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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2015
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 20-F
(Mark One) | ||
o |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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or |
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þ |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 |
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or |
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o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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or |
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o |
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number: 000-51138
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A (Translation of registrant's name into English) |
The Republic of Korea (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
15F, 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu,
Seoul 121-795, Korea
(Address of principal executive offices)
Heung Gon Kim
Chief Financial Officer
15F, 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu,
Seoul 121-795, Korea
Telephone: 82-2-2132-7000
Fax: 82-2-2132-7070
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
---|---|---|
Common stock, par value Won 500 per share* | The NASDAQ Capital Market | |
American depositary shares, each representing one-fourth of one share of common stock |
* Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of American depositary shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: Shares, par value Won 500: 6,948,900
Indicated by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o No þ
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer þ |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP þ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o Other o
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 o Item 18 o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
2
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Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report on Form 20-F, or annual report, to:
For your convenience, and unless otherwise stated, this annual report contains translations of certain Won amounts into U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Korean Won as certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes in effect on December 31, 2014, which was Won 1,090.89 to US$1.00. No assurance is given that any Won or Dollar amounts could have been or could be converted into Dollars or Won, as the case may be, at such rate, or any other rate, or at all.
Discrepancies in tables between totals and sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.
This annual report for the year ended December 31, 2014 contains "forward-looking statements," as defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "considering," "depends," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "planning," "planned," "predict," "project," "continue" and variations of these words, similar expressions, or that certain events, actions or results "will," "may," "might," "should," "would" or "could" occur, be taken or be achieved.
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Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, each of which involves risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect. All forward-looking statements are based on our management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections of future events and are subject to a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties associated with our business include, but are not limited to, risks related to changes in the regulatory environment; technology changes; potential litigation and governmental actions; changes in the competitive environment; changes in customer preference and popular culture and trends, including the online or mobile gaming culture; political changes; global economic events including, but not limited to, a significant downturn in the global economic and financial markets and a tightening of the global credit markets; changes in business and economic conditions; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; fluctuations in the prices of our products; decreasing consumer confidence and slowing of economic growth generally; and other risks and uncertainties that are more fully described under the heading "Risk Factors" in this annual report, and elsewhere in this annual report. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.
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ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3.A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
You should read the selected financial data below in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected financial data as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP.
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As of and for the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
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2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | |||||||||||||
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(In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except share and per share data, operating data and percentages) |
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Statements of operations |
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Revenues: |
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Online gamessubscription revenue |
9,908 | 11,556 | 10,150 | 8,206 | 7,962 | US$ | 7,299 | ||||||||||||
Online gamesroyalties and license fees |
32,132 | 35,552 | 32,325 | 21,726 | 13,093 | 12,002 | |||||||||||||
Mobile games and applications |
7,224 | 6,609 | 8,262 | 14,504 | 15,055 | 13,801 | |||||||||||||
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue |
3,098 | 3,760 | 7,044 | 3,249 | 3,779 | 3,464 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
52,362 | 57,477 | 57,781 | 47,685 | 39,889 | 36,566 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
20,873 | 24,243 | 34,906 | 35,399 | 34,188 | 31,340 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
31,489 | 33,234 | 22,875 | 12,286 | 5,701 | 5,226 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
20,422 | 22,759 | 20,310 | 17,063 | 12,682 | 11,626 | |||||||||||||
Research and development |
4,652 | 4,136 | 7,018 | 6,131 | 4,847 | 4,443 | |||||||||||||
Impairment loss on intangible assets |
475 | 3,697 | 14,569 | 5,822 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of equity method investments |
| | (528 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||
Gain on loss of control in a subsidiary |
| (548 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||
Settlement cost of litigation |
| 29 | | | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income (loss) |
5,940 | 3,161 | (18,494 | ) | (16,730 | ) | (11,829 | ) | (10,844 | ) | |||||||||
Other income, net |
2,322 | 1,876 | 871 | 2,105 | 977 | 895 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income tax expenses (benefit) and equity loss on investments |
8,262 | 5,037 | (17,623 | ) | (14,625 | ) | (10,852 | ) | (9,949 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax expenses (benefit) |
4,207 | (7,962 | ) | 2,584 | 5,108 | 10,147 | 9,302 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before equity loss on investments |
4,055 | 12,999 | (20,207 | ) | (19,733 | ) | (20,999 | ) | (19,251 | ) | |||||||||
Equity loss on investments, net |
(345 | ) | (242 | ) | (333 | ) | (18 | ) | | | |||||||||
Net income (loss) |
3,710 | 12,757 | (20,540 | ) | (19,751 | ) | (20,999 | ) | (19,251 | ) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to: |
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Non-controlling interest |
(20 | ) | (2,171 | ) | (8,316 | ) | (1,163 | ) | (92 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Parent company |
3,730 | 14,928 | (12,224 | ) | (18,588 | ) | (20,907 | ) | US$ | (19,167 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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As of and for the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
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2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | |||||||||||||
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(In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except share and per share data, operating data and percentages) |
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Earnings (loss) per share: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted per share |
537 | 2,148 | (1,759 | ) | (2,675 | ) | (3,009 | ) | US$ | (2.76 | ) | ||||||||
Basic and diluted per ADS(2) |
134 | 537 | (440 | ) | (669 | ) | (752 | ) | (0.69 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted) |
6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
290 | (510 | ) | (41 | ) | (1,327 | ) | (153 | ) | (141 | ) | ||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
4,000 | 12,247 | (20,581 | ) | (21,078 | ) | (21,152 | ) | (19,392 | ) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: |
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Non-controlling interest |
(20 | ) | (2,171 | ) | (8,316 | ) | (1,163 | ) | (92 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Parent company |
4,020 | 14,418 | (12,265 | ) | (19,915 | ) | (21,060 | ) | $ | (19,308 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance sheet data: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
44,122 | 42,430 | 36,455 | 31,222 | 28,382 | US$ | 26,017 | ||||||||||||
Total current assets |
76,343 | 71,833 | 67,929 | 58,651 | 50,692 | 46,468 | |||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
2,672 | 2,731 | 3,524 | 2,315 | 1,213 | 1,112 | |||||||||||||
Total assets |
125,490 | 132,878 | 110,555 | 87,765 | 63,096 | 57,839 | |||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
14,065 | 12,062 | 10,375 | 11,400 | 9,651 | 8,847 | |||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
27,078 | 22,219 | 20,477 | 18,765 | 15,248 | 13,978 | |||||||||||||
Total parent company shareholders' equity |
87,416 | 101,834 | 89,569 | 69,335 | 48,275 | 44,253 | |||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
10,996 | 8,825 | 509 | (335 | ) | (427 | ) | (392 | ) | ||||||||||
Total equity |
98,412 | 110,659 | 90,078 | 69,000 | 47,848 | 43,861 | |||||||||||||
Selected operating data and financial ratios (unaudited): |
|||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit margin(3) |
60.1 | % | 57.8 | % | 39.6 | % | 25.8 | % | 14.3 | % | 14.3 | % | |||||||
Operating profit (loss) margin(4) |
11.3 | % | 5.5 | % | (32.0 | )% | (35.1 | )% | (29.7 | )% | (29.7 | )% | |||||||
Net profit (loss) margin(5) |
7.1 | % | 26.0 | % | (21.2 | )% | (39.0 | )% | (52.4 | )% | (52.4 | )% |
Notes:
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Exchange Rate Information
The following table sets forth information concerning the noon buying rate as certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes for the years 2010 through 2014 and for each month during the previous six months through April 17, 2015 expressed in Won per U.S. dollar.
Period
|
At End of Period | Average Rate(1) | High | Low | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010 |
1,130.6 | 1,158.7 | 1,253.2 | 1,104.0 | |||||||||
2011 |
1,158.5 | 1,105.2 | 1,197.5 | 1,049.2 | |||||||||
2012 |
1,063.2 | 1,119.6 | 1,185.0 | 1,063.2 | |||||||||
2013 |
1,055.3 | 1,094.6 | 1,161.3 | 1,050.1 | |||||||||
2014 |
1,090.9 | 1,054.0 | 1,117.7 | 1,008.9 | |||||||||
October |
1,073.1 | 1,060.3 | 1,074.4 | 1,043.9 | |||||||||
November |
1,112.1 | 1,097.9 | 1,114.7 | 1,077.0 | |||||||||
December |
1,090.9 | 1,102.6 | 1,117.7 | 1,080.8 | |||||||||
2015 |
|||||||||||||
January |
1,104.3 | 1,088.1 | 1,109.1 | 1,075.3 | |||||||||
February |
1,100.7 | 1,101.5 | 1,112.8 | 1,086.8 | |||||||||
March |
1,107.7 | 1,112.9 | 1,135.7 | 1,095.7 | |||||||||
April (through April 17, 2015) |
1,082.0 | 1,091.2 | 1,100.4 | 1,082.0 |
Note:
ITEM 3.B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable.
ITEM 3.C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
We currently depend on one online game product, Ragnarok Online, for a significant portion of our revenues.
A significant portion of our revenues has been and is currently derived from a single online game product, Ragnarok Online, which was commercially introduced in August 2002 and is currently commercially offered in 71 countries and markets. We derived Won 15,985 million (US$14,653 thousand) in revenues from Ragnarok Online in 2014 and Won 21,531 million in revenues from Ragnarok Online in 2013, representing approximately 40.1% and 45.2% of our total revenues in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Ragnarok Online has been in the market for thirteen years and has reached maturity in most of our principal markets. The life cycle of an online game generally lasts from four to seven years and reaches its peak popularity within the first two years of its introduction after which usage gradually stabilizes and begins to decrease over time. The number of users of Ragnarok Online worldwide reached its peak in the first quarter of 2005 and has continued to decline since such time. Our failure to maintain, improve, update or enhance Ragnarok Online in a timely manner or successfully introduce it in attractive new markets is likely to lead to a continual decline in Ragnarok Online's user base and subscription revenues and royalties. This will likely lead to a decline in our overall revenues, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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If we are unable to consistently and timely develop, acquire, license, launch, market or operate commercially successful online and mobile games in addition to Ragnarok Online, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
In order to grow our revenues and net income, we must develop, acquire, license, launch, market or operate commercially successful online and mobile games in addition to Ragnarok Online in order to retain our existing users and attract new users. In addition to Ragnarok Online, we currently offer four other online games: Ragnarok Online II, Requiem, R.O.S.E.Online and Dragonica, which is also known as Dragon Saga in the United States, Canada and South America except for Brazil. We also offer mobile games which are played using mobile phones, including smartphones such as Google Android compatible phones and the Apple iPhone as well as feature phones, and other mobile devices, such as tablet computers. In January 2015, we entered into a development agreement with Shanghai The Dream Network Technology Co., Ltd. to develop and distribute mobile games in China based on the contents of Ragnarok Online.
None of our other online games to date has proven to be as commercially successful as Ragnarok Online, and none of our mobile games to date has been a great commercial success. Since the beginning of 2014, we stopped offering three online games, Steal Fighter in February 2014, H.A.V.E. Online in March 2014 and Ragnarok Prequel in November 2014, as the games did not gain popularity. In particular, the lack of popularity or market acceptance of Ragnarok Online II in major markets could result in financial losses, including termination or amendments of license agreements, which could damage our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. License agreements with Level Up! Inc. for the service of Ragnarok Online II in the Philippines and Brazil were terminated in April 2014. Also, a license agreement with Asiasoft Online Pte, Ltd. for Ragnarok Online II service in Singapore and Malaysia was terminated in September 2014. Although service of Ragnarok Online II in such jurisdictions is being continued by Gravity Interactive Inc., such termination of agreements with local licensees could adversely affect our revenues from, and service of, Ragnarok Online II.
A game's commercial success largely depends on appealing to the tastes and preferences of a critical mass of users as well as the willingness of such users to purchase the game and/or in-game items, and to continue as paying subscribers, all of which are difficult to predict prior to a game's development and introduction. Developing games requires substantial development costs, including the costs of employing skilled developers and acquiring or developing game engines which enable the creation of games with the latest technological features. For us to succeed, we must acquire, license or develop promising games at acceptable costs and ensure technical support for the successful operation of such games. The online and mobile gaming industries are highly competitive and we may not able to acquire, license or develop promising games at acceptable costs. In order to successfully distribute and operate a game, we also need a sizable game management and support staff, continued investment in technology and a substantial marketing budget. We cannot assure you that the games we develop or publish will be attractive to users or otherwise be commercially successful, launched as scheduled or able to successfully compete with games operated by our competitors. If we are not able to consistently develop, acquire, license, launch, market or operate commercially successful games, we may not be able to generate enough revenues to offset our initial development, acquisition, licensing or marketing costs, and our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.
We depend on our overseas licensees for a substantial portion of our revenues and rely on them to distribute, market and operate our games, and comply with applicable laws and government regulations.
In markets other than Korea, the United States, Canada and certain other countries in which we or our subsidiaries directly publish our games, we license our games to overseas operators or distributors for license fees and royalty payments based on a percentage of revenues generated from our games in such markets. Overseas license fees and royalty payments represented 32.7% of our total revenues in 2014 and 43.7% of our total revenues in 2013. In particular, we are heavily dependent on one licensee for a significant portion of our revenues. In 2014, 28.1% of our total revenues was derived from GungHo Online
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Entertainment, Inc., or GungHo, our licensee in Japan, which is also our majority shareholder. Deterioration in our relationships with material licensees or material adverse changes in the terms of our licenses with such licensees will likely have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, as we are heavily dependent on certain licensees, deterioration or any adverse developments in the operations, including changes in senior management, of our overseas licensees may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further, our overseas licensees generally have the exclusive right to distribute our games in their respective markets for a term of two or three years and may also operate or publish other online and mobile games developed or offered by our competitors, while we may not be able to easily terminate the license agreements as the agreements do not specify particular financial or performance criteria that need to be met by our licensees. If our overseas licensees devote greater time and resources to marketing their proprietary games or those of our competitors, we may not be able to terminate our license agreements or enter into a new license agreement with a different licensee and our revenues and net profit would be adversely impacted. Also, a failure to satisfy our obligation to provide technical and other consulting services to the licensees under the license agreements may negatively affect user satisfaction and loyalty and hinder our licensees' efforts to increase market share, which may lead the licensees to focus their attention on our competitors' games or request modifications to or terminate our licensing agreements and/or not renew expired license agreements.
Our overseas licensees are responsible for remitting royalty payments to us based on a percentage of sales from our games after deducting certain expenses. Some licensees may be allowed to deduct certain expenses before calculating royalty payments depending on the terms of the applicable contracts. Failure by our licensees to maintain a stable and efficient billing, recording, distribution and payment collection network in their respective markets may result in inaccurate recording of sales or insufficient collection of payments from such markets and may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Although we have audit rights, pursuant to our license agreements, to ensure that proper payment amounts are being recorded and remitted, such activities can be disruptive and time consuming and as a result we do not exercise such rights on a regular basis. Although we have taken a number of steps to improve our internal controls and compliance procedures to prevent inaccurate reporting and illicit diversion of payments, we cannot ensure that such incidents will not occur again. Any future occurrence of such incidents may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, disruptions in the political environments in which our licensees operate, including without limitation a deterioration in the relationship between Japan and China and political instability in Thailand, may have a negative impact on the business of our licensees and in turn materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, our overseas licensees are responsible for complying with local laws, including obtaining and maintaining the requisite government licenses and permits. Failure by our overseas licensees to do so may result in, among others, a suspension of service of our games in such market which may result in user complaints and a decrease in the use of our games which would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We operate in a highly competitive industry and compete against many large companies.
Increased competition in the online and mobile game industries in our markets from existing and potential competitors could make it difficult for us to retain existing users and attract new users, and could reduce the number of hours users spend playing our current or future games or cause us and our licensees to reduce the fees charged to play our current or future games. In some of the countries in which our games are distributed, such as Korea, Japan and Taiwan, growth of the market for online games has continued to slow while competition remains strong. If we are unable to compete effectively in our principal markets, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and
10
adversely affected. Many companies worldwide are dedicated to developing and/or operating online and mobile games and compete across various markets and regions. We expect more companies to enter the online and mobile game industries and a wider range of online and mobile games to be introduced in our current and future markets.
Our competitors in the online and mobile game industries vary in size from small companies to very large companies with dominant market shares. Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing and game development resources than we have. As a result, we may not be able to devote adequate resources to develop, acquire or license new games, undertake extensive marketing campaigns, adopt aggressive pricing policies or adequately compensate our game developers or third-party game developers to the same degree as many of our competitors do.
As the online and mobile game industries are characterized by rapid technological changes, especially in the technical capabilities of devices for mobile games, and changing interests and preferences of users, continuous investment is required to develop and publish new games. Also, as the online and mobile game industries in many of our markets are rapidly evolving, our current or future competitors may more effectively adapt to the changing competitive landscape and market conditions and compete more successfully than us. In particular, online and mobile game products are becoming more similar to each other, thus becoming commoditized and undifferentiated. In this environment, larger companies with relative economies of scale have a clear advantage over smaller companies like us, as they are able to develop games in a more cost efficient manner, diversify their risks with a broader category of games and genres and increase their chances of offering widely popular games. In addition, any of our competitors may offer products and services that have significant performance, price, creativity or other advantages over those offered by us. These products and services may weaken the market strength of our brand name and achieve greater market acceptance than ours. In addition, any of our current or future competitors may be acquired by, receive investments from or enter into strategic relationships with larger, better established and better financed companies and therefore may be able to obtain significantly greater financial, marketing and game licensing and development resources than we can. See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWCOMPETITION."
Our investments in joint ventures or partnerships, or acquisitions of other companies, related to development or service of online and mobile games may not be successful.
Since 2004, we have made investments in joint ventures and entered into partnership arrangements with third parties to invest in online games. In many cases, as we do not have significant investment or other control over such entities, the success of such joint ventures and partnership arrangements is heavily dependent on third parties and their investment decisions.
In December 2005, we entered into a limited liability partnership agreement to invest an aggregate amount of JPY1,000 million in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1, a limited liability partnership which purpose was to invest in online games. In 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009, we made contributions of JPY100 million, JPY150 million, JPY642 million and JPY18 million, respectively, to the partnership. We accounted for our partnership interest under equity method of accounting and recorded our partnership interest as an equity loss equal to Won 1,026 million, Won 5,119 million, Won 1,424 million, Won 358 million, Won 38 million, Won 51 million and Won 18 million in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. On December 31, 2010, the term of the partnership expired and the liquidation of the partnership was completed in June 2013.
In October 2010, we acquired an aggregate of 50.83% of the total shares of Barunson Interactive Corporation, subsequently named Gravity Games Corporation, or Gravity Games, an online game developer in Korea, and increased our ownership in Gravity Games to 85.5% in August 2013. For details of impairment loss from Gravity Games, see ITEM 3.D. "RISK FACTORSRISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESSWe could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges." Gravity EU SASU, our former wholly-owned subsidiary in France, was converted into a joint venture company in which we have a 25%
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equity interest, Gravity EU SAS, with Media-Participations Paris SA as the joint venture partner, in July 2011. In November 2014, we sold our 25% equity interest in Gravity EU SAS to Dargaud SA.
If our partners or the joint ventures and partnerships in which we and our partners have invested or companies acquired by us are unable to manage their investments, develop promising online and/or mobile games or market or operate commercially successful online and/or mobile games, such joint ventures and partnerships or companies will be unable to attain their investment, development or other business objectives, which may materially and adversely affect the value of our investments and commitments and which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to hire and retain skilled and experienced game developers or other key personnel to design and develop new online and mobile games and additional game features, we may be unable to achieve our business objectives.
In order to meet our business objectives and maintain our competitiveness, we need to attract and retain qualified employees, including skilled and experienced online and mobile game developers. We compete to attract and retain key personnel with other companies in the online and mobile game industries as well as in the broader entertainment, media and Internet industries, many of which offer superior compensation arrangements and career opportunities. In addition, our ability to train and integrate new employees into our operations may not meet the changing demands of our business. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain qualified game developers or other key personnel and successfully train and integrate them to achieve our business objectives, which could materially harm our business prospects.
Undetected programming errors or flaws in our games could harm our reputation or decrease market acceptance of our games, which would materially and adversely affect our business prospects, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
Our current and future games may contain programming errors or flaws which may become apparent only after their release. In addition, our online and mobile games are developed using programs and engines developed by and licensed from third party vendors, which may include programming errors or flaws over which we have little or no control. If our users have negative experiences with our games related to or caused by undetected programming errors or flaws, they may be less inclined to use our games or recommend our games to other potential users.
While we have not experienced any material disruptions to our business from such errors or flaws in our games or in the programs and engines that we use to develop our games, these risks are inherent to our industry and, if realized, could severely harm our reputation, cause our users to cease playing our games, divert our resources or delay market acceptance of our games, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unexpected network interruptions, security breaches or computer virus attacks could harm our business and reputation.
Failure to maintain satisfactory performance, reliability, security and availability of our network infrastructure, whether maintained by us or by our licensees, may cause significant harm to our reputation and negatively impact our ability to attract and maintain users. Major risks relating to our network infrastructure include:
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"Hacking" involves efforts to gain unauthorized access to information or systems or to cause intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data, software, hardware or other computer equipment. Hackers, if successful, could misappropriate proprietary information or cause disruptions in our service. We may have to spend significant capital and human resources to fix any damage to our system. In addition, we cannot ensure that any measures we take against hacking will be effective. A well-publicized computer security breach could significantly damage our reputation and materially and adversely affect our business.
We have been subject to denial of service attacks that have caused portions of our network to be inaccessible for limited periods of time but did not cause material losses or damages. Although we take a number of measures to ensure that our systems are secure and unaffected by security breaches, including ensuring that our servers are hosted at physically secure sites, real-time monitoring against possible intrusion and saving all logs, preventing any unauthorized access to servers, and using firewalls, server virtualization technology, which allows one physical server to be divided into multiple virtual servers, each of which functions individually as a complete and independent server, and encryption technology, we cannot ensure that the measures we have implemented will be effective against all hacking efforts.
In addition, computer viruses may cause delays or other service interruptions on our systems and expose us to a material risk of loss or litigation and possible liability. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect our Web sites against the threat of such computer viruses and to address and resolve any problems resulting from such viruses. Moreover, if a computer virus affecting our system is highly publicized, our reputation could be materially damaged and our visitor traffic may decrease.
Any of the foregoing factors could reduce our users' satisfaction, harm our business and reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to protect personal information could adversely affect our business, reputation and results of operations.
We collect, process, store and transmit personal information of game users worldwide for our global game service. Our business may be subject to a number of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing data privacy and security, including with respect to the collection, processing, storage, use, transmission and protection of personal information and other consumer data on the Internet and mobile platforms, the scope of which are continually changing and subject to differing interpretations, and which may be inconsistent among countries or otherwise in conflict with other laws or regulations. Although we strive to comply with all applicable laws, policies, legal obligations and certain industry codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection to the extent reasonably attainable, it is possible that these obligations may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other laws or regulations or our practices. Also, while we have developed systems and processes that are designed to protect user information, the failure to prevent or mitigate the loss of personal information data or other game user data, including as a result of breaches of our vendors' technologies and systems, could expose us or our game users to a risk of loss or misuse of such information. Any such failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies, our privacy-related obligations to players or other third parties, or our privacy-related legal obligations, including without limitation any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other player data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause our players to lose trust in us, which may have an adverse effect on our business, reputation and results of operations. See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWLAWS AND REGULATIONS" for a detailed discussion regarding Korean, U.S. and Japanese laws that may materially impact our operations.
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Electronic embezzlement could negatively impact the popularity of our online and mobile games and adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
Despite security measures, some of our employees or licensees' employees with high-level security access to our network, or other employees or persons who hack into or otherwise gain unauthorized access to certain sectors of our network, may succeed in breaching internal security systems and engage in electronic embezzlement by creating or diverting game money used in our online and mobile games and publicly or privately selling the game money for their financial benefit. Although we have internal security procedures in place designed to prevent electronic embezzlement and have not had any incident of electronic embezzlement since early 2006, we cannot assure you that we or our overseas licensees will be successful in preventing all electronic embezzlement. We have taken a number of procedures to prevent electronic embezzlement, including installing security programs designed to prevent counterfeiting and modification of program files, but cannot assure you such procedures will be sufficient to prevent new methods to engage in electronic embezzlement. Incidents of electronic embezzlement may negatively impact the reputation of our games, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Cheating by users of online and mobile games could negatively impact the popularity of our online and mobile games and adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
We have experienced numerous incidents where users were able to modify the published rules of our online and mobile games. Although these users did not gain unauthorized access to our systems, they were able to modify the rules of our online and mobile games during game play in a manner that allowed them to cheat and disadvantage other online game users, for example by utilizing auto-run programs that enabled the games to be continuously and automatically played without user participation, which allowed the users to accumulate in-game points quickly, causing many other players to stop using the game and shortening the game's life cycle. For mobile games, some users bought game money or in-game items through cloned mobile phones and sold such illegally obtained property to other users, which resulted in a shortfall between total sales and our actual revenues. Such unauthorized manipulation of our games may negatively impact users' perception of our games and damage our reputation as well as our results of operations. Although we have taken a number of measures to deter our users from cheating when playing our games, including spot checks and monitoring of game play by game masters and system operators to check for suspicious activity, and encrypting packets, we cannot assure you that we or our licensees will be successful in timely taking the corrective measures necessary to prevent users from modifying the terms of our games.
Unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights by third parties and the expenses incurred in protecting our intellectual property rights may adversely affect our business.
Our intellectual property rights such as copyrights, service marks, trademarks and trade secrets are critical to our business. Unauthorized use of the intellectual property rights used in our business, whether owned by us or licensed to us, may materially and adversely affect our business and reputation. We rely on trademark and copyright law, trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements with our employees, customers, business partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite certain precautions taken by us, it may be possible for third parties to obtain and use our intellectual property without authorization.
Since the commercialization of Ragnarok Online in August 2002, we have discovered that the server-end software of Ragnarok Online has been unlawfully released on a consistent basis in most of the countries and markets in which Ragnarok Online has been offered. This enables unauthorized parties to set up local server networks to operate Ragnarok Online, which may result in the diversion of a significant number of paying users. We designate certain employees to be responsible for detecting such illegal servers. In Korea, we report offenders to the relevant enforcement authority for possible prosecution relating to crimes on the Internet. In markets outside of Korea, we cooperate with and rely on our licensees to seek enforcement actions against operators of illegal servers. For example, in Japan, we
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submitted a preliminary written accusation to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department in October 2009 and filed criminal charges against an illegal server operator of Ragnarok Online in April 2011 in cooperation with GungHo, our licensee in Japan. The case file was transferred to the Nagano District Public Prosecutor's Office in December 2014 and is currently under investigation. In December 2007 and June 2008, Gravity Interactive, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary in the United States which manages Ragnarok Online game operations in the United States, petitioned the Federal Bureau of Investigation for remission or mitigation of forfeiture of the property of two illegal server operators of Ragnarok Online, which property was deemed proceeds of copyright infringement violations by the illegal server operators, and US$154,674.73 was returned to Gravity Interactive, Inc. in April 2011. We may incur considerable costs in the future in order to remedy software piracy of our server software and to enforce our rights against the operators of unauthorized server networks.
The validity, enforceability, enforcement mechanisms and scope of protection of intellectual property in Internet-related industries are uncertain and evolving. In particular, the laws and enforcement regimes of Korea, Japan, Thailand and certain other countries in which our games are distributed are uncertain or may not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws and enforcement procedures of the United States. Moreover, litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, disruption of our business, and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to claims with respect to the infringement of intellectual property rights of others, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our financial and management resources.
We cannot be certain that our online and mobile games do not or will not infringe upon patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights held by third parties. We have in the past been and may in the future become subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to the intellectual property of others. If we are found to have violated the intellectual property rights of others, we may be enjoined from using such intellectual property rights, be required to pay penalties and fines and pay for the unauthorized use of such intellectual property and may need to incur additional license fees or be forced to develop alternative technology or obtain other licenses. We may incur substantial expenses in defending against these third party infringement claims, regardless of their merit. In addition, certain of our employees were recruited from other online and mobile game developers, including current and potential competitors. To the extent these employees have been and are involved in the development of our games that are similar to the games they helped develop at their former employers, we may become subject to claims that we or such employees have improperly used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information. Although we are not aware of any pending or threatened claims of this type, if any such claims were to arise in the future, litigation or other dispute resolution procedures might be necessary to retain our ability to offer our current and future games, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our financial and management resources.
Successful infringement or licensing claims against us may result in substantial monetary damages, which may materially disrupt our business operations and have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to successfully implement our growth and profit improvement strategies.
We are pursuing a number of growth and profit improvement strategies, including the following:
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We cannot assure you that we will be successful in implementing any of these strategies. Certain of our strategies relate to new services or products for which there are no established markets, or in which we lack experience and expertise. If we are unable to successfully implement our growth and profit improvement strategies, our revenues, profitability and competitiveness may be materially and adversely affected.
We have limited business insurance coverage, and business interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.
While we carry insurance coverage against certain risks, such as fire, flood and earthquake, in respect of our principal assets, including offices and equipment, as well as directors' and officers' liability insurance, we do not separately maintain casualty and liability insurance against litigation, risks or disruptions related to our business. The occurrence of any natural disaster, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure, break-ins, sabotage, computer viruses, intentional acts of Internet vandalism, human error or other similar events may damage our facilities or network servers and disrupt the operation of our business. As we do not carry sufficient natural disaster or business interruption insurance to compensate us for all types or amounts of loss that could arise, any damage or disruption from such events might result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of our resources, and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWINSURANCE."
As we introduce new games, we face the risk that a significant number of users of our existing games may migrate to our new games.
We expect that as we introduce new games, a certain number of our existing users may migrate from our existing games to the new games, which may lead to a decrease in the player base of our existing games and in turn make those existing games less playable to other game players, resulting in decreased revenues from our existing games. Players of our existing games may also spend less money to purchase in-game items in our new games than they would have spent if they had continued playing our existing games. In addition, our game players may migrate from our existing games with a higher profit margin to new games with a lower profit margin. If any of the forgoing occurs, our revenues and profitability are likely to be materially and adversely affected.
We may be required to take significant actions that are contrary to our business objectives in order to avoid being deemed an investment company as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Section 3(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the '40 Act, provides that a company is not an investment company and, therefore, not required to register under the '40 Act as an investment company, if the company is primarily engaged, directly or through a wholly-owned subsidiary or subsidiaries, in a business or businesses other than that of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities (a "Non-Investment Business"). There are several bases on which a company can rely in determining that it is a Non-Investment Business.
Under one set of criteria, the factors to be considered in determining that a company is a Non-Investment Business are: (i) the history of the company; (ii) the manner in which the company represents itself to the investing public; (iii) the activities of its officers and directors; (iv) the nature of its current assets; and (v) the sources of its current income. Based on those factors, we believe that we are engaged primarily and directly in the business of providing online game services, and consequently, that we are a Non-Investment Business, and not an investment company as that term is defined under the '40 Act.
However, the determination as to whether a company satisfies the foregoing criteria is fact sensitive and subjective. Accordingly, it is possible that our determination could be challenged by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), particularly if at any time we own "investment securities" (as
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defined in the '40 Act) having a value in excess of 40% of our total assets (exclusive of cash items and U.S. government securities). We do not currently own investment securities in excess of this threshold. Nonetheless, if this were to become the case, we could be required to take actions to reduce our ownership of investment securities to comply with this standard, such as shifting a portion of our short-term investment portfolio into low-yielding bank deposits. If necessary, such actions would likely reduce the amount of interest or other income that we could otherwise generate from our investments. In addition, we might need to acquire additional income or loss generating assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or forego opportunities to acquire minority interests in companies that could be important to our business strategy.
Alternatively, we could consider other actions, including applying to the SEC for an exemptive order pursuant to Section 3(b)(2) of the '40 Act, declaring that we are a company that is primarily engaged in a business or businesses other than that of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading in securities, without regard to the composition of our assets at any particular time. However, there can be no assurance that we would receive an exemptive order and the process to obtain such an exemptive order could be long and expensive.
The '40 Act contains numerous, complex requirements with respect to the organization and operations of investment companies, including restrictions on their capital structure, operations, and transactions with affiliates, as well as restrictions on the composition of the board of directors and other matters which would be incompatible with our business. Also, if we were to be deemed an investment company in the future, we would effectively be precluded from making public offerings of securities in the United States. In addition to disciplinary actions, such as SEC enforcement actions seeking monetary damages, we could also be subject to administrative or legal proceedings and any contracts to which we are a party that violate the '40 Act or the rules thereunder might be rendered unenforceable or subject to rescission.
Our status as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") in 2014 and potentially other years could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences for you.
