | |||||||||
Construction in progress | 144 | 648 | |||||||||
Total property and equipment | 32,589 | 33,386 | |||||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation | (14,562) | (15,854) | |||||||||
Total property and equipment, net | $ | 18,027 | $ | 17,532 |
The aggregate depreciation expense for property and equipment, net is reflected in “Depreciation and amortization” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, depreciation expense was $1.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023
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and 2022, depreciation expense was $4.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively. No impairment charges or material write-offs were recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Property and equipment, net by region consists of the following:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
United States | $ | 14,048 | $ | 12,331 | |||||||
EMEA(1)(2) | 2,667 | 3,756 | |||||||||
All other countries(2) | 1,312 | 1,445 | |||||||||
Total property and equipment, net | $ | 18,027 | $ | 17,532 |
(1)Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”).
(2)Amounts primarily represent leasehold improvements of local office space and computer equipment.
NOTE 9—INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND INTERNAL-USE SOFTWARE, NET
Intangible Assets
The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible asset other than goodwill:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Licenses | $ | 31,121 | $ | (16,336) | $ | 14,785 | $ | 21,040 | $ | (7,962) | $ | 13,078 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquired technology | 15,003 | (3,081) | 11,922 | 15,003 | (830) | 14,173 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer relationships | 12,000 | (2,400) | 9,600 | 12,000 | (600) | 11,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade names | 2,740 | (1,390) | 1,350 | 2,740 | (1,278) | 1,462 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Internal-use software | 162,547 | (126,624) | 35,923 | 145,798 | (109,680) | 36,118 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 139 | (2) | 137 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
223,550 | (149,833) | 73,717 | 196,581 | (120,350) | 76,231 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nonamortizable intangible assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketing Agreement with a related party | 1,000 | — | 1,000 | 1,000 | — | 1,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total intangible assets | $ | 224,550 | $ | (149,833) | $ | 74,717 | $ | 197,581 | $ | (120,350) | $ | 77,231 |
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company capitalized internal-use software development costs of $5.5 million and $5.6 million, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, capitalized internal-use software development costs were $17.9 million and $17.6 million, respectively.
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, intangible asset and internal-use software amortization was $10.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, intangible asset and internal-use software amortization were $29.5 million and $22.2 million, respectively. The aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets and internal-use software is reflected in “Depreciation and amortization” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company recorded a $1.1 million non-cash impairment charge within "Restructuring and related" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. There were no impairment charges for intangible assets or internal-use software for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The
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Company recorded an $8.4 million non-cash impairment charge within "Restructuring and related" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Subsequent to September 30, 2023, the Company entered into certain licensing arrangements resulting in an increase of $32.0 million in "Intangible assets and internal-use software, net" within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with an offsetting liability related to the minimum guarantee liabilities.
As of September 30, 2023, the estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:
Year Ending December 31, | Projected Amortization Expense | |||||||
Remaining 2023 | $ | 10,691 | ||||||
2024 | 34,346 | |||||||
2025 | 15,468 | |||||||
2026 | 8,269 | |||||||
2027 | 4,129 | |||||||
Thereafter | 814 | |||||||
Total | $ | 73,717 |
NOTE 10—GOODWILL
Goodwill
The following table provides the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Goodwill, Gross | Accumulated Impairment | Goodwill, Net | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 47,133 | — | 47,133 | |||||||||||||||||
Additions from acquisitions | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Measurement period adjustments | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | $ | 47,133 | $ | — | $ | 47,133 |
NOTE 11—WARRANT LIABILITIES
Public Warrants and Private Warrants
Upon the closing of the Acies Merger, there were approximately 7.2 million publicly-traded redeemable warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock (the "Public Warrants") and 3.8 million redeemable warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock initially issued to Acies Acquisition, LLC (the "Sponsor") in a private placement (the "Private Warrants") by Acies. Each whole Public Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one whole share of the Company’s Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 in cash per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, as of October 27, 2021. Pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, a holder of Public Warrants may exercise the Public Warrants only for a whole number of shares of Class A common stock. The Public Warrants will expire 5 years after the completion of the Acies Merger, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. The Private Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants, except that the Private Warrants and the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Private Warrants were not transferable until after the completion of the Acies Merger, subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the Private Warrants are non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial holder or any of its permitted transferees. If the Private Warrants are held by someone other than the initial holder or its permitted transferees, the Private Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants. The Private Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis so long as held by the Sponsor or certain permitted transferees.
The Company may redeem the outstanding Public Warrants in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Public Warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption, if and only if the last sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for any 20-trading days within a 30-trading day period ending business days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the holders of the Public Warrants. If the Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a cashless basis. In no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the exercise of Public Warrants.
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On April 1, 2022, the Company commenced (i) an offer to each holder of its outstanding Public Warrants and Private Warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”) the opportunity to receive $1.00 in cash, without interest, for each outstanding Warrant tendered by the holder pursuant to the offer (the “Offer to Purchase”), and (ii) the solicitation of consents (the “Consent Solicitation”) from holders of the outstanding Warrants to amend the Warrant Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2020, by and between the Company (formerly Acies Acquisition Corp.) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, which governs all of the Warrants (the “Warrant Amendment”) (collectively the "Tender Offer").
The Tender Offer expired midnight, Eastern Time, at the end of the day on May 13, 2022 (the “Expiration Date”), in accordance with its terms. Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., the depositary for the Tender Offer, indicated that as of the Expiration Date, (i) 1,792,463 outstanding Public Warrants, or approximately 25% of the outstanding Public Warrants were validly tendered in and not withdrawn from the Offer to Purchase, and (ii) none of the outstanding Private Warrants were validly tendered in and not withdrawn from the Offer to Purchase. The Warrant Amendment was not approved.
The Company paid $1.8 million for all Public Warrants tendered by the holders pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and $1.1 million of fees, expenses, and other related amounts incurred in connection with the Tender Offer.
At September 30, 2023, there were approximately 5.4 million Public Warrants and 3.8 million Private Warrants outstanding.
NOTE 12—ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Accrued payroll and vacation | 8,991 | 9,666 | |||||||||
Accrued user acquisition | 5,867 | 4,183 | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 1,954 | 702 | |||||||||
Minimum guarantee liability | 4,790 | 1,500 | |||||||||
Other accruals | 3,811 | 5,422 | |||||||||
Total accrued liabilities | $ | 25,413 | $ | 21,473 |
NOTE 13—LEASES
The Company's operating leases primarily consist of real estate leases such as offices. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, operating lease expense was $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and during the nine ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, operating lease expense was $3.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The Company does not have any finance leases. Total variable and short-term lease payments were immaterial for all periods presented.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases are as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | $ | 10,212 | $ | 15,562 | ||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | $ | 4,219 | $ | 4,571 | ||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent | 6,545 | 11,660 | ||||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, total | $ | 10,764 | $ | 16,231 | ||||||||||
Weighted average remaining lease term, years | 3.2 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average discount rate | 4.5 | % | 3.3 | % |
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Operating lease liability maturities:
Year ending December 31, | Operating Leases | |||||||
Remaining 2023 | $ | 1,083 | ||||||
2024 | 4,512 | |||||||
2025 | 2,292 | |||||||
2026 | 1,963 | |||||||
2027 | 1,356 | |||||||
Thereafter | 382 | |||||||
Total undiscounted cash flows | $ | 11,588 | ||||||
Less: imputed interest | (824) | |||||||
Lease liabilities, total | $ | 10,764 |
As of September 30, 2023, the Company did not have material additional operating leases that have not yet commenced.