In light of the nature of our business activities and our holding of a significant amount of cash, short-term investments, and other passive assets, we believe that we were a PFIC during our 2008 through 2014 taxable years, and there is a significant risk that we will continue to be a PFIC during our 2015 taxable year. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or common shares, you could be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. You are urged to consult your tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding our ADSs or common shares if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year. See ITEM 10.E. "TAXATIONMATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONSPFICs."
If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or do so on a timely basis and our ability to prevent or detect fraud may be reduced and investor confidence and the market price of our ADSs may be adversely affected.
We are subject to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires us to, among other things, maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, and requires our management to provide a certification on the effectiveness of our internal controls on an annual basis.
Although we have determined that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective for the year ended December 31, 2014, we may in the future determine that we have a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. Our registered public accounting firm is not required to and has not audited our internal controls over financial reporting. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results in a timely manner or prevent errors or fraud. Any of these possible outcomes could result in an adverse reaction in the financial marketplace due to loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our consolidated financial statements and could result in investigations or sanctions by the SEC, NASDAQ, or
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other regulatory authorities or in stockholder litigation. Any of these factors could ultimately harm our business and could adversely impact the market price of our ADSs. See ITEM 15. "CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES."
Rapid technological developments and changes in market environment may limit our ability to recover game development or licensing costs and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations due to impairment loss.
The online and mobile game industries are subject to rapid technological developments and changes in market environment, which could render our online and mobile games under development and commercialized games obsolete or unattractive to users. Any resulting failure to recover capitalized development or licensing costs and the recognition of impairment loss for such costs may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. For example, in 2013, we recognized impairment losses on intangible assets for capitalized research and development costs of Won 382 million for Requiem Returns W, Won 381 million for Ragnarok Odyssey Ace for the PlayStation Vita platform, Won 344 million for Steal Fighter, Won 244 million for Game Station, which is a mobile game service platform, Won 237 million for Maestia and Won 154 million for Ragnarok Online Guild Masters.
We could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges.
We held a total of Won 43 million in acquired intangible assets and Won 1,210 million in goodwill at December 31, 2014. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. We test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment, and more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of these assets below their carrying amount. Such an event would include unfavorable variances from established business plans, significant changes in forecasted results or volatility inherent to external markets and industries, which are periodically reviewed by our management. If such an adverse event occurs and has the effect of changing one of the critical assumptions or estimates related to the fair value of our intangible assets or goodwill, an impairment charge could result. For example, during 2012, we decided to discontinue the development of East Road due to the low likelihood that the game would be commercially successful and we recognized an impairment loss of Won 8,503 million on intangible assets of East Road in 2012 since its carrying amount before such recognition of the impairment loss exceeded its fair value. We also recognized an impairment loss of Won 64 million on intangible assets of Jeweled Planet in 2012 since its carrying amount before recognition of impairment losses exceeded its fair value. We recorded impairment losses on goodwill of Won 3,614 million and Won 2,653 million in Gravity Games in 2012 and 2013, respectively, primarily due to the overall decline in the fair value of Gravity Games, and recognized impairment losses of Won 2,161 million and Won 1,424 million on intangible assets of Dragonica in 2012 and 2013, respectively, since the carrying amount of the game before recognition of impairment losses exceeded its fair value.
There can be no assurance that future reviews of our goodwill and other intangible assets will not result in impairment charges. Although it does not affect cash flow, an impairment charge does have the effect of decreasing our earnings, assets and shareholders' equity.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMPANY STRUCTURE
GungHo, the publisher of our games in Japan, our largest market in terms of revenues, is our majority shareholder, which gives them control of our board of directors.
Since April 1, 2008, GungHo has been our largest shareholder and beneficially owns, as of the date hereof, 59.3% of our common shares. As a result, GungHo is able to exert significant control over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, strategic relationships and other matters, and may also exert significant control over decisions related to the status of our ADSs being eligible for quotation and trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. In addition, as GungHo is also an online and mobile game developer, there may be conflicts of interest. For instance, GungHo may lead our management with strategies and efforts which benefit
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itself, its affiliates and their respective shareholders to the detriment of our other shareholders. GungHo may also compete directly or indirectly against us for users and customers or increased market share for its games. Furthermore, four of our registered Executive Directors, Mr. Hyun Chul Park, Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, Mr. Kazuki Morishita and Mr. Kazuya Sakai currently serve as General Manager, Director and Executive General Manager, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer and Director, respectively, of GungHo, and there may be conflicts of interest in the decisions made by our Board of Directors and senior management. See ITEM 7.B. "RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSRelationship with GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc."
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules and may rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
As GungHo controls 59.3% of our outstanding voting power as of the date hereof, we are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules and may rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. As a "controlled company," we are not required to have a majority of our board of directors be independent, nor are we required to have a compensation committee or independent director oversight of director nominations which meet the requirements set forth in the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. We are relying on these exemptions as a controlled company. Accordingly, our shareholders do not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. For our corporate governance policies, see ITEM 6.C. "BOARD PRACTICESCORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES."
RISKS RELATING TO OUR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Our online and mobile operations and businesses are subject to laws, rules and regulations in the countries in which our games are distributed, such as Korea, the United States and Japan, the changes to which are difficult to predict, and uncertainties in interpretation and enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations in such countries may limit the protections available to us.
The regulatory and legal regimes in many of the countries in which our games are distributed have yet to establish a sophisticated set of laws, rules or regulations designed to regulate the online and mobile game industries. However, in many of our principal markets, such as Korea, the United States and Japan, legislators and regulators have implemented or indicated their intention to implement laws, rules and regulations with respect to issues such as user privacy, defamation, pricing, advertising, taxation, promotions, financial market regulation, consumer protection, content regulation, quality of products and services, and intellectual property ownership and infringement that may directly or indirectly impact our activities. The impact of such laws, rules and regulations on our business and results of operations is difficult to predict as many such laws, rules and regulations are constantly changing. However, as we might unintentionally violate such laws, rules and regulations or such laws, rules or regulations may be modified and new laws, rules and regulations may be enacted in the future, any such developments, or developments stemming from enactment or modification of other laws, rules or regulations, could increase the costs of regulatory compliance, force changes in business practices or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, if the cost of regulatory compliance increases for our licensees as a result of regulatory changes, our licensees may seek to reduce royalties and license fees payable to us, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWLAWS AND REGULATIONS" for a detailed discussion regarding Korean, U.S. and Japanese laws that may materially impact our operations.
Our online and mobile games may be subject to governmental restrictions or ratings systems, which could delay or prohibit the release of new games or reduce the existing and potential scope of our user base.
Legislation is periodically introduced in many of the countries in which our games are distributed to establish a system for protecting consumers from the influence of graphic violence and sexually explicit materials contained in various types of games. For example, Korean law requires online game companies
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to obtain ratings classifications and implement procedures to restrict access of online games to certain age groups. Similar mandatory ratings systems and other regulations affecting the content and distribution of our games have been adopted or are under review in Taiwan, China, the United States and other markets for our online games. In the future, we may be required to modify our game content or features or alter our marketing strategies to comply with new governmental regulations or ratings assigned to our current or future games, which could delay or prohibit the release of new games or upgrades and reduce the existing and potential scope of our user base. Moreover, uncertainties regarding governmental restrictions or ratings systems applicable to our business could give rise to market confusion, thereby materially and adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Restrictions and controls on currency exchange in Korea and in certain countries in which our games are distributed may limit our ability to effectively utilize revenues generated in Won to fund our business activities outside Korea or expenditures denominated in foreign currencies, and may limit our ability to receive and remit revenues effectively.
The existing and any future restrictions on currency exchange in Korea, including Korean foreign exchange control regulations, may restrict our ability to convert Won into foreign currencies under certain emergency circumstances, such as natural calamities, wars, conflicts of arms or grave and sudden changes in domestic or foreign economic circumstances, difficulties in Korea's international balance of payments and international finance and obstacles in carrying out currency policies, exchange rate policies and other Korean macroeconomic policies. Such restrictions may limit our ability to effectively utilize revenues generated in Won to fund our business activities outside Korea or expenditures denominated in foreign currencies.
In addition, the governments in certain markets in which our games are distributed, including without limitation Taiwan, China and Thailand, impose controls on the convertibility of local currency into foreign currencies and, in some cases, the remittance of currency outside their countries. Under current foreign exchange control regulations of certain markets, shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our overseas licensees to pay license fees and royalties, most of which are paid in U.S. dollars, to us. Restrictions on our ability to receive license fees, royalties and other payments from our licensees would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Adverse changes in the withholding tax rates in the countries from which we receive license fees and royalties could adversely affect our net income.
We may be subject to income tax withholding in countries where we derive revenues. Such withholding is made by our overseas licensees at the current withholding rates in such countries. To the extent Korea has a tax treaty with any such country, the withholding rate prescribed by such tax treaty will apply. Under the Corporation Tax Law of Korea, we are entitled to and recognize a capped foreign tax credit computed based on the amount of income taxes withheld overseas when filing our corporate income tax return in Korea. Accordingly, the amount of taxes withheld overseas may be offset against taxes payable in Korea.
Recently, there have been a series of amendments to tax treaties that Korea has entered into with various countries. The reduced tax rate applicable to license fees and royalties has reduced (i) from 10% to 5% under the amended tax treaty between Korea and Switzerland as to those payable from January 1, 2013, and (ii) from 10% to 5% in general (15% to 10% in case of consideration paid for provision of commercial or technological know-how) under the amended tax treaty between Korea and Luxembourg as to those payable from September 4, 2013. Further, the tax treaty between Korea and Peru went into effect as of March 3, 2014, and the license fees and royalties payable after January 1, 2015 will be taxed at the reduced rate of 15% (10% in case of consideration paid for technical supports). Around January 2014, Korea and India agreed on and initialed a proposed amendment of the tax treaty under which the reduced tax rate applicable to license fees and royalties shall be reduced from 15% to 10%. Around September 2013, Korea and Hong Kong agreed on and initialed a new tax treaty which includes a provision promulgating that the license fees and royalties shall be subject to tax at the reduced rate of 10%. These series of promulgations are all intended to eventually further limit the source country's taxation right with
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respect to the license fees and royalties. Any adverse changes in tax treaties between Korea and the countries from which we receive license fees and royalties, such as in the rate of withholding tax in the countries in which our games are distributed or in Korean tax law enabling us to recognize tax credits for taxes withheld overseas, could adversely affect our net income.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR MARKET ENVIRONMENT
Our businesses may be adversely affected by developments affecting the economies of the countries in which our games are distributed.
Our future performance will depend in large part on the economic growth of our principal markets. Our top geographic markets in terms of revenues were Korea, Japan, the United States and Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong/Macau, and Thailand, representing 48.8%, 21.3%, 12.6%, 5.8% and 3.2%, respectively, of our total revenues in 2014. Accordingly, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations are subject to the economic, political, legal and regulatory conditions and developments in these countries and markets. Adverse economic developments in such markets may have an adverse effect on the number of our users and our revenues and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in foreign currency exchange losses.
In most of the countries in which our games are distributed, the revenues generated by our overseas subsidiaries or licensees are denominated in local currencies, which include, among others, the U.S. dollar, the Japanese Yen, the Euro, the NT dollar, the Thai Baht and the Chinese Yuan. In 2014, approximately 51.2% of our revenues were denominated in foreign currencies, primarily in the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen. As the revenues denominated in local currencies, other than U.S. dollar, Japanese Yen and Euro, are converted into U.S. dollars for remittance of monthly royalty payments to us, any depreciation of the local currencies against the U.S. dollar will result in reduced license fees and monthly royalty payments in U.S. dollar terms and may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
While we receive monthly royalty revenues from our overseas licensees in foreign currencies, substantially all of our costs are denominated in Won. Our financial statements are also prepared and presented in Won. We receive monthly royalty payments from our overseas licensees based on a percentage of revenues confirmed and recorded at the end of each month applying the foreign exchange rate applicable on such date. Appreciation of the Won against the Japanese Yen or other foreign currencies will result in foreign currency losses that may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. See ITEM 5.A. "OPERATING RESULTSOVERVIEWForeign currency effects."
As of December 31, 2014, we have not entered into any outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contract. We may enter into hedging transactions in the future to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange risks, but we may not be able to do so in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all.
Increased tensions with North Korea could adversely affect us and the price of our ADSs.
Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense throughout Korea's modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase abruptly as a result of current and future events. In recent years, there have been heightened security concerns stemming from North Korea's nuclear weapons and long-range missile programs and increased uncertainty regarding North Korea's actions, including an alleged cyber-attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment in November 2014, and possible responses from the international community. There can be no assurance that the level of tension on the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future, particularly in light of continuing questions surrounding the long-term outcome of the transition of power from Kim Jong-il to Kim Jong-un. Any further increase in tension, which may occur, for example, if North Korea experiences a leadership or economic crisis, or if military hostilities occur, could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations and could lead to a decline in the market value of our ADSs.
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RISKS RELATING TO OUR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
The liquidity and price of our ADSs, and our ability to raise capital, may be negatively impacted following a change in our ADS to common share ratio and if our ADSs are delisted from NASDAQ.
Our ADSs are currently listed for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. There are a number of continuing requirements that must be met in order for our ADSs to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, and the failure to meet these listing standards could result in the delisting of our ADSs from NASDAQ. On May 28, 2014, we received notification from the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (the "NASDAQ Stock Market") that we had failed to comply with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing set forth in the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, as the bid price of our ADSs had closed for 30 consecutive business days below US$1.00 per ADS. We were automatically granted a grace period of 180 calendar days to regain compliance. On November 25, 2014, the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ Stock Market approved our request to transfer our listing from the NASDAQ Global Market to the NASDAQ Capital Market and our ADSs began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on November 26, 2014. We were also given a second grace period of 180 calendar days, or until May 26, 2015, to regain compliance with the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules.
In order to regain compliance, the bid price of our ADS must close at $1.00 per ADS or more for a minimum of ten consecutive business days and the NASDAQ Stock Market must provide us written confirmation of such compliance. We have not yet been able to regain compliance. However, on April 22, 2015, we announced, as approved by our Board of Directors on the same day, that we will change our ADS to common share ratio from four ADSs to one common share (4:1) to one ADS to two common shares (1:2), effective as of May 11, 2015, which will have the effect of a 1-for-8 reverse split of our ADSs. As a result of this ratio change, the trading price of our ADSs is expected to increase proportionally and we expect to be able to regain compliance with the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. However, we cannot give any assurance that the trading price of the new ADSs will be equal to or greater than the trading price of the current ADSs multiplied by the change in the ratio or that we will regain compliance with the NASADAQ Stock Market Rules. See ITEM 4.A. "HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY."
The pending ratio change will significantly reduce the total number of ADSs outstanding and also potentially reduce the number of public holders, which may reduce the liquidity of our ADSs and consequently also further reduce the price of our ADSs. In addition, if our ADSs cease to be listed for trading on NASDAQ for any reason, the liquidity of our ADSs may be materially reduced and result in a corresponding material reduction in the price of our ADSs. Furthermore, any such delisting could harm our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and may result in the potential loss of confidence by investors, suppliers, business partners, licensees, customers and employees. Such consequences may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The public shareholders of our ADSs may have more difficulty protecting their interests than they would as shareholders of a U.S. corporation.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of incorporation and by the laws and regulations governing Korean corporations. The rights and responsibilities of our shareholders and members of our Board of Directors under Korean law may be different from those that apply to shareholders and directors of a U.S. corporation. For example, minority shareholder rights afforded under Korean law often require the minority shareholder to meet minimum shareholding requirements in order to exercise certain rights. Under applicable Korean law, of the total issued and outstanding shares, a shareholder must own at least (i) one percent to bring a shareholders' derivative lawsuit (or to demand that a director cease certain activity or conduct if there are concerns that a director may cause irrevocable damage to the company by acting in violation of applicable laws and regulations or the articles of incorporation), (ii) three percent to demand convocation of an extraordinary meeting of shareholders, demand removal of directors or inspect the books and related documents of a company, or to propose the agenda for a general meeting of
22
shareholders, (iii) ten percent to apply to the court for dissolution if there is gross improper management or a deadlock in corporate affairs likely to result in a significant and irreparable harm to the company or to apply to the court for a reorganization in the case of an insolvency, and (iv) twenty percent to block a small-scale share exchange or a small merger that may be approved only by a board resolution. In addition, while the facts and circumstances of each case will differ, the duty of care required of a director under Korean law may not be the same as the fiduciary duty of a director of a U.S. corporation. Although the "business judgment rule" concept exists in Korea, there is insufficient case law or precedent to provide guidance to the management and shareholders as to how it should be applied or interpreted. Holders of our ADSs may have more difficulty protecting their interests against actions of our management, members of our Board of Directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. corporation.
Any dividends paid on our common shares will be in Won and fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the U.S. dollar may affect the amount received by you.
If and when we declare cash dividends, the dividends will be paid to the depositary for the ADSs in Won and then converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars pursuant to the deposit agreement that governs the rights and obligations of the holders of ADSs. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the U.S. dollar will affect, among other things, the U.S. dollar amounts you will receive from the depositary as dividends. Holders of ADSs may not receive dividends if the depositary does not believe it is reasonable or practicable to do so. In addition, the depositary may collect certain fees and expenses, at the sole discretion of the depositary, by billing the holders of ADSs for such charges or by deducting such charges from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions from us to be distributed to the holders of ADSs.
Your ability to deposit or withdraw common shares underlying the ADSs into and from the depositary facility may be limited, which may adversely affect the value of your investment.
Under the terms of our deposit agreement, holders of our common shares may deposit such shares with the depositary's custodian in Korea and obtain ADSs, and holders of our ADSs may surrender the ADSs to the depositary and receive our common shares. However, to the extent that a deposit of common shares exceeds the difference between:
such common shares will not be accepted for deposit unless (i) our consent with respect to such deposit has been obtained or (ii) such consent is no longer required under Korean laws and regulations or under the terms of the deposit agreement.
Under the terms of the deposit agreement, no consent is required if the common shares are obtained through a dividend, free distribution, rights offering or reclassification of such shares. Under the terms of the deposit agreement, we have consented to any deposit to the extent that, after the deposit, the aggregate number of deposited common shares does not exceed 3,552,229 common shares or any greater number of common shares we determine from time to time (e.g., as a result of a subsequent offering, stock dividend or rights offer), unless the deposit is prohibited by applicable laws or violates our articles of incorporation; provided, however, that in the case of any subsequent offer by us or our affiliates, the limit on the number of common shares on deposit shall not apply to such offer and the number of common shares issued, delivered or sold pursuant to the offer (including common shares in the form of ADSs) shall be eligible for deposit under the deposit agreement, except to the extent such deposit is prohibited by applicable laws or violates our articles of incorporation or, in the case of any subsequent offer by us or our affiliates, we determine with the depositary to limit the number of common shares so offered that would be eligible for
23
deposit under the deposit agreement in order to maintain liquidity of the shares in Korea as may be requested by the relevant Korean authorities. We might not consent to the deposit of any additional common shares. As a result, if a holder surrenders ADSs and withdraws common shares, the holder may not be able to subsequently deposit the common shares to obtain ADSs.
You may not be able to exercise preemptive rights or participate in rights offerings and as a result, you may experience dilution in your ownership percentage in us.
The Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation require us to offer shareholders the right to subscribe for new common shares in proportion to their existing ownership percentages whenever new common shares are issued, except under certain circumstances as provided in our articles of incorporation. See ITEM 10.B. "MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATIONPreemptive rights and issuance of additional shares."
Such exceptions include offering of new shares, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors:
Accordingly, if we issue new shares to non-shareholders based on such exceptions, existing holders of ADSs will be diluted. If none of the above exemptions is available under Korean law, we may be required to grant subscription rights when issuing additional common shares. However, under U.S. law, we would not be able to make those rights available in the United States unless we register the securities to which the rights relate or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. Under the deposit agreement governing the ADSs, if we offer rights to subscribe for additional common shares, the depositary under the deposit agreement, after consultation with us, may make such rights available to you or dispose of such rights on behalf of you and make the net proceeds available to you or, if the depositary is unable to take such actions, it may allow the rights to lapse with no consideration to be received by you. The depositary is generally not required to make available any rights under any circumstances. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to enable you to exercise preemptive rights in respect of the common shares underlying the ADSs, and we cannot assure you that any registration statement would be filed or that an exemption from the registration requirement under the Securities Act would be available. Accordingly, you may not be entitled to exercise preemptive rights and may thereby suffer dilution of your interests in the Company.
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You will not be treated as our shareholder and you will not have shareholder rights such as the voting rights applicable to a holder of common shares.
As an ADS holder, we are not obligated to and we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and therefore, you will not have the rights of a shareholder. Korean law and our articles of incorporation govern the rights applicable to our shareholders. The depositary will be treated as the shareholder of the common shares underlying your ADSs. As a holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights, which is governed by the deposit agreement among us, the depositary and you, as an ADS holder. Upon receipt of the necessary voting materials, you may instruct the depositary to vote the number of shares your ADSs represent. The depositary will notify you of shareholders' meetings and arrange to deliver our voting materials to you only when we deliver them to the depositary with sufficient time under the terms of the deposit agreement. If there is a delay or loss of the voting materials, we cannot ensure that you will receive voting materials or otherwise learn of an upcoming shareholders' meeting to ensure that you may instruct the depositary to vote your shares. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions.
You would not be able to exercise dissent and appraisal rights unless you have withdrawn the underlying common shares from the depositary facility and become a holder of our common stock.
In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business, our acquisition of all or a part of the business of any other company having a material effect on our business, or our merger or consolidation with another company, except a small-scale merger (as prescribed under Korean law) that leaves us as the surviving company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their shares under Korean law. However, if you hold our ADSs, you will not be able to exercise such dissent and appraisal rights unless you have withdrawn the underlying common shares from the depositary facility and become our direct shareholder prior to the record date for the shareholders' meeting at which the relevant transaction is to be approved.
We may amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason and, if you disagree, your option will be limited to selling the ADSs or withdrawing the underlying securities.
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary, for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, or prejudices a substantial right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADRs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended. If you do not agree with an amendment to the deposit agreement or the ADRs, your option is limited to selling the ADSs or withdrawing the underlying securities. No assurance can be given that the sale of ADSs would be made at a price satisfactory to you in such circumstances. In addition, the common shares underlying the ADSs are not listed on any stock exchange in Korea. Your ability to sell the underlying common shares following withdrawal and the liquidity of the common shares may be limited.
You may be subject to Korean withholding tax.
Under Korean tax law, if you are a U.S. investor, you may be subject to Korean withholding taxes on capital gains and dividends in respect of the ADSs unless an exemption or a reduction under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea is available. Under the Korea-United States tax treaty, capital gains realized by holders that are residents of the United States eligible for treaty benefits will not be subject to Korean taxation upon the disposition of the ADSs. However, under the Korea-United States tax treaty, the following holders are not eligible for such tax treaty benefits: (i) in case the holder is a United States corporation, if by reason of any special measures, the tax imposed on such holder by the United States with respect to such capital gains is substantially less than the tax generally imposed by the United States on corporate profits, and 25% or more of the holder's capital is held of record or is
25
otherwise determined, after consultation between competent authorities of the United States and Korea, to be owned directly or indirectly by one or more persons who are not individual residents of the United States; and (ii) in case the holder is an individual, if such holder maintains a fixed base in Korea for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year and the holder's ADSs or common shares giving rise to capital gains are effectively connected with such fixed base or such holder is present in Korea for a period or periods of 183 days or more during the taxable year.
You may have difficulty bringing an original action or enforcing any judgment obtained outside Korea against us and our directors and officers who are not U.S. persons.
We are organized under the laws of Korea, and all of our directors and officers reside outside the United States. While we have a wholly-owned subsidiary in the United States, most of our assets and the assets of such persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons or to enforce against them or us court judgments obtained in the United States that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or of the securities laws of any state of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Korea, either in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated on the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state of the United States.
The transfer, sale or availability for sale of substantial amounts of our ADSs could adversely affect their market price.
GungHo beneficially owns 59.3% of our common shares. If GungHo decides to sell or transfer substantial amounts of our common shares into the form of ADSs in the public market or if there is a perception of its intent to sell, the market price of our ADSs could be materially and adversely affected and could materially impair our future ability to raise capital through offerings of our ADSs.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
ITEM 4.A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
We were incorporated as a company with limited liability under Korean law on April 4, 2000 under the legal name of Gravity Co., Ltd. Following our initial public offering of 8,000,000 ADSs, each representing one-fourth of one share of our common stock, par value Won 500 per share, on February 8, 2005, our ADSs were listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market's NASDAQ Global Market, formerly the NASDAQ National Market, under the symbol "GRVY." We list below some of the developments relating to our organizational structure.
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On May 28, 2014, we received notification from the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ Stock Market that we had failed to comply with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing set forth in the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, as the bid price of our ADSs had closed for 30 consecutive business days below US$1.00 per ADS. We were automatically granted a grace period of 180 calendar days to regain compliance. On November 25, 2014, the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ Stock Market approved our request to transfer our listing from the NASDAQ Global Market to the NASDAQ Capital Market and our ADSs began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on November 26, 2014. We were also given a second grace period of 180 calendar days, or until May 26, 2015, to regain compliance with the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. In order to regain compliance, the bid price of our ADS must close at $1.00 per ADS or more for a minimum of ten consecutive business days and the NASDAQ Stock Market must provide us written confirmation of such compliance. We have not yet been able to regain compliance.
On April 22, 2015, we announced, as approved by our Board of Directors on the same day, that we will change our ADS to common share ratio from four ADSs to one common share (4:1) to one ADS to
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two common shares (1:2), effective as of May 11, 2015, which will have the effect of a 1-for-8 reverse split of our ADSs. The record holders of our current ADSs at the close of business on May 8, 2015 will be required to surrender their certificates to the Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, on a mandatory basis in order to exchange eight current ADSs for one new ADS. Fractional ADSs will be sold by the depositary and paid in cash to the holders. There will be no change to our common shares in connection with the ratio change. As a result of this ratio change, the trading price of our ADSs is expected to increase proportionally and we expect to be able to regain compliance with the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. However, we cannot give any assurance that the trading price of the new ADSs will be equal to or greater than the trading price of the current ADSs multiplied by the change in the ratio or that we will regain compliance with the NASADAQ Stock Market Rules.
Our registered office is located at 15F, 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-795, Korea. Our telephone number is (822) 2132-7000. Our main Web site is at http://www.gravity.co.kr.
OVERVIEW
We are a leading developer and publisher of online games in Japan and Thailand based on the number of peak concurrent users as compiled from various statistical data available from public sources in such countries. We are based in Korea, and we currently offer five online games worldwide. Our principal product, Ragnarok Online, is commercially offered in Korea and 70 other countries and markets. Ragnarok Online II is currently commercially offered globally except for Japan, Vietnam and China. Requiem is commercially offered globally. R.O.S.E. Online is commercially offered in the United States, Canada, Mexico and 40 other countries. Dragonica is commercially offered globally. We also offer a number of mobile games, console games and a game for Internet protocol television, or IPTV, and license the merchandizing rights of character-related products based on our online games. We intend to diversify our game offering by developing online and mobile games in-house as well as publishing additional games developed by third parties.
In Korea, we directly manage all aspects of operations of our online games, such as marketing, operation, billing and customer service. Gravity Interactive, our wholly-owned subsidiary in the United States, is responsible for all aspects of Ragnarok Online game operations in the United States, Canada, Australia and 25 other countries, for all aspects of Ragnarok Online II game operations globally except for Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and China, for all aspects of Requiem game operations globally, for all aspects of R.O.S.E. Online game operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and 40 European countries, and for all aspects of Dragonica globally. In the countries where we and Gravity Interactive manage game operations, our online game revenues are recorded as subscription revenues.
Except as managed by us and our affiliates as described above, our overseas licensees are responsible for all aspects of online game operations in their respective markets in close cooperation with us. Our license agreements have an initial term of two or three years and are subject to renewal once the initial term expires. We rely on the initial and renewal license fees and the ongoing royalties from our overseas licensees for a significant portion of our revenues. The ongoing royalties are based on a percentage of revenues generated by our overseas licensees from the subscriptions to our games or the micro-transaction system in their respective markets.
Except Korea, the United States and Canada, our overseas licensees handle our mobile game operations in close cooperation with us. NeoCyon and Gravity Interactive directly manage all aspects of operations of our mobile games in Korea, and the United States and Canada, respectively. Revenues from our mobile games, regardless of the operator, are recorded as mobile games revenues.
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated statements of operations showing revenues from our online games (by type of revenue and geographic market), mobile games and
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applications, and character merchandising and other revenue as a percentage of total net revenues for the periods indicated.
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
(In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except percentages) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Online game revenue(2): |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Subscription revenue: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Korea(3) |
5,438 | 9.4 | % | 2,447 | 5.1 | % | 3,320 | 8.3 | % | US$ | 3,043 | |||||||||||
United States/Canada(4) |
4,712 | 8.2 | 5,759 | 12.1 | 3,748 | 9.4 | 3,436 | |||||||||||||||
Others(4) |
| | | | 894 | 2.3 | 820 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
10,150 | 17.6 | 8,206 | 17.2 | 7,962 | 20.0 | 7,299 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Royalties and license fees: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Japan |
23,795 | 41.2 | 12,103 | 25.4 | 7,797 | 19.5 | 7,147 | |||||||||||||||
Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau(5) |
2,235 | 3.9 | 2,002 | 4.2 | 953 | 2.4 | 874 | |||||||||||||||
Others |
6,295 | 10.8 | 7,621 | 16.0 | 4,343 | 10.8 | 3,981 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
32,325 | 55.9 | 21,726 | 45.6 | 13,093 | 32.7 | 12,002 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mobile games and applications revenue |
8,262 | 14.3 | 14,504 | 30.4 | 15,055 | 37.7 | 13,801 | |||||||||||||||
Character merchandising and other revenue |
7,044 | 12.2 | 3,249 | 6.8 | 3,779 | 9.6 | 3,464 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net revenue |
57,781 | 100.0 | % | 47,685 | 100.0 | % | 39,889 | 100.0 | % | US$ | 36,566 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes:
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OUR PRODUCTS
We currently categorize our products into three categories: online games; mobile games and applications; and other games and game-related products and services, including character-based merchandise and animation. Revenues from our principal product, Ragnarok Online, accounted for 40.1% of our total revenues in 2014, compared with 45.2% of our total revenues in 2013.
Online games
Online game is a genre of computer games in which a large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world.
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The following table summarizes the online games that we currently offer.
Title
|
Genre
|
Game Source
|
Date of Commercial Launch(1) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ragnarok Online | Action adventure MMORPG(2) | Developed in-house | August 2002 | |||
Ragnarok Online II |
Action adventure MMORPG |
Developed in-house |
March 2012 |
|||
Requiem |
Action adventure MMORPG |
Developed in-house |
October 2007 |
|||
Dragonica (Dragon Saga)(3) |
Action adventure MMORPG |
Originally licensed from third party developer; currently owned by us(4) |
February 2009(5) |
|||
R.O.S.E. Online |
Action adventure MMORPG |
Originally licensed from third party developer; currently owned by us(6) |
January 2005 |
Notes:
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Ragnarok Online
Ragnarok Online is commercially offered in Korea and 70 other countries and markets since its commercial launch in August 2002. See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR MARKETSOverseas markets." Ragnarok Online represented 40.1% of our total revenues or Won 15,985 million (US$14,653 thousand) in 2014, compared with 45.2% of our total revenues or Won 21,531 million in 2013.
The following are revenues generated by Ragnarok Online for the periods indicated:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue Type
|
Country
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | ||||||||||
|
|
(In millions of Won and thousands of US$) |
|||||||||||||
Online gamessubscription revenue | Korea | 2,648 | 2,368 | 3,278 | US$ | 3,005 | |||||||||
United States/Canada(2) | 2,969 | 1,925 | 1,892 | 1,734 | |||||||||||
Others | | | | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
5,617 | 4,293 | 5,170 | 4,739 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Online gamesroyalties and license fees | Japan | 21,514 | 11,480 | 7,757 | 7,111 | ||||||||||
Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau | 1,717 | 1,713 | 952 | 873 | |||||||||||
China(3) | | 1,586 | 456 | 418 | |||||||||||
Thailand | 867 | 811 | 419 | 384 | |||||||||||
Brazil | 793 | 633 | 603 | 553 | |||||||||||
Philippines | 789 | 375 | 204 | 187 | |||||||||||
Europe | 433 | 352 | 266 | 244 | |||||||||||
Indonesia | 179 | 195 | 103 | 94 | |||||||||||
Russia/CIS countries | 92 | 68 | 55 | 50 | |||||||||||
Singapore/Malaysia(4) | 100 | 25 | | | |||||||||||
Middle East/Africa | 207 | | | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subtotal |
26,691 | 17,238 | 10,815 | 9,914 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
32,308 | 21,531 | 15,985 | US$ | 14,653 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes:
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The table below provides, for the periods indicated, the peak concurrent users and average concurrent users of Ragnarok Online since the first quarter of 2012, in each of our principal markets for Ragnarok Online.
|
|
1Q 12 | 2Q 12 | 3Q 12 | 4Q 12 | 1Q 13 | 2Q 13 | 3Q 13 | 4Q 13 | 1Q 14 | 2Q 14 | 3Q 14 | 4Q 14 | 1Q 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Japan |
PCU(1) | 38,984 | 44,492 | 40,215 | 34,854 | 32,270 | 26,956 | 24,033 | 21,158 | 19,547 | 18,934 | 19,096 | 17,884 | 16,821 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
ACU(2) | 15,654 | 18,283 | 15,166 | 14,296 | 11,725 | 9,940 | 8,703 | 7,051 | 7,310 | 7,593 | 7,364 | 6,826 | 6,619 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Korea |
PCU | 7,628 | 4,445 | 3,267 | 13,712 | 14,776 | 3,898 | 3,874 | 4,158 | 5,503 | 3,979 | 12,464 | 5,928 | 5,924 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
ACU | 2,814 | 1,520 | 1,670 | 1,903 | 2,384 | 2,024 | 2,243 | 2,152 | 2,754 | 2,155 | 2,338 | 3,159 | 3,256 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
USA/Canada |
PCU | 5,180 | 4,948 | 5,895 | 5,384 | 4,618 | 4,530 | 4,291 | 5,882 | 5,895 | 5,219 | 4,963 | 5,491 | 5,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
ACU | 4,026 | 3,536 | 4,103 | 3,491 | 3,560 | 3,543 | 2,870 | 3,740 | 4,243 | 3,895 | 3,651 | 3,607 | 4,019 |
Notes:
We believe that the number of users as measured by PCU or ACU (i) is reflective of our active user base and (ii) is correlated to revenues as revenues from an online game depend on the number of users as well as time spent playing the game. We believe such correlation has been reflected in the decrease of our revenues generated from Ragnarok Online in recent years, although there are also other factors which contribute to an increase or a decrease of revenues from a game. PCU and ACU are non-financial variables and the data presented has not been audited or reviewed. Other companies may determine PCU or ACU differently than we do.
We obtained an exclusive license from Mr. Myoung-Jin Lee to use the storyline and characters from his cartoon titled "Ragnarok" for the development of games including for animation and character merchandising. We paid Mr. Lee an initial license fee of Won 40 million and are required to pay royalties based on a percentage of adjusted revenues (net of value-added taxes and certain other expenses) or net income generated from the use of the Ragnarok brand through January 2033.
Ragnarok Online is an action adventure-based MMORPG that combines cartoon-like characters, community-oriented themes and combat features in a virtual world within which thousands of players can interact with one another. By combining the highly interactive and community-oriented themes and features, such as marriages and organization of guilds, we believe we are able to create user loyalty from our users who favor games that provide social interaction in a virtual setting.
Other key features of Ragnarok Online include the following:
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We believe that the PC configurations required to run Ragnarok Online are lower than or similar to many other competing online games, which we believe has facilitated our successful entry into and expansion of Ragnarok Online in many of the developed and developing countries in which Ragnarok Online is distributed. The recommended minimum PC configuration for Ragnarok Online is Pentium III 1.6 GHz, 256 MB RAM and 32 MB graphics card.
Ragnarok Online II
Ragnarok Online II, an action adventure-based three-dimensional MMORPG, is a sequel to Ragnarok Online with enhanced character and community features. Ragnarok Online II includes pastel-type graphics, advanced character customization and detailed monsters and non-player characters. Ragnarok Online II also adopts Mr. Myoung-Jin Lee's original drawings from his comic book Ragnarok and music from Kanno Yoko, a well-respected composer in the animation industry.
We commercially launched Ragnarok Online II in Korea in March 2012, Singapore and Malaysia in January 2013, the United States, Canada and 28 European countries in May 2013, Indonesia in August 2013,Thailand in October 2013 and Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau in June 2014. Ragnarok Online II game service in Korea was transferred to Gravity Interactive on December 24, 2013 as the game service in Korea was suspended on December 23, 2013. Our license and distribution agreement with Gravity Interactive to distribute Ragnarok Online II in the United States, Canada and 28 European countries was amended in February 2014 to distribute Ragnarok Online II globally except for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brazil and China. The license and distribution agreement with Gravity Interactive was amended to have Gravity Interactive distribute Ragnarok Online II globally except for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and China in April 2014, which was additionally amended to have Gravity Interactive distribute Ragnarok Online II globally except for Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and China in November 2014. As a result, Ragnarok Online II is currently commercially offered globally except for Japan, Vietnam and China.
We have license and distribution agreements for Ragnarok Online II with four third-party licensees in five countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and China. The total value of the license and distribution agreements for Ragnarok Online II with respect to Japan, Vietnam and China in which jurisdictions the game has not been commercially launched, is US$21,300 thousand as of the date hereof. Our license and distribution agreements for Ragnarok Online II with licensees in the Philippines and Brazil were terminated in April 2014. Also, in September 2014, we terminated the license and distribution agreement with our licensee for service of Ragnarok Online II in Singapore and Malaysia.
Ragnarok Online II represented 6.8% of our total revenues or Won 2,724 million (US$2,497 thousand) in 2014 and 8.8% of our total revenues, or Won 4,211 million, in 2013. See ITEM 3.D. "RISK FACTORSRISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESSIf we are unable to consistently and timely develop, acquire, license, launch, market or operate commercially successful online and mobile games in addition to Ragnarok Online, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected."
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Requiem
Unlike Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online II, which do not emphasize violent themes, we designed Requiem to showcase user-to-user combat. Requiem provides players with a variety of combat systems, which allow them to accumulate experience and reward points to be used when they buy special items designed for combats.
Requiem is currently commercially offered globally by Gravity Interactive. Requiem was commercially offered in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan by Ingamba under our license agreement with Ingamba until November 2013, when our license agreement with Ingamba was terminated, and these countries are included as countries and markets serviced by Gravity Interactive. Gravity Interactive entered into a sublicense agreement with Ingamba in December 2013 to distribute Requiem in these countries. We also launched a Web-browser based version of Requiem on WarpPortal, Gravity Interactive's game portal site, and Facebook in April 2012 and September 2012, respectively, and ceased offering such services in November 2014. The amount of revenues from Requiem represented 1.0% of our total revenues or Won 379 million (US$347 thousand) in 2014 and 1.3% of our total revenues or Won 633 million in 2013.
Dragonica (Dragon Saga)
Dragonica is a three-dimensional side-scrolling MMORPG, which is commercially offered in the United States, Canada and South America except for Brazil under the name Dragon Saga. Dragonica was developed by Gravity Games, our 85.5%-owned subsidiary. Dragonica is currently commercially offered globally. The amount of revenues from Dragonica represented 1.5% of our total revenues or Won 597 million (US$547 thousand) in 2014 and 2.4% of our total revenues or Won 1,154 million in 2013.
R.O.S.E. Online
R.O.S.E. Online is a three-dimensional MMORPG, which is commercially offered in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia, Vatican City State, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey since its commercial launch in January 2005. The amount of revenues from R.O.S.E. Online represented less than 1% of our total revenues in each of 2014 and 2013.
Ragnarok Prequel
Ragnarok Prequel is a Web browser-based MMORPG, which is played on a Web browser and which does not require any client-side software to be installed. In May 2013, we entered into an agreement with Shanghai The Dream Network Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese game developer, which was granted the right to develop a Web-browser based game based on Ragnarok Online and distribute the Web-browser based game in China under the agreement. Ragnarok Prequel was commercially launched in China in October 2013 and commercial service ceased in November 2014 due to a lack of popularity. Ragnarok Prequel represented less than 1% of our total revenues in each of 2014 and 2013.
H.A.V.E. Online (Toy Wars)
H.A.V.E. Online is a casual third person shooter game developed by SK i-media Co., Ltd., currently NQ Games Co., Ltd., an online game developer based in Korea. In April 2010, we entered into a publishing agreement with SK i-media Co., Ltd. to publish H.A.V.E. Online in Korea and Japan, which was amended in March 2014 to exclude Japan from the service territories. We entered into a license and distribution agreement with GungHo in August 2010 to distribute H.A.V.E. Online in Japan, which expired in March 2014. We commercially launched H.A.V.E. Online in Japan under the name Toy Wars in March 2011 and ceased offering commercial service in March 2014. The amount of revenues from
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H.A.V.E. Online represented less than 1.0% of our total revenues in 2014 and 1.0% of our total revenues or Won 489 million in 2013.
Steal Fighter
Steal Fighter is an action real-time strategy role playing game. We entered into license and distribution agreements with L-Time Games Co., Ltd., the developer of Steal Fighter, to publish the game in Korea in April 2012, and in Taiwan and China, including Hong Kong and Macau, in November 2012, both of which were terminated in January 2014. We entered into a license and distribution agreement with Game Flier International Corporation to distribute Steal Fighter in Taiwan in December 2012, which was terminated in November 2013. We commercially launched Steal Fighter in Korea in February 2013 and ceased offering the game in February 2014. The amount of revenues from Steal Fighter represented less than 1% of our total revenues in each of 2014 and 2013.
Requiem Returns W
Requiem Returns W is a three-dimensional Web browser-based MMORPG. In August 2012, we entered into an intellectual property license agreement with Weaver Interactive Inc., a Korean game developer, under which we granted Weaver Interactive Inc. the right to develop a Web browser-based game based on Requiem. In October 2012, we entered into a license agreement with Weaver Interactive Inc. that granted us the right to publish and distribute Requiem Returns W worldwide, which was amended to exclude Korea from the service territories in January 2013. Both of our agreements with Weaver Interactive Inc., the intellectual property license agreement and license agreement, were terminated in April 2014. The amount of revenues from Requiem Returns W represented less than 1% of our total revenues in each of 2014 and 2013.
Mobile games and applications
As compared to online games, mobile games, which are played using mobile phones, including smartphones such as Google Android compatible phones and the Apple iPhone as well as feature phones, and other mobile devices, such as tablet computers, have shorter game playtimes and less complex user-game interactions. We believe that mobile games, due to such characteristics, provide less-experienced users with a means to become familiar with both game playing and the game culture without making a substantial commitment in time and resources. As a result, we believe that mobile games allow us to target a broader audience of users.
We develop mobile games, most of which are based on our intellectual property, which include Ragnarok OnlineUprising: Valkyrie, Ragnarok Online Mobile Story and Ragnarok Violet, and also publish mobile games licensed from third parties.
In contrast to online games, the life cycle of a mobile game is relatively short and generally lasts from 6 to 24 months while reaching its peak popularity within the first 3 months of its introduction, though it varies by genre. As a result, we generate a significant portion of our mobile games revenue from the games that have been released within the recent 12 months.
The following table sets forth each of the mobile games that we have released since January 2014.
Title
|
Genre | Game Source | Date of Commercial Launch | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Road to Dragons |
Roleplaying | Licensed from third party developer | January 2014 | |||
Perfect9 |
Sports | Licensed from third party developer | March 2014 | |||
Three Kingdoms Conqueror Online |
Strategy | Licensed from third party developer | April 2014 | |||
Winners Poker |
Casino | Developed in-house | August 2014 | |||
Era of Heroes |
Puzzle/RPG | Developed in-house | February 2015 | |||
Trials of Blood |
RPG | Developed in-house | March 2015 | |||
Resque Quest |
Puzzle | Licensed from third party developer | April 2015 |
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For our smartphone games offered where we directly provide mobile games services to users, we share users' payments for micro-transactions with digital storefront owners and mobile telecommunications operators. For our smartphone games in the other markets where the mobile games services are offered by our licensees, we receive license fees and royalty revenues from our licensees.
In addition to mobile games offered to users, we also develop mobile applications provided to third-party enterprises. The following are revenues generated from our mobile games and applications business for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | ||||||||||||
|
(In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except percentages) |
|||||||||||||||
Korea |
3,984 | 10,049 | 11,705 | 77.7 | % | US$ | 10,730 | |||||||||
United States |
307 | 1,917 | 1,190 | 7.9 | 1,091 | |||||||||||
Japan |
3,962 | 1,202 | 521 | 3.5 | 478 | |||||||||||
Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau |
9 | 1,104 | 468 | 3.1 | 429 | |||||||||||
Others |
| 232 | 1,171 | 7.8 | 1,073 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
8,262 | 14,504 | 15,055 | 100.0 | % | US$ | 13,801 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes:
Other games and game-related products and services
Other games
In addition to developing and publishing online games and mobile games, which is our primary business, we also provide games for game consoles and handheld game consoles, such as Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 and the PlayStation series. Console games are distributed in the form of a disc or cartridge (game card), or downloaded directly to a console through the Internet.
The following table sets forth the console games we have released.
Title
|
Genre | Platform | Release Date | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ragnarok DS | Role playing | Nintendo DS | December 2008(1) | |||
Ragnarok: The Princess of Light and Darkness |
Tactical role playing |
PlayStation Portable |
October 2011 |
|||
Ragnarok Odyssey |
Role playing |
PlayStation Vita |
February 2012(2) |
|||
Double Dragon II |
Action |
Xbox 360 |
April 2013 |
|||
Ragnarok Odyssey Ace |
Role playing |
PlayStation Vita |
August 2013(3) |
|||
Ragnarok Odyssey Ace |
Role playing |
PlayStation 3 |
April 2014(4) |
Notes:
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We are also expanding our business by providing games for IPTV. In September 2008, we entered into a licensing agreement with Iconix Entertainment Co., Ltd., or Iconix Entertainment, to develop and publish Pororo Game, an IPTV game based on Iconix Entertainment's 3D TV animation series "Pororo: The Little Penguin." We commercially launched Pororo Game in September 2009 and renewed our licensing agreement with Iconix Entertainment in September 2011, September 2012, September 2013 and September 2014.
The amount of revenues from console and IPTV games represented 2.4% of our total revenues or Won 941 million (US$863 thousand) in 2014 and 3.7% of our total revenues or Won 1,744 million in 2013.
Game character merchandising
In order to optimize the commercial opportunities presented by our games and their characters, we and our licensees have been marketing dolls, stationery, food and other character-based merchandise, as well as game manuals, monthly magazines and other publications, based on our games. We currently have arrangements with GungHo to license Ragnarok Online's game characters in Japan and with AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd. to license Ragnarok Online II game characters in Thailand.
The amount of revenues from game character merchandising represented less than 1% of our total revenues in each of 2014 and 2013.
Animation
Gravity Entertainment, our Japanese subsidiary, entered into an agreement with G&G Entertainment Inc. and three other Japanese media and entertainment companies for the production and distribution of a 26 half-hour episode animation series based on the storyline and characters of Ragnarok Online in October 2004. The series was produced by Gravity Entertainment and broadcast on television in nine countries from 2004 through 2007. The animation series of Ragnarok Online has been sold in DVD and VOD (video on demand) formats in North America since March 2006, and it has also been distributed in Europe. Our revenues from our animation business represented less than 1% of our total revenues in each of 2014 and 2013.
Other services
NeoCyon provides Web site development and operation services to third parties in addition to its core mobile games business. In addition, we generate revenues from sales of goods related to mobile phones, such as ornamental accessories manufactured or procured by third parties, based on consignment sale agreements with such third parties. The amount of revenues from other services represented 8.9% of our total revenues or Won 3,560 million (US$3,263 thousand) in 2014, compared with 4.3% of our total revenues or Won 2,064 million in 2013.
OUR MARKETS
Korea, Japan, the United States and Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong/Macau, and Thailand were our biggest geographic markets in 2014 in terms of revenue. Each of these markets is serviced either by us or a distribution company. We directly manage online game operations in Korea. We and NeoCyon both directly manage mobile game operations in Korea. Gravity Interactive, our wholly-owned subsidiary, manages game operations in the United States and Canada. For Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, Gravity Interactive directly provides services for Ragnarok Online II, Requiem and Dragonica whereas Game Flier International Corporation is our licensee for Ragnarok Online. GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. is our
38
licensee for Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Mobile Story in Japan. AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd. is our licensee for Ragnarok Online, Ragnarok Online II and Ragnarok OnlineUprising: Valkyrie in Thailand.
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated statement of operations showing revenues by geographic area for the periods indicated and the percentage represented by such revenues for year ended December 31, 2014.
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | ||||||||||||
|
(In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except percentages) |
|||||||||||||||
Korea |
14,762 | 15,491 | 19,469 | 48.8 | % | US$ | 17,847 | |||||||||
Japan |
30,387 | 14,409 | 8,511 | 21.3 | 7,802 | |||||||||||
United States/Canada(2) |
5,023 | 7,725 | 5,038 | 12.6 | 4,618 | |||||||||||
Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau |
2,244 | 3,106 | 2,315 | 5.8 | 2,122 | |||||||||||
Thailand |
974 | 1,015 | 1,283 | 3.2 | 1,176 | |||||||||||
Others |
4,391 | 5,939 | 3,273 | 8.3 | 3,001 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
57,781 | 47,685 | 39,889 | 100.0 | % | US$ | 36,566 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes:
Korea
In Korea, we commercially launched and began to charge users for Ragnarok Online in August 2002, followed by other games. Our online game users in Korea consist of individual PC account users and Internet café subscribers. Individual PC account users are individuals who log on to our game servers from places other than Internet cafés, such as from home or work, whereas Internet café subscribers are commercial businesses operating Internet café outlets equipped with multiple PCs that provide broadband Internet access to their customers who typically prefer to play online games together with their peers with more powerful PC hardware and faster broadband Internet access than they have at home. Most Internet cafés charge their customers PC usage and Internet access fees of Won 991 on average per hour and subscribe to various online games. Over 5,500 and 9,600 Internet cafés offered our games in Korea according to our internal data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In order to offer our games, an Internet café typically purchases minimum game hours from us. Subscription fees from Internet cafés accounted for 7.6% and 8.2% of our subscription revenues in Korea in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Overseas markets
Ragnarok Online is commercially offered in the following 70 overseas countries and markets: Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Mauritania, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
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Ragnarok Online is distributed through local game operators and distributors, except for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Mauritania, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia in which Gravity Interactive directly publishes Ragnarok Online.
The following table lists the overseas countries and markets in which Ragnarok Online is commercially offered through our licensees, the names of the licensees, the dates of the license agreements, and the commercial launch dates and expiry dates of the license agreements.
Country
|
Licensee
|
Date of License Agreement |
Date of Commercial Launch |
Date of Expiry |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Japan | GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. | July 2002 | December 2002 | September 2015 | ||||
Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau |
Game Flier International Corporation(1) |
May 2002 |
October 2002 |
October 2015 |
||||
Thailand |
AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd. |
June 2002 |
March 2003 |
March 2015(2) |
||||
Indonesia |
PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna |
April 2004 |
November 2003 |
August 2015 |
||||
Brazil |
Level Up! Interactive S.A. |
August 2004 |
February 2005 |
March 2016 |
||||
Russia and CIS countries(3) |
Ingamba LLC |
June 2010 |
March 2007 |
June 2015 |
||||
Europe(4) |
Gravity EU SAS |
June 2011 |
April 2004(5) |
June 2021 |
||||
China |
Beijing Kunlun Online Network Tech Co., Ltd. |
March 2012 |
February 2013 |
February 2016 |
Notes:
Ragnarok Online II is currently commercially offered globally excluding Japan, Vietnam, and China. Requiem and Dragonica are currently commercially offered worldwide. R.O.S.E. Online is currently commercially offered in the United States, Canada, Mexico and 40 other countries. While most of our mobile games are commercially offered in Korea, we also provide those developed in-house in overseas countries, including the United States, Japan and Taiwan, among others. See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR PRODUCTS."
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Our licensees pay us:
In addition, if the license agreement is renewed, we typically negotiate a renewal license fee. The license agreements may be terminated in the event of bankruptcy or a material breach by either party, including, in our case, in the event the licensee fails to pay royalty fees in a timely manner.
PRICING STRUCTURE AND PAYMENT SYSTEM
Our overseas licensees generally develop, after consultation with us, a retail pricing structure for the users of the game they service in their respective markets. Pricing structures are determined primarily based on the cost of publishing and operating the game, the playing and payment patterns of the users, the pricing of competing games in a given market and the purchasing power parity of consumers in that market. Since the launch of Ragnarok Online in August 2002, we have tracked and accumulated user data generated from our user base, which provide us with an extensive database to analyze user patterns and establish pricing for other markets. The pricing for Ragnarok Online has remained generally stable in each of our markets since the respective dates of Ragnarok Online's commercial launch in those markets.
In December 2006, we started to apply a micro-transaction system (or sale of virtual in-game items model) as an additional business model by providing virtual item shops in the games where players can purchase a wide array of items to customize, personalize and enhance their characters and game playing experiences. The micro-transaction model has been introduced in all the countries and markets where Ragnarok Online is serviced. In addition, since January 2007, we have opened free-to-play servers, which only apply the micro-transaction model, in all the countries and markets where Ragnarok Online is serviced except Japan and China to encourage the players to download and play Ragnarok Online without paying subscription fees or buying playing time and to purchase in-game items pursuant to our micro-transaction model. We offer Ragnarok Online services with the micro-transaction model only in all the countries and markets where Ragnarok Online is serviced, except the countries and markets where the subscription-based fee model is also applied such as Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand and China. The amount of revenue generated from micro-transactions as a percentage of revenue varies by country and market. For example, in 2014, the approximate percentage of revenue derived from micro-transactions accounted for 22.5% of total royalty revenues for Japan, and 79.9% of total royalty revenues for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.
Since September 2007, we have been offering premium services as an additional revenue model, where players are offered certain additional features such as the faster accumulation of experience points or higher rates of item drops for additional fees during a specified period of time, in all the countries and markets where Ragnarok Online is serviced except Japan and China. The pricing for Ragnarok Online in Korea and in Japan, the United States and Canada, our principal overseas markets, are set forth below.
Korea
Individual PC account users in Korea can choose from a number of alternative payment options, including charges made through mobile or fixed telephone service provider payment systems, prepaid cards, gift certificates, online credit card payments and bank transfers, to buy G Cash which can be used for any games we offer and convert G Cash to RO Points, the currency of the money used in Ragnarok Online which enable them to buy game items or subscribe to Premium Services. Internet café subscribers make payments through credit card or bank transfers. We pay a commission in the range of 1.4% to 15% to third parties to process payments. These third parties bear the delinquency risk associated with payments from users.
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Subscription-based fee model
The subscription-based fee model is currently applied only to Internet cafés and not individual PC users in Korea. The following table sets forth our published pricing plans for Internet cafés in Korea for Ragnarok Online access as of December 31, 2014.
Hours(1)
|
Flat Fee per PC | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
300 hours |
69,300 | |||
600 hours |
138,600 | |||
1,000 hours |
231,000 | |||
2,000 hours |
462,000 |
Note:
Micro-transaction model
We have applied a micro-transaction model in Korea since April 2007. The price range of each of the game items is between Won 250 and Won 29,800. There are certain game items which users can buy only at Internet cafés.
Premium Service model
Premium Service model was initially applied to free-to-play servers in July 2008 and became available on all the servers in November 2010 when we ceased to apply the subscription-based fee model for individual PC users in Korea. We offer only one rate for the Premium Service model of Ragnarok Online in Korea and charge 5,500 RO Points for 30 days of use. Premium Service users may further choose to use additional services as options, such as faster accumulation of experience points, higher rates of item drops, lower death penalty or a combination of such additional services for additional fees.
Japan
GungHo, our licensee in Japan, determines the pricing plan for Ragnarok Online in Japan. A majority of users in Japan typically pay to gain access to or purchase game items of Ragnarok Online with prepaid cards, such as WebMoney, among others, which can be purchased at convenience stores or retail game outlets, or online. In addition, credit cards are also a popular payment method. Mobile payment, which can be used for the payment of subscription-based fees and for payments of micro transactions, is increasingly popular in Japan.
Subscription-based fee model
Our licensee in Japan offers only one rate for Ragnarok Online and charges JPY1,500 per 30 days of unlimited use.
Micro-transaction model
We have applied a micro-transaction model in Japan since December 2006. Game users buy GungHo Shop Points which enable them to buy game items or directly buy game items from the mobile item shop.
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The price range of the game items is between JPY50 and JPY1,500. The following table sets forth our licensee's published basic pricing for GungHo Shop Points in Japan as of December 31, 2014.
Points
|
Retail Price(1) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
10,000 points |
JPY | 1,000 | ||
21,000 points |
2,000 | |||
32,500 points |
3,000 | |||
55,000 points |
5,000 | |||
112,000 points |
10,000 |
Note:
The United States and Canada
Gravity Interactive, our wholly-owned subsidiary in the United States, determines the pricing plan for Ragnarok Online in the United States and Canada. Users pay through credit cards, wire and/or bank transfers, or mobile payment or online payment systems such as PayPal. Gravity Interactive ceased to apply the subscription-based fee model in April 2011.
Micro-transaction model
We have applied a micro-transaction model in the United States and Canada since June 2007. Game users buy points which enable them to buy game items in the price range between US$0.05 and US$20. The following table sets forth our licensee's published basic pricing for points of Ragnarok Online in the United States and Canada as of December 31, 2014.
Points
|
Retail Price | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1,100 points |
US$ | 10.00 | ||
1,650 points |
15.00 | |||
2,875 points |
25.00 | |||
4,600 points |
40.00 | |||
6,000 points |
50.00 | |||
9,000 points |
75.00 | |||
12,000 points |
100.00 |
VIP Service fee model
Although Ragnarok Online is offered based on the micro-transaction model in the United States and Canada, the VIP Service fee model, a premium service model, was introduced in April 2011 to provide users with enhanced game play as an option. The following table sets forth Gravity Interactive's published basic pricing for VIP Service for Ragnarok Online in the United States and Canada as of December 31, 2014.
Days and Points
|
Retail Price | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
30 days |
US$ | 7.00 | ||
30 days and 1,500 points(1) |
15.00 | |||
90 days |
19.00 | |||
180 days |
33.50 |
Note:
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GAME DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLISHING
We expect the online and mobile game industries to be characterized by increasing demand for sophisticated or original games with the most up-to-date technologies and/or innovative game designs. In response, we intend to expand our game offerings by continuing to develop in-house additional high quality games with the latest technologies and/or innovative game designs and by publishing such new games developed by us or licensed or acquired from leading third party developers.
To prepare for the commercial launch of a new online game, unlike most mobile games, we conduct closed beta testing for the game to fix technical problems, which is followed by a period of open beta testing in which we allow registered users to play the game free of charge. During these testing periods, users provide us with feedback and our technical team seeks to address any technical problems and programming flaws that may compromise a stable and consistent game playing environment. We conduct several rounds of closed beta testing, which usually takes a few weeks for each round but may take significantly more time if material problems are detected. Open beta testing of online games usually takes one to three months before commercial launch. We generally commence our other marketing activities for online games during the open beta testing stage. For overseas markets, we also localize the language and content of our games to tailor the game to local cultural preferences.
In-house game development
Our game development department is divided into two categories of development teams: one is dedicated to online games and the other is dedicated to mobile games. As of December 31, 2014, we employed a total of 116 game developers. We have developed Ragnarok Online, Ragnarok Online II, Requiem, Pucca Racing and some social network games and mobile games, such as Trials of Blood and Ragnarok OnlineUprising: Valkyrie, in-house. In order to remain competitive, we are focusing our in-house game development efforts on enhancing the game experience and on developing new games incorporating the latest technologies (including software improving the communication and interaction between players).
Publishing
We also seek opportunities to publish games developed by third parties if we determine such games have potential to become a commercial success. Our publishing and licensing processes include the following:
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Our game business team takes the lead in conducting preliminary screenings to select games for potential distribution and the commercial negotiations process. The games initially screened by our game business team are additionally evaluated or tested by other teams, such as the marketing team and quality management team, for a second opinion. Once a license agreement is finalized, we generally create a specific team for the selected game within the marketing department to work with and guide the licensor through the beta testing and/or marketing process for a successful launch of the game.
MARKETING
We employ a variety of traditional and online marketing programs and promotional activities, including in-game events, in-game marketing and offline events. Due to the close-knit nature of the game community, we believe that word-of-mouth is an important medium for the promotion of our games.
In Korea, three independent promotional agents currently promote our online games to Internet cafés pursuant to agency agreements. Under these agreements, each promotional agent is granted non-exclusive promotion rights within a specified geographical area. The agent is generally paid a monthly base commission between 10% and 30% of revenues received from Internet cafés in the allocated area. The commission percentage varies according to the amount of revenues.
We conduct a variety of marketing programs and online and offline events to target potential subscribers accessing the Internet from home. Our main marketing efforts include advertising on Web site portals and game magazines, conducting online promotional events, participating in trade shows and entering into promotional alliances with Internet service providers. We spent Won 1,614 million (US$1,480 thousand) on advertising and promotions in 2014, compared with Won 2,852 million in 2013.
We frequently organize in-game events, such as "fortress raids" for our users, which we believe encourages the development of virtual communities among our users and increases user interest in our games. We also host from time to time in-game tournaments in which users can compete against each other either as a team or individually. In addition, we use in-game events to introduce users to new features of our games. We organized 44 in-game events for Ragnarok Online users in 2014, compared with 42 such in-game events in 2013.
In most of our overseas markets, marketing activities are principally conducted by our licensees and typically consist of advertising on Web site game portals and online game magazines and through television commercials, as well as hosting online and offline promotional events. The licensees are responsible for the costs associated with such advertising and promotional activities. For example, GungHo hosted the GungHo Festival in May 2014, which included the Ragnarok Online Japan Championship, game conference and costume-play stage and other programs for users. The Ragnarok Online Japan Championship was attended by approximately 1,400 visitors. GungHo also sells a DVD and a memorial package of Ragnarok Online software to commemorate the Ragnarok Online Japan Championship every year. Level Up! Inc., our former licensee in the Philippines, hosted Level Up! ProTour competition in June 2014, where players competed to win the Ragnarok Online Philippines Championship. Level Up! Inc. also hosted marketing events for all the games published by them, such as Level Up! Guild Congress in November 2014, where guild members gathered and socialized with fellow gamers. PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna, our licensee in Indonesia, hosted an annual event called the Lyto Festival in September 2014, which included the Ragnarok Indonesia Championship Final Match and the Ragnarok II battle tournament, and which was attended by approximately 10,000 visitors. AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd., our licensee in Thailand, hosted the PlayPark FanFest in November 2014, formerly the AsiaSoft All Star Battle, which has been held annually since 2009. The PlayPark FanFest, attended by approximately 35,000 visitors, included the Ragnarok Online Thailand Championship, and visitors were invited to experience Ragnarok Online II.
In addition, from time to time our overseas licensees also market our games through sponsoring promotional events jointly with other local game publishers or participating in expositions or other events for online games in order to reach a broader local audience. For example, Gravity Interactive participated
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in Anime California, a convention for animation, music and manga and attended by approximately 3,000 visitors. At Anime California, Gravity Interactive set up its own booth, where visitors were encouraged to sign up for our games and were provided information on Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online II. Level Up! Interactive S.A., our licensee in Brazil, participated in Anime Friends, which included the Ragnarok Online Championship in July 2014. Anime Friends is one of the biggest anime events in Latin America, and was attended by approximately 70,000 visitors during the two week event. Gravity EU SAS, our licensee in France, participated in several conventions for animation, game, manga and costume play, such as AnimagiC and Connichi in Germany in August 2014 and in September 2014, respectively, where Gravity EU SAS set up booths to present Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online II to the public and held various events for visitors. Game Flier International Corporation, our licensee in Taiwan, hosted a press conference to introduce Ragnarok Online II in June 2014 which was attended by more than 40 members of the local press and broadcasting media.
Our licensees are selected in part on the basis of their marketing capabilities, including the size and scope of their distribution networks. In regions where we have a limited network or presence such as Central Asia, we believe that conducting marketing through our licensees is more effective and cost-efficient than direct marketing by us in light of the established brand recognition and marketing networks of our licensees and their comparative advantage in identifying and taking advantage of the cultural and other local preferences of overseas users. However, in more strategic markets where we anticipate considerable growth such as the United States, we also believe that it is important to enhance our own direct publishing network for online game services.
GAME SUPPORT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
We are committed to providing superior customer service to our users directly and through our licensees. As of December 31, 2014, 3 employees were game masters, or persons who are in charge of testing, updating and providing server maintenance for online games, as well as dealing with customer complaints, 16 employees were members of our domestic customer service team and 30 employees were members of our overseas customer support team.