NOTE 14—LONG-TERM DEBT
Credit Agreement
On June 24, 2021, in connection with the closing of the Acies Merger, the Company terminated and replaced its previous credit facility. The Company, a subsidiary of the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Silicon Valley Bank and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) which provides for a five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed by the Company, and are available for working capital, general corporate purposes and permitted acquisitions.
Commitment fees and interest rates are determined on the basis of either a Eurodollar rate or an Alternate Base Rate plus an applicable margin. The applicable margins are initially 2.50%, in the case of Eurodollar loans, and 1.50%, in the case of Alternate Base Rate loans. The applicable margin is subject to adjustment based upon the Company's Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Eurodollar rates and the Alternate Base Rate are subject to floors of 0.00% and 1.00%, respectively. The Credit Agreement contains various affirmative and negative financial and operational covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries.
The Credit Agreement includes customary reporting requirements, conditions precedent to borrowing and affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Specific financial covenants include the following, commencing with the quarter ended September 30, 2021:
•Total Net Leverage Ratio of 3.50:1.00 (subject to increase to 4.00:1.00 following consummation of certain material acquisitions)
•Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.25:1.00.
On May 13, 2022, the Company entered into the Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, which amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, exclude from the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio certain funds, up to $15.0 million, expended or to be expended by the Company in connection with the Tender Offer.
On August 9, 2022, the Company entered into the Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, which further amended the Credit Agreement (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement) to, among other things, (i) increase the total current available line of credit from $75.0 million to $81.0 million, (ii) change the basis for calculation of interest under the facility from LIBOR to SOFR, and (iii) exclude from the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (A) up to $6.0 million for the acquisition of, and improvements to, the real property located at 10150 Covington Cross Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89144 incurred on or prior to the first anniversary of the effective date of Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, and (B) up to $20.0 million for the redemption or repurchase of up to 11.0 million warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock of the Company, and shares of Class A common stock of the Company, on or before December 31, 2023, of which as of the date of Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement the Company had used $1.8 million to redeem outstanding warrants to purchase Class A common stock in connection with the Tender Offer.
On August 16, 2023, the Company, a subsidiary of the Company, the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, entered into an Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment No. 3”), to,
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among other things, exclude from the Restricted Payments covenant certain repurchases of Equity Interests of the Company deemed to occur upon the exercise, settlement or vesting of stock options, warrants or other equity-based awards if and to the extent such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of, or satisfy any tax withholding obligations with respect to, such options, warrants or other equity-based awards.
The Company capitalized a total of $0.7 million in debt issuance costs related to the Credit Agreement and subsequent amendments. As of September 30, 2023, the Company did not have any balances outstanding under the Credit Agreement.
NOTE 15—REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table summarizes the Company’s revenue disaggregated by type, and by over time or point in time recognition:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Virtual currency (over time)(1) | $ | 61,558 | $ | 65,607 | $ | 187,565 | $ | 195,377 | |||||||||||||||
Advertising (point in time) | 14,190 | 3,807 | 41,608 | 11,364 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other revenue (point in time or over time) | 110 | 2,713 | 4,601 | 4,190 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total net revenue | $ | 75,858 | $ | 72,127 | $ | 233,774 | $ | 210,931 |
(1)Virtual currency is recognized over the estimated consumption period.
The following table summarizes the Company’s revenue disaggregated by geography:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 64,414 | $ | 63,501 | $ | 200,566 | $ | 185,646 | |||||||||||||||
All other countries | 11,444 | 8,626 | 33,208 | 25,285 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total net revenue | $ | 75,858 | $ | 72,127 | $ | 233,774 | $ | 210,931 |
Contract Balances
Contract assets represent the Company’s ability to bill customers for performance obligations completed under a contract. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no contract assets recorded in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred revenue balance related to the purchase of virtual currency was immaterial as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Trade receivables are described in Note 5—Receivables.
NOTE 16—INCOME TAXES
The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.1 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.4 million and $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our effective tax rate was (128.8)% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to (94.5)% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Our effective tax rate was 124.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to 27.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to nondeductible stock compensation, the recognition of additional state tax liabilities due to an updated nexus study, the fair value adjustment to the warrant liability, foreign branch income, the effect of additional foreign taxes paid related to a settlement with the Israel Tax Authority, and other nondeductible expenses.
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NOTE 17—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Minimum Guarantee Liability
The following are the Company’s total minimum guaranteed obligations as of:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Minimum guarantee liability-current | $ | 4,790 | $ | 1,500 | |||||||
Minimum guarantee liability-noncurrent | — | 1,500 | |||||||||
Total minimum guarantee obligations | $ | 4,790 | $ | 3,000 | |||||||
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) | 1.3 | 2.0 |
The following are the Company’s remaining expected future payments of minimum guarantee obligations as of September 30, 2023:
Year Ending December 31, | Minimum Guarantee Obligations | |||||||
Remaining 2023 | $ | 1,960 | ||||||
2024 | 2,830 | |||||||
2025 | — | |||||||
2026 | — | |||||||
2027 | — | |||||||
Total | $ | 4,790 |
N3TWORK, Inc.
On November 22, 2021, the Company entered into agreements with N3TWORK Inc. and The Tetris Company, LLC pursuant to which the Company acquired the rights to develop and operate Tetris®-branded mobile games for an initial term through August 2024. The Company paid N3TWORK Inc. $13.0 million at closing and agreed to pay up to an additional $34.0 million subject to satisfaction of certain conditions (the "Contingent Payments"). As of September 30, 2023, the Company advanced $8.0 million of the Contingent Payments (the "Advance Payment"). $5.6 million of the Advance Payment was considered earned as of September 30, 2023. The remaining Advance Payment is included within "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Subsequent to September 30, 2023, certain conditions of the Contingent Payments have been satisfied. The Company's best estimate of $17.0 million of the Contingent Payments is an expected payment of between $3.5 million and $17.0 million, excluding any of the Advance Payment. The Company expects to record this payment within "Intangible assets and internal-use software, net" within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Other
The Company is party to ordinary and routine litigation incidental to its business. On a case-by-case basis, the Company engages inside and outside counsel to assess the probability of potential liability resulting from such litigation. After making such assessments, the Company makes an accrual for the estimated loss only when the loss is reasonably probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not expect the outcome of any pending litigation to have a material effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
In May 2021, the Company became party to a litigation matter brought by TeamSava d.o.o. Beograd (“TeamSava”) and other related parties. The plaintiffs filed a Statement of Claim in May 2021 in Tel Aviv District Court in Israel, alleging claims, among other things, that the Company breached the terms of a commercial contract relating to services provided by TeamSava and related parties in connection with the sourcing and administrative management of personnel in Serbia who provided game development services exclusively for the Company. The pending litigation seeks damages of 27.3 million New Israeli Shekels ("NIS"). The Company believes that the claims are without merit and the Company intends to vigorously defend against them; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in the defense of this litigation. The Company’s range of possible loss could be up to 27.3 million NIS based on the claim amount of the litigation, but the
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Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability or amount of loss relating to this litigation and therefore has not made any accruals.