In Korea, we provide customer service for our online games through bulletin boards of the Web sites of our online games, call centers, email and facsimile and at our walk-in customer service center. Our bulletin boards of the Web sites of our online games allow our customers to post questions to, and receive responses from, other users and our support staff. In our overseas markets, our licensees administer customer service through varying combinations of bulletin boards of the Web sites of our online games, call centers, email and facsimile, with assistance from time to time from our overseas customer support staff.
In addition to providing customer service to our users, our customer service staff also collect user comments with respect to our games and generate daily and weekly reports for our management and operations that summarize important issues raised by users as well as how such issues have been addressed.
NETWORK AND TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE
We have designed and assembled our game server network and information management system in Korea to allow centralized game management on a global basis. Our system network is designed to speedily accommodate a growing user base and demand for faster game performance. Our game server architecture runs multiple servers on a parallel basis to readily accommodate increased user traffic through deployment of connection to servers, which permits us to route users in the same country to servers with less user traffic. Each of these servers is linked to our information systems network to ensure rapid implementation of game upgrades and to facilitate game monitoring and supervision.
We maintain our server hardware in a single climate-controlled facility at KT Mokdong Internet Computing Center at 233-5 Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Korea and our other system hardware in our offices in Seoul. As of December 31, 2014, our server network for our game operations in Korea consisted of a total of 380 servers, including 164 physical servers and 216 servers run on 90 physical servers through the server virtualization technology we have adopted since July 2011, which allows one physical
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server to be divided into multiple virtual servers, each of which functions individually as a complete and independent server.
In overseas markets, our overseas subsidiaries or licensees own or lease the servers necessary to establish the server network for online games and we assist them with the initial assembly and installation of operating game servers and optimization of their systems network for game operations in their respective markets. While the overseas system architectures are modeled on our system architecture in Korea, they are also tailored to meet the specific needs of each market. When we install and initialize a game in an overseas market, we generally dispatch network engineers and database technicians from Korea to assist with the assembly and operation of the system network and game servers. Following installation, we typically send two to five of our technicians and customer support staff to that market, for a few weeks in some cases and much longer periods in other cases, to assist with on-site game operation and technical support. Our overseas subsidiaries and licensees are responsible for providing database and other game information backup.
Our game management software can program the game content to include localized features such as virtual map zones specific to each market. These features can be updated at the host country level in order to encourage development of a communal spirit among the users from the same country.
COMPETITION
We compete primarily with other online and mobile game developers and distributors in each of our markets. In addition, we compete against providers of games on various platforms, such as console games, handheld games and arcade games. We compete primarily on the basis of the quality of the game experience offered by us to our users, which depends on a number of factors, including our ability to do the following:
Competition in the online game industry
Currently, the leading providers of online games, based on the number of peak concurrent users, are Riot Games, Inc., Activision Blizzard, Inc., Nexon Co., Ltd., Neowiz Games Corporation, and Wargaming Public Company Limited, according to data available from various public sources. League of Legends of Riot Games, Inc., Dungeon Fighter Online of Nexon Co., Ltd., and World of Warcraft of Activision Blizzard, Inc. are some of the most popular online games. Neowiz Games Corporation's Crossfire and Wargaming Public Company Limited's War & Tank have gained popularity, and each has maintained a large number of players and a loyal user base.
As many of our competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing and game development resources than we have, we face intense competition in the online game industry. We expect competition will continue to be strong as the number of online game developers increases in the future and the online game industry begins to consolidate into a small number of leading companies due to the high cost of game development, marketing and distribution networks, which is likely to drive unsuccessful online game providers to go out of business or be acquired by other successful game providers.
Competition in the mobile game industry
Compared with the online or console game genres, the mobile game market has a relatively low barrier to entry because development of a mobile game requires relatively less time and personnel due to the limitations of the devices on which mobile games are played such as screen size and processing power.
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Moreover, development tools for mobile games are easier to obtain and use, and open marketplaces, such as the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store, enable developers to easily distribute mobile games to a large global audience. Therefore, we expect the number of mobile game developers to continually increase in the future and competition to become more intense.
We compete with companies that specialize in developing mobile games such as Supercell Oy and King Digital Entertainment PLC. Our current or potential future competitors for mobile games also include package game companies that have successfully expanded their business into mobile game development such as Electronic Arts Inc. In addition, we believe more companies that previously were or currently are dedicated to developing online or console games will allocate more resources toward developing mobile games because the number of mobile game users is rapidly increasing as the penetration of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, continues to deepen.
Competition from other game platforms
We also compete against PC and console-based game developers that produce popular package games, such as Activision Blizzard, Inc. and Electronic Arts Inc., and game console manufacturers such as Microsoft Corp., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Nintendo Co., Ltd., all of which also have their own console game development studios. In November 2013, Microsoft Corp. released Xbox One featuring Kinect motion control camera and voice commands and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. started distributing its PlayStation 4 game consoles featuring a controller with a capacitive touchpad for additional control options. Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s Wii U was released in November 2012 which supports high-definition graphics with a tablet-like controller. In addition, handheld game consoles, such as Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s Nintendo 3DS and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s PlayStation Vita, are also popular among game users. All the current game consoles enable users to play games with other users online by connecting their console to a network over the Internet. Likewise, a number of PC-based game developers have also introduced online features to their PC-packaged games, such as team plays or users-to-users combat.
Competition in the game market is expected to remain intense as established game companies with significant financial resources seek to enter the industry. See ITEM 3.D. "RISK FACTORSRISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESSWe operate in a highly competitive industry and compete against many large companies."
INSURANCE
We maintain medical and accident insurance for our employees to the extent required under Korean law, and we also maintain fire and general commercial insurance with respect to our facilities. We do not have any business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations in Korea. We maintain a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy covering certain potential liabilities of our directors and officers. See ITEM 3.D. "RISK FACTORSRISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESSWe have limited business insurance coverage and any business interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business."
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Our intellectual property is an essential element of our business. We rely on intellectual property such as copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as non-competition, confidentiality and license agreements with our employees, suppliers, licensees, business partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. Our employees are generally required to sign agreements acknowledging that all inventions, trade secrets, works of authorship, developments and other processes generated by them on our behalf are our property, and assigning to us any ownership rights that they may claim in those works. With respect to copyrights and computer program rights created by our employees within their employment scope and which are made public bearing our name, we are not required to pay any additional compensation to our employees.
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In developing Ragnarok Online, we obtained an exclusive license from Mr. Myoung-Jin Lee to use the storyline and characters from his cartoon titled Ragnarok for the production of games, animation and character merchandising. See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR PRODUCTSOnline gamesRagnarok Online."
We are the registered owner of 14 registered software copyrights to ten games: Ragnarok Online, Ragnarok Online II, R.O.S.E. Online, Requiem, Ragnarok Violet, Ragnarok Angel Poring, Ragnarok OnlineUprising: Valkyrie, Arcturus, Pucca Racing and W Baseball, each of which has been registered with the Korea Copyright Commission. We no longer commercially offer Arcturus, a PC-based, stand-alone game, nor Pucca Racing, and have decided to cease commercialization of W Baseball. As of December 31, 2014, we owned over 48 registered domain names, including our official Web site and domain names registered in connection with each of the games we offer. We had 792 registered discrete trademarks at patent and trademark offices in 52 countries as of December 31, 2014. We had three design patents, two analogous design patents, which are variations of two of the design patents, registered with the Korea Intellectual Property Office, registered copyrights covering 11 game characters, five online game business model patents and one patent pending with the Korea Intellectual Property Office, in each case as of December 31, 2014.
SEASONALITY
Usage of our online games has typically increased slightly around the New Year's holiday and other holidays, in particular during winter and summer school holidays.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
We are subject to many laws and regulations in the different countries in which we operate. See ITEM 3.D. "RISK FACTORSRISKS RELATING TO OUR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT." A general overview of the material laws and regulations that apply to our business is provided below for the countries from which we derive a significant portion of our revenues.
Korea
The Korean game industry and online and mobile game companies operating in Korea are subject to the following laws and regulations:
The Act on Promotion of the Game Industry
In January 2007, the National Assembly amended the Act on Promotion of the Game Industry, or the Promotion Act, which became effective on April 20, 2007. Under the amended Article 21 of the Promotion Act, online games are classified into four categories: "suitable for users of all ages," "suitable for users 12 years of age or older," "suitable for users 15 years of age or older" and "suitable for users 18 years of age or older." The 15 years of age or older category was added between the 12 years of age and 18 years of age categories to increase ratings flexibility. Ragnarok Online has been classified as "suitable for users 12 years of age or older."
The amendment to the Promotion Act includes for the first time the definition of the term "speculative game." A speculative game refers to a game that permits betting and offers monetary loss or profit that is determined by chance. Elements that may cause a game to be considered a speculative game include the existence of game money used as a means for betting or purchasing game items (items used within the game for progression in the game) that become the subject of exchange with real money. The Supreme Court Decision No. 2009Do12117 rendered on February 25, 2010 provided that a 'speculative game' under the amended Promotion Act, should be carried out in accordance with the contents and method prescribed under Article 2,(1-2) of the Promotion Act, and further, that the term refers to a gaming device or tool which directly provides money, prize or other financial profit or incurs loss on the game user via a payment tool installed on the gaming device or tool depending on the results of the game. Although the new rules and Supreme Court decision are intended to provide more clarity for the determination of whether a game is deemed speculative or not, because our games involve transactions
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with game items, we have had to take measures to ensure that we are in compliance with the new rules. Such measures include providing games after receipt of the Rating Review from the Game Rating and Administration Committee, or receipt of the Self Rating Review from online open market or other electronic commerce intermediaries in accordance with the Article 21 (1) 4 of the Promotion Act in case of games provided by means of a mobile devices or a wireless internet connecting device.
A game provider has to report any modification in the content of a game to the Game Rating and Administration Committee, which may require the game to be reclassified depending on the scope of the modification. If the Game Rating and Administration Committee determines that the game is speculative, it can refuse to classify such game, in which case the game will be prohibited. According to Article 1(2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Promotion Act newly established on May 16, 2007, any games in which money or items of value are collected from a multiple number of persons and profits or losses are allocated based on winnings or losses determined by chance fall under speculative games. According to Article 16(2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Promotion Act newly established at the same time, so long as certain guidelines are followed, a provision of a gift equivalent to a customer price of Won 5,000 or less, with respect to games that are classified as "suitable for users of all ages," is not deemed to be an act that encourages gambling.
Under the Promotion Act, as partially amended on December 21, 2007, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may order information and communication service providers to refuse, stop, or restrict the offering of games if such games are unrated, contents are different from those submitted for rating, were denied rating as speculative games, or were manufactured or distributed by a person not registered for operation of manufacturing or distributing games for profit-making. The Game Rating and Administration Committee undertakes examination of the information and communications service providers and provides recommendation of correction to the providers as necessary.
The Game Rating and Administration Committee published the Yearbook for Classification of Game Ratings on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2014 in order to provide information on industry trends. The Yearbooks include data on ratings and classifications of various games released in Korea and the immediately preceding year's results of the examination of the information and communications service providers. The Game Rating and Administration Committee published the Yearbook to improve fairness and transparency in inspecting games and to provide industry participants with guidelines on ratings inspection as well as basic information on the development of the game industry.
At the time of establishment, the Promotion Act prescribed a provision on national subsidy support for the smooth grading deliberation and follow-up administration work conducted by the Game Rating and Administration Committee, and set forth the period of provision as temporary through its addenda. Afterwards, through an amendment of the Addenda, the provision period was extended, and on May 22, 2013, the period of national subsidy provision was deleted through the deletion of the relevant addenda. Recently in the global online and mobile game industries, there has been growth in the open markets in which small content developers and individual content producers directly supply their programs to consumers. However, under the then-current law, games could be distributed only after being rated by the Game Rating and Administration Committee, and this impeded the development of the open market in Korea. In addition, some games, especially those that permit betting, caused social problems as speculative operating methods such as illegal automatic playing programs which allow players to cheat and acquire game money or game items were being developed. However, the then-existing laws did not provide sufficient grounds to regulate such situations.
In response, on April 5, 2011, the Act on Promotion of the Game Industry was amended. The amendment provides that all games that cannot receive prior rating by the Game Rating and Administration Committee due to special circumstances in their production and distribution channels should be subject to the distributors' own rating. The Act also provides grounds for sanctioning speculative operating methods and the undermining of fair gaming through illegal programs, among others. The amendment went into effect on July 6, 2011. In addition, consistent with a decision by the Constitutional
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Court on dual punishment, the amendment also includes a revised provision which stipulates that if an employer fulfills her duty of care as a manager and supervisor of her employees, she can be exempt from punishment.
The main content of the Act on Promotion of the Game Industry as amended on April 5, 2011 and the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the same Act are as follows:
(1) Games which are inappropriate for prior rating by the Game Rating and Administration Committee due to special circumstances in their production and distribution channels, excepting games unsuitable for minors, may be rated by distributors or others involved in the distribution channel at their discretion according to the standards predetermined upon consultation with the Game Rating and Administration Committee. According to Article 11-4 of the Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Promotion of the Game Industry, games should fulfill all the following requirements in order to be considered being "inappropriate for prior rating by the Game Rating and Administration Committee": (i) they must be provided through basic communications services by persons who are authorized to engage in the basic communications business under the Telecommunications Business Act; (ii) they must be provided through electronic commerce intermediaries such as online open markets; and (iii) they must be provided using wireless telecommunications terminals which use mobile telecommunications terminals or the same kind of operating programs as those run on mobile telecommunications terminals;
(2) Game-related companies are prohibited from encouraging speculation by using operating methods, devices or machines closely related to the realization of game contents, and any person violating this provision is subject to corrective recommendation or corrective order imposed by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; and
(3) In order to realize the principle of responsibility in the dual punishment provision, if an employer fulfills her duty of care as a manager and supervisor with respect to her employees, the employer may be exempt from punishment (proviso in Article 47 of the Promotion Act).
The Promotion Act was further amended on July 21, 2011 and went into effect on January 22, 2012. The amendment was intended to create a sound gaming culture by clearly defining the responsibilities of the game industry and the government and to encourage public awareness of prevention of excessive gaming. Under the amended Promotion Act, a game-related enterprise is required to obtain parental consent when a minor joins a game site as a member and to take measures to prevent excessive use of games by imposing a time limit on minors' game usage time. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request game-related enterprises to submit or report data relating to such preventive measures and, after an examination thereof, order the relevant game-related enterprises to correct the preventive measures if they are deemed to be insufficient.
The Enforcement Decree of the Promotion Act amended and enforced on January 6, 2015 lifted the burden of internet computer game facility providers through the deletion of a provision which imposed an obligation on internet computer facility providers to install program, etc. which block access of users to games which were classified as speculative game or did not receive any rating.
The Telecommunications Business Act
Under the Telecommunications Business Act, a person who intends to run a value-added telecommunications business must report to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, or the MSIP, which has the authority to accept and monitor such reports. We are classified as a value-added telecommunications service provider such that we are required to prepare and submit statistical reports regarding, among others, the current status of facilities, subscription records and current status of users to the MSIP upon its request. The MSIP is responsible for compiling information and formulating telecommunications policies under this Telecommunications Business Act. In addition, we are required to report any transfer, takeover, suspension or closing of our business activities to the MSIP, which may cancel our registration or order us to suspend our business for a period of up to one year if we fail to comply with its rules and regulations.
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The Act on Consumer Protection for Transactions through Electronic Commerce
Under this Act, we are required to take necessary measures to maintain the security of consumer information related to our electronic settlement services. We are also required to notify consumers when electronic payments are made and to indemnify consumers for damages resulting from misappropriation of consumer information by third parties. We believe that we have instituted appropriate safety measures to protect consumers against data misappropriation. To date, we have not experienced material disputes or claims in this area.
Prior to the amendment on May 28, 2013, this Act prescribed that only the transactions in which the one-time payment amount is above Won 50,000 were eligible for protective measures for payment security which is imposed on telecommunications sales operators, in case of advance payment in the telecommunications sales, a duty to provide escrow service for payment or subscribe to consumer injury compensation insurance upon the election by a consumer of either option. However, under the amended Act which deleted Article 24(3)(i) concerning the application of such protective measures for payment security, the consumer rights protection was enhanced because even transactions whose amount is small, Won 50,000 or less, can benefit from protective measures for payment security. Such amendment went into effect on November 29, 2013.
The Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, or Information Protection Act
Under the Information Protection Act, we are permitted to gather personal information relating to our subscribers within the scope of their consent. We are, however, generally prohibited from using personal information or providing it to third parties beyond the purposes disclosed in our subscriber agreements. Disclosure of personal information without consent from a subscriber is permitted only if it is necessary for the settlement of information and communication service charges or is expressly permitted by this or any other statute.
We are required to indemnify users for damages occurring as a result of our violation of the foregoing restrictions, unless we can prove the absence of willful misconduct or negligence on our part. We believe that we have instituted appropriate measures and are in compliance with all material restrictions regarding internal mishandling of personal information.
Penalty surcharges are imposed on any telecommunications enterprises violating the regulation on the protection of personal information to recover any unfair profits gained by such enterprises, and some conducts, such as collection of personal information of users without their consent, are the subject of criminal punishment. Any telecommunications enterprises violating its obligation to protect personal information by collecting, using, disclosing such information without consent, and not complying with protective measures, may be imposed with surcharges not exceeding 1% of the sales relevant to the conduct of violation in consideration of the details, degree, period, the number of times, and the scale of gained profits.
Following the continued occurrence of personal information leakage incidents on information and communication networks in the financial sector, the Information Protection Act was amended on May 28, 2014 (enforced on November 29, 2014) to strengthen personal information protection measures and supplement remedial methods for users by strengthening punishment on information and communication network providers and introducing a statutory damage compensation system. According to the amended Information Promotion Act, a user may claim for statutory damage compensation up to Won 3 million in case of loss, theft or leakage of his/her personal information under management by the information and communication network provider.
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The Personal Information Protection Act
The Personal Information Protection Act was enacted on March 29, 2011 and went into effect on September 30, 2011. The scope of the Personal Information Protection Act covers anyone dealing with personal information in the private and public sectors.
If a person's personal information is collected or used, or provided to a third person, such person's consent should be obtained, and if personal information is no longer necessary upon achievement of the purpose of the collection and use of personal information, such information should be immediately destroyed.
Any transaction requiring identifiers granted by law for identification purposes, such as the resident registration number, is generally prohibited, and exceptions are recognized on a restrictive basis only if consent is obtained or if required by law. In addition, any person dealing with personal information as determined pursuant to the Presidential Decree, for instance, such as signing up for a Web site, should provide methods other than using the resident registration number.
In the event of a personal information leak, the processor of personal information should promptly notify the affected person after discovering such incident. If the volume of the leak of personal information exceeds a certain number, the processor of personal information should report the incident to the authorities and take necessary measures to minimize damages.
In addition, the same legislation grants to each individual the right to request perusal, the right to request correction or deletion, and the right to request suspension of process with respect to one's personal information, and also provides the methods to exercise such rights.
To promote prompt and fair settlement of disputes concerning personal information, the same legislation also provides that a Personal Information Dispute Settlement Board, or PIDSB, should be established and the PIDSB's decision, if accepted by the disputing parties, should have the same legal effect as settlement by trial. In consideration of the fact that most identity theft cases are large in scale and small in the amount of monetary damages, the legislation adopts a collective dispute settlement system. A class action system for personal information has been adopted, but in order to prevent frivolous class action suits, litigants are required to go through the collective dispute settlement system prior to bringing a class action and cases are limited to those seeking suspension or injunctive relief.
Prior to the amendment dated August 6, 2013, the Personal Information Protection Act permitted the process of personally identifiable information (resident registration number, passport number, driver's license number and foreigner registration number) under limited circumstances such as when required by law or when consent is obtained, and mandated the implementation of security measures to prevent possible loss, theft, leak, alteration or compromise of personally identifiable information. However, it was not successful in deterring massive leaks and misappropriations of resident registration numbers and large companies responsible for such leakage escaped civil and/or criminal liabilities on numerous occasions, which increased public distrust and raised concerns about further damages resulting from such leaks and misappropriations.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing, the Personal Information Protection Act was amended partially as of August 6, 2013 with respect to personally identifiable information, which went into effect on August 7, 2014. The key amendments are: (i) in principle, no person dealing with personal information is permitted to process resident registration numbers (newly added Article 24-2); (ii) in the event of loss, theft, leak, alteration or compromise of resident registration numbers, an administrative fine not exceeding Won 500 million may be imposed (newly added Article 34-2); and (iii) it is made clear that if there is substantial ground to suspect a violation of applicable laws and regulations with respect to personal information protection, the Minister of Safety and Public Administration may advise a relevant personal information processor to take disciplinary action against liable person(s) which include the representative director and responsible executive officers (Article 65(2)). Such amendments purport to prevent any possible leak of resident registration numbers and induce companies to discharge to the fullest extent their responsibilities for the protection of personal information such as resident registration numbers.
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Following the continued occurrence of personal information leakage incidents on information and communication networks in the financial business sector, the Personal Information Protection Act was amended on March 24, 2014 (to be enforced on January 1, 2016) to obligate personal information processors who store resident registration numbers to encrypt resident registration numbers as part of an effort to minimize damages from leakage of personal information.
The Korean Civil Code and the Act on the Establishment and Management of the Korea Communications Commission
Pursuant to the Korean Civil Code, contracts entered into with minors, who were persons under 20 years of age, without parental consent under the Korean Civil Code prior to its amendment, may be invalidated. The definition of minors is changed to persons under 19 years of age in the amendment to the Korean Civil Code on March 7, 2011, which became effective on July 1, 2013. Under the Act on the Establishment and Management of the Korea Communications Commission, the KCC was established to oversee services relating to broadcasting and communications and also to deliberate and resolve matters concerning the protection of users' information and communications. As a result, telecommunications service contracts and online game user agreements are required to specifically set forth procedures for rescinding service contracts, which may be entered into by persons under 19 years of age without parental consent.
In November 2003, the KCC issued an order addressed to 15 major online game companies in Korea, including us, to regulate certain business practices relating to the settlement of service charges involving persons under 20 years of age. The KCC raised concerns about the ability of persons under 20 years of age to subscribe to online game services without parental consent by settling charges payable to online game companies through settlement systems operated by fixed-line or broadband service providers. The order required online game companies to implement more specific and effective procedures to ensure, where relevant, that parental consent has been specifically obtained.
Although only a small number of our current subscribers were using the settlement options mentioned in the KCC order, we have enhanced our age verification and parental consent procedures for players using the relevant settlement options.
Copyright Act
The Copyright Act, which was amended on April 22, 2009, was established by combining the "Copyright Act" on the protection of general works and the "Computer Programs Protection Act" on the protection of computer program works in order to maintain the consistency of copyright protection policies and seek an efficient administration thereof. In addition, the Korea Copyright Commission was established by combining the existing Copyright Commission and the Korea Software Copyright Committee, thereby improving the protection of copyrights and the efficiency of its operation. The amended Copyright Act also includes essential elements of the Computer Programs Protection Act which was abolished on July 23, 2009 and, in connection with computer program works, restrictions on software copyrights, reverse analysis of computer programs, and the establishment of the exclusive right to issue computer programs as a special case apart from other kinds of works.
The Copyright Act was amended on June 30, 2011. The amendment extends the period of copyright protection from 50 years to 70 years after the death of copyright holders in order to implement the agreements in the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement.
The Copyright Act was further amended on December 2, 2011 and went into effect on March 15, 2012, when the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement took effect, in order to promote the protection of rights of copyright holders and fair use of copyrighted materials by amending the relevant provisions necessary for implementing the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement, such as recognition of temporary storage as copying, introduction of a system of fair use of copyrighted materials, prohibition of acts of infringement on the rights of copyright holders including the distribution of forged labels, and the introduction of statutory damages in accordance with the agreements in the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement and to
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improve and supplement other issues discovered during the operation of the current system. In connection with the amendment to the Copyright Act, the Enforcement Decree and the Enforcement Rules of the Copyright Act were also amended on December 2, 2011 in accordance with the content of the Act.
The key contents of the amendment to the Copyright Act on December 2, 2011 regarding online game development and services are as follows:
(1) In order to protect the rights of copyright holders in a digital environment, the amendment specifies that temporary storage falls under the scope of "copying" but allows temporary storage to be extent it is deemed necessary for smooth and efficient information processing; and
(2) An online service provider will be deemed not liable for copyright infringement: (i) if the online service provider has adopted and reasonably implemented a policy of terminating the account of a person who infringed copyrights or (ii) if the online service provider has accepted and not interfered with a right holder's use of standard technical measures for identifying and protecting copyrighted materials.
The Juvenile Protection Act
The Juvenile Protection Act, as amended on February 29, 2008, prescribes the establishment of the Juvenile Protection Commission under the authority of the Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Korea, formerly known as the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, or the MIHWAF, which has the authority to designate the types of media harmful to juveniles. Under the Juvenile Protection Act, any person who intends to sell, lend or distribute media materials harmful to minors or provides them for viewing or utilization is required to confirm the age of the intended user, and shall not sell, rent or distribute such materials, or provide them for viewing or utilization, to minors. A person in violation may be punished by imprisonment for a maximum of three years or by a fine not exceeding Won 20 million.
On March 4, 2009, the MIHWAF issued a public notice announcing that "Web sites for trading items" are considered "harmful mass media" to minors based on the findings of Juvenile Protection Commission that such Web sites for trading online game items are likely to encourage gambling and speculation and negatively influence juveniles. In the public notice, the MIHWAF prohibited any person under the age of 19 from visiting Web sites for trading online game items, effective from March 19, 2009.
A Web site for trading items is a Web site which offers the services of a brokerage or agency for the trading of tangible or intangible things gained from online games as prescribed in the Promotion Act. A Web site for trading items needs to specify on its Web site that access is not allowed for minors, and any person visiting such Web site is required to go through the adult certification process. Any Web site operator found to be operating such Web site in breach of the requirements under the public notice is subject to a maximum of 3 years of imprisonment or a maximum fine of Won 20 million. On June 3, 2009, Item Bay Co., Ltd., one of the leading Web sites in Korea for trading online game items, initiated an administrative proceeding against the MIHWAF seeking cancellation of the MIHWAF's public notice. Item Bay Co., Ltd. argued that "game items are purchased by users at their own discretion depending on their necessity, and remote from speculative activity. Therefore, Web sites for trading online game items do not fall under media harmful to minors." Nevertheless, the court ruled against Item Bay, rendering that "Trading items on Item Bay falls under speculative activity as it is hard for game users to resist the temptation of cash trades through which they may easily gain items, which will cause users to be attracted to the cash convertibility of items rather than the game itself," and the ruling was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2010.
While we offer virtual in-game items for sale to our users on the game Web sites that we operate in Korea, we do not broker the trade of such game items or any other tangible or intangible acquisitions obtained by using online games among our users, and currently do not fall under the category of "Web site for trading items." In Korea, however, minors account for a significant percentage of online game users. As they are now prohibited from trading items on Web sites, including virtual in-game items, such prohibition may materially and adversely affect the online game industry in general, which may well have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
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The Juvenile Protection Act was partially amended on May 19, 2011 and went into effect on November 20, 2011. Under the amendment, online game providers may not provide online games to minors under the age of 16 late at night (specifically, from midnight until 6:00 a.m.) and any provider violating the provision is subject to imprisonment for no more than 2 years and a penalty not exceeding Won 10 million. As an exception, for internet games using apparatus that would not likely cause serious internet game addiction and are specified under the Presidential Decree, including smartphones, tablet PCs and consoles (except for console games that are not provided for free), the late-night restriction became effective as of May 20, 2013.
However, the amendment provides that the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, or the MOGEF, in consultation with the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, should revisit the guidelines every two years to evaluate the appropriateness of the scope of games subject to the late-night restriction and to take measures for improvement, and, with respect to minors suffering from online game addiction, the MOGEF may also provide services for prevention, consultation, treatment and rehabilitation.
In this regard, the MOGEF made an administrative announcement on "the proposed public notice on the scope of games subject to the late-night restriction for internet games." According to the public notice, the applicable games are internet games provided for profit in real time via information and communication networks that fall under the games defined in the Promotion Act. Examples based on (i) the type of apparatus include games played on PCs (including laptops) and (ii) the type of games includes online PC games, internet games and PC package games. In addition, the public notice states that the games to which the above restriction is not applicable are (i) games using apparatus that would not likely cause serious internet addiction, as mentioned above, (ii) games that do not collect or use personal information and are not provided for profit, (iii) test versions of the games that are not classified pursuant to Article 21(1)(iii) of the Promotion Act and (iv) games for game contests, exhibitions, education or public advertisements that are not classified pursuant to Articles 21(1)(i) to 21(1)(ii). The effective date of the public notice is from May 20, 2013 to May 19, 2015. Therefore, the late-night restriction still remains not applicable to internet games using apparatus that would not likely cause serious internet addiction, such as smartphones, tablet PCs and consoles (except for console games that are not provided for free).
The Juvenile Protection Act was further amended on September 15, 2011 and went into effect on September 16, 2012. The key contents of the amendment are as follows:
(1) The amendment expands the category of businesses which minors are prohibited from entering, or are prohibited from hiring minors, to include those business which provide "combined distributed games" and business places which provide Internet game facilities;
(2) The amendment requires protective measures equivalent to packaging;
(3) The amendment requires a person who intends to sell, rent, distribute or provide any media harmful to minors to check the ages and IDs of his or her counterparties;
(4) The amendment prescribes that if a person distributes any media harmful to minors through the information and communications network, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family may publicly post the identity of such person and the content of the violation; and
(5) The amendment requires parental consent when a minor under age 16 joins an Internet game as a member and requires the information on the minor's use of games to be reported to the guardians.
This Juvenile Protection Act was yet further amended in part on January 17, 2012, which became effective on April 17, 2012. The key contents of the amendment are as follows:
(1) The amendment specifies the basis of establishing the Harmful Media Materials Review Subcommittee to assist the Commission on Youth Protection with the review and determination of media materials harmful to minors; and
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(2) The amendment reduces the review period for reconsideration of media materials harmful to minors from the current 60 days to 30 days considering that the review period for re-classifying movies and games is 15 days.
The subsequent amendment of the Juvenile Protection Act dated March 22, 2013, (i) added a new provision, in response to increasing business operation of various new forms such as business providing facilities for both video products and games, to further expand the category of business which minors are prohibited from entering, or are prohibited from hiring minors, by including the business providing combined media materials, based on the general consensus that such business is harmful to minors (Article 2(5)); and (ii) in order to enhance the protection of juveniles from harmful media products, clarified the scope of persons under a duty to affix a mark indicating harmfulness to juveniles, which previously had been delegated to the promulgation by the Presidential Decree, by specifying them within the Juvenile Protection Act as persons who manufacture, import, duplicate or provide games (Article 13).
Japan
Japan does not currently have any national government regulations targeted specifically at the online game or mobile game industry. Some regulations that are relevant to or that may affect the online game and mobile game industries are described below.
Protection of personal information
Businesses in Japan are subject to certain statutory requirements with respect to personal information acquired during the ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these statutory requirements, businesses must set up appropriate procedures to protect personal information from use for any purpose other than the intended purpose.
Regulations on sound upbringing of minors
In Japan, Internet and game software content is generally regulated at the local, rather than the national, level. Many local governments have ordinances regarding the sound upbringing of minors, which empower competent authorities to designate game software as detrimental to the sound upbringing of minors and prohibit the sale or distribution to minors of such designated game software. In addition, the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization, or CERO, a nonprofit organization, offers rating services for home-use games, including online and mobile games. Game developers may request a rating for their game software from CERO, which will then review such software and assign one of the following five ratings: "suitable for users of all ages," "suitable for users 12 years old or older," "suitable for users 15 years old or older," "suitable for users 17 years old or older," and "suitable only for users 18 years old or older." Ratings are based on, among other factors, the degree of sex, violence and anti-social expression in the game software content. Once a rating is assigned, the relevant game software must prominently display such rating.
United States
Game Ratings and Attempts to Regulate Access to Children
Most video game software publishers comply with the standardized rating system established by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, or the ESRB, a non-profit, self-regulatory body established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association, or the ESA. The ESRB rates video games submitted by video game publishers; the ratings include both a symbol for age appropriateness (e.g., "E" for Everyone or "M" for Mature) and a content descriptor (e.g., "Blood and Gore" or "Intense Violence"). The ESRB specifically excludes any online interactions from the rating, as the ESRB is unable to review content, such as chat, text, audio and video generated by other users in an online environment.
The ESRB has rated our games as follows: Requiem is rated "Mature," Ragnarok Online is rated "Teen," and R.O.S.E. Online and Dragon Saga are rated "Everyone 10+."
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By submitting a game to the ESRB and using an ESRB rating, a video game publisher must agree to adhere to advertising and packaging guidelines for the rated game, such as using appropriate advertising content and not targeting any advertisement for a game rated "Teen," "Mature" or "Adults only" to consumers for whom the product is not rated as appropriate. The Advertising Review Board has been granted the oversight and enforcement authority for compliance with the advertising guidelines. The ESRB ratings must be displayed on both the front and back of game packaging in compliance with the ESRB requirements. The ESRB may enforce sanctions against game producers for failing to label their product properly, including fines up to $1 million, and/or product recall. Games that are digitally available via download may be taken down for incomplete content disclosures. Although submitting a game to the ESRB is voluntary, many retailers will not sell games without an ESRB rating.
The United States Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, has also taken action with respect to improper ratings pursuant to its broad authority to prohibit fraudulent, deceptive, or unfair business practices. For example, in response to allegations that two videogame publishers failed to disclose hidden nudity and sexually-themed content to the ESRB during the ratings process, the FTC issued a consent order compelling the videogame publishers not to, expressly or implicitly, misrepresent the ratings or content descriptors of their video games and to maintain a system that ensures that all of the content in their video games is considered and reviewed in preparing submissions to the ESRB. The FTC has posted an online form on its Web site for the public to file complaints regarding video game ratings that do not accurately reflect of the content of the game, and has posted a primer for parents describing the ESRB ratings, parental controls, and other video game resources. The FTC issues periodic marketing reports to Congress and in 2009, the FTC reported that 20% of underage "undercover shoppers" were able to purchase "M" rated video games. An Undercover survey in 2010-11, however, showed a statistically significant improvement with only 13% of underage shoppers being able to purchase "M" rated games. That statistic remained at 13% in the 2012 undercover survey, which noted that it is more difficult for an underage consumer to buy an M-rated video game at retail than to see a violent film in the movie theater.
A number of bills have been introduced in Congress to specifically regulate the sale of video games with violent content to minors, but currently no such federal laws are in force. Several States, as well as several cities, have enacted or are considering laws that would regulate game industry content and marketing, including the rental or sale of games with violent content by or to minors.
For example, the State of Maryland has enacted a law that regulates the sale of video games with explicit sexual content to minors. The Maryland law has not been challenged in court, remains in force, and is supported by the ESA. Other States have enacted laws that require the posting of signs providing information about ESRB ratings. To date, laws that regulate the sale of video games based on content, when challenged, have been declared unconstitutional. Most prominently, the United States Supreme Court ruled in 2011 that a California law that imposed fines on retailers that sell certain violent video games to minors violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Court held that video games represent a form of protected expression under the First Amendment, and that California's statute, no matter how well intentioned, lacked adequate justification for the regulation of such speech. Yet, lawmakers may persist in attempting to pass regulation restricting the sale of violent video games to minors, particularly in the wake of several well-publicized incidents of mass violence. A bill proposed by Senator Rockefeller in 2013, the Violent Content Research Act, proposed the National Academy of Sciences study the relationship between real-world violence and virtual-world violence in video games in hopes that conclusive statistical and scientific data could support renewed call for legislation. President Obama also called upon the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and scientific agencies to conduct research on the causes and prevention of gun violence, including investigating the relationship between video games, media images, and violence, though Congress has not yet approved funding for the research.
Federal and state legislators have also attempted to regulate violent content in video games via the tax code. The Federal Tax Reform Act of 2014, which was not passed into law, contained a provision that would have disqualified the developers of violent video games from claiming a research and development tax credit. In 2014, and again in 2015, Pennsylvania, state legislators introduced a bill attempting to
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incentivize video game studios to move to the state by offering a tax credit. The bill specifically excludes the makers of violent video games from eligibility. So far, neither proposal has become law.
Irrespective of any laws or industry guidelines, U.S. retailers have become more reluctant to sell "M" rated video games to minors. Consumer advocacy groups have also opposed sales of interactive entertainment software containing graphic violence, profanity or sexually explicit material by engaging in public demonstrations and media campaigns.
Online Collection of Information from Children
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 ("COPPA") governs the online collection of personal information from children under 13. Under COPPA, a Web site that knowingly collects information from children under 13 years old, or that in whole or in part is directed to children under 13 years old, must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from any child (including first and last name, home address, email address, telephone number, Social Security number, image or likeness, mobile device identifier or other persistent identifier which would permit the physical or online contacting of a specific individual). In 2012, the FTC revised its Rule implementing COPPA to, among other things, expand the definition of personal information to include the passive collection of technological information, such as through cookies or mobile device IDs. Effectively, this means that websites or online services subject to COPPA must obtain verifiable parental consent before engaging in online advertising in many cases. The Web site operator must also post a clear online privacy policy that provides notice of what information is collected from children, how the information is used, and a list of third parties with whom the operator may share or sell the child's information; parents must be given the choice to determine whether the child's information can be shared with third parties, and must also be provided access to the child's information and the opportunity to delete any such information collected. Moreover, the operator must establish and maintain reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality, security and integrity of any personal information collected from children under 13 years of age. The COPPA also prohibits conditioning a child's participation in a game on the child disclosing more personal information than is reasonably necessary to participate in such activity.
The COPPA authorizes the FTC and the State Attorneys General to bring actions against Web site operators to enforce the statute, and provides for penalties of up to US$16,000 per violation.
In 2011, the FTC released the results of a study showing that many mobile application providers do not clearly disclose the ways in which they collect and share children's information. The FTC suggests that the providers of mobile applications in the "kids app ecosystem" do more to disclose key information to parents about the types of information they collect from children, and the ways in which that information is shared with third parties.
Protection of Personal Information
Most States have some form of specific legislation regarding the protection of personal information collected, processed, maintained or used in electronic form, as well as specific notification procedures in the event that such information is accessed by unauthorized individuals. Under these laws, among other things, businesses are required to implement and maintain reasonable security measures designed to protect the computerized personal information of its customers or users from unauthorized access, disclosure or use. These measures may require the encryption of sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank security access codes, etc. In the event that a business suffers a security breach, these laws generally require the business to provide notice of such breach to each individual user affected by the breach, and in some circumstances, to the State Attorney General, the FTC, or other state or federal agencies. In addition, if such personal information is accessed by unauthorized individuals as a result of the business' failure to use reasonable measures to protect the information, the business may be liable to those customers for any misuse of such personal information and may be liable for statutory fines or penalties, as well as civil and even potential criminal prosecution by government authorities. In 2014, California and Florida expanded the definition of "personal information" to include a
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user name or email address in connection with a password or security question that would permit access to an online account. Theft, loss or unauthorized access to these data elements would trigger mandatory breach notification obligations in these jurisdictions.
Privacy Policy Requirements
The FTC and many States require an operator of a Web site or online service that collects personal information from users to develop, maintain and post on its Web site a privacy policy that informs its customers and users of the categories of personal information that are collected by the operator, how that personal information is used and shared with third parties and how users may change or update such information and opt out of its collection and use. While most States have generally not imposed statutory fines or penalties on an operator for failing to comply with its privacy policy, an operator may be directly liable to its customer or users if it fails to comply with its posted privacy policy if such noncompliance harms the users. The FTC, however, has initiated numerous investigations and imposed significant civil penalties in several cases involving alleged failures by companies to comply with the representations made in their online privacy policies and/or adequately disclose the companies' actual practices in such policies. In 2011, for instance, Google entered into a settlement agreement with the FTC in which Google agreed to be subject to twenty years of privacy audits and to revise its privacy practices in response to FTC charges that Google used deceptive tactics and violated its own privacy policy when it launched its social network, Google Buzz, in 2010. The Google settlement comes amidst increasing pressure from the FTC on online service providers to conspicuously and accurately disclose their user data collection and disclosure practices. This is especially true in the mobile context, where new technologies have presented novel consumer privacy questions. Specifically, the collection and use of mobile geolocation and device identifier data have come under increased FTC scrutiny in the past year. Similarly, the California Attorney General has explicitly stated that mobile device applications must comply with the state privacy disclosure regulations and has initiated enforcement against mobile apps which failed to post a privacy policy.
In February 2013, the FTC released a Staff Report on mobile privacy disclosures which recommends that mobile app developers post a privacy policy accessible through the app or the app store, provide just-in-time disclosures and obtain affirmative express consent when collecting sensitive information such as children's data. The FTC Report also encourages mobile app developers to consider participating in self-regulatory programs, trade associations and industry organizations which may provide guidance on short-form privacy disclosures. The FTC has increased its scrutiny of mobile platforms and mobile apps and brought several consent decrees against app developers in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 relating to misleading privacy disclosures, the over-collection of data from a user's mobile device, and the collection of information from children under 13 in violation of COPPA.
In 2013, the California Attorney General issued guidance for mobile app developers which recommends, among other things, that app developers use enhanced measures or special notices, to alert users to unexpected data use cases.
Misleading Advertisements
In 2014, the FTC took action against a video game company for making false and misleading statements in advertisements relating to "cross platform gaming," saving functions, and availability of certain features.
Liability Arising from User Speech and Conduct
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, or the CDA, provides limited protection to interactive computer services, such as an online game service, from liability for publishing information posted or provided by others, such as the users of an online game service. The CDA can, for example, help protect an online game service provider from liability as a publisher that could otherwise arise from a user making defamatory statements on the service about another user. Section 230 has also been used to protect intermediaries against claims of negligent misrepresentation, interference with business expectancy, breach of contract, intentional nuisance, violations of federal civil rights, and emotional distress. The protections of the CDA, however, do not immunize interactive computer services from criminal liability under United States Federal law (e.g., obscenity or child pornography), for infringement of intellectual property law, or any state laws that are not inconsistent with the CDA.
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Some commentators consider Section 230 of the CDA controversial and have called for it to be amended by Congress because a number of courts have interpreted it as granting broad tort immunity. One case rejected immunity by holding that claims involving a person's personal information is a violation of such persons' publicity rights, which the court held were intellectual property rights outside of the scope of immunity. Another court held that an interactive computer service was not immune from federal Fair Housing Act violations because the interactive computer service provided tools such as pull down menus that assisted the users in creating the content that violated the Fair Housing Act. State law proposals have sought to limit the protections offered by the CDA by introducing legislation to carve out protection in cases of violations of state criminal law or child prostitution. Thus far, no such law has been enacted or upheld.
Congress or the courts could continue to narrow the application of Section 230 of the CDA, in which case online game service operators, such as the Company, could face increased potential liability for certain speech or conduct by the users on their online game service.
ITEM 4.C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The following is our organizational structure as of March 31, 2015:
Note:
ITEM 4.D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
As of December 31, 2014, our property and equipment mainly consisted of (i) game engines, (ii) network servers, (iii) PCs and (iv) software purchased externally. As of December 31, 2014, the net book value of our property and equipment was Won 1,213 million (US$1,112 thousand). Because our main business is to develop and distribute online and mobile game services, we do not own any factories.
Korea
Our principal executive and administrative offices are located at 15F, 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-795, Korea. We currently occupy 74,904 square feet of office space, which we lease from Korea Software Industry Promotion Agency, pursuant to a lease that will expire on December 31, 2016 and which is renewable for three additional years. The annual lease payment amounts to Won 1,503 million (US$1,378 thousand). The offices of NeoCyon, our 96.11% owned subsidiary, are located at 14F, 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo- gu, Seoul 121-795, Korea. NeoCyon currently occupies 9,980 square feet of office space, subleased from us. The annual lease payment amounts to Won 200 million (US$183 thousand). We believe that the existing facilities of Gravity and NeoCyon are
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adequate for our current requirements and that additional space can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms to meet our future requirements.
United States
The offices of Gravity Interactive, our wholly-owned subsidiary in the United States, are located at 7001 Village Drive, Suite 150, Buena Park, California 90621. Gravity Interactive currently occupies 5,838 square feet of office space, leased from a third party. The annual lease payment amounts to US$123 thousand. We believe that the existing facilities of Gravity Interactive are adequate for their current requirements and that additional space can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms to meet their future requirements.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
You should read the following discussion together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes which appear elsewhere in this annual report. The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historic performance may not be indicative of our future results of operations and capital requirements and resources.
OVERVIEW
We are a leading developer and distributor of online games in Japan and Thailand based on the number of peak concurrent users. Our headquarters is in Korea, and we are incorporated under the laws of Korea. Our revenues have been and continue to be driven primarily by our first game, Ragnarok Online, which was commercially launched in August 2002. Our future growth and profitability will be determined by our ability to enhance the features on our existing games and introduce new games with characters, features and functions that gain market acceptance and following.
In 2014, our revenues decreased by 16.3% to Won 39,889 million (US$36,566 thousand) from Won 47,685 million in 2013. In 2013, our revenues decreased by 17.5% to Won 47,685 million from Won 57,781 million in 2012. We recorded a net loss attributable to parent company of Won 20,907 million (US$19,167 thousand) in 2014 as compared to a net loss attributable to parent company of Won 18,588 million in 2013 and a net loss attributable to parent company of Won 12,224 million in 2012. Our gross profit margin decreased to 14.3% in 2014 from 25.8% in 2013 and 39.6% in 2012. Our operating margin was negative 29.7% in 2014 due to an operating loss of Won 11,829 million (US$10,844 thousand) in 2014 as compared to a negative operating margin of 35.1% in 2013 and versus a negative operating margin of 32.0% in 2012. The decrease in revenues in 2014 was primarily due to: (i) decreased royalties and license fees from Ragnarok Online in Japan and China; (ii) decreased subscription revenues from Ragnarok Online II in the United States and Canada; and (iii) decreased revenues from a mobile game operations service for a third party. The decrease in revenues in 2014 was partially offset by increased revenues from Ragnarok Online in Korea and increased revenues from mobile games. Our cost of revenues for 2014 decreased as compared to 2013 mainly due to decreased amortization on intangible assets and salaries. Our operating expenses for 2014 decreased as compared to 2013 mostly due to decreased impairment losses on intangible assets and goodwill, salaries, advertising expenses and R&D expenses. Our revenue trend will continue to be materially affected in the future by the popularity of online and mobile games introduced by our competitors.
Our corporate income tax rate in 2014 was 22%.
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Revenues
We derive, and expect to continue to generate, most of our revenues from online game subscription revenue generated in the countries and markets where our games are offered by us, royalties and license fees paid by our licensees in our overseas markets, and mobile games and applications revenue. Our revenues can be classified into the following four categories:
Online gamessubscription revenue
Subscription revenue consists of revenues from (i) micro-transactions, (ii) subscription fees from Internet cafés and (iii) premium services for individual PC users. Micro-transaction fees for consumable in-game items are deferred when such in-game items are purchased by users and recognized as revenue when the purchased in-game items are used in the games while those for permanent in-game items are recognized ratably as revenues over the estimated life cycle of game users. Such life cycle is calculated based on the weighted average game usage days of each game. Micro-transaction fees for in-game items with limited time period are deferred and recognized as revenue in proportion to the number of days lapsed. All online game subscription fees and premium service fees are prepaid. Prepaid subscription fees from Internet cafés are deferred and recognized as revenue on a monthly basis based on actual hours used. Prepaid premium service fees from individual PC users are deferred and recognized as revenue on a monthly basis in proportion to the number of days lapsed.
Online gamesroyalties and license fees
We license the right to market and distribute our games in various countries for a license fee and receive monthly royalties based on an agreed percentage of the licensees' revenues from our games. For a table setting forth details of each license agreement of our principal product, Ragnarok Online, see ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWOUR MARKETSOverseas markets."
The initial license fees are deferred and recognized ratably as revenue over the license period, which generally does not exceed three years. If license agreements are renewed upon expiration of their terms, we generally receive renewal license fees, which are deferred and recognized ratably over the new license period. The guaranteed minimum royalty payments are deferred and recognized as the relevant royalty is earned.
We also receive royalty revenues from our licensees based on an agreed percentage of each of the licensees' revenues from our games. Royalty revenues are recognized on a monthly basis after the licensee confirms its revenues based on the licensee's sales from our games during the month. Our licensees' sales consist of revenues from subscription fees and micro-transactions. We generally are advised by each of our licensees as to the amount of royalties earned by us from such licensee within 15 to 25 days following the end of each month and we generally receive payments of the royalties within 20 to 30 days following the end of each month.
Mobile games and applications revenue
Mobile games and applications revenue consists of (i) revenues from micro-transactions and a proportion of the per-download fees that users pay in cases where we directly provide mobile games services to users, such as in Korea; (ii) license fees and guaranteed minimum royalty payments, and royalty revenues from our licensees to which we license the right to market and distribute our mobile games in overseas countries; (iii) contract prices, which are related to various development services and products provided by us to third parties, such as developing games embedded in mobile phones, mobile applications,
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and sound for mobile phones and appliances; (iv) revenues from mobile games operation service for third parties; and (v) intellectual property royalty revenues from third parties that develop and provide services for mobile games based on our original intellectual property.
Micro-transaction fees for consumable in-game items are deferred when such in-game items are purchased by users and recognized as revenue when the purchased in-game items are used in the game while those for permanent in-game items are recognized ratably as revenues over the estimated life cycle of game users. Such life cycle is calculated based on the weighted average game usage days of each game. Per-download fees are recognized on a monthly basis as they are earned. License fees are deferred and recognized ratably as revenue over the license period and guaranteed minimum royalty payments are deferred and recognized as the relevant royalty is earned. Royalty revenues are based on an agreed percentage of each of the licensees' revenues based on the licensee's sales from our mobile games and recognized on a monthly basis. Revenues of contract prices for certain mobile applications are recognized by measuring progress-to-completion under the percentage-of-completion method. If we do not have a sufficient basis to measure progress towards completion, revenues are recognized when we receive final acceptance from the customer that the services have been completed. Other contract prices are recognized when the products or services have been delivered or rendered and the customers can begin use in accordance with the contractual terms. Revenues from mobile games operation service are based on an agreed percentage of each of the licensors' revenues based on the licensor's sales from the mobile games we operate on their behalf and recognized on a monthly basis after the licensor confirms its revenues based on the licensor's sales from the relevant mobile games during the month. Intellectual property royalty revenues are recognized on a monthly basis.
We generally are advised by each of our licensees or licensors as to the amount of royalty revenues, revenues from mobile games operation service and intellectual property royalty revenues earned by us from such licensee or licensor within 15 to 60 days following the end of each month and we generally receive payments of the royalties within 45 to 90 days following the end of each month.
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue consist of revenues from sales of console games, game character merchandising, animation and other services, including sales of goods related to mobile phones and Web site development and operation services for third parties.
Revenues from sales of console games are derived from a specified percentage of the publisher's sales after deductibles, including payments to the platform holder and others, and recognized on a quarterly basis as they are earned by the publisher. Royalty payments from game character merchandising are recognized on a quarterly basis as they are earned by the licensee. Contract prices for our services provided to third parties are recognized when the products or services have been delivered or rendered and the customers can begin their use in accordance with the contractual terms.
The following table sets forth a breakdown of revenues by type of revenue and the percentage of total revenue for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue Type
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
(In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except percentages) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Online gamessubscription revenue |
10,150 | 17.6 | % | 8,206 | 17.2 | % | 7,962 | 20.0 | % | US$ | 7,299 | |||||||||||
Online gamesroyalties and license fees |
32,325 | 55.9 | 21,726 | 45.6 | 13,093 | 32.8 | 12,002 | |||||||||||||||
Mobile games and applications |
8,262 | 14.3 | 14,504 | 30.4 | 15,055 | 37.7 | 13,801 | |||||||||||||||
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue |
7,044 | 12.2 | 3,249 | 6.8 | 3,779 | 9.5 | 3,464 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
57,781 | 100.0 | % | 47,685 | 100.0 | % | 39,889 | 100.0 | % | US$ | 36,566 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes:
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Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues consists principally of the following:
The cost of revenues from the payments to Mr. Myoung-Jin Lee was Won 185 million (US$170 thousand) for 2014 and Won 284 million for 2013. This agreement expires in January 2033.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of sales commissions paid to independent promotional agents that distribute our online games to our Internet café subscribers in Korea, commissions paid to payment settlement providers, administrative expenses and related personnel expenses of executive and administrative staff, and marketing and promotional expenses and related personnel expenses.
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of payroll and other overhead expenses which are all expensed as incurred (i) until technological feasibility of an online game is reached or (ii) until commercial operation of a mobile game commences. Once technological feasibility of an online game is reached, these costs are capitalized and, once commercial operation commences, amortized as cost of revenues. See ITEM 5.A. "OPERATING RESULTSCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIESCapitalized software development costs."
Foreign currency effects
In 2014, 51.2% of our revenues were denominated in foreign currencies, primarily in U.S. dollar and Japanese Yen.
In most of the countries in which our games are distributed, the revenues generated by our overseas subsidiaries and licensees are denominated in local currencies, which include Japanese Yen, Euro, NT dollar, Thai Baht and Chinese Yuan. The revenues from those countries, other than the United States, Japan and European countries, are converted into the U.S. dollar for remittance of monthly royalty payments to us. Depreciation of these local currencies against the U.S. dollar will result in reduced monthly royalty payments in U.S. dollar terms, thereby having a negative impact on our net income.
Although we receive our monthly royalty revenues from our overseas licensees in foreign currencies, primarily in Japanese Yen and U.S. dollar, and other local currencies, such as NT dollar and Thai Baht in our other principal markets, substantially all of our costs are denominated in Won. We receive monthly royalty payments from our overseas licensees based on an agreed percentage of revenues confirmed and recorded at the end of each month applying the foreign exchange rate applicable on such date. We generally receive these royalty payments 20 to 30 days after the end of each month unless delayed due to
65
extraordinary circumstances. Appreciation or depreciation of the Won against these foreign currencies during this period will result in foreign currency losses or gains and affect our net income.
As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had no foreign currency forward contract outstanding. See ITEM 11. "QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKForeign currency risk."
Income tax expenses
See ITEM 3.D. "RISK FACTORSRISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESSAdverse changes in the withholding tax rates in the countries from which we receive license fees and royalties could adversely affect our net income." and ITEM 5.A. "OPERATING RESULTSCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIESIncome taxes."
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, contingent liabilities, and revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other assumptions we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The policies discussed below are considered by our management to be critical because they are not only important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations but also because the application and interpretation of these policies require both judgment and estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain and unknown. As a result, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.
Revenue recognition
We derive, and expect to continue to generate, most of our revenues from online game subscription revenue generated in the countries where our games are offered by us, royalties and license fees paid by our licensees in overseas markets, and mobile games and applications revenue. Our revenues can be classified into the following four categories: (i) online gamessubscription revenue; (ii) online gamesroyalties and license fees; (iii) mobile games and applications revenue; and (iv) character merchandising, animation and other revenue. For details, see ITEM 5.A. "OPERATING RESULTSOVERVIEWRevenues."
We recognize revenue in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as set forth in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC 605, Revenue Recognition and other related pronouncements.
Allowances for doubtful accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts receivable for estimated losses that result from the inability of our customers to make the required payments. We base our allowances on the likelihood of recoverability of accounts receivable based on past experience and current collection trends. We record allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical payment patterns of our customers and increase our allowances as the length of time such receivables become past due increases.
Subsequent to June 2003, pursuant to agreements with various payment processing service providers, the providers are responsible for remitting to us the full subscription revenues generated in Korea after deducting their fixed service fees and charges of approximately 1.4% to 15%. In addition, we do not assume any collection risk since payment processing service providers now bear the risk of loss and delinquency.
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Capitalized software development costs
We capitalize certain software development costs relating to online games that will be distributed through subscriptions or licenses. The Company accounts for software development costs in accordance with ASC 985, Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed. Software development costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are expensed when incurred and are included in research and development expense. We establish technological feasibility of a product when closed beta testing has been completed and open best testing has started. Once a software product has reached technological feasibility, then all subsequent software development costs for that product are capitalized until the product is commercially launched. Technological feasibility is evaluated on a product by product basis, but typically occurs when the online game has a proven ability to operate on a multiplayer level for a large number of users. Technological feasibility of a product encompasses both technical design documentation and game design documentation.
We evaluate the recoverability of capitalized software development costs on a product by product basis. The recoverability of capitalized software development costs is evaluated based on the expected performance of the specific products to which the costs relate. Criteria used to evaluate expected product performance include: historical performance of comparable products using comparable technology; orders for the product prior to its release; and estimated performance of a sequel product based on the performance of the product on which the sequel is based. Capitalized costs for those products that are cancelled are expensed in the period of cancellation. In addition, an impairment loss shall be recorded when management's forecast for a particular game indicates that unamortized capitalized costs exceed the net realizable value of that asset. Significant management judgments and estimates are utilized in the assessment of when technological feasibility is established, as well as in the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of capitalized costs. In evaluating the recoverability of capitalized costs, the assessment of expected product performance utilizes forecasted sales amounts and estimates of additional development costs to be incurred. If revised forecasted or actual product sales are changed from the original forecasted amounts utilized in the initial recoverability analysis, the actual impairment charge may be larger than originally estimated in any given period.
Significant management judgment is required to assess the timing of technological feasibility as well as the ongoing recoverability of capitalized costs.
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. As of December 31, 2014, the carrying value of goodwill for each reporting unit, NeoCyon and Gravity Games, are Won 1,210 million (US$1,109 thousand) and nil, respectively.
Goodwill is accounted for under ASC 350, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other, which requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead be tested at least annually for impairment, and more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of these assets below their carrying amount. Such an event would include unfavorable variances from established business plans, significant changes in forecasted results or volatility inherent to external markets and industries, which are periodically reviewed by our management. Specifically, qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the relevant events and circumstances are assessed. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a two-step process of the goodwill impairment test is not performed.
If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test is performed. The first step of
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the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized immediately in an amount equal to that excess. The goodwill impairment test is carried out at the reporting unit, which is either an operating division or a subdivision, for which stand-alone financial information is available to the management personnel of such division or subdivision for evaluating operating results.
We performed our annual impairment test for goodwill at our reporting unit using data as of December 31, 2014. In performing the valuations, we used cash flows, which reflected management's forecasts and discount rates which reflect the risks associated with the current market. Prior to performing the two step impairment test for goodwill, we performed a qualitative assessment for the reporting unit.
In 2014, we concluded not to recognize impairment loss for goodwill as the fair value of the business reporting unit was determined to be greater than its book value. In performing the annual impairment test for goodwill for Gravity Games as of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the business reporting unit Gravity Games was determined to be lower than its book value. Therefore, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded impairment losses of Won 2,653 million in reporting unit of Gravity Games due to the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated principally using the expected present value of the future cash flows.
Product technology, presented as an acquired intangible asset in balance sheets, represents product technology related to Dragonica which was recognized as a result of a business combination with Gravity Games in 2010 and illustrated images purchased from a third party in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the carrying value of such product technology is nil and Won 43 million, respectively.
Product technology is accounted for under ASC 350, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other, which requires that intangible assets subject to amortization shall be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. An impairment loss shall be recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The carrying value is considered unrecoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows anticipated from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.
As a significant decrease in revenue of Dragonica was noted in 2013, which was a trigger event for long-lived assets impairment analysis as of December 31, 2013, we performed an impairment test on Dragonica. As the carrying amount of Dragonica exceeded its fair value, we recognized an impairment loss of Won 1,424 million for Dragonica in 2013.
The assessment of impairments under ASC 350 and ASC 360 requires significant judgment and requires estimates to assess fair values. We believe that the estimates of future cash flows and fair value used in the impairment tests of goodwill and product technology are reasonable. However, in the future, changes in estimates resulting in lower than currently anticipated cash flows and fair value due to unforeseen changes in business assumptions could negatively affect the valuations, which may result in us recognizing impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets in the future.
Income taxes
We account for income taxes under the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under ASC 740, income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.
Management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the extent to which deferred tax assets can be realized. A valuation allowance is
68
provided for deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of future tax benefits related to the deferred tax assets is dependent on many factors, including our ability to generate taxable income within the period during which the temporary differences reverse, the outlook for the economic environment in which the business operates and the overall future industry outlook.
We have significant deferred income tax assets, including tax credits, that may be used to offset taxable income in future periods. Our ability to utilize deferred income tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income sufficient to utilize these tax credits before their expiration. Changes in estimates of our ability to realize our deferred tax assets are generally recognized in earnings as a component of our income tax (benefit) expense. At each reporting date, we review our deferred tax assets for recoverability considering historical profitability, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and expiration of tax credits. If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, the deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is more likely than not that the related tax expense will be recorded. A decrease in deferred tax assets would result in an increase in our effective tax rate and may materially adversely impact our operating results. Conversely, if conditions improve and we determine that deferred tax assets should be increased because of changes in estimates in future taxable income or other conditions that affect our expected recovery of deferred tax assets, this would result in an increase in reported earnings in such period.
Based on the assessments that we conducted during 2012 and 2013, which took into account our projected future taxable income, we concluded that it was more likely than not that portions of the deferred tax assets of Gravity and all of the deferred tax assets of NeoCyon as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, which mainly consist of tax credits in Korea, would be realized.
However, in 2014, we concluded that it was more likely than not that deferred tax assets of Gravity and NeoCyon could not be realized, based on the cumulative taxable loss over the previous three years. As a result, we recognized full allowances from deferred tax assets.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters, to clarify the accounting for the release of a cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The adoptions of ASU 2013-05 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes, which requires the presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits as reductions to deferred tax assets rather than as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new standard requires adoption on a prospective basis in the first quarter of 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate that this adoption will have a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") issued their converged standard on revenue recognition. The objective of the revenue standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) is to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within industries, across industries, and across capital markets. The revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. For public companies, the revenue standard is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after
69
December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB tentatively decided to defer one year the effective date of new revenue standard for public entities reporting under U.S. GAAP. If the changes in the proposed ASU are finalized to extend by a year, the standard will be effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard provides for either full retrospective adoption or a modified retrospective adoption by which it is applied only to the most current period presented. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In August, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern, which provides guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going-concern uncertainties in their financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity's financial statements (or within one year after the date on which the financial statements are available to be issued, when applicable). Further, an entity must provide certain disclosures if there is "substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern." The ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU shall be applied at the effective date, and the Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: 2014 COMPARED TO 2013
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | % Change | |||||||||
|
(In millions of Won and thousands of US$, except percentages) |
||||||||||||
Revenues(2): |
|||||||||||||
Online gamessubscription revenue |
8,206 | 7,962 | US$ | 7,299 | (3.0 | )% | |||||||
Online gamesroyalties and license fees |
21,726 | 13,093 | 12,002 | (39.7 | ) | ||||||||
Mobile games and applications |
14,504 | 15,055 | 13,801 | 3.8 | |||||||||
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue |
3,249 | 3,779 | 3,464 | 16.3 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net revenue |
47,685 | 39,889 | 36,566 | (16.3 | ) | ||||||||
Cost of revenue |
35,399 | 34,188 | 31,340 | (3.4 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
12,286 | 5,701 | 5,226 | (53.6 | ) | ||||||||
Gross profit margin(3) |
25.8 | % | 14.3 | % | 14.3 | % | |||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
17,063 | 12,682 | 11,626 | (25.7 | ) | ||||||||
Research and development |
6,131 | 4,847 | 4,443 | (20.9 | ) | ||||||||
Impairment loss on intangible assets |
5,822 | 1 | 1 | (99.9 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
29,016 | 17,530 | 16,070 | (39.6 | ) | ||||||||
Operating loss |
(16,730 | ) | (11,829 | ) | (10,844 | ) | (29.3 | ) | |||||
Operating profit margin(4) |
(35.1 | )% | (29.7 | )% | (29.7 | )% | |||||||
Other income (expenses): |
|||||||||||||
Interest income |
1,334 | 1,137 | 1,042 | (14.8 | ) | ||||||||
Interest expense |
(41 | ) | (11 | ) | (10 | ) | (73.2 | ) | |||||
Foreign currency loss, net |
(413 | ) | (152 | ) | (139 | ) | (63.2 | ) | |||||
Others, net |
1,225 | 3 | 2 | (99.8 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net other income |
2,105 | 977 | 895 | (53.6 | ) | ||||||||
Loss before income tax expenses and equity loss on investments |
(14,625 | ) | (10,852 | ) | (9,949 | ) | (25.8 | ) | |||||
Income tax expenses |
5,108 | 10,147 | 9,302 | 98.6 | |||||||||
Loss before equity loss on investments |
(19,733 | ) | (20,999 | ) | (19,251 | ) | 6.4 | ||||||
Equity loss on investments, net(5) |
(18 | ) | | | N/M | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(19,751 | ) | (20,999 | ) | (19,251 | ) | 6.3 | ||||||
Net loss attributable to: |
|||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest(6) |
(1,163 | ) | (92 | ) | (84 | ) | (92.1 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Parent company |
(18,588 | ) | (20,907 | ) | US$ | (19,167 | ) | 12.5 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
|||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
(1,327 | ) | (153 | ) | (141 | ) | (88.5 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive loss |
(21,078 | ) | (21,152 | ) | (19,392 | ) | 0.4 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss attributable to: |
|||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest(6) |
(1,163 | ) | (92 | ) | (84 | ) | (92.1 | ) | |||||
Parent company |
(19,915 | ) | (21,060 | ) | US$ | (19,308 | ) | 5.7 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
N/M = not meaningful
Notes:
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Revenues
Our total revenues decreased by 16.3% to Won 39,889 million (US$36,566 thousand) in 2014 from Won 47,685 million in 2013, primarily due to:
Such decreases were offset by:
Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues decreased by 3.4% to Won 34,188 million (US$31,340 thousand) in 2014 from Won 35,399 million in 2013, primarily due to:
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Such decreases were offset by:
Gross profit and gross profit margin
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit decreased by 53.6% to Won 5,701 million (US$5,226 thousand) in 2014 from Won 12,286 million in 2013. Our gross profit margin decreased to 14.3% in 2014 from 25.8% in 2013.