On April 6, 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, by a purported Company shareholder in connection with alleged federal securities law violations: Christian A. Felipe et. al. v. PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. (the “Felipe Complaint”). On July 15, 2022, the Felipe Complaint was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Southern Division. On October 4, 2022, the plaintiffs filed an amendment to the Felipe Complaint. The Felipe Complaint names the Company, several current and former board members of the Company, board members and officers of Acies Acquisition Corp., and Andrew Pascal, the Company’s Chairman and CEO, as defendants. The Felipe Complaint alleges misrepresentations and omissions regarding the state of the Company’s development of the Kingdom Boss game and its financial projections and future prospects in the S-4 Registration Statement filed by Acies that was declared effective on May 25, 2021, the Proxy Statement filed by Acies on May 25, 2021, and other public statements that touted Old PLAYSTUDIOS’ and the Company’s financial performance and operations, including statements made on earnings calls and the Amended S-1 Registration Statement filed by the Company that was declared effective on July 30, 2021. The Felipe Complaint alleges that the misrepresentations and omissions resulted in stock price drops of 13% on August 12, 2021, and 5% on February 25, 2022, following (i) the Company’s release of financial results for the second quarter of 2021, ended on June 30, 2021, and (ii) the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and issuance of a press release summarizing financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021, respectively. The Felipe Complaint seeks an award of damages for an unspecified amount. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and the Company intends to vigorously defend against them; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in the defense of this litigation. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability or amount of loss relating to this litigation and therefore has not made any accruals.
On March 8, 2023, a civil lawsuit was filed against PLAYSTUDIOS US, LLC in the Circuit Court of Franklin County Alabama, by a purported player of a game operated by PLAYSTUDIOS US, LLC claiming that the games operated by PLAYSTUDIOS US, LLC constitute illegal gambling under Alabama law and seeking to recover, under Alabama’s loss recovery act, all sums paid by Alabama residents to PLAYSTUDIOS US, LLC in its online gambling games during the period beginning one year before the filing of the complaint until the case is resolved. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in the defense of this litigation. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability or amount of loss relating to this litigation and therefore has not made any accruals.
The Company received four demands for arbitration between the first quarter and third quarter of 2023 claiming that the games operated by PLAYSTUDIOS US, LLC constitute illegal gambling under the laws of various states. These demands generally attempt to recover amounts spent by third parties on the Company’s games by relying on state gambling loss recovery statutes and/or by seeking to have the applicable Terms of Service declared invalid. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and the Company intends to vigorously defend against them; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in the defense of this litigation. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability or amount of loss and therefore has not made any accruals.
On February 28, 2023, the Company initiated an internal reorganization plan which is intended to enhance efficiency and reduce operating expenses. The reorganization plan included a reduction of the Company’s total global employee headcount by approximately 14 percent, which was substantially completed by the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2023.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred $0.2 million and $3.4 million,respectively, of costs related to the internal reorganization plan, which is substantially all of the expected charges in connection with the plan. Substantially all of the charges relate to employee transition, severance payments, employee benefits, and stock-based compensation. The charges related to lease termination costs were immaterial. All costs are included within "Restructuring and related" within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company may incur other charges or cash expenditures not currently contemplated due to unanticipated events that may occur, including charges in connection with the implementation of the reorganization plan.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, changes in liabilities resulting from the severance charges and related accruals were as follows:
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Total | ||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | — | ||||||
Charges | 3,185 | |||||||
Payments | (2,135) | |||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2023 | $ | 1,050 | ||||||
Charges | 187 | |||||||
Payments | (1,108) | |||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | $ | 129 |
NOTE 18—STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of the funds legally available at the times and in the amounts determined by the Company's Board of Directors. Each holder of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Class A common stock held and each holder of Class B common stock is entitled to twenty votes for each share of Class B common stock held. After the full preferential amounts due to preferred stockholders have been paid or set aside, the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders, if any, are distributed to the holders of common stock ratably in proportion to the number of shares of common stock then held by each such holder. None of the Company’s common stock is entitled to preemptive rights or subject to redemption. With the exception of the conversion of the Class B common stock into Class A common stock as described below, the Company’s common stock is not convertible into any other shares of the Company’s capital stock.
The shares of Class B common stock are subject to a “sunset” provision if any member of the Founder Group (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company) transfers shares of Class B common stock outside the Founder Group (except for certain permitted transfers). In the event of such non-permitted transfers, any share transferred will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the outstanding shares of Class B common stock will be subject to a “sunset” provision by which all outstanding shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock (i) if holders representing a majority of the Class B common stock vote to convert the Class B common stock into Class A common stock, (ii) if the Founder Group and its permitted transferees collectively no longer beneficially own at least 20% of the number of shares of Class B common stock collectively held by the Founder Group as of the closing of the Acies Merger, or (iii) on the nine-month anniversary of the Founder’s death or disability, unless such date is extended by a majority of independent directors of the Company.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables shows a summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Currency Translation Adjustment | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | (151) | $ | (151) | |||||||
Foreign currency translation | (871) | (871) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | $ | (1,022) | $ | (1,022) |
Currency Translation Adjustment | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 | $ | 393 | $ | 393 | |||||||
Foreign currency translation | (561) | (561) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2022 | $ | (168) | $ | (168) |
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Stock Repurchase Program
On November 10, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase up to $50.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock over a period of 12 months. On November 2, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors extended such period for an additional 12 months. Subject to applicable rules and regulations, the shares may be purchased from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Such purchases will be at times and in amounts as the Company deems appropriate, based on factors such as market conditions, legal requirements and other business considerations.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company has acquired 4.7 million shares of its Class A common stock under this program at an aggregate value of $20.0 million and an average of $4.23 per share. Repurchased shares were held in treasury. The remaining availability under the $50.0 million stock repurchase program was $30.0 million as of September 30, 2023.
On November 1, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors extended the stock repurchase program through November 10, 2024 and increased the remaining amount authorized to $50.0 million.
NOTE 19—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the periods shown:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing | $ | 205 | $ | 165 | $ | 585 | $ | 646 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,975 | 1,767 | 7,086 | 6,319 | |||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | 2,164 | 1,622 | 6,720 | 6,598 | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 4,344 | $ | 3,554 | $ | 14,391 | $ | 13,563 | |||||||||||||||
Capitalized stock-based compensation | $ | 412 | $ | 430 | $ | 1,340 | $ | 1,966 |
As of September 30, 2023, there was approximately $0.5 million and $39.3 million in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units, respectively, that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average expected vesting period of 0.9 years and 2.7 years, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company granted 0.4 million and 1.8 million restricted stock units, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company granted 4.4 million and 10.3 million restricted stock units, respectively.