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 25.7% to Won 12,682 million (US$11,626 thousand) in 2014 from Won 17,063 million in 2013, primarily due to:
Research and development expenses. Our research and development expenses decreased by 20.9% to Won 4,847 million (US$4,443 thousand) in 2014 from Won 6,131 million in 2013 mainly due to development expenses for Ragnarok Odyssey Ace for the PlayStation Vita platform in 2013, which were not incurred in 2014.
Impairment loss on intangible assets. Impairment loss on intangible assets decreased by 99.9% to Won 1 million (US$1 thousand) in 2014 from Won 5,822 million in 2013. The impairment losses on intangible assets in 2013 mostly consisted of impairment losses for goodwill of Gravity Games, intangible assets of Dragonica, and capitalized research and development cost of Requiem Returns W, Ragnarok Odyssey Ace for the PlayStation Vita Platform, Steal Fighter, Game Station, which is a mobile game service platform, Maestia and Ragnarok Online Guild Masters, none of which were incurred in 2014.
Operating loss and operating profit margin
As a result of the cumulative effects of the reasons stated above, we recorded an operating loss of Won 11,829 million (US$10,844 thousand) in 2014, compared to an operating loss of Won 16,730 million in 2013, and our operating profit margin was negative 29.7% in 2014.
Net other income
Our net other income decreased 53.6% to Won 977 million (US$895 thousand) in 2014 from Won 2,105 million in 2013 primarily due to other income related to the liquidation of Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1 in 2013, as there was no similar liquidation in 2014.
Income tax expenses
We recorded an income tax expense of Won 10,147 million (US$9,302 thousand) in 2014, compared to an income tax expense of Won 5,108 million in 2013, mostly due to recognizing a full valuation on
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allowances from deferred tax assets of Gravity and NeoCyon in 2014. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we considered whether it was more likely than not some portion or all of the deferred tax assets would not be realized. In 2014, we recorded a full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of Gravity and NeoCyon, as we determined that it was more likely than not that none of the deferred tax assets were realizable in the near future.
Equity loss on investments
In 2013, equity loss on investments represents the loss incurred from a 16.39% partnership interest in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1. We recorded Won 18 million as equity loss of the partnership of Online Game Revolution Fund No.1 in 2013. On December 31, 2010, the term of the partnership of Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1 expired and its liquidation was completed in June 2013, which resulted in Online Game Revolution Fund No.1 ceasing to be our equity method investee.
Non-controlling interest
Non-controlling interest represents the net loss from NeoCyon, our 96.11%-held subsidiary and Gravity Games, our 85.5%-held subsidiary, attributable to third-party minority interest holders. We acquired 96.11% of the voting equity of NeoCyon in 2005. We acquired 50.83% of the voting equity of Gravity Games in 2010 and increased our ownership in Gravity Games to 85.5% in August 2013.
Net loss attributable to parent company
As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a net loss attributable to parent company of Won 20,907 million (US$19,167 thousand) in 2014 compared to a net loss attributable to parent company of Won 18,588 million in 2013.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: 2013 COMPARED TO 2012
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 | 2013 | % Change | |||||||
|
(In millions of Won, except percentages) |
|||||||||
Revenues(1): |
||||||||||
Online gamessubscription revenue |
10,150 | 8,206 | (19.2 | )% | ||||||
Online gamesroyalties and license fees |
32,325 | 21,726 | (32.8 | ) | ||||||
Mobile games and applications |
8,262 | 14,504 | 75.6 | |||||||
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue |
7,044 | 3,249 | (53.9 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total net revenue |
57,781 | 47,685 | (17.5 | ) | ||||||
Cost of revenue |
34,906 | 35,399 | 1.4 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
22,875 | 12,286 | (46.3 | ) | ||||||
Gross profit margin(2) |
39.6 | % | 25.8 | % | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
20,310 | 17,063 | (16.0 | ) | ||||||
Research and development |
7,018 | 6,131 | (12.6 | ) | ||||||
Impairment loss on intangible assets |
14,569 | 5,822 | (60.0 | ) | ||||||
Gain on disposal of equity method investments |
(528 | ) | | N/M | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
41,369 | 29,016 | (29.9 | ) | ||||||
Operating loss |
(18,494 | ) | (16,730 | ) | (9.5 | ) | ||||
Operating profit margin(3) |
(32.0 | )% | (35.1 | )% | ||||||
Other income (expenses): |
||||||||||
Interest income |
1,763 | 1,334 | (24.3 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense |
(55 | ) | (41 | ) | (25.5 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency loss, net |
(902 | ) | (413 | ) | (54.2 | ) | ||||
Others, net |
65 | 1,225 | 1,784.6 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total net other income |
871 | 2,105 | 141.7 | |||||||
Loss before income tax expenses and equity loss on investments |
(17,623 | ) | (14,625 | ) | (17.0 | ) | ||||
Income tax expenses |
2,584 | 5,108 | 97.7 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before equity loss on investments |
(20,207 | ) | (19,733 | ) | (2.3 | ) | ||||
Equity loss on investments, net(4) |
(333 | ) | (18 | ) | (94.6 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(20,540 | ) | (19,751 | ) | (3.8 | ) | ||||
Net loss attributable to: |
||||||||||
Non-controlling interest(5) |
(8,316 | ) | (1,163 | ) | (86.0 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Parent company |
(12,224 | ) | (18,588 | ) | 52.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
(41 | ) | (1,327 | ) | 3,136.6 | |||||
Comprehensive loss |
(20,581 | ) | (21,078 | ) | 2.4 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss attributable to: |
||||||||||
Non-controlling interest(5) |
(8,316 | ) | (1,163 | ) | (86.0 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Parent company |
(12,265 | ) | (19,915 | ) | 62.4 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
N/M = not meaningful
Notes:
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Revenues
Our total revenues decreased by 17.5% to Won 47,685 million in 2013 from Won 57,781 million in 2012, primarily due to:
Such decreases were offset by:
Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues increased by 1.4% to Won 35,399 million in 2013 from Won 34,906 million in 2012, primarily due to:
Such increases in cost of revenues were substantially offset by a 42.1% decrease in outsourcing fees to Won 2,095 million in 2013 from Won 3,620 million in 2012, which is mostly related to the development of
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Ragnarok Online, Ragnarok Online II and mobile games, and cost of goods sold associated with sales of goods related to mobile phones in 2012, which did not occur in 2013.
Gross profit and gross profit margin
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit decreased by 46.3% to Won 12,286 million in 2013 from Won 22,875 million in 2012. Our gross profit margin decreased to 25.8% in 2013 from 39.6% in 2012.
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 16.0% to Won 17,063 million in 2013 from Won 20,310 million in 2012, primarily due to:
Research and development expenses. Our research and development expenses decreased by 12.6% to Won 6,131 million in 2013 from Won 7,018 million in 2012 mainly due to decreases in development expenses for East Road resulting from the discontinuation of its development in 2013. The decrease was partially offset by development expenses for Ragnarok Odyssey Ace for the PlayStation Vita platform and increased development expenses for mobile games in 2013.
Impairment loss on intangible assets. We had Won 5,822 million in impairment losses on intangible assets in 2013, which mostly consisted of impairment losses for goodwill of Gravity Games, intangible assets of Dragonica, and capitalized research and development cost of Requiem Returns W, Ragnarok Odyssey Ace for the PlayStation Vita Platform, Steal Fighter, Game Station, which is a mobile game service platform, Maestia and Ragnarok Online Guild Masters.
Operating loss and operating profit margin
As a result of the cumulative effects of the reasons stated above, we recorded an operating loss of Won 16,730 million in 2013, compared to an operating loss of Won 18,494 million in 2012, and our operating profit margin was negative 35.1% in 2013.
Net other income
Our net other income increased 141.7% to Won 2,105 million in 2013 from Won 871 million in 2012 primarily due to other income related to the liquidation of Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1 in 2013, which is mostly attributable to realization of related accumulated other comprehensive income balance.
Income tax expenses
We recorded an income tax expense of Won 5,108 million in 2013, compared to an income tax expense of Won 2,584 million in 2012, mostly due to the partial release of deferred tax assets of Gravity. In 2013, we recognized Won 2,642 million or 13% of the deferred tax assets from tax credit carry forwards, Won 1,488 million of net deferred tax assets from the other temporary differences, and Won 1,980 million of net deferred tax assets from net operating loss carry forwards. In 2012, we recognized Won 7,214 million or 34% of the deferred tax assets from tax credit carry forwards and Won 2,362 million of net deferred tax assets from the other temporary differences.
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Equity loss on investments
In 2012, equity loss on investments represents the losses from the equity loss of Gravity EU SAS and Ingamba, and the loss incurred from a 16.39% partnership interest in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1. The investments in Gravity EU SAS and Ingamba, in each of which our ownership is or was 25%, are accounted for as equity method investments. The Company could not significantly influence the operation and financial policies of Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1 under the partnership agreement; however, we accounted for the investment under the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323, InvestmentEquity Method and Joint Ventures, which requires the use of equity method unless the investors' interest "is so minor that the limited partner may have virtually no influence over partnership operating and financial policies." We recorded Won 257 million, Won 25 million and Won 51 million as equity loss of Gravity EU SAS, Ingamba and the partnership of Online Game Revolution Fund No.1 in 2012, respectively. In May 2012, we sold our 25% equity interest in Ingamba to Stylonos Technologies Ltd., which resulted in Ingamba ceasing to be our affiliated company.
In 2013, equity loss on investments represents the loss incurred from a 16.39% partnership interest in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1. We recorded Won 18 million as equity loss of the partnership of Online Game Revolution Fund No.1 in 2013. On December 31, 2010, the term of the partnership of Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1 expired and its liquidation was completed in June 2013, which resulted in Online Game Revolution Fund No.1 ceasing to be our equity method investee.
Non-controlling interest
Non-controlling interest represents the net loss from NeoCyon, our 96.11%-held subsidiary and Gravity Games, our 85.5%-held subsidiary, attributable to third-party minority interest holders. We acquired 96.11% of the voting equity of NeoCyon in 2005. We acquired 50.83% of the voting equity of Gravity Games in 2010 and increased our ownership in Gravity Games to 85.5% in August 2013.
Net loss attributable to parent company
As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a net loss attributable to parent company of Won 18,588 million in 2013 compared to a net loss attributable to parent company of Won 12,224 million in 2012.
ITEM 5.B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
The following table sets forth the summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014(1) | |||||||||
|
(In millions of Won and thousands of US$) |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
42,430 | 36,455 | 31,222 | US$ | 28,621 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in operating activities |
(726 | ) | (3,244 | ) | (6,147 | ) | (5,636 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(5,192 | ) | (1,234 | ) | 3,483 | 3,193 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
125 | (619 | ) | (144 | ) | (132 | ) | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(182 | ) | (136 | ) | (32 | ) | (29 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(5,975 | ) | (5,233 | ) | (2,840 | ) | (2,604 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
36,455 | 31,222 | 28,382 | US$ | 26,017 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note:
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Prior to the commercial launch of Ragnarok Online in August 2002, our principal sources of liquidity were cash from equity financing and incurrence of debt. Following the commercial launch of Ragnarok Online, our principal sources of liquidity have been cash flows from our operating activities and the proceeds from our initial public offering of ADSs in February 2005. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately Won 28,382 million (US$26,017 thousand) in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on hand and time deposits with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Net cash used in investing activities has consisted primarily of purchase of properties and equipment and also costs of development of capitalized software. Our net property and equipment decreased from Won 2,315 million as of December 31, 2013 to Won 1,213 million (US$1,112 thousand) as of December 31, 2014 mainly due to the depreciation of property and equipment totaling Won 1,578 million (US$1,447 thousand). This decrease is partially offset by purchase of property and equipment amounting to Won 342 million (US$314 thousand).
Our cash investment policy emphasizes liquidity and preservation of principal over other portfolio considerations. We deposit our cash in demand deposits, short-term financial instruments, which primarily consist of time deposits with maturity of one year or less, and money market funds with a rolling maturity of 90 days or less. Our short-term financial instruments increased from Won 17,500 million as of December 31, 2012 to Won 18,000 million as of December 31, 2013 and decreased to Won 14,500 million (US$13,292 thousand) as of December 31, 2014. The increase in our short-term financial instruments in 2013 resulted from the conversion of cash and cash equivalents into short-term financial instruments. And the decrease in our short-term financial instruments in 2014 primarily resulted from use of proceeds from such financial instruments in connection with working capital requirements and other expenses.
The Company generates cash primarily through royalties and license fees, and subscription revenues from our online games as well as revenues from mobile games and applications in various countries as described in ITEM 5.A. "OPERATING RESULTSOVERVIEWRevenues." The level of popularity of our games in the marketplace is a key factor in how much cash we can generate. Most of our cash disbursements relate to internal costs such as salaries and other overhead costs for game servicing, other selling, general and administrative activities, and R&D activities.
Cash flows from operating activities. The increase in net cash used in our operating activities in 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily the result of increased loss from actual operating activities, which excludes expenses not involving actual cash outflow. Such increase was mitigated by a refund of a deposit in court amounting to Won 4,270 million in November and December 2014. The increase in net cash used in our operating activities in 2013 as compared to 2012 was primarily the result of increased loss from actual operating activities, which excludes expenses not involving actual cash outflow.
Cash flows from investing activities. The increase in net cash provided by our investing activities in 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily the result of a decrease in short-term financial instruments resulting from the use of proceeds from such financial instruments in connection with working capital requirements and other expenses. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in 2013 as compared to 2012 reflected Won 946 million of increase in spending on capitalized software development costs and Won 500 million of increase in short-term financial instruments.
Cash flows from financing activities. The decrease in net cash used in our financing activities in 2014, as compared to 2013, reflected repayments of borrowings of Won 144 million (US$132 thousand), compared to repayments of borrowing of Won 619 million in 2013. The increase in net cash used in our financing activities in 2013, as compared to 2012, reflected repayments of borrowings of Won 619 million.
Capital resources
As our overseas operations are conducted primarily through our subsidiaries and our overseas licensees, our ability to finance our operations and any debt that we or our subsidiaries may incur depends, in part, on the payment of royalties and other fees by our overseas licensees and, to a lesser extent, the flow of dividends from our subsidiaries.
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As of December 31, 2014, our primary source of liquidity was Won 28,382 million (US$26,017 thousand) of cash and cash equivalents. We believe that our available cash and cash equivalents and net cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to meet our capital needs through at least the first quarter of 2016. However, we cannot assure you that our business or operations will not change in a manner that would consume available capital resources more rapidly than anticipated. We may require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any significant investments or acquisitions. If these sources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional securities either in the form of equity or debt. In the past, we raised cash resources through the issuance of common shares. The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt securities could result in additional dilution to our shareholders. In addition, we may seek to incur indebtedness through the issuance of debt securities or by obtaining a credit facility. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financial covenants that would restrict operations.
We expect to have capital expenditure requirements for the ongoing expansion into other markets, including expenditures for expanding and upgrading our existing server equipment continuously, for developing new games internally, for acquiring and publishing third party games, or for investing in enhancing our technological, marketing, distributing and servicing capabilities. We believe that our internal cash flow from operations, together with our proceeds from our initial public offering in February 2005, will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital requirements through at least the first quarter of 2016, including our new game development expenditures.
ITEM 5.C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
To remain competitive, we have continued to focus on our research and development efforts. Our research and development efforts and plans consist of the following:
Our research and development expenditures were Won 7,018 million, Won 6,131 million and Won 4,847 million (US$4,443 thousand) in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our research and development expenses decreased in 2014 mainly due to development expenses for Ragnarok Odyssey for the PlayStation Vita Platform in 2013, which were not incurred in 2014. Our research and development expenses decreased in 2013 mainly due to decreases in development expenses for East Road resulting from the discontinuation of its development in 2013.
See ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWGAME DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLISHING" for information regarding our research and development and ITEM 4.B. "BUSINESS OVERVIEWINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" for information regarding our intellectual property.
Trends, uncertainties and events which could have a material impact on our sales, operating revenues and liquidity and capital resources are discussed above in ITEM 5.A. "OPERATING RESULTS" and ITEM 5.B. "LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES."
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ITEM 5.E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditure or capital resources that are material to investors.
ITEM 5.F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations due by period as of December 31, 2014:
|
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total | Less than 1 Year |
1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More than 5 Years |
|||||||||||
|
(In millions of Won) |
|||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligations |
137 | 121 | 16 | | | |||||||||||
Operating lease obligations |
3,257 | 1,671 | 1,586 | | | |||||||||||
Purchase obligations |
769 | 769 | | | | |||||||||||
Accrued severance benefits |
103 | | | | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
4,266 | 2,561 | 1,602 | | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt obligations. We have financed our operations primarily through cash flows from operations as well as proceeds from our initial public offering of ADSs in February 2005. As such, there are currently no long-term debt obligations.
Capital lease obligations. In April 2012, Gravity Interactive entered into a capital lease agreement with respect to firewalls for the commercial service of Maestia and Requiem, with a total lease payment of US$99,837 over a period of three years. Gravity Interactive made principal and interest payments of US$22,366 and US$6,421, respectively, in 2012, US$32,403 and US$5,979, respectively, in 2013 and US$35,623 (Won 39 million) and US$2,760 (Won 3 million), respectively, in 2014 under the capital lease agreement. In July 2012, Gravity Interactive entered into a capital lease agreement with respect to internal testing for the commercial service of Maestia and a Web browser based version of Emil Chronicle Online, with a total lease payment of US$151,913 over a period of three years. Gravity Interactive made principal and interest payments of US$8,287 and US$320, respectively, in 2012, US$50,097 and US$1,547, respectively, in 2013 and US$50,743 (Won 55 million) and US$901(Won 1 million), respectively, in 2014 under the capital lease agreement. In February 2013, Gravity Interactive entered into a capital lease agreement for the commercial service of Ragnarok Online II, with a total lease payment of US$155,069 over a period of three years. Gravity Interactive made principal and interest payments of US$35,730 and US$7,437, respectively, in 2013 and US$50,696 (Won 55 million) and US$6,860 (Won 7 million), respectively, in 2014 under the capital lease agreement.
Operating lease obligations. With respect to our operating lease obligations, the lease payments due by December 31, 2015 are Won 1,542 million and Won 129 million for our principal offices in Seoul and offices for our subsidiary in the United States, respectively. The lease terms expire in December 2016 and July 2016 for our principal offices in Seoul and offices for our subsidiary in the United States, respectively. The renewal terms in all of the leases are subject to market conditions.
Purchase Obligations. In September 2010, we entered into an agreement with Shanghai Nineyou Interactive Community and Media Co., Ltd., and its two affiliates, Shanghai Nineshine Information Technology Co., Ltd. and HitNorth International Limited, to publish Weapons of the Gods, a game being developed by HitNorth International Limited. As of December 31, 2014, the game is under development and we are to pay the remaining license fee in installments based on the progress of the development of the game.
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Uncertain tax position. The Company assessed uncertain tax positions and measured unrecognized tax benefits for open tax years in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company's policy is that it recognizes interest expenses and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. Accordingly, the Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examinations based upon the evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at that reporting date. For those tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company records the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. If the Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Based on the approach above, the Company assessed the uncertain tax positions and did not record any unrecognized tax benefits as the Company believes that it is more likely than not that there will not be any unrecognized tax benefits.
Accrued severance benefits. Employees and executive officers with one year or more of service are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment upon termination of their employment with us based on the length of service and their rate of pay at the time of termination. The annual severance benefits expense charged to operations is calculated based upon the net change in the accrued severance benefits payable at the balance sheet date based on the guidance of ASC 715, CompensationRetirement Benefits. As severance benefits have no specific maturities, they are not allocated to the table that sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations due by period as of December 31, 2014.
Other Commitments and Liabilities
For a description of our commercial commitments and contingent liabilities, see Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. For a description of our legal proceedings, see ITEM 8.A. "CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATIONLEGAL PROCEEDINGS."
See "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS."
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
ITEM 6.A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information relating to our directors and executive officers as of March 31, 2015. The business address of all of our directors and executive officers is our registered office at 15F, 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-795, Korea.
Name
|
Age | Position
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hyun Chul Park |
42 | Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director |
|||
Yoshinori Kitamura |
47 | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer |
|||
Heung Gon Kim |
49 | Chief Financial Officer |
|||
Kazuki Morishita |
41 | Executive Director |
|||
Kazuya Sakai |
50 | Executive Director |
|||
Jong Gyu Hwang |
45 | Independent Director |
|||
Doo Hyun Ryu |
54 | Independent Director |
|||
Jung Yoo |
54 | Independent Director |
Hyun Chul Park has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director since March 2011 and was an officer of our corporate management office from May 2009 to March 2011. Mr. Park has also been a Director of Gravity Games and Gravity Interactive since October 2010 and November 2014, respectively. He has been a Director and Chief Operating Officer of NeoCyon since December 2009 and
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April 2012, respectively, and was Chief Strategy Officer of NeoCyon from October 2010 to March 2012. He has been general manager of International Business Division at GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. since September 2007. He worked as a general manager of Content Producing Department of SEGA Networks (China) Co., Ltd. from July 2005 to September 2007 and a manager of Asia Division at SEGA Corporation from April 2004 to July 2005. He was a manager of Overseas Marketing Team at ActozSoft Co., Ltd. from October 2002 to March 2004 and at Siementech Co., Ltd. from October 2001 to October 2002. He worked as part of the Engineer Team of Toyota Vista Tokyo Co., Ltd. from April 1998 to July 2001. Mr. Park obtained a diploma in Automotive Maintenance from Tokyo College of Technology, the current name of which is Tokyo College of Automotive Technology.
Yoshinori Kitamura has served as our Executive Director since March 2008, Chief Operating Officer since June 2008 and Chairman of the Board of Directors since April 2011. Mr. Kitamura has also been a Director and Chief Executive Officer of NeoCyon since October 2008 and since October 2009, respectively, and a Director of Gravity Games since October 2010. He has been Chief Executive Officer of Gravity Entertainment and Gravity Interactive since March 2008 and July 2008, respectively. Also, he was a Director of Gravity EU SAS from July 2011 to November 2014. Mr. Kitamura has also been a Director and Executive General Manager of International Business Division at GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. since March 2006 and June 2007, respectively, and was an Executive General Manager of the Marketing Division at GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. from February 2003 to June 2007. He worked as a Director of GungHo Online Entertainment Korea, Inc. and GungHo Works, Inc. from March 2007 to October 2008 and from March 2008 to June 2008, respectively. Mr. Kitamura was a Director of L5 Games Inc. from July 2008 to its liquidation in August 2008. Mr. Kitamura also worked at NC Japan K.K. as marketing manager from January 2002 to January 2003 and ICC Corporation as business development manager from September 1999 to December 2001. Mr. Kitamura holds a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from Bunkyo University.
Heung Gon Kim has served as our Chief Financial Officer since September 2008. Mr. Kim has also been Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Gravity Interactive since June 2009 and March 2011, respectively. Mr. Kim has been a Director and Chief Executive Officer of Gravity Games since October 2010 and March 2013, respectively. Mr. Kim has also been a Director of Gravity Entertainment since March 2011. He has been a Director and Chief Financial Officer of NeoCyon since March 2011 and May 2011, respectively. Mr. Kim was a general manager of our financial management division and accounting & treasury department from March 2007 to September 2008 and from September 2006 to March 2007, respectively. He also worked as a manager of our accounting team from April 2004 to September 2006. Mr. Kim worked at Modottel, Inc. as accounting team manager from June 2002 to April 2004. Mr. Kim holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Chung-Ang University.
Kazuki Morishita has served as our Executive Director since March 2008. Mr. Morishita has also been the President and Chief Executive Officer of GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. since January 2004 and was Chief Operating Officer of GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. from August 2002 to January 2004. In addition, he was a director of Game Arts Co., Ltd. from December 2005 to March 2008 and has been the President of Game Arts Co., Ltd. since March 2008. Mr. Morishita has also been a director of GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc. and Grasshopper Manufacture, Inc. since March 2012 and February 2013, respectively. Mr. Morishita was a director of Acquire Corp. and Kahon 3 Oy from October 2011 to November 2014, and from December 2013 to September 2014, respectively. Mr. Morishita was the Chairman of GungHo Works, Inc. from October 2007 to December 2009 and worked as a Director of GungHo Online Entertainment Korea, Inc. from March 2007 to October 2008 and a Director of Overdriver Game Technologies Ltd. from June 2012 to August 2013. He also was a general manager of the E-service department at OnSale, Inc. from May 2001 to August 2002. Mr. Morishita served as Director of Kickers Network, Inc. from December 2000 to April 2001 and as Director of Dolphin Net, Inc. from March to November in 2000. Mr. Morishita worked as chief of the system sales department at Softcreate Co., Ltd. from July 1996 to February 2000. Mr. Morishita graduated from the High School Affiliated with Chiba University of Commerce.
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Kazuya Sakai has served as our Executive Director since March 2009. Mr. Sakai has also served as Chief Financial Officer and Director since April 2004 and March 2005, respectively, and was the Investor Relations Officer of GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc., from July 2011 to April 2014. He has also been the auditor of Acquire Corp. since October 2011 and was a Director of Gravity Entertainment from March 2008 to March 2011. Mr. Sakai has been a director of GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.,Grasshopper Manufacture, Inc. and Gungho Online Entertainment Asia Pacific PTE. Ltd. since March 2012, February 2013 and September 2014, respectively. Mr. Sakai was a Director of GGF B.V. from October 2013 to September 2014. Also, he was Chief Executive Officer of Capri, Inc. from October 2008 to December 2009. Mr. Sakai was a Director of GungHo Works, Inc. from October 2007 to December 2009 and a Director of Overdriver Game Technologies Ltd. from June 2012 to August 2013. Mr. Sakai was a Director of GungHo Online Entertainment Korea, Inc. from March 2007 to October 2008 and Chief Executive Officer in October 2008 to its liquidation in October 2008. He was Chief Executive Officer of GungHo Asset Management, Inc. from January 2007 to October 2008. Mr. Sakai served as a general manager of Administration Division, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Expression Tools, Inc. from January 1993 to March 1996, from April 1996 to April 2000, and from April 2000 to November 2003, respectively. He worked at The Kyushu Sogo Bank, Ltd., the current name of which is The Shinwa Bank, Ltd., from April 1987 to December 1992. Mr. Sakai graduated from Kyushu Sangyo University with a bachelor's degree in Commercial Science.
Jong Gyu Hwang has served as our Independent Director since June 2009. Mr. Hwang has served as a Director and Chief Operating Officer at Munkyung Monorail Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea Monorail Co., Ltd., since 2007. Mr. Hwang has served as a Director since 2009 and was a Director from 2006 to 2007 of Korea Monorail Co., Ltd. Also, he has been Co-Chief Executive Officer at Samcheok Monorail since 2014. Mr. Hwang served as Compliance Auditor at E-Frontier, Inc. from 2000 to 2014, and at Korea Urban Railway Association from 2009 to 2013, respectively. He worked as an attorney at the Attorney General's Office in Massachusetts in the United States in 2005. He was also an investigation officer of Special Investigation Department at Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office of the Ministry of Justice of Korea from 1995 to 2000 and worked at the Korean Residents Union in Japan from 1994 to 1995. Mr. Hwang received an LL.B. degree from Tokyo University and an M.P.A. degree from Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Mr. Hwang also received an LL.M. degree from Boston University School of Law. Mr. Hwang is a member of the New York State Bar Association.
Doo Hyun Ryu has served as our Independent Director since March 2011. Mr. Ryu has been a Partner, the head of International Legal and Business Affairs Team and a branch manager of the Vietnam Office of Logos Law, LLC since May 2010. He also previously worked at Logos Law, LLC as a Partner from June 2001 to May 2008, a branch manager of the Vietnam Office from May 2006 to May 2008 and a branch manager of the Cambodia Office from December 2007 to May 2008. He has served as an arbitrator of the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board and Shanghai International Arbitration Center since June 2011 and March 2013, respectively. He was also a member of Legal Services Development Committee of the Korean Bar Association from March 2005 to March 2014. Mr. Ryu was a head of Management & Legal Department at Hyundai Card Co., Ltd. and Hyundai Capital Services, Inc. from May 2008 to April 2010 and a member of Information Department Committee at Hyundai Motor Group from June 2008 to April 2010. He worked as Compliance Officer of Financial Department of the Federation of Korean Industries from June 2008 to April 2010 and a member of the Special Committee for Revision of Credit-Specialized Financial Business Act at the Financial Services Commission of Korea from October 2008 to January 2010. Mr. Ryu was an Independent Director of Interactivy, Inc. from April 2007 to May 2008. He was a member of Korea IT International Cooperation Agency from August 2006 to May 2008 and a member of Readers Committee of the Korea JoongAng Daily from October 1999 to October 2000. Mr. Ryu is a member of the Korea Bar Association. Mr. Ryu obtained an LL.B. degree from Seoul National University. Mr. Ryu also completed an Advanced Economists Program at the graduate school of Economics of Yonsei University.
Jung Yoo has served as our Independent Director since March 2011. Mr. Yoo has been Representative Partner of Samhasa GP since June 2007 and a member of the Board of Trustees of Euidang Foundation
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since August 2007. He was an Advisor of TCAD International, Inc. from March 2008 to March 2010 and an Independent Director of NHN Japan Corporation from September 2004 to April 2006. Mr. Yoo was a Managing Director of PCCW Japan Ltd., from June 2000 to March 2007. He was a Partner of Pacific Cyber-Venture Co., Ltd. from June 2000 to August 2002 and a Director of Techno-Venture Co., Ltd. from June 2000 to August 2002. Mr. Yoo worked at Credit Suisse Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. from August 1998 to March 2000, Bain & Company Japan, Inc. from August 1996 to May 1998 and SK Securities Co., Ltd. from September 1991 to November 1994. Mr. Yoo received a B.A. degree in East Asian Languages and Cultures from University of Southern California, an M.A. degree in Management History from Waseda University and an MBA degree from INSEAD.
We have not extended any loans or credit to any of our directors or executive officers, and we have not provided guarantees for borrowings by any of these persons. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of compensation paid by us to all directors and executive officers was Won 833 million (US$763 thousand). At our general meeting of shareholders held on March 27, 2015, our shareholders approved an aggregate amount of up to Won 1,400 million (US$1,283 thousand) as compensation for our directors for 2015.
Under the Labor Standard Act and the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act, we are required to pay a severance amount to eligible employees, who voluntarily or involuntarily terminate their employment with us, including through retirement. The severance amount for our officers equals the monthly salary at the time of his or her departure, multiplied by the number of continuous years of service. There is no severance benefit for our directors.
We maintain a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy covering certain potential liabilities of our directors and officers.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
Our ADSs are listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, and we are subject to the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. However, as a foreign private issuer and a controlled company, as GungHo controls 59.3% of our outstanding voting power as of the date hereof, Gravity is exempt from certain corporate governance rules that apply to U.S. domestic companies and non-controlled companies. NASDAQ's corporate governance practice rules provide that a foreign private issuer may elect to follow its home country practices in lieu of the requirements under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5600 Series, subject to certain exceptions and to the extent such practices are not prohibited by home country law and that a controlled company is exempt from certain corporate governance requirements under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5605, subject to certain exceptions. The following are the significant ways in which Gravity's corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies.
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solely of three independent directors, generally holds meetings once a month and whenever there are matters related to the financial results of the Company, related party transactions or other relevant matters. At such meetings, only independent directors are present without management.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of our affairs. Our articles of incorporation, as currently in effect, provide for a Board of Directors comprised of not less than three directors and also provide for an audit committee, a compensation committee and a director nomination committee. We currently have 7 members serving as members of our Board of Directors. The directors are elected at a shareholders' meeting by a majority vote of the shareholders present or represented, which majority is not less than one-fourth of all issued and outstanding shares with voting rights, so long as not less than one third of all issued and outstanding shares with voting rights are present at the shareholders' meeting.