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NOTE 20—NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders per share (in thousands except per share data):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | Class B | Class A | Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Numerator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders – basic | $ | 3,331 | $ | 469 | $ | 3,175 | $ | 454 | ||||||||||||||||||
Potential dilutive effect of derivative instruments | 16 | (16) | 21 | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders – diluted | $ | 3,347 | $ | 453 | $ | 3,196 | $ | 433 | ||||||||||||||||||
Denominator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - basic | 116,893 | 16,458 | 112,873 | 16,159 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Potential dilutive effect of stock options | 2,773 | 1,391 | 8,206 | 1,371 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Potential dilutive effect of restricted stock units | 12,140 | — | 8,311 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - diluted | 131,806 | 17,849 | 129,390 | 17,530 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders per share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.02 |
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | Class B | Class A | Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Numerator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders – basic | $ | 413 | $ | 58 | $ | (14,045) | $ | (2,035) | ||||||||||||||||||
Potential dilutive effect of derivative instruments | 2 | (2) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders – diluted | $ | 415 | $ | 56 | $ | (14,045) | $ | (2,035) | ||||||||||||||||||
Denominator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - basic | 116,088 | 16,458 | 111,389 | 16,140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Potential dilutive effect of derivative instruments | 2,816 | 1,409 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Potential dilutive effect of restricted stock units | 12,140 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - diluted | 131,044 | 17,867 | 111,389 | 16,140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.13) | $ | (0.13) | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.13) | $ | (0.13) |
For the periods presented above, the net income (loss) per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B common stock because the holders of each class are entitled to equal per share dividends or distributions in liquidation in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation. The undistributed earnings (losses) for each period are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the Class A and Class B common stock as if the earnings (losses) for the period had been distributed. As the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the undistributed earnings (losses) are allocated on a proportionate basis.
The following equity awards outstanding at the end of each period presented have been excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock for the periods presented due to their anti-dilutive effect:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options | 128 | 133 | 100 | 12,262 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock units | — | — | — | 8,311 | |||||||||||||||||||
Public Warrants | 5,382 | 5,382 | 5,382 | 5,382 | |||||||||||||||||||
Private Warrants | 3,822 | 3,821 | 3,822 | 3,821 | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnout Shares | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
24,332 | 24,336 | 24,304 | 44,776 |
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis provides information which our management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “us”, “our”, and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Our actual results and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, particularly in the section titled “Risk Factors” set forth in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Overview
We are a developer and publisher of free-to-play casual games for mobile and social platforms. All of our free-to-play social casino and Tetris® games incorporate our unique playAWARDS loyalty program. Over our eleven-year history, we developed a portfolio of free-to-play social casino games that are considered to be among the most innovative and unique in the genre. They include the award-winning POP! Slots, myVEGAS Slots, my KONAMI Slots, myVEGAS Blackjack, myVEGAS Bingo, Tetris®, Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, Sudoku, and Mahjong. Our games are based on original content, real-world slot game content, as well as third-party licensed brands and are downloadable and playable for free on multiple social and mobile-based platforms, including the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore, and Facebook.
Our proprietary playAWARDS program incorporates loyalty points that are earned by players as they engage with our games. These loyalty points enable our players to earn real-world rewards from a portfolio of entertainment, retail, technology, travel, leisure, and gaming brands across the globe. The rewards are provided by our collection of awards partners, all of whom provide their rewards at no cost to us, in exchange for product integration, marketing support, and participation in our loyalty program. The program is enabled by our playAWARDS platform which consists of a robust suite of tools that enable our awards partners to manage their rewards in real time, measure the value of our players’ engagement, and gain insight into the effectiveness and value they derive from the program. Through our self-service platform, awards partners can launch new rewards, make changes to existing offers, and in real time see how players are engaging with their brands. The platform tools also provide awards partners the ability to measure the off-line value our players generate as consumers and patrons of their real-world establishments.
Our playAWARDS platform embodies all of the features, tools, and capabilities needed to deliver loyalty programs tailored for the games industry. Our consumer-facing brand for our loyalty program is myVIP. The myVIP program is an aspirational benefits framework, with in-game mechanics and rewards features, along with a player development and hosting program. The program dynamically ranks and assigns players to tiers based on their accumulation of tier points, which are a proxy for their overall engagement with our games. The tier points are separate from and are not interchangeable with the loyalty points earned in the playAWARDS program. Qualified players are provided access to enhanced benefits that increase with each tier. Higher tiers provide access to a VIP player portal whereby players can view and purchase special chip bundles, redeem loyalty points for a curated set of rewards, and communicate directly with a dedicated personal host. The VIP player portal, concierge, and host programs enhance the in-game and real-world reward experience with both in-game and in-person, invitation-only special events. We believe that the myVIP program drives increased player engagement and retention, and therefore extends each game's life-cycle and revenue potential.
We primarily generate our revenue from the sale of virtual currency, which players can choose to purchase at any time to enhance their playing experience. Once purchased, our virtual currency cannot be withdrawn from the game, transferred from one game to another or from one player to another, or be redeemed for monetary value. Players who install our games receive free virtual currency upon the initial launch of the game, and they may also collect virtual currency free of charge at periodic intervals or through targeted marketing promotions. Players may exhaust the free virtual currency and may choose to purchase additional virtual currency. Additionally, players can send free “gifts” of virtual currency to their friends on Facebook. Our revenue from virtual currency has been generated world-wide, but is largely concentrated in North America.
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We also generate revenue from in-game advertising. Advertisements can be in the form of an impression, click-throughs, banner ads, or offers, where players are rewarded with virtual currency or loyalty points for watching a short video.
Key Factors Affecting Our Performance
There are a number of factors that affect the performance of our business, and the comparability of our results from period to period, including:
•Third-Party Platform Agreements—Historically we derived substantially all of our revenue from in-game purchases of virtual currency that are processed by platform providers such as the Apple App Store, Google Store, Amazon Appstore, and on Facebook. The platform providers charge us a transaction fee to process payments from our players for their purchase of in-game virtual currency. These platform fees are generally set at 30% of the in-game purchase. Each platform provider has broad discretion to set its platform fees and to change and interpret its terms of service and other policies with respect to us and other developers in its sole discretion, and those changes may be unfavorable to us.
•Player Acquisition—Establishing and maintaining a loyal network of players and paying players is vital for our success. As such, we spend a significant amount on advertising and other forms of player acquisition, such as traditional marketing and advertising, email and push notifications, and cross promoting between our games in order to grow our player base. These expenditures are generally related to new content launches, game enhancements, and ongoing programs to drive new player acquisition and the reactivation of lapsed player engagement. Our player acquisition strategy is centered on a payback period methodology, and we strive to optimize spend between the acquisition of new players and the reactivation of inactive players.
•Player Monetization—Our revenue to date has been primarily driven through the sale of virtual currency. Paying players purchase virtual currency in our games because of the perceived value, which is dependent on the relative ease of obtaining equivalent virtual currency by simply playing our game. The perceived value of our virtual currency can be impacted by various actions that we take in our games including offering discounts for virtual currency or giving away virtual currency in promotions. Managing game economies is difficult and relies on our assumptions and judgment. If we fail to manage our virtual economies properly or fail to promptly and successfully respond to any such disruption, our reputation may suffer and our players may be less likely to play our games and to purchase virtual currency from us in the future, which would cause our business, financial condition, and results of operations to suffer.
•Investment in Game Development—In order to maintain interest from existing players and add new players and achieve our desired revenue growth, we must continually improve the content, offers, and features in our existing games and the release of new games. As a result, we invest a significant amount of our technological and creative resources to ensure that we support an appropriate cadence of innovative content that our players will find appealing. These expenditures generally occur in advance of the release of new content or the launch of a new game, and the resulting revenue may not exceed the development costs, or the game or feature may be abandoned in its entirety.