Each of our directors is elected for a term of one year, which may be extended until the close of the annual general meeting of shareholders convened in respect to the last fiscal year of such director's term. However, directors may serve any number of consecutive terms and may be removed from office at any time by a special resolution adopted at a general meeting of shareholders, which requires approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting and at least one-third of our total voting shares then issued and outstanding.
The Board of Directors elects one or more representative directors from its members. A representative director is authorized to represent and act on behalf of our company and has the authority to bind our company. We may have (i) one sole representative director, (ii) two or more co-representative directors or (iii) two or more joint representative directors. The powers and authorities of a sole representative director and any co-representative directors are exactly the same while the only distinction for joint representative directors is that they must act jointly (i.e., all of the joint representative directors must act together in order to bind the Company while co-representative directors may act independently). Currently our Board of Directors has elected Hyun Chul Park as our Representative Director. Under the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, any director with special interest in an agenda of a board meeting may not exercise his voting rights in such board meeting.
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Our Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Jong Gyu Hwang, Doo Hyun Ryu and Jung Yoo are independent directors within the meaning of NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5605(a)(2).
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Under our articles of incorporation, we currently have three committees that serve under our Board of Directors:
Audit committee
Our audit committee was established in December 2004. The audit committee currently consists of the following directors: Doo Hyun Ryu, Jong Gyu Hwang, and Jung Yoo. All of the members are independent directors within the meaning of NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5605(a)(2) and meet the criteria for independence as set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. All of our independent directors are financially literate and have accounting or related financial management expertise. Our Board of Directors has determined that Jong Gyu Hwang is an "audit committee financial expert," as such term is defined by the regulations of the SEC issued pursuant to Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The audit committee is responsible for examining internal transactions and potential conflicts of interest and reviewing accounting and other relevant matters. Under the Korean Commercial Code, if a company establishes an audit committee, such company is not permitted to have a statutory auditor. The committee is currently chaired by Jong Gyu Hwang.
Director nomination committee
The director nomination committee consists of the following three directors: Kazuki Morishita, Kazuya Sakai and Jung Yoo. One of the three members, Jung Yoo, is an independent director within the meaning of NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5605(a)(2). This committee is responsible for recommending and nominating candidates for our director positions. The committee is currently chaired by Kazuya Sakai.
Compensation committee
The compensation committee consists of the following three directors: Kazuya Sakai, Kazuki Morishita and Doo Hyun Ryu. One of the three members, Doo Hyun Ryu, is an independent director within the meaning of NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5605(a)(2). This committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the management's evaluation and compensation programs. The committee is currently chaired by Kazuki Morishita.
As of December 31, 2014, we, not including our subsidiaries, had 228 full-time employees, all located in Korea. The total number of employees decreased over the course of 2014 due to the discontinuation of services for some games and headcount assessments conducted as a result of weak business performance. The following table sets forth the number of our employees by department as of the dates indicated:
|
December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
Senior management |
9 | 9 | 8 | |||||||
Finance |
17 | 16 | 13 | |||||||
Marketing |
64 | 39 | 33 | |||||||
Game development and support |
241 | 230 | 174 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
331 | 294 | 228 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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As of December 31, 2014, we had 11 temporary employees consisting of three contract-based employees and 8 outsourced employees.
We do not have a labor union, and none of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We have a labor-management council for such employees as required under the Act on the Promotion of Workers' Participation and Cooperation in Korea. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes or work stoppages.
In addition, as of December 31, 2014, our subsidiaries had the number of employees as set forth in the following table:
|
December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
Gravity Interactive, Inc.(1) |
28 | {2} | 29 | {2} | 28 | {2} | ||||
NeoCyon, Inc.(1) |
152 | {10} | 172 | {10} | 168 | {9} | ||||
Gravity Games Corporation(1) |
80 | {4} | 22 | {1} | 1 | {1} | ||||
Gravity Entertainment Corporation |
| | | |||||||
Gravity Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
260 | 223 | 197 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Note:
None of the employees of Gravity Interactive, NeoCyon or Gravity Games is represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The total number of employees of Gravity Games Corporation decreased dramatically due to headcount reductions caused by weak business performance. Gravity Entertainment does not have any employees because it has no significant operations. Gravity Middle East & Africa FZ LLC went into liquidation proceedings in the United Arab Emirates in September 2008.
We have entered into a standard annual employment contract with most of our officers, managers and employees. These contracts include a covenant that prohibits the relevant officer, manager or employee from engaging in any activities that compete with our business during, and for six months after, the period of their employment with our company.
Under the severance payment plan that we have established in accordance with the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act, employees with more than one year of service with us are entitled to receive a lump sum payment upon voluntary or involuntary termination of their employment. The amount of the benefit equals the employee's monthly salary, calculated by averaging the employee's daily salary for the three months prior to the date of the employee's departure, multiplied by the number of continuous years of employment. As of December 31, 2014, we provided Won 103 million (US$94 thousand) to 79 employees as severance payment, being 100% of our severance liability as of such date.
Pursuant to the Korean National Pension Law, we are required to pay 4.5% of each employee's standard monthly income to the National Pension Corporation. Our employees are also required to pay 4.5% of their standard monthly income to the National Pension Corporation each month. Our employees are entitled to receive an annuity in the event they lose, in whole or in part, their wage earning capability. Our employees can receive pension payments upon making a claim when they reach a certain age or lose all or part of their income due to disability, such as by receiving age pension payments when they reach the age of 60 after being registered for the national pension plan for at least 10 years and disability pension payments when a disease or illness acquired during the time they were registered for the national pension
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plan leaves a disability even after the disease or illness that originally caused the disability is cured. The total amount of contributions we, including our subsidiaries in Korea, made to the National Pension Corporation in 2012, 2013 and 2014 was Won 1,643 million, Won 1,546 million and Won 1,336 million (US$1,224 thousand), respectively.
None of our current directors or officers beneficially owns our common shares.
Stock option plan
Under our articles of incorporation, we may grant options for the purchase of our shares to certain qualified directors, officers and employees. Set forth below are the details of our stock option plan as currently contained in our articles of incorporation:
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Each stock option confers the right to the grantee to purchase one share of our common stock at the exercise price. On December 24, 2004, our shareholders approved the implementation of our employee stock option plan and the granting of stock options under this plan to our directors, officers and employees. All the stock options granted on December 24, 2004 have expired. There are no stock options exercisable as of December 31, 2014.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The table below sets forth information known to us with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common shares as of March 31, 2015, by each person known to us to own beneficially 5% or more of our common shares based on 6,948,900 of our common shares outstanding. None of our common shares entitles the holder to any preferential voting rights. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and includes the power to direct the voting or the disposition of the securities or to receive the economic benefit of the ownership of the securities.
Name
|
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percentage Beneficially Owned |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc |
4,121,739 | 59.3 | % |
To the best of our knowledge, as of December 31, 2014, approximately 47.1% of our common shares were held in the United States (in the form of ADSs). Also to the best of our knowledge, we had approximately 1,564 beneficial holders of our shares (in the form of ADSs) in the United States as of December 31, 2014.
ITEM 7.B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Relationship with GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.
On April 1, 2008, GungHo acquired 3,640,619 shares of our common stock, which was approximately 52.4% of our total shares. On June 23, 2008 and June 24, 2008, GungHo acquired our ADSs representing 450,554.25 and 30,565.25 shares of the Company, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, GungHo beneficially owns approximately 4,121,739 shares of the Company's common stock, constituting approximately 59.3% of the total issued and outstanding common shares.
In July 2002, we entered into an agreement with GungHo, formerly known as OnSale, Inc., for the service and distribution of Ragnarok Online in Japan, which was renewed in September 2004, August 2006, September 2009 and September 2012. We also entered into a software licensing agreement with GungHo in December 2005 for the right to publish and distribute Emil Chronicle Online worldwide, except for Japan, which was renewed in August 2010, August 2011, August 2012 and August 2013. We entered into a co-development agreement with GungHo for Ragnarok Odyssey in December 2010, which was amended in March 2011 and November 2011. In August 2010, we entered into a license and distribution agreement with GungHo to distribute H.A.V.E. Online, which expired in March 2014. We entered into a development agreement and a license and distribution agreement of a Web browser-based game in Japan with GungHo in March 2012 and in April 2012, respectively, and the development agreement was amended in July 2012, March 2013 and September 2013, and which was terminated in May 2014. In August 2012, we entered into a co-development agreement with GungHo to develop Ragnarok Odyssey Ace for the PlayStation Vita platform, which was amended in January 2013 and June 2013. In August 2013, we entered into a co-development agreement with GungHo to convert Ragnarok Odyssey Ace into a PlayStation 3 version, which was amended in January 2014.
Mr. Hyun Chul Park, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Kazuki Morishita, our Executive Director, and Mr. Kazuya Sakai, our Executive Director, have been General Manager, Director and Executive General
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Manager, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer and Director of GungHo, respectively.
Relationship with SoftBank Corporation
SoftBank Corporation, or SoftBank, a corporation organized under the laws of Japan, owns 33.63% of the issued share capital of GungHo. SoftBank Mobile Corp., or SoftBank Mobile, a corporation organized under the laws of Japan, and wholly-owned subsidiary of SoftBank, owns 6.37% of the issued share capital of GungHo. Heartis, which owns 19.36% of the issued share capital of GungHo, exercises the voting rights in substantially all of the shares of GungHo it holds in accordance with the instructions of Masayoshi Son, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and controlling shareholder of SoftBank and SoftBank Mobile, and also the brother of Taizo Son, who directly and indirectly owns or controls 20.57% of the issued share capital of GungHo. Therefore, SoftBank holds 58.50% of the voting rights in GungHo.
In December 2005, we entered into a limited partnership agreement with Movida Investment Inc., which was merged into Entertainment Farm Inc. in February 2007, SoftBank, GungHo and seven other companies to invest in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1, a fund with a total proposed investment size of JPY10 billion, with the objective of investing in companies which develop online games in Japan. Entertainment Farm Inc., a Japanese company, operated the fund as the general partner. As a limited partner, we did not have a significant influence over the fund's investment decisions. The fund had a term of five years from the effective date, which was January 1, 2006. As of December 31, 2010, the expiration date, the Company, SoftBank and GungHo had interests of 16.39%, 49.18% and 8.20%, respectively, in the fund. We agreed to contribute a total of JPY1,000 million, which represented 10% of the total capital commitment in the fund by the limited partners at the time of the agreement, and which then represented 16.39% of the fund due to the withdrawal of some limited partners in the fund. The Company invested JPY250 million (Won 2,114 million) until 2006, and made additional investments amounting to JPY642 million (Won 6,054 million) in 2008 and JPY18 million (Won 229 million) in 2009. As of the date of the expiration of the fund, we had invested a total of JPY910 million, which represented 91% of our total capital commitment. On December 31, 2010, the term of the partnership expired and the liquidation process was completed in June 2013. We received liquidation proceeds amounting to JPY53 million (Won 579 million) in May 2013.
Relationship with Gravity Interactive, Inc.
In April 2003, we entered into an agreement with Gravity Interactive, formerly known as Gravity Interactive, LLC, for the service and distribution of Ragnarok Online in the United States and Canada pursuant to which Gravity Interactive agreed to remit dividends to us based on a percentage of earnings. After Gravity Interactive changed their form to an incorporated company in January 2006, we entered into an agreement with Gravity Interactive for the service and distribution of Ragnarok Online in the United States and Canada pursuant to which Gravity Interactive agreed to remit royalties to us instead of dividends, which was amended in January 2008 to include Australia and New Zealand as service countries and renewed in January 2009. The agreement was amended in September 2009 to include India as a service country and in October 2009 to change the term of royalty payment remittance from a monthly to a quarterly basis. The agreement was renewed in January 2011 and January 2013 and further amended in October 2013 to include Singapore and Malaysia as service countries, which was further amended to include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Mauritania, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and the Philippines as service countries in January 2015.
We entered into an agreement with Gravity Interactive for the service and distribution of Requiem in the United States and Canada in February 2008, which was amended in December 2009 to include the United Kingdom and 39 other European countries as service countries, which was further amended in March 2010 to exclude Moldova, where Requiem was already commercially offered by Gravity CIS and to change the term of royalty payment remittance from a monthly to a quarterly basis. Our license and distribution agreement for Requiem with Gravity Interactive was amended in June 2011 to include Mexico and 23 other Central and South American countries as service countries and further amended in
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October 2011 to include Korean as a service language and to distribute Requiem worldwide except for the existing licensed territories in which we had already granted licenses for Requiem game service to local licensees. The license and distribution agreement for Requiem with Gravity Interactive was renewed in June 2012, May 2013 and June 2014, and amended in December 2013.
In September 2010, we entered into a license and distribution agreement with Gravity Interactive, which was amended in April 2011, to distribute Dragonica in the United States and Canada. Our license agreement for Dragonica with Gravity Interactive expired in October 2013, and Gravity Interactive entered into a license agreement for Dragonica directly with Gravity Games, which developed Dragonica, to continue the game service in the United States and Canada as well as South America except for Brazil, which was newly included in the service countries.
We entered into a license and distribution agreement with Gravity Interactive to distribute Eternal Destiny in North America excluding the Canadian province Quebec in January 2011, which expired in August 2014. In February 2012, we entered into a license agreement with Gravity Interactive to distribute a Web-browser based version of Emil Chronicle Online, worldwide except for Japan, through certain designated Web sites, which was renewed in February 2013 and February 2014. We also entered into a license and distribution agreement with Gravity Interactive to distribute Maestia in the United States and Canada in June 2012, which was terminated in September 2013. We entered into a license and distribution agreement with Gravity Interactive in March 2013 to distribute Ragnarok Online II in the United States, Canada and 28 European countries and markets, which was amended in June 2013 to include Australia, New Zealand, India, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Guyana, Venezuela, Bolivia, Suriname, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Korea as service countries, which was further amended in February 2014 to distribute Ragnarok Online II globally except for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brazil and China. The license and distribution agreement with Gravity Interactive was amended to distribute Ragnarok Online II globally except for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and China in April 2014, which was additionally amended to distribute Ragnarok Online II globally except for Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and China in November 2014.
In November 2013, we entered into a consignment agreement with Gravity Interactive pursuant to which we offer Tower of Ascension directly to the global market except for Korea and Japan and pay Gravity Interactive for services related to marketing and customer service, among others, which was renewed in December 2014.
In October 2014, we entered into a non-exclusive merchandising license agreement with Gravity Interactive which grants Gravity Interactive the right to commercialize the characters of Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online II in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore and Malaysia, and to globally commercialize the characters of Requiem.
In September 2012, we extended a loan in the amount of US$1,500,000 to Gravity Interactive at an annual interest rate of 4% payable monthly in arrears. In October 2014, we extended another loan to Gravity Interactive for US$500,000 at an annual interest rate of 4% payable monthly in arrears. As of March 31, 2015, US$400,000 out of US$500,000 has been transferred to Gravity Interactive, As a result, the aggregate principal amount of the loans extended to Gravity Interactive was US$1,900,000 as of March 31, 2015.
Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Heung Gon Kim, our Chief Financial Officer, have been Chief Executive Officer, and Director and Chief Financial Officer of Gravity Interactive, respectively. Mr. Hyun Chul Park, our Chief Executive Officer, has been a Director of Gravity Interactive since November 2014.
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Relationship with Gravity Entertainment Corporation and the Animation Production Committee
On October 1, 2004, we granted a license for Ragnarok Online to the Animation Production Committee, a Japanese joint venture for the production and marketing of Ragnarok the Animation, in order for the joint venture to produce Ragnarok the Animation. Pursuant to an arrangement between Gravity Entertainment and the joint venture, Gravity Entertainment is required to remit 70% of the revenues from its animation business to the joint venture. As of December 31, 2014, the amount due and payable to the joint venture by Gravity Entertainment amounted to nil.
Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, has been Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Heung Gon Kim, our Chief Financial Officer, has been Director of Gravity Entertainment.
Relationship with NeoCyon, Inc.
In September 2006, we entered into an agreement regarding mobile publishing with NeoCyon under which they have been remitting royalties to us, and which was amended in December 2006, January 2007, May 2007 and February 2009, and renewed in September 2010 and September 2012. In February 2008, we entered into a subletting agreement with NeoCyon to sublease 3,914 square feet of office space to NeoCyon. We entered into amendments to the subletting agreement in April 2012 and December 2012 to sublease an additional 2,135 and 2,811 square feet of office space to NeoCyon. In January 2013, we renewed the subletting agreement with NeoCyon to sublease the 8,860 square feet of office space to NeoCyon, which was amended in May 2013 to expand the subleased office space to 9,980 square feet. We entered into an agreement with NeoCyon in April 2011 to develop and distribute Ragnarok Online Guild Masters worldwide, which was terminated in June 2013. In June 2013, we entered into mobile game publishing agreements with NeoCyon, under which we granted NeoCyon publishing rights of Tower of Ascension and Ragnarok Ash Vacuum in Korea, which were terminated in July 2014. In October 2014, we entered into a mobile game development agreement with NeoCyon to develop and publish mobile games based on the contents of four online games, Ragnarok Online, Ragnarok Online II, Requiem and Emil Chronicle Online.
Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Hyun Chul Park, our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Heung Gon Kim, our Chief Financial Officer, have been Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chief Operating Officer, and Director and Chief Financial Officer of NeoCyon, respectively.
Relationship with Gravity CIS Co., Ltd. and Gravity RUS Co., Ltd.
In September 2006, we acquired 100% of the voting shares of Gravity CIS Co., Ltd., formerly known as Gravity CIS, Inc., formerly Mados, Inc., from Cybermedia International, Inc., a former subsidiary of NeoCyon, Inc. In October 2007, we founded Gravity RUS and acquired 99.99% of the voting shares and transferred 100% of the voting shares of Gravity CIS to Gravity RUS in December 2007. Gravity CIS changed to a limited liability company in November 2007. We provided a loan in the amount of US$1.5 million to Gravity CIS on February 28, 2006 and made an additional loan in the amount of US$0.5 million on February 10, 2007 at an annual interest rate of 4.9% payable monthly in arrears, which was extended on February 11, 2010. We entered into a share transfer agreement with Gravity CIS in December 2010 to purchase its 25% ownership in Ingamba and an offset agreement in May 2012 to offset the share purchase consideration against all the outstanding debt and accrued interest of Gravity CIS, resulting in the existing loan amount due from Gravity CIS being decreased to nil. In August 2012, we surrendered our equity interest in Gravity RUS in accordance with Russian law, which resulted in Gravity RUS and Gravity CIS ceasing to be our subsidiaries.
Relationship with Gravity Games Corporation
In October 2010, we acquired an aggregate of 50.83% of the total shares of Barunson Interactive, the corporate name of which was changed to Gravity Games Corporation on March 28, 2011. We increased
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our ownership in Gravity Games to 85.5% in August 2013. In August 2010, we entered into an agreement with Gravity Games to publish Dragonica in the United States and Canada, which agreement expired in October 2013. In December 2011, we entered into an agreement with Gravity Games to publish Dragonica in Korea, which was terminated in June 2013. In April 2011, we entered into a subletting agreement with Gravity Games to sublease 6,066 square feet of office space to Gravity Games, which was renewed in January 2013 and amended in May 2013 to reduce to the subleased office space to 2,811 square feet. Our subletting agreement with Gravity Games was terminated in February 2014. We entered into an agreement with Gravity Games in June 2011 to publish East Road in Korea and Japan.
We made a loan in the amount of Won 300 million to Gravity Games on October 10, 2012 and made additional loans in the amount of Won 676 million, Won 178 million, Won 132 million, Won 286 million, Won 100 million, Won 700 million, Won 150 million, Won 200 million and Won 50 million on October 31, 2012, December 10, 2012, January 9, 2013, March 12, 2013, April 30, 2013, May 10, 2013, September 9, 2013, September 30, 2013 and October 7, 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, the total outstanding loan amount to Gravity Games was Won 1,972 million.
Mr. Heung Gon Kim, our Chief Financial Officer, has been Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Hyun Chul Park, our Chief Executive Officer, have been the directors of Gravity Games.
Relationship with Gravity EU SAS
In June 2011, we entered into an agreement with Gravity EU SAS for the service and distribution of Ragnarok Online in France and 27 other European countries, which was amended in November 2011 to exclude Estonia. Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer was the director of Gravity EU SAS from July 2012 to November 2014.
In November 2014, we sold our 25% equity interest in Gravity EU SAS to Dargaud SA, which resulted in Gravity EU SAS ceasing to be our affiliated company.
Relationship with Ingamba LLC
In June 2010, we invested Russian Ruble 13 million, which represented 25% of Ingamba's total capital, in order to distribute our games in Russia. In June 2010, we entered into agreements with Ingamba for the service and distribution of Ragnarok Online and Requiem in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. In May 2012, we sold our 25% equity interest in Ingamba to Stylonos Technologies Ltd., which resulted in Ingamba ceasing to be our affiliated company. Our license agreement with Ingamba for Ragnarok Online was renewed in June 2013 and our license agreement with Ingamba for Requiem was terminated in November 2013.
ITEM 7.C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
All relevant financial statements are included in "ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS."
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation matters
In May 2010, a former executive of our Company filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Western District Court claiming termination of employment without cause. The case was dismissed and the plaintiff filed an appeal with the Seoul High Court in April 2011. The Court dismissed the plaintiff's appeal in March 2013
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and the plaintiff filed a final appeal with the Supreme Court of Korea in April 2013. The Supreme Court of Korea rejected hearing and dismissed such appeals in July 2013.
In August 2010, the same former executive, on behalf of one of our subsidiaries, filed another lawsuit with the Seoul Southern District Court claiming the Company's unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the subsidiary. The case was decided in favor of the plaintiff and we filed an appeal with the Seoul High Court in November 2011. The court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff in December 2012. We filed a final appeal in December 2012 and the plaintiff filed a final appeal in January 2013 with the Supreme Court of Korea. In May 2013, the plaintiff submitted a notice of withdrawal of the lawsuit and we submitted a letter of agreement on the withdrawal. The case was closed following settlement with the plaintiff in November 2014.
In June 2011, the same former executive filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court claiming nullity of dismissal and seeking remuneration due regarding the remainder of his term. The court ruled in favor of the Company and the plaintiff brought an appeal with the Seoul High Court in June 2012. In December 2012, the plaintiff submitted a notice of withdrawal of the lawsuit to the court. We submitted a letter of agreement on the withdrawal and the lawsuit was finally withdrawn in January 2013.
As of the date hereof, we are not involved in any lawsuit or other proceeding the outcome of which we believe may, individually or taken as whole, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
DIVIDEND POLICY
Since our inception, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our common shares. Any decision to pay dividends in the future will be subject to a number of factors, including cash requirements for future capital expenditures and investments, and other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant. We have no intention to pay dividends in the near future. Consequently, we cannot give any assurance that any dividends may be declared and paid in the future.
Holders of outstanding common shares on a dividend record date will be entitled, subject to applicable withholding taxes, to the full dividend declared without regard to the date of issuance of the common shares or any subsequent transfer of the common shares. Payment of annual dividends in respect of a particular year, if any, will be made in the following year after approval by our shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders or, if (i) an external auditor gives an unqualified opinion to the financial statement and (ii) all members of the audit committee unanimously agree, after approval by the Board of Directors, and payment of interim dividends, if any, will be made in the same year after approval by our Board of Directors, in each case, subject to certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and the Korean Commercial Code. All dividends may be paid in cash, by shares or by other properties (in-kind). See ITEM 10.B. "MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATIONDividends."
Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement for the ADSs, you will be entitled to receive dividends on common shares represented by ADSs to the same extent as the holders of common shares, less the fees and expenses payable under the deposit agreement in respect of, and any Korean tax applicable to, such dividends. See ITEM 10.E. "TAXATIONKOREAN TAXATION." The depositary will generally convert the Won it receives into U.S. dollars and distribute the U.S. dollar amounts to you. For a description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of dividends paid to our shareholders, see ITEM 10.E. "TAXATIONMATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS."
Not applicable.
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ITEM 9.A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
Common Stock
Our common shares are not listed on any stock exchange or organized trading market, including in Korea. There is no public market for our common shares, although a small number of our common shares are traded in off-market transactions involving private sales primarily in Korea.
American Depositary Shares
Following our initial public offering on February 8, 2005, the ADSs have been issued by The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly known as The Bank of New York, as depositary and were listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market's the NASDAQ Global Market, formerly the NASDAQ National Market, under the symbol "GRVY". The ADSs were transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market on November 26, 2014 where it continues to trade under the same symbol. Each ADS represents one-fourth of one share of our common stock. As of March 31, 2015, 13,095,692 ADSs representing 3,273,923 shares of our common stock were outstanding. On April 22, 2015, we announced that we will change our ADS to common share ratio from four ADSs to one common share (4:1) to one ADS to two common shares (1:2), effective as of May 11, 2015, which will have the effect of a 1-for-8 reverse split of our ADSs.
The table below provides the high and low trading prices for our ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Market (prior to November 26, 2014) and the NASDAQ Capital Market (from November 26, 2014) for the periods shown.
|
Price | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Period
|
High | Low | |||||
|
(In US$) |
||||||
2010 |
2.25 | 1.35 | |||||
2011 |
2.19 | 1.13 | |||||
2012 |
3.47 | 1.08 | |||||
2013 |
1.52 | 0.90 | |||||
First Quarter |
1.52 | 1.22 | |||||
Second Quarter |
1.32 | 0.98 | |||||
Third Quarter |
1.23 | 1.10 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
1.45 | 0.90 | |||||
2014 |
1.29 | 0.51 | |||||
First Quarter |
1.29 | 0.91 | |||||
Second Quarter |
1.02 | 0.78 | |||||
Third Quarter |
0.94 | 0.75 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
0.84 | 0.51 | |||||
October |
0.84 | 0.67 | |||||
November |
0.73 | 0.51 | |||||
December |
0.64 | 0.55 | |||||
2015 (through April 17, 2015) |
0.60 | 0.46 | |||||
First Quarter |
0.60 | 0.46 | |||||
January |
0.60 | 0.50 | |||||
February |
0.54 | 0.48 | |||||
March |
0.52 | 0.46 | |||||
April (through April 17, 2015) |
0.52 | 0.46 |
ITEM 9.B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Not applicable.
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See ITEM 9.A. "OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS."
ITEM 9.D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
ITEM 9.F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 10.B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The section below provides summary information relating to the material terms of our capital stock and our articles of incorporation. It also includes a brief summary of certain provisions of the Korean Commercial Code and related Korean law, all as currently in effect.
General
Our total authorized share capital is 40,000,000 shares, which consists of common shares and convertible preferred dividend shares without voting rights (hereinafter referred to as "preferred shares") each with a par value of Won 500 per share. Under our articles of incorporation, holders of preferred shares are entitled to dividends of not less than 1% and up to 15% of the par value of such shares, the exact rate to be determined by our Board of Directors at the time of issuance, provided that the holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to receive dividends at a rate not lower than that determined for holders of common shares. Under our articles of incorporation, we may not issue any class of shares which are redeemable.
Under our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 preferred shares.
As of the date hereof, 6,948,900 common shares were issued and outstanding. We have not issued any equity securities other than common shares. All of the issued and outstanding shares are fully paid and non-assessable and are in registered form. Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, we may issue additional common shares without further shareholder approval. The unissued shares remain authorized until an amendment to our articles of incorporation changes the status of the authorized shares to unauthorized shares.
Dividends
We may pay dividends to our shareholders in proportion to the number of shares owned by each shareholder. The common shares represented by the ADSs have the same dividend rights as our other common shares.
In general, we may declare dividends at the annual general meeting of shareholders which is held within three months after the end of each fiscal year. However, in some cases, we may also declare dividends at a meeting of the Board of Directors, if (i) the external auditor gives an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and (ii) all members of the audit committee unanimously agree. We may pay the annual dividend shortly after the annual general meeting of shareholders declaring such dividends. We may distribute the annual dividend in cash, in shares or in other form of valuable property (in-kind). However,
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a dividend in shares must be distributed at par value, and dividends in shares may not exceed one-half of the annual dividends.
Under the Korean Commercial Code, we may pay an annual dividend only out of the excess of our net assets, on a non-consolidated basis, over the sum of (i) our stated capital, (ii) the total amount of our capital surplus reserve and earned surplus reserve accumulated up to the end of the relevant dividend period, (iii) the earned surplus reserve to be set aside for the annual dividend period and (iv) unrealized gains (the amount of net assets stated on the balance sheet increased as a result of an evaluation of the assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP, which is not offset by unrealized losses).
We may not pay an annual dividend unless we have set aside as earned surplus reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash portion of the annual dividend, or unless we have an accumulated earned surplus reserve of not less than one-half of our stated capital. We may not use our legal reserves to pay cash dividends but may transfer amounts from our legal reserves to capital stock or use our legal reserves to reduce an accumulated deficit. If our legal reserves exceed 1.5 times our stated capital, the excess legal reserves may be reduced by a majority vote of the shareholders.
In addition to annual dividends, under the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, we may pay interim dividends once during each fiscal year in case we earn more retained earnings as of the end of the first half of such year than the retained earnings not disposed of at the time of the general shareholder meeting with respect to the immediately preceding fiscal year. The decision to pay interim dividends shall be made by a resolution of the Board of Directors and is not subject to shareholder approval. Any interim dividends must be paid to the shareholders of record as of June 30 of the relevant fiscal year. We may distribute the interim dividend in cash, in shares or in other form of valuable property (in-kind).
The total amount of interim dividends payable in a fiscal year shall not be more than the net assets on the balance sheet of the immediately preceding fiscal year, after deducting (i) our capital in the immediately preceding fiscal year, (ii) the aggregate amount of our capital reserves and earned surplus reserves accumulated up to the immediately preceding fiscal year, (iii) the amount relating to the immediately preceding fiscal term which is confirmed at the annual general meeting of shareholders to be distributed as profit or paid, (iv) the amount of voluntary reserves accumulated up to the immediately preceding fiscal year for special purposes pursuant to our articles of incorporation or a resolution by our shareholders, (v) the amount of earned surplus reserves that should be set aside for the current fiscal year following the interim dividend payment and (vi) unrealized gains (the amount of net assets stated on the balance sheet increased as a result of an evaluation of the assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP). Furthermore, the rate of interim dividends for non-voting preferred shares must be the same as that for our common shares.
We have no obligation to pay any dividend unclaimed for five years from the dividend payment date.
Distribution of free shares
In addition to paying dividends in shares out of our retained or current earnings, we may also distribute to our shareholders an amount transferred from our capital surplus or earned surplus reserve to our stated capital in the form of bonus shares issued free of charge, or free shares. We must distribute such free shares to all our shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings. Since our inception, we have not distributed any free shares. We currently have no intention to make such distribution in the near future.
Preemptive rights and issuance of additional shares
We may issue authorized but unissued shares from time to time, unless otherwise provided for in the Korean Commercial Code, on such terms as our Board of Directors may determine. We must offer new shares on uniform terms to all shareholders who have preemptive rights and are listed on our shareholders' register as of the relevant record date.
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We may issue new shares pursuant to a board resolution to persons other than existing shareholders, who in these circumstances will not have preemptive rights, if the new shares are issued:
provided that, if new shares are allocated to persons other than existing shareholders, the company is required to provide notice to shareholders or make a public notice at least two weeks prior to the payment date of the subscription amount for such new shares.
We must give public notice of preemptive rights regarding new shares and their transferability at least two weeks before the relevant record date. We will notify the shareholders who are entitled to subscribe for newly issued shares of the deadline for subscription at least two weeks prior to such deadline. If a shareholder fails to subscribe by the deadline, the shareholder's preemptive rights lapse. Our Board of Directors may determine how to distribute fractional shares or shares for which preemptive rights have not been exercised.
In the case of ADS holders, the depositary will be treated as the shareholder entitled to preemptive rights.
General meeting of shareholders
We hold the annual general meeting of shareholders within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Subject to a board resolution or court approval, we may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders:
We must give shareholders written notice or electronic document setting out the date, place and agenda of the meeting at least two weeks prior to the general meeting of shareholders. The agenda of the general meeting of shareholders is determined at the meeting of the Board of Directors. In addition, a shareholder holding an aggregate of 3% or more of the outstanding shares may propose an agenda for the general meeting of shareholders. Such proposal should be made in writing at least six weeks prior to the meeting. The Board of Directors may decline such proposal if it is in violation of the relevant laws and regulations or our articles of incorporation. Shareholders not on the shareholders' register as of the record date are not entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of shareholders or attend or vote at the meeting. Holders of preferred shares, unless enfranchised, are not entitled to receive notice of or vote at the general meeting of shareholders.