•Investment in our playAWARDS and myVIP programs—In order to drive player engagement and retention we invest a significant amount of resources to enhance the playAWARDS and myVIP programs. We continually evaluate these programs through an iterative feedback process with our players and awards partners and update them so that both our players and awards partners are able to optimize their personalized experience. As a result, we continuously incur expenses to enhance and update these programs. However, the results may not generate revenue and the enhancements may require additional significant modifications or be abandoned in their entirety.
•Real-World Rewards—We currently offer real-world rewards relating to, among other things, dining, live entertainment shows, and hotel rooms, and we plan to continue to expand and diversify our rewards loyalty program in order to maintain and enhance the perceived value offering to our players. Our players’ willingness to make in-game purchases is directly impacted by our ability to provide desirable rewards. The real-world rewards we offer to our players are provided at no cost to us by our awards partners, and there is no obligation for us to pay or otherwise compensate either our awards partners or players for any player redemptions under our awards partner agreements.
Key Performance Indicators
We manage our business by regularly reviewing several key operating metrics to track historical performance, identify trends in player activity, and set strategic goals for the future. Our key performance metrics are impacted by several factors that could cause them to fluctuate on a quarterly basis, such as platform providers’ policies, seasonality, player connectivity, and the addition of new content to games. We believe these measures are useful to investors for the same reasons. In addition, we also present certain non-GAAP performance measures. These performance measures are presented as
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supplemental disclosure and should not be considered superior to or as a substitute for the condensed consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP measures presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read together with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the respective related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The key performance indicators and non-GAAP measures presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may differ from similarly titled measures presented by other companies and are not a substitute for financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Key Performance Indicators
Daily Active Users (“DAU”)
Daily Active Users ("DAU") is defined as the number of individuals who played a game on a particular day. For Tetris® and our free-to-play social casino games, we track DAU by the player ID, which is assigned for each game installed by an individual. As such, an individual who plays two of these games on the same day is counted as two DAU while an individual who plays the same PLAYSTUDIOS game on two different devices is counted as one DAU. For our Brainium suite of casual games, we track DAU by app instance ID, which is assigned to each installation of a game on a particular device. As such, an individual who plays two different Brainium games on the same day is counted as two DAU and an individual who plays the same Brainium game on two different devices is also counted as two DAU. The term "Average DAU" is defined as the average of the DAU, determined as described above, for each day during the period presented. We use DAU and Average DAU as measures of audience engagement to help us understand the size of the active player base engaged with our games on a daily basis.
Monthly Active Users (“MAU”)
Monthly Active Users ("MAU") is defined as the number of individuals who played a game in a particular month. As with DAU, an individual who plays two non-Brainium games in the same month is counted as two MAU while an individual who plays the same non-Brainium game on two different devices is counted as one MAU, and an individual who plays two different Brainium games on the same day is counted as two MAU and an individual who plays the same Brainium game on two different devices is also counted as two MAU. The term "Average MAU" is defined as the average of the MAU, determined as described above, for each calendar month during the period presented. We use MAU and Average MAU as measures of audience engagement to help us understand the size of the active player base engaged with our games on a monthly basis.
Daily Paying Users (“DPU”)
Daily Paying Users ("DPU") is defined as the number of individuals who made a purchase in a game during a particular day. As with DAU and MAU, we track DPU based on account activity. As such, an individual who makes a purchase in two different games in a particular day is counted as two DPU while an individual who makes purchases in the same game on two different devices is counted as one DPU. The term "Average DPU" is defined as the average of the DPU, determined as described above, for each day during the period presented. We use DPU and Average DPU to help us understand the size of our active player base that makes in-game purchases. This focus directs our strategic goals in setting player acquisition and pricing strategy.
Daily Payer Conversion
Daily Payer Conversion is defined as DPU as a percentage of DAU on a particular day. Daily Player Conversion is also sometimes referred to as "Percentage of Paying Users" or "PPU". The term "Average Daily Payer Conversion" is defined as the Average DPU divided by Average DAU for a given period. We use Daily Payer Conversion and Average Daily Payer Conversion to help us understand the monetization of our active players.
Average Daily Revenue Per DAU (“ARPDAU”)
Average Revenue Per DAU ("ARPDAU") is defined for a given period as the average daily revenue per Average DAU, and is calculated as game and advertising revenue for the period, divided by the number of days in the period, divided by the Average DAU during the period. We use ARPDAU as a measure of overall monetization of our players.
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Results of Operations
Summarized Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenue | $ | 75,858 | $ | 72,127 | $ | 3,731 | 5.2 | % | $ | 233,774 | $ | 210,931 | $ | 22,843 | 10.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 79,579 | 75,305 | 4,274 | 5.7 | % | 241,548 | 234,550 | 6,998 | 3.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating loss | (3,721) | (3,178) | (543) | 17.1 | % | (7,774) | (23,619) | 15,845 | (67.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 3,800 | 3,629 | 171 | 4.7 | % | 471 | (16,080) | 16,551 | (102.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) margin | 5.0 | % | 5.0 | % | — | pp | — | % | 0.2 | % | (7.6) | % | 7.8 | pp | (102.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
pp = percentage points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue and Key Performance Indicators (in thousands, except percentages and ARPDAU)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | 2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virtual currency | $ | 61,558 | $ | 65,607 | $ | (4,049) | (6.2) | % | $ | 187,565 | $ | 195,377 | $ | (7,812) | (4.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising | 14,190 | 3,807 | 10,383 | 272.7 | % | 41,608 | 11,364 | 30,244 | 266.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenue | 110 | 2,713 | (2,603) | (95.9) | % | 4,601 | 4,190 | 411 | 9.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenue | $ | 75,858 | $ | 72,127 | $ | 3,731 | 5.2 | % | $ | 233,774 | $ | 210,931 | $ | 22,843 | 10.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average DAU | 3,520 | 1,462 | 2,058 | 140.8 | % | 3,579 | 1,495 | 2,084 | 139.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average MAU | 13,712 | 6,683 | 7,029 | 105.2 | % | 13,557 | 6,743 | 6,814 | 101.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average DPU | 26 | 29 | (3) | (10.3) | % | 27 | 30 | (3) | (10.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Daily Payer Conversion | 0.8 | % | 2.0 | % | (1.2) | pp | (60.0) | % | 0.8 | % | 2.0 | % | (1.2) | pp | (60.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ARPDAU (in dollars) | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.52 | $ | (0.29) | (55.8) | % | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.51 | $ | (0.27) | (52.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
pp = percentage points |
Revenue information by geography is summarized as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | 2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 64,414 | $ | 63,501 | $ | 913 | 1.4 | % | $ | 200,566 | $ | 185,646 | $ | 14,920 | 8.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All other countries | 11,444 | 8,626 | 2,818 | 32.7 | % | 33,208 | 25,285 | 7,923 | 31.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenue | $ | 75,858 | $ | 72,127 | $ | 3,731 | 5.2 | % | $ | 233,774 | $ | 210,931 | $ | 22,843 | 10.8 | % |
Net revenue increased $3.7 million to $75.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $72.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by increases of $10.4
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million in advertising revenue. The increase was offset by decreases of $4.0 million in virtual currency revenue and $2.6 million in other revenue. The increase in advertising revenue was primarily driven by an increase in impression count and focus on providing more opportunities for our players to engage with advertisements, including the addition of the Tetris®-branded mobile game to our games portfolio and the acquisition of the Brainium portfolio of casual games that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2022. Virtual currency revenue decreased $4.0 million to $61.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $65.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by the decline in DPU. Our Average Daily Payer Conversion rate decreased 1.2 percentage points to 0.8% during the three months ended September 30, 2023 from 2.0% during the three months ended September 30, 2022 due to the dilution of the increase of the Tetris® audience and the addition of the Brainium portfolio of games, which primarily operate with an advertising revenue model, as described above.
Net revenue increased $22.8 million to $233.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $210.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by increases of $30.2 million in advertising revenue and $0.4 million in other revenue. The increase in advertising revenue was primarily driven by an increase in impression count and focus on providing more opportunities for our players to engage with advertisements, including the addition of the Tetris®-branded mobile game to our games portfolio and the acquisition of the Brainium portfolio of casual games which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2022. Virtual currency revenue decreased $7.8 million to $187.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $195.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by the decline in DPU. Our Average Daily Payer Conversion rate decreased 1.2 percentage points to 0.8% during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 from 2.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 due to the dilution of the increase of the Tetris® audience and the addition of the Brainium portfolio of games, which primarily operate with an advertising revenue model, as described above.
Operating Expenses
The following table summarizes our consolidated operating expenses for each applicable period (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended September 30, | % of Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 19,862 | $ | 21,703 | $ | (1,841) | (8.5) | % | 26.2 | % | 30.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing | 18,786 | 19,249 | (463) | (2.4) | % | 24.8 | % | 26.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | 17,367 | 15,110 | 2,257 | 14.9 | % | 22.9 | % | 20.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 10,747 | 9,864 | 883 | 9.0 | % | 14.2 | % | 13.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 11,537 | 8,583 | 2,954 | 34.4 | % | 15.2 | % | 11.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expenses | 1,280 | 796 | 484 | 60.8 | % | 1.7 | % | 1.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | $ | 79,579 | $ | 75,305 | $ | 4,274 | 5.7 | % | 104.9 | % | 104.4 | % |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | % of Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 58,276 | $ | 63,657 | $ | (5,381) | (8.5) | % | 24.9 | % | 30.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing | 55,283 | 59,336 | (4,053) | (6.8) | % | 23.6 | % | 28.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | 53,503 | 46,561 | 6,942 | 14.9 | % | 22.9 | % | 22.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 33,688 | 28,763 | 4,925 | 17.1 | % | 14.4 | % | 13.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 33,686 | 25,265 | 8,421 | 33.3 | % | 14.4 | % | 12.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expenses | 7,112 | 10,968 | (3,856) | (35.2) | % | 3.0 | % | 5.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | $ | 241,548 | $ | 234,550 | $ | 6,998 | 3.0 | % | 103.3 | % | 111.2 | % |
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Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue decreased by $1.8 million to $19.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $21.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue decreased from 30.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 to 26.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to an increase in advertising revenue, which does not incur platform fees, and a reduction in royalty expenses associated with our revenue.
Cost of revenue decreased by $5.4 million to $58.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared $63.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue decreased from 30.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 to 24.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to an increase in advertising revenue, which does not incur platform fees, and a reduction in royalty expenses associated with our revenue.
Selling and Marketing
Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $0.5 million to $18.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $19.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction of user acquisition costs of $1.0 million. This was offset by $0.5 million of other additional sales and marketing costs.
Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $4.1 million to $55.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $59.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction of user acquisition costs of $5.7 million. This was offset by $1.1 million of additional employee costs and $0.5 million of other additional sales and marketing costs.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses increased by $2.3 million to $17.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $15.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was due to an increase of IT services of $0.9 million, an increase of employee costs of $0.5 million, an increase of $0.5 million in stock-based compensation, and $0.4 million increase in other research and development costs.
Research and development expenses increased by $6.9 million to $53.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $46.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase of employee costs of $4.2 million, an increase of IT services of $1.3 million, an increase in facilities costs of $1.1 million, and an increase in other research and development costs of $0.3 million.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.9 million to $10.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $9.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to $1.0 million of additional employee costs. This was offset by a decrease of $0.1 million of other general and administrative expense.
General and administrative expenses increased by $4.9 million to $33.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $28.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to $3.8 million of additional employee costs, an increase of $0.8 million of stock-based compensation, and an increase of other general and administrative expense of $0.3 million.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $3.0 million to $11.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $8.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to the increased amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisitions of Brainium and WonderBlocks, as well as increased amortization as a result of additional intangible assets.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $8.4 million to $33.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $25.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was
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primarily due to the acquisitions of Brainium and WonderBlocks, increased amortization as a result of additional intangible assets, and additional depreciation of property and equipment.
Restructuring Expenses
Restructuring expenses increased by $0.5 million from the three months ended September 30, 2022 to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $1.1 million non-cash impairment charge. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $0.7 million in fees related to various merger and acquisition opportunities.
Restructuring expenses decreased by $3.9 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2022 to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to $6.3 million less of non-cash impairment charges and a decrease of $0.8 million related to the Tender Offer. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $2.8 million related to the internal reorganization and an increase in $0.4 million in fees related to various merger and acquisition opportunities.
Other Income, Net
The following table summarizes our consolidated non-operating income for each applicable period (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | $ | 4,216 | $ | 4,676 | $ | (460) | (9.8) | % | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | 1,364 | 843 | 521 | 61.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Other expense | (198) | (475) | 277 | (58.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Total other income, net | $ | 5,382 | $ | 5,044 | $ | 338 | 6.7 | % |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | $ | 1,381 | $ | 1,139 | $ | 242 | 21.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | 3,521 | 1,050 | 2,471 | 235.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | 906 | (836) | 1,742 | (208.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Total other income, net | $ | 5,808 | $ | 1,353 | $ | 4,455 | 329.3 | % |
The change in fair value of warrant liabilities is related to the warrants discussed in Note 11—Warrant Liabilities to our condensed consolidated financial statements herein. Interest expense is related to the unused commitment fees and debt issue costs associated with the Credit Agreement and the Private Venture Growth Capital Loan, respectively, as discussed in Note 14—Long-Term Debt to our condensed consolidated financial statements herein. Other (expense) income primary relates to gains or (losses) from equity investments and gains or (losses) from foreign currency transactions with our foreign subsidiaries.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes resulted in a tax benefit of $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a tax benefit of $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Our effective tax rate was (128.8)% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to our statutory tax rate of 21%. Our effective tax rate was increased for the deduction of foreign taxes and research and development credits that we can utilize on our federal and state tax returns. Our effective tax rate was decreased by the fair value adjustment to the warrant liability, foreign branch income, nondeductible stock compensation, and other nondeductible expenses.
Provision for income taxes resulted in a tax benefit of $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a tax benefit of $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Our effective tax rate was 124.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to our statutory tax rate of 21%. Our effective tax rate was increased for non-deductible stock options, the deduction of foreign taxes, foreign branch income, the fair value adjustment to the warrant liability, the recognition of estimated state taxes, and other nondeductible expenses. Our effective tax rate was decreased by additional foreign taxes paid related to a settlement with the Israel Tax Authority, the recognition of additional
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state tax liabilities due to an updated nexus study, and research and development credits that we can utilize on our federal and state tax returns.
Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted EBITDA (“AEBITDA”) and AEBITDA Margin
Adjusted EBITDA, or AEBITDA, as used herein, is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that is presented as a supplemental disclosure and is reconciled to net income as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We define AEBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring and related costs (consisting primarily of severance and other restructuring related costs), stock-based compensation expense, changes in fair value of warrant liabilities, and other income and expense items (including special infrequent items, foreign currency gains and losses, and other non-cash items). We also use AEBITDA Margin, another non-GAAP measure, which we calculate as the percentage of AEBITDA to revenue.
We use AEBITDA and AEBITDA Margin to monitor and evaluate the performance of our business operations, facilitate internal comparisons of our operating performance, and to analyze and evaluate decisions regarding future budgets and initiatives. We believe that both measures are useful because they provide investors with information regarding our operating performance that is used by our management in its reporting and planning processes. AEBITDA and AEBITDA Margin as calculated herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures and disclosures reported by other companies.
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of AEBITDA and AEBITDA Margin to net income (loss) and net income (loss) margin, the most directly comparable GAAP measure (in thousands, except percentages).
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 3,800 | $ | 3,629 | $ | 471 | $ | (16,080) | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation & amortization | 11,537 | 8,583 | 33,686 | 25,265 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit | (2,139) | (1,763) | (2,437) | (6,186) | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 4,344 | 3,554 | 14,391 | 13,563 | |||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liability | (4,216) | (4,676) | (1,381) | (1,139) | |||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of contingent consideration | — | — | (950) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring and related(1) | 1,280 | 796 | 7,112 | 10,968 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other, net(2) | (1,081) | (367) | (3,328) | (212) | |||||||||||||||||||
AEBITDA | 13,525 | 9,756 | 47,564 | 26,179 | |||||||||||||||||||
GAAP Revenue | 75,858 | 72,127 | 233,774 | 210,931 | |||||||||||||||||||
Margin as a % of revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) margin | 5.0 | % | 5.0 | % | 0.2 | % | (7.6) | % | |||||||||||||||
AEBITDA Margin | 17.8 | % | 13.5 | % | 20.3 | % | 12.4 | % |
(1)Amounts reported during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 consist of fees related to evaluating various merger and acquisition opportunities. Amounts reported during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 relate to non-cash impairment charges related to the suspension of Kingdom Boss development and fees related to a tender offer for the warrants. Amounts reported during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 relate to non-cash impairment charges related to certain investments and fees related to evaluating various merger, acquisition and restructuring opportunities.
(2)Amounts reported in “Other, net” include interest expense, interest income, gains/losses from investments, foreign currency gains/losses, and non-cash gains/losses on the disposal of assets.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $129.8 million, which consisted of cash on hand and money market mutual funds. Historically, we have funded our operations, including capital expenditures, primarily through cash flow from operating activities. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, the cash generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement as described below will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve (12) months. However, we intend to continue to make significant investments to support our business growth and may require additional funds to respond to business challenges, including the need to develop new games and features or enhance our existing games, improve our operating infrastructure, or acquire complementary businesses, personnel and technologies. Accordingly, we may need to engage in equity or debt financings to secure additional funds or we may decide to do so opportunistically.
Debt
For a description of the Credit Agreement, see Note 14—Long-Term Debt in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Liquidity and Capital Resources in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of September 30, 2023, we do not have any outstanding amounts under the Credit Agreement.
Cash Flows
The following tables present a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 36,396 | $ | 31,231 | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (21,855) | (26,103) | |||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (17,767) | (5,648) | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents | (967) | (913) | |||||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (4,193) | (1,433) |
Operating Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, operating activities provided $36.4 million of net cash as compared to $31.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in cash provided from operating activities was primarily due to a favorable change in financial performance.
Investing Activities
Our investing activities are composed of cash used for game development and purchase of property and equipment.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, investing activities used $21.9 million of net cash as compared to $26.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The change in cash used in investing activities was due to the Company purchasing $5.7 million less in property and equipment primarily due to the purchase of the Las Vegas office location for $5.0 million in the prior period. This was offset by an increase of additions to internal-use software.
Financing Activities
Our cash flow used in financing activities primarily consists of payments for share repurchases and payments related to the withholding taxes from the vesting of certain share-based compensation awards.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, financing activities used $17.8 million of net cash as compared to $5.6 million of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in cash used in financing activities was due to $15.5 million of share repurchases made during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 which did not occur in the prior period. This was offset by $2.4 million in less payments made in the current period for minimum guarantees related to license agreements compared to the prior period.
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Contractual Obligations, Commitments, and Contingencies
A description of contractual obligations, commitments, and contingencies are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Other than the additional factors discussed below, there have been no material changes to those factors previously disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of September 30, 2023, we had approximately $21.0 million in net deferred tax assets. These deferred tax assets include approximately $8.7 million related to net operating loss carryforwards, $0.7 million related to charitable contribution carryforwards, and $3.2 million related to research and development credits that can be used to offset taxable income in future periods and reduce our income taxes payable in those future periods. Some of these carryforwards and credits will expire if they are not used within certain periods. and currently, we have a partial valuation allowance of $2.2 million recorded against the California research credit carryforward. At this time, we consider it more likely than not that we will have sufficient taxable income in the future that will allow us to realize these deferred tax assets. However, it is possible that some of these carryforwards related to charitable contributions and state net operating losses could ultimately expire unused. Therefore, unless the Company continues to generate sufficient taxable income, a substantial valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets may be required, which would materially increase our expenses in the period the allowance is recognized and materially, adversely affect our results of operations and statement of financial condition.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported revenue generated and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about items that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Except as described in Note 2—Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 10, 2023.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. These risks primarily include interest rate risk, investment risk, and foreign currency risk as follows:
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposures to market risk for changes in interest rates relate primarily to our Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement and our Revolver are floating rate facilities. Therefore, fluctuations in interest rates will impact the amount of interest expense we incur and have to pay. We did not have any borrowings outstanding under our Credit Agreement at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
We do not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Investment Risk
We had cash and cash equivalents totaling $129.8 million and $134.0 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Our investment policy and strategy primarily attempt to preserve capital and meet liquidity requirements without significantly increasing risk. Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on hand and money market mutual funds. We have not entered into investments for trading or speculative purposes. Changes in rates would primarily impact interest income due to the relatively short-term nature of our investments. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would have increased or decreased our interest income for a twelve-month period by an immaterial amount.
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Foreign Currency Risk
Our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar and our revenues and expenses are primarily denominated in U.S. Dollars. Our indirect foreign currency transaction exposure results mainly from the sale of our virtual currency to players outside of the U.S. While players outside of the U.S. make purchases in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, we are paid by platform providers and record revenue in U.S. Dollars pursuant to the terms of the relevant contracts. While we have the ability to change the foreign currency pricing of our virtual currency, sudden and significant changes in the exchange rates of the Canadian and Australian Dollars and Pound Sterling to the U.S. Dollar could have a material impact on our results of operations.
However, a significant portion of our headcount related expenses, consisting principally of salaries and related personnel expenses, as well as leases and certain other operating expenses, are denominated in New Israeli Shekels, or NIS. We also have foreign currency risks related to our operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, including the Hong Kong Dollar, Euro, Mexican Peso, Serbian Dinar, Singapore Dollar and Vietnamese Dong. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates in the future may negatively affect our future operating results as expressed in U.S. Dollars.
We have experienced and will continue to experience fluctuations in our net income as a result of transaction gains or losses related to remeasurement of our asset and liability balances that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entities in which they are recorded.
Subsequent to September 30, 2023, we entered into derivative contracts to purchase certain foreign currencies, including the NIS, at future dates. The notional value of amounts hedged was approximately $7.5 million, and all contracts are expected to mature during the upcoming 12 months.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Company's CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at the reasonable assurance level, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Company's CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are a party to litigation and subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we currently believe that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors. For information regarding legal proceedings and other claims in which we are involved, see Note 17—Commitments and Contingencies.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
A description of certain factors that may affect our future results and risk factors is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Other than the additional factors discussed below, there have been no material changes to those factors previously disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risks Related to Managing Our Business Operations in Israel
Potential political, economic, and military instability in Israel and the surrounding region may adversely affect our results of operations.
We have a significant number of employees based at our studio in Tel Aviv, Israel. Accordingly, political, economic, and military conditions in Israel and the surrounding region could directly affect our business and operations. In October 2023, Hamas conducted a series of coordinated attacks from the Gaza Strip against the Israeli people, resulting in the outbreak of war between the State of Israel and Hamas. In addition, Israel is engaged in ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Any armed conflict or other hostilities involving Israel, or the interruption or curtailment of trade within Israel or between Israel and other countries, could adversely affect our business operations.
In addition, political uprisings in various countries in the Middle East in recent years have affected the political stability of those countries and have led to a decline in the regional security situation. Such instability could also lead to deterioration in the political and trade relationships that exist between Israel and these countries. Any armed conflicts, terrorist activities, or political instability involving Israel or other countries in the region could adversely affect our business operations. In addition, political events within Israel may significantly affect our business, assets or operations. Social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes, changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, and policy changes or enactments in Israel or other countries in the region could negatively impact our business.
The relationship between the United States and Israel could be subject to fluctuation and periodic tension. Changes in political conditions in Israel and changes in the state of U.S. relations with Israel are difficult to predict and could adversely affect our operations. Parties with whom we do business may be disinclined to travel to Israel during periods of heightened unrest or tension, forcing us to make alternative arrangements when necessary to meet with our business partners. In addition, the political and security situation in Israel may result in parties with whom we have agreements involving performance in Israel claiming that they are not obligated to perform their commitments under those agreements pursuant to force majeure provisions in such agreements.
Our insurance may not cover losses that we incur as a result of the security situation in Israel or for any resulting disruption in our business operations. Although the Israeli government has in the past covered the reinstatement value of direct damages that were caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot be assured that this government coverage will be maintained or, if maintained, will be sufficient to compensate us fully for any damages we incur. In addition, the Israeli government may cease providing such coverage in the future, or it may limit the amount or scope of coverage provided, and as a result any such coverage may be insufficient to cover potential damages we may incur. Any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business. Any armed conflicts, political instability, terrorism, cyberattacks or any other hostilities involving, or threatening Israel could negatively affect business conditions generally and harm our results of operations.
Our operations may be disrupted because of the activation of Israeli citizens for military service.
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Our operations could also be disrupted by absences due to employees and service providers in Israel being activated for military service. Some of our employees in Israel are obliged to perform military reserve duty and, in certain emergency circumstances, such employees may be called to immediate and unlimited active duty. As a result of Israel’s October 7, 2023 declaration of a state of war and activation of Article 8 of the Reserve Service Law (2008), a number of our employees in Israel were activated for military duty and we expect that additional employees could be activated if the war continues or expands. Any major escalation in hostilities in the region could result in a portion of our employees and service providers in Israel being called up to perform military duty for an extended period. Our operations could be disrupted by such call-ups. While we have implemented business continuity measures to address the military call-ups, any resulting disruption could materially adversely affect our business operations, financial condition, and results of operations.
We incur operating expenses that are denominated in currencies other than the US Dollar, including expenses denominated in New Israeli Shekels, and as a result our financial condition and results of operations may be harmed by currency exchange rate fluctuations.
We are exposed to currency fluctuation risks. Although our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar and our revenues and expenses are reported in U.S. Dollars, we regularly incur operating expenses that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. A significant portion of our headcount related expenses, consisting principally of salaries and related personnel expenses, as well as leases and certain other operating expenses, are denominated in New Israeli Shekels, or NIS. We also incur operating expenses denominated in the Hong Kong Dollar, Euro, Serbian Dinar, Vietnamese Dong, and Singaporean Dollar.
As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rates of the NIS and other foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar have an influence on our operating expenses, which are all reported in U.S. Dollars regardless of the currency in which they are incurred. From time to time, we may enter into currency hedging arrangements to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar. Such arrangements may not be sufficient to fully protect us, and our operating results and financial condition could be adversely impacted by currency exchange rate fluctuations notwithstanding any risk mitigation measures we might employ from time to time.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table provides information about share repurchases made by us of our Class A common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2023:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased1 | Average Price Paid per Share2 | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program3 | Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Program at Period End (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
July 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023 | 905 | $ | 4.80 | — | $ | 30,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023 | 429,544 | $ | 3.80 | — | $ | 30,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
September 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 30,000 |
1.These amounts consist entirely of shares surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of equity awards under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Plan”). Under the Plan and applicable award agreements, the Company has the discretionary right to collect payment of mandatory tax withholding obligations by deducting from the shares otherwise deliverable to a participant upon vesting and settlement of an award under the Plan a number of shares having a fair market value equal or less than such participant’s tax withholding obligations. All shares so deducted from shares that otherwise would be deliverable to participants under the Plan are considered repurchased pursuant to the terms of the Plan and applicable award agreements and not pursuant to any publicly announced share repurchase program.
2.Average price paid per share excludes costs associated with the repurchases and any excise taxes that may be incurred by the Company on share repurchases.
3.Repurchases may be executed from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions, through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, pursuant to a stock repurchase program. On November 10, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase, within a 12 month period, up to $50.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock at such times and in such amounts as the Company’s Board of Directors deems appropriate, based on factors such as market conditions, legal requirements, and other business considerations. The Company publicly announced the approval of such stock repurchase program on November 12, 2021. On November 2, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an extension of the time period for repurchases under the stock repurchase program for an additional 12 months from November 10, 2022 to November 10, 2023. The Company publicly announced the extension of such time period on November 8, 2022. Through September 30, 2023, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $20.0 million of Class A common stock under the program, resulting in $30.0 million remaining for additional repurchases as of such date. On November 1, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors extended the stock repurchase program through November 10, 2024 and increased the remaining amount authorized to $50.0 million. The Company publicly announced such extension and increase on November 2, 2023. See Note 18—Stockholders’ Equity for additional information relating to share repurchases.
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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5. Other Information
During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023, none of our directors or officers informed us of the adoption or termination of a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as those terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
3.1 | ||||||||
3.2 | ||||||||
10.1 | ||||||||
10.2 | ||||||||
31.1* | ||||||||
31.2* | ||||||||
32.1* | ||||||||
101.INS** | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |||||||
101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||
101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. |
* | Filed herewith | ||||
** | The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. | |||||||||||
Date: | November 3, 2023 | By: | /s/ Andrew Pascal | ||||||||
Name: | Andrew Pascal | ||||||||||
Title: | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||
(Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||
Date: | November 3, 2023 | By: | /s/ Scott Peterson | ||||||||
Name: | Scott Peterson | ||||||||||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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