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A shareholder holding an aggregate of 1% or more of the outstanding shares may, prior to the shareholders' meeting, request the court to appoint an inspector to examine the appropriateness of the meeting notice process and voting method.
The chairman of the shareholders' meeting shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, and if the person determined by the Board of Directors cannot serve as chairman, the representative director shall serve as chairman. If the representative director cannot serve as chairman, then the vice president, senior executive director or executive director shall serve as chairman, in that order. If a general meeting of shareholders is proposed by a shareholder or shareholders holding an aggregate of not less than 3% of the outstanding shares, the court may approve such general meeting and may also appoint the chairman of such shareholders' meeting upon request by the requesting parties or at its own discretion.
Our shareholders' meetings are held in Seoul, Korea or other nearby areas as deemed necessary.
Voting rights
Holders of our common shares are entitled to one vote for each common share. However, common shares held by us (i.e., treasury shares) or by any corporate entity in which we have, directly or indirectly, greater than a 10% interest, do not have voting rights. Unless the articles of incorporation explicitly state otherwise, the Korean Commercial Code permits cumulative voting pursuant to which each common share entitles the holder thereof to multiple voting rights equal to the number of directors to be elected at such time. A holder of common shares may exercise all voting rights with respect to his or her shares cumulatively to elect one director. However, our shareholders have decided not to adopt cumulative voting.
Our shareholders may adopt resolutions at a general meeting by an affirmative majority vote of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then issued and outstanding. However, under the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, the following matters require approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then issued and outstanding:
In general, holders of non-voting shares are not entitled to vote on any resolution or receive notice of any general meeting of shareholders. However, in the case of amendments to our articles of incorporation, any merger or consolidation, capital reductions or in some other cases that affect the rights or interests of the preferred shares, approval of the holders of such class of shares is required. We must obtain the approval, by a resolution, of holders of at least two-thirds of the preferred shares present or represented at a class meeting of the holders of such class of shares, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of the total issued and outstanding shares of such class. In addition, the Korean Commercial Code provides that a company's articles of incorporation may prescribe conditions for enfranchisement of non-voting shares. For example, if we are unable to pay dividends on preferred shares as provided in our
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articles of incorporation, the holders of preferred shares may become enfranchised and may be entitled to exercise voting rights until the dividends are paid. The holders of enfranchised preferred shares have the same rights as holders of voting shares to request, receive notice of, attend and vote at a general meeting of shareholders.
Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by proxy. Under our articles of incorporation, the person exercising the proxy does not have to be a shareholder. A person with a proxy must present a document evidencing its power of attorney in order to exercise voting rights.
Holders of ADSs will exercise their voting rights through the ADS depositary. Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, holders of ADSs will be entitled to instruct the depositary how to vote the common shares underlying their ADSs.
Rights of dissenting shareholders
In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of all or any part of our business having a material effect on our business and our merger or consolidation with another company except a small-scale merger (as prescribed under Korean law) that leaves us as the surviving company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their shares. To exercise this right, shareholders must submit to us a written notice of their intention to dissent before the applicable general meeting of shareholders. Within 20 days after the relevant resolution is passed, the dissenting shareholders must request us in writing to purchase their shares. We are obligated to purchase the shares of dissenting shareholders within two months after receiving such request. The purchase price for the shares is required to be determined through negotiations between the dissenting shareholders and us. If an agreement is not attained within 30 days since the receipt of the request, we or the shareholder requesting the purchase of shares may request the court to determine the purchase price. Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenters' rights unless they withdraw the underlying common shares and become our direct shareholders.
Register of shareholders and record dates
Our transfer agent, Hana Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office in Seoul, Korea. It registers transfers of shares on the register of shareholders upon presentation of the share certificates.
The record date for annual dividends is December 31 of each year. For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to annual dividends, the register of shareholders will be closed for the period from January 1 to January 31 of each year. Further, for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to some other rights pertaining to the shares, we may, on at least two weeks' public notice, set a record date and/or close the register of shareholders for not more than three months. The trading of shares and the delivery of share certificates may continue while the register of shareholders is closed.
Annual report
At least one week before the annual general meeting of shareholders, we must make our annual business report, auditor's report and audited consolidated financial statements available for inspection at our principal office and at all of our branch offices. In addition, copies of such reports, financial statements and any resolutions adopted at the general meeting of shareholders will be available to our shareholders. Under the Korean Commercial Code and the Act on External Audit of Stock Companies, we are required to prepare non-consolidated and consolidated financial statements. In addition, the non-consolidated and consolidated financial statements are required to be approved at our shareholders' meeting. However, the Board of Directors may, without a shareholders' meeting, approve the non-consolidated and consolidated financial statements if (i) an external auditor gives an unqualified opinion to the financial statements and (ii) all members of the audit committee unanimously agree.
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Transfer of shares
Except for the procedural requirements which obligate a non-citizen or non-resident of Korea to file a report to the relevant government authority of Korea at the time of acquisition or transfer of the Company's shares, there is no restriction on the transfer or sale of our shares applicable to our shareholders or holders of ADSs under our articles of incorporation and relevant laws.
Under the Korean Commercial Code, the transfer of shares is effected by delivery of share certificates. However, to assert shareholders' rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on our register of shareholders. For this purpose, a shareholder is required to file his name, address and seal with our transfer agent. A non-Korean shareholder may file a specimen signature in place of a seal, unless he is a citizen of a country with a sealing system similar to that of Korea. In addition, a non-resident shareholder must appoint an agent authorized to receive notices on his or her behalf in Korea and file a mailing address in Korea. The above requirement does not apply to the holders of ADSs.
Under current Korean regulations, the KSD, foreign exchange banks, investment traders, investment brokers, collective investment business entities and internationally recognized foreign custodians may act as agents and provide related services for foreign shareholders. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of shares by non-residents or non-Koreans. See ITEM 10.D. "EXCHANGE CONTROLS."
Our transfer agent, Hana Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office located at 72 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea. It registers transfers of shares in the register of shareholders on presentation of the share certificates.
Acquisition of our shares
Within the limitation of distributable profits, we may acquire our own common shares with the prior approval of the general meeting of shareholders (or by a resolution of the Board of Directors) (i) by purchasing them at the stock exchange or (ii) acquiring them after providing notice or making a public notice to all shareholders of the acquisition of treasury stocks, or by way of a "tender offer" prescribed by the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea. We may not otherwise acquire our own common shares except in limited circumstances, such as in the case of a merger of our company or an acquisition by us of all of another company's business, or in the case when a shareholder exercises his or her stock option.
Under the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, our Board of Directors can determine the method by which we dispose of any common shares owned by us. Except in limited circumstances, corporate entities in which we own a 50% or greater equity interest may not acquire our common shares.
Except for the procedural requirements which obligate a non-citizen or non-resident of Korea to file a report to the relevant government authority of Korea at the time of acquisition or transfer of the Company's shares, there exists no provision which limits the rights to own our shares or exercise voting rights on our shares due to their status as a non-resident or non-Korean under our articles of incorporation and applicable Korean laws.
Liquidation rights
In the event of our liquidation, after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes, our remaining assets will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings.
Other provisions
Under our articles of incorporation, there exists no provision (i) which may delay or prevent a change in control of us and that is triggered in the event of a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring,
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(ii) which requires disclosure of ownership above a certain threshold or (iii) that governs change in capital that is more stringent than required by the applicable laws in Korea.
We may issue bonds by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Our articles of incorporation permit the issuance of convertible bonds and bonds with warrants, but none have been issued.
Since the filing of our annual report on Form 20-F on April 26, 2013, we have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described below or otherwise as described in ITEM 4. "INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY" or elsewhere in this annual report.
Amendment to the Lease Agreement dated May 1, 2013 between National IT Industry Promotion Agency and Registrant
On May 1, 2013, we entered into an amendment agreement to our lease agreement with National IT Industry Promotion Agency dated January 3, 2013 for our principal executive and administrative offices, located on one floor of Nuritkum Square Business Tower and two floors of Nuritkum Square R&D Tower, 1605 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-795 Korea (road name address: 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-795 Korea). Under this amendment, the lease premises area was reduced to 105,670 square feet from 110,551 square feet.
Sixth Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated May 7, 2013 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant
Under this amendment, the term of the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement was extended for one year to June 15, 2014.
Fifth Amendment to Ragnarok Online Exclusive Game License Agreement dated October 22, 2013 between Game Flier International Corporation and Registrant
Under this amendment with our licensee in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, the term of the Ragnarok Online Exclusive Game License Agreement was extended for two years to October 21, 2015. The amendment also increased royalty payment from 35% to 36% of the licensee's service sales amount from Ragnarok Online.
Eighth Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated October 24, 2013 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant
Under this amendment, the serviced countries were expanded to include Singapore and Malaysia.
Seventh Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated December 1, 2013 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant
Under this amendment, we granted Gravity Interactive the right to sublicense its rights under the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement, as amended, to a third party. The amendment also decreased the royalty payment from 28% to 5% of the service sales amount and Gravity Interactive agreed to be responsible for any development necessary for the game service at its own expense and for any technical support as needed and requested by a sublicensee if any.
First Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online 2 License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2014 between PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna and Registrant
Under this amendment with our licensee in Indonesia, the payment schedule of the remaining license fee of US$150,000 and guaranteed minimum payment of US$400,000 was changed. The licensee agreed to spend US$300,000 by the end of the first quarter of 2014 for the marketing of Ragnarok Online II in Indonesia.
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Fourth Amendment to Exclusive Ragnarok Authorization and Distribution Agreement dated March 2, 2014 between Level Up! Interactive S.A. and Registrant
Under this amendment with our licensee in Brazil, the term of the Exclusive Ragnarok Authorization and Distribution Agreement was extended for two years to March 1, 2016 for a renewal authorization fee of US$50,000.
Lease Agreement dated December 31, 2014 between National IT Industry Promotion Agency and Registrant
On December 31, 2014, we entered into a lease agreement with National IT Industry Promotion Agency for our principal executive and administrative offices, with a total area of approximately 74,904 square feet, located on two floors of Nuritkum Square R&D Tower, 396 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-795 Korea. The term of lease commenced on January 1, 2015 and expires on December 31, 2016, with an option to renew in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Ninth Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2015 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant
Under this amendment, the serviced countries were expanded to include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Mauritania, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and the Philippines
Ragnarok Online 2 Online Game License Agreement dated January 15, 2015 between Shanghai The Dream Network Technology Co., Ltd. and Registrant
On January 15, 2015, we entered into an agreement with Shanghai The Dream Network Technology Co., Ltd., under which we granted Shanghai The Dream Network Technology Co., Ltd. the right to operate and distribute the localized version of Ragnarok Online 2 in China for a non-refundable minimum guarantee of US$1,000,000 and a monthly royalty fee equal to 25% of the gross revenue. The agreement is effective from the date of the agreement, continues for twelve months after the initial launch date and is subject to extension for another twelve months if certain conditions in the agreement are met.
Third Amendment to the Ragnarok Online Game License Agreement dated February 27, 2015 between PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna and Registrant
Under this amendment, the term of the Ragnarok Online Game License Agreement was renewed for six months to August 26, 2015.
General
The Foreign Exchange Transaction Law and the Presidential Decree and regulations under such Law and Decree, or the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, regulate investment in Korean securities by non-residents and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, if non-residents wish to acquire Korean securities, a report must be filed with the president of a foreign exchange bank or the President of Bank of Korea except for certain cases, provided, however, that under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, foreigners cannot acquire equity securities issued by certain designated public interest corporations in excess of a fixed limit, and under the Foreign Investment Promotion Law, foreigners are either not allowed or restricted in making an investment in certain industries.
Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, (i) the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, or the MOSF, may temporarily suspend payment, receipt or the whole or part of transactions to which the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws apply, or impose an obligation to safe-keep, deposit or sell means of payment in or to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions, if the Korean government deems that it is inevitable to take such measures, due to the outbreak of natural calamities, wars, conflict of arms or grave and sudden changes in domestic or foreign economic circumstances or other situations
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equivalent thereto; and (ii) if the Korean government deems that the international balance of payments and international finance are confronted or are likely to be confronted with serious difficulty or the movement of capital between Korea and abroad brings or is likely to bring on serious obstacles in carrying out currency policies, exchange rate policies and other macroeconomic policies, the MOSF may take measures to require any person who intends to perform capital transactions to obtain permission from the MOSF or a person/entity designated by the public notification of the MOSF or to require any person who performs capital transactions to deposit part of the means of payment acquired in such transactions in certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions, in each case subject to certain limitations thereunder.
Filing with the Korean government in connection with the issuance of American Depositary Shares
In order for us to issue common shares represented by ADSs in an amount exceeding US$30 million, we are required to file a prior report of the issuance with the MOSF through the designated foreign exchange bank. No further Korean governmental approval is necessary for the initial offering and issuance of the ADSs.
Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of common shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (i) the aggregate number of common shares deposited by us for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs), and (ii) the number of common shares on deposit with the depositary at the time of such proposed deposit. We have agreed to consent to any deposit so long as the deposit would not violate our articles of incorporation or applicable Korean law, and the total number of our common shares on deposit with the depositary would not exceed the sum of the aggregate number of common shares and any number of additional shares for which the depositary has received our written consent.
Furthermore, prior to making an investment of 10% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a Korean company, foreign investors are generally required under the Foreign Investment Promotion Law to submit a report to the Chairman of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, or KOTRA, (including the head of the Trade Center, branch office and/or office designated by the Chairman of KOTRA) or the president of the foreign exchange bank (including the head of the branch office designated by the president of the foreign exchange bank). Subsequent sales of such shares by foreign investors will also require a prior report to the Chairman of KOTRA or the president of the foreign exchange bank.
Certificates of the shares must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian
Under Korean law, certificates evidencing shares of Korean companies must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea, which certificates may in turn be required to be deposited with the KSD if they are designated as being eligible for deposit with the KSD. Only the KSD, foreign exchange banks, investment traders, investment brokers, collective investment business entities and internationally recognized foreign custodians are eligible to act as a custodian of shares for a foreign investor. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with the requirement to have the certificates deposited with the KSD with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in circumstances where such compliance is made impracticable, including cases where such compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of such foreign investor.
A foreign investor may appoint one or more standing proxies from among the KSD, foreign exchange banks, investment traders, investment brokers, collective investment business entities and internationally recognized foreign custodians, and cannot have any other apart from those standing proxies to represent or act on behalf of them in order to exercise rights of acquired shares, or other matters connected thereto. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with these standing proxy rules with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in circumstances where such compliance is
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made impracticable, including cases where such compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of such foreign investor.
Restrictions on American Depositary Shares and shares
Once the report to the MOSF is filed in connection with the issuance of ADSs, no further Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs and the delivery inside Korea of shares in connection with such withdrawal. In addition, persons who have acquired shares as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying the ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for new shares, participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further governmental approval.
A foreign investor may receive dividends on the shares and remit the proceeds of the sale of the shares through a foreign currency account and/or a Won account exclusively for stock investments by the foreign investor which are opened at a foreign exchange bank designated by the foreign investor without being subject to any procedural restrictions under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at a foreign exchange bank. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.
Dividends on shares are paid in Won. No Korean governmental approval is required for foreign investors to receive dividends on, or the Won proceeds of the sale of, any such shares to be paid, received and retained in Korea. Dividends paid on, and the Won proceeds of the sale of, any such shares held by a non-resident of Korea must be deposited in his Won account. Funds in the investor's Won account may be transferred to his foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses up to certain limitations. Funds in the investor's Won account may also be used for future investment in shares or for payment of the subscription price of new shares obtained through the exercise of preemptive right.
Investment brokers and investment traders are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors' securities investments in Korea. Through such accounts, these investment brokers or investment traders may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as the conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without such investors having to open their own Won and foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks.
Amendments to the Presidential Decree of the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law went into effect on January 1, 2014, December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2015, respectively. However, nothing in the amendment is applicable to us or our foreign exchange control.
KOREAN TAXATION
The following is a discussion of material Korean tax consequences to owners of our ADSs and common shares that are non-resident individuals or non-Korean corporations without a permanent establishment in Korea to which the relevant income is attributable or with which the relevant income is effectively connected. A non-resident individual according to Korean tax laws means an individual who does not have an address or a place of residence in Korea for longer than a period of 183 days. A non-Korean corporation is a corporation whose headquarters and main office is located overseas and does not have a place of effective management in Korea. The statements regarding Korean tax laws set forth below are based on the laws in force and as interpreted by the Korean taxation authorities as of the date hereof. This discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations which may apply to a particular investor, and prospective investors are advised to satisfy themselves as to the overall tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares, including specifically the tax
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consequences under Korean law, the laws of the jurisdiction of which they are resident, and any tax treaty between Korea and their country of residence, by consulting their own tax advisors.
Dividends on the shares or American Depositary Shares
Under Korean tax laws, the domestic source dividend income of non-resident individuals and non-Korean corporations means any profits or surpluses that are distributed by domestic companies. Therefore, dividends that are distributed to non-resident individuals and non-Korean corporations who own common shares of domestic companies are considered to be domestic source dividend income. The dividends provided to the holder of ADSs are also included in the domestic source dividend income as it is no different from dividends that are paid to a holder of common shares in the domestic companies.
With respect to the taxation of domestic source dividend income of a non-resident individual and non-Korean corporation, if there is no tax treaty entered into between Korea and the country of tax residence of the non-resident individual or non-Korean corporation or if the country of tax residence is a tax haven designated by the Commissioner of the National Tax Service of Korea (currently, only Labuan, Malaysia) and has not acquired prior approval of the Commissioner, we will deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends paid to such non-resident individual or non-Korean corporation (whether in cash or in shares) at a rate of 22% (including local income tax). If you are a resident of a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for an exemption or a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax according to the tax treaty. In this connection, if the party with whom the income has been provided exists as a paper company in order to receive the benefits of the tax treaty and there exists a separate beneficiary owner who is the real owner of the income (hereinafter referred to as the "Beneficiary Owner") that is provided with income from dividends, tax will be withheld at source by applying the tax rate determined in the tax treaty entered into between Korea and the country of tax residence of the Beneficiary Owner. If the country of tax residence of the Beneficiary Owner and Korea has not entered into a tax treaty or in the case that such country is Labuan, Malaysia, tax will be withheld at source at a tax rate of 22% according to the Korean Corporate Tax Law.
Generally, in order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the dividend payment date, together with the request form to apply for the reduced rate, such evidence of tax residence as the Korean tax authorities may require in order to establish your entitlement to the benefits of the applicable tax treaty. If you hold ADSs, evidence of tax residence may be submitted to us through the depositary. See ITEM 10.E. "TAXATIONKOREAN TAXATIONTax treaties" below for a discussion on treaty benefits.
In order for the beneficiary of dividends that is a corporation or an individual in Labuan to be qualified for a limited tax rate, the beneficiary must obtain an approval before such dividends are paid by submitting legal evidentiary documents that verify the country of tax residence of the beneficiary to the Commissioner of the National Tax Service of Korea along with a request for prior approval of tax withholding or the beneficiary may submit a request for correction to the responsible director of the tax office within three years of withholding tax at source.
Taxation of capital gains
Under Korean tax laws, capital gains from securities are triggered when a non-resident individual or a non-Korean corporation transfers his or its securities. Securities subject to taxation include shares and depositary receipts issued based on such shares and equity interests and all securities issued by domestic corporations. (However, in the case of bonds, the interests that are accrued during the holding period are taxable as interest income, and therefore, capital gains treatment is not triggered.)
In regards to capital gains tax originating from Korea, if there is no tax treaty entered into between Korea and the country of tax residence of the non-resident individual or non-Korean corporation or if the country of tax residence is a tax haven designated by the Commissioner of the National Tax Service of Korea (currently, only Labuan, Malaysia) and has not acquired prior approval of the Commissioner, capital gains earned by such non-resident individual or non-Korean corporation upon the transfer of our
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common shares or ADSs are subject to Korean withholding tax at the lower of (i) 11% (including local income tax) of the gross proceeds realized and (ii) 22% (including local income tax) of the net realized gains (subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition costs and certain direct transaction costs). However, in most cases where a tax treaty is entered into between Korea and the country of tax residence of the non-resident individual or non-Korean corporation, such non-resident individual or non-Korean corporation is exempt from Korean income taxation under the applicable Korean tax treaty with his or its country of tax residence. In this regard, if the party to whom the capital gains from securities are provided exists as a paper company in order to receive benefits of a tax treaty and there exists a separate Beneficiary Owner that is provided with income from capital gains, tax will be withheld at source by applying the tax rate determined in the tax treaty entered into between Korea and the country of tax residence of the Beneficiary Owner. If the country of tax residence of the Beneficiary Owner and Korea has not entered into a tax treaty or in the case that such country is Labuan, Malaysia, tax will be withheld at source at a tax rate (11% of transfer price or 22% of capital gains, whichever is less) according to the Korean Corporate Tax Law. See ITEM 10.E. "TAXATIONKOREAN TAXATIONTax treaties" below for a discussion on treaty benefits. Even if you do not qualify for any exemption under a tax treaty, you will not be subject to the foregoing withholding tax on capital gains if you qualify for the relevant Korean domestic tax law exemptions discussed in the following paragraphs.
Aside from the benefits provided in the tax treaties, Korean tax law provides provisions on tax exemptions in regards to capital gains from securities when certain requirements are met. With respect to our common shares, you will not be subject to Korean income taxation on capital gains realized upon the transfer of such common shares, (i) if our common shares are listed on either the Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Division of the Korea Exchange, (ii) if shares are transferred through stock market, (iii) if you have no permanent establishment in Korea and (iv) if you did not own or have not owned (together with any shares owned by any entity which you have a certain special relationship with and possibly including the shares represented by the ADSs) 25% or more of our total issued and outstanding shares at any time during the calendar year in which the sale occurs and during the five calendar years prior to the calendar year in which the sale occurs.
Under the tax law amendments effective for capital gains recognized or to be recognized from disposition of ADSs on or after January 1, 2008, ADSs are viewed as shares of stock for capital gains tax purposes. Accordingly, capital gains from sale or disposition of ADSs are taxed (if taxable) as if such gains are from sale or disposition of shares of our common stock. It should be noted that (i) capital gains earned by you (regardless of whether you have a permanent establishment in Korea) from a transfer of ADSs outside Korea will generally be exempt from Korean income taxation by virtue of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law of Korea, or the STTCL, provided that the issuance of ADSs is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL, but (ii) in the case where an owner of the underlying shares of stock transfers ADSs after conversion of the underlying shares into ADSs, the exemption under the STTCL described in (i) will not apply. In the case where an owner of the underlying shares of stock transfers the ADSs after conversion of the underlying shares of stock into ADSs, such person is obligated to file corporate income tax returns and pay tax unless a purchaser or a financial investment company with a brokerage license, as applicable, withholds and pays the tax on capital gains derived from transfer of ADSs, as discussed below.
Generally, to obtain the benefit of an exemption from tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you must submit to the purchaser or the securities company, or through the ADS depositary, as the case may be, prior to or at the time of payment, such evidence of your tax residence as the Korean tax authorities may require in support of your claim for treaty benefits. However, in order for the beneficiary of capital gains from securities who is a corporation or an individual in Labuan to be qualified for a limited tax rate, the beneficiary must obtain an approval before such capital gains from securities is realized by submitting legal evidentiary documents that verify the country of tax residence of the beneficiary to the Commissioner of the National Tax Service of Korea along with a request for prior approval of tax withholding or the beneficiary may submit a request for correction to the responsible director of the tax office within three
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years of withholding tax at source. See ITEM 10.E. "TAXATIONKOREAN TAXATIONTax treaties" for additional explanation on claiming treaty benefits.
Tax treaties
Korea has entered into a number of income tax treaties with other countries (including the United States), which would reduce or exempt Korean withholding tax on dividends on, and capital gains on transfer of, our common shares or ADSs. For example, under the Korea-United States income tax treaty, reduced rates of Korean withholding tax of 16.5% or 11.0% (respectively, including local income tax, depending on your shareholding ratio) on dividends and an exemption from Korean withholding tax on capital gains are available to residents of the United States that are beneficial owners of the relevant dividend income or capital gains. However, under Article 17 (Investment or Holding Companies) of the Korea-United States income tax treaty, such reduced rates and exemption do not apply if (i) you are a United States corporation, (ii) by reason of any special measures, the tax imposed on you by the United States with respect to such dividends or capital gains is substantially less than the tax generally imposed by the United States on corporate profits, and (iii) 25% or more of your capital is held of record or is otherwise determined, after consultation between competent authorities of the United States and Korea, to be owned directly or indirectly by one or more persons who are not individual residents of the United States. Also, under Article 16 (Capital Gains) of the Korea- United States income tax treaty, the exemption on capital gains does not apply if you are an individual, and (a) you maintain a fixed base in Korea for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year and your ADSs or common shares giving rise to capital gains are effectively connected with such fixed base or (b) you are present in Korea for a period or periods of 183 days or more during the taxable year.
On the other hand, the International Tax Coordination Law provides that in regards to taxable income, gains, assets, acts or transactions, when the holder and Beneficiary Owner is not the same, the Beneficiary Owner is considered to be the taxpayer who is subject to the applicable tax treaty. If one engages in activities to receive benefits of a tax treaty through having international transactions with a third party indirectly or conducts transactions with more than two parties, such activity is considered to be a direct transaction or a single transaction for which the tax treaty applies. Thus, if a non-Korean company or a non-resident individual establishes a paper company in a certain country for the purpose of receiving benefits of a tax treaty and tries to unreasonably receive dividends and capital gains from securities pursuant to a tax treaty between a certain country and Korea, the tax treaty that is entered into between the country of the residence of the Beneficiary Owner and Korea shall be applied.
In addition, even if a tax treaty provides for either an exemption from or reduction of the applicable income tax, the company or person paying dividends, interest, royalty or consideration for share purchase to an offshore entity established in a tax haven jurisdiction designated by the MOSF, must initially withhold the applicable tax on such income under the applicable tax law. In such case, by submitting documents that verify the country of tax residence of the Beneficiary Owner within three years from deduction of withholding tax to the public office for tax in Korea in order to request for correction, the difference between the amount of tax to which the tax rate of exemption and restriction in the tax treaty that the Beneficiary Owner qualifies for and the amount of tax that was withheld initially shall be refunded. If, however, the National Tax Service of Korea has granted prior approval upon application for an exemption or reduction of tax pursuant to a relevant tax treaty, such withholding requirement will not apply.
You should inquire for yourself whether you are entitled to the benefit of an income tax treaty with Korea. It is the responsibility of the party claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty in respect of dividend payments or capital gains to submit to us, the purchaser or the securities company, as applicable, a certificate as to its tax residence. In the absence of sufficient proof, we, the purchaser or the securities company, as applicable, must withhold tax at the normal rates. Furthermore, in order for you to claim the benefit of a tax rate reduction or tax exemption on certain Korean source income (e.g., dividends or capital gains) under an applicable tax treaty as the beneficial owner of such Korean source income, Korean tax law requires you (or your agent) to submit an application (in the case for reduced withholding tax rate, an
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"application for entitlement to reduced tax rate", and in the case for exemption from withholding tax, an "application for tax exemption") with a certificate of your tax residency issued by the competent authority of your country of tax residence, subject to certain exceptions (together, the "BO application"). For example, a U.S. resident would be required to provide a Form 6166 as a certificate of tax residency with the application for entitlement to reduced tax rate or the application for tax exemption, as the case may be. Subject to certain exceptions, where the relevant income is paid to an overseas investment vehicle that is not the beneficial owner of such income (an "OIV"), a beneficial owner claiming the benefit of an applicable tax treaty with respect to such income must submit its BO application to such OIV, which in turn must submit an OIV report and a schedule of beneficial owners to the withholding agent prior to the payment date of such income. In the case of a tax exemption application, the withholding agent is required to submit such application (together with the applicable OIV report in the event the income will be paid to an OIV) to the relevant district tax office by the ninth day of the month following the date of the payment of such income.
Inheritance tax and gift tax
Korean inheritance tax is imposed upon (i) all assets (wherever located) of the deceased if he or she was domiciled in Korea at the time of his or her death and (ii) all property located in Korea which passes on death (irrespective of the domicile of the deceased). Gift tax is imposed in similar circumstances to the above (based on the donee's place of domicile in the case of (i) above). The taxes are imposed if the value of the relevant property is above a limit and vary from 10% to 50% at sliding scale rate according to the value of the relevant property and the identity of the parties involved.
Under the Korean inheritance and gift tax laws, shares issued by Korean corporations are deemed located in Korea irrespective of where the share certificates are physically located or by whom they are owned. If the tax authority's interpretation of treating depositary receipts as the underlying share certificates under the 2004 tax ruling applies in the context of inheritance and gift taxes as well, you may be treated as the owner of the common shares underlying the ADSs.
At present, Korea has not entered into any tax treaty relating to inheritance or gift taxes.
Securities transaction tax
The Securities Transaction Tax Act provides that a securities transaction tax shall be imposed on the transfer of share certificates or shares. The scope of taxable share certificates includes, with respect to share certificates transferred on or after January 1, 2011, rights arising from the acquisition of shares, shares prior to the issuance of share certificates, preemptive rights and subscription securities issued by corporations established under special laws (e.g., Agricultural Cooperatives Act) and depositary receipts (issued by depository of equity securities in a country other than the country of issuance, which describes the rights related to the relevant deposited securities) pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. However, with respect to the transfer of share certificates listed in overseas securities markets that are similar to the Korean securities market, such as the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market, or the transfer of share certificates to an underwriter in order to list such share certificates on foreign stock exchanges, such transfer is not subject to the securities transaction tax. The said Act provides that the types of share certificates that are subject to the securities transaction tax is a share certificate issued by a domestic corporation established according to the Commercial Act or a special act, or the share certificate or depositary receipts which are issued by a non-Korean corporation that are listed or registered in the securities market. Therefore, if you transfer common shares in a Korean corporation and the common shares are not listed in the securities market overseas, you will be subject to a securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.5%.
In principle, the securities transaction tax, if applicable, must be paid by the transferor of the shares or the rights to subscribe for such shares. When the transfer is effected through a securities settlement company, such settlement company is generally required to withhold and pay the tax to the tax authorities. When such transfer is made through a securities company only, such securities company is required to withhold and pay the tax. Where the transfer is effected by a non-resident without a permanent establishment in Korea, other than through a securities settlement company or a securities company, the transferee is required to withhold and pay the securities transaction tax.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of our ADSs and common shares as of the date hereof. The discussion set forth below is applicable to U.S. Holders (as defined below) (i) who are residents of the United States for purposes of the current Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, as amended (the "Tax Convention"), (ii) whose ADSs or common shares are not, for purposes of the Tax Convention, attributable to a permanent establishment in Korea and (iii) who otherwise qualify for the full benefits of the Tax Convention. Except where noted, it deals only with our ADSs and common shares held as capital assets and does not deal with special situations, such as those of:
This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative and judicial interpretations thereof and the Tax Convention, all as in effect and available on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or to different interpretation. This discussion is for general information only and does not address all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to specific U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances or to U.S. Holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law. This discussion does not address any U.S. state or local or non-U.S. tax considerations or any U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations. The discussion below is based, in part, upon representations made by the depositary to us and assumes that the deposit agreement, and all related agreements, will be performed in accordance with their terms.
Persons considering the purchase, ownership or disposition of our ADSs or common shares should consult their own tax advisor concerning U.S. federal income tax consequences in light of their particular situation as well as any other tax consequences arising under the laws of any taxing jurisdiction. In particular, we believe that we were a PFIC during our 2008 through 2014 taxable years, and we expect that we will continue to be a PFIC during our 2015 taxable year. The U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to PFICs could have adverse consequences for U.S. Holders. See discussion under ITEM 10.E. "TAXATIONMATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONSPFICs."
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As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial holder of our ADSs or common shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
If a partnership holds our ADSs or common shares, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status and the activities of the partner and the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our ADSs or common shares, you should consult your tax advisor.
American Depositary Shares
If you hold our ADSs, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying common shares that are represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, upon the exchange of ADSs for a U.S. Holder's proportionate interest in our common shares represented by such ADSs, (i) no gain or loss will be recognized to such U.S. Holder, (ii) such U.S. Holder's tax basis in such common shares will be the same as its tax basis in such ADSs, and (iii) the holding period in such common shares will include the holding period in such ADSs.
PFICs
In general, we will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year in which:
For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents (other than rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and not derived from a related person). If we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our proportionate share of the other corporation's assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other corporation's income.
The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually at the end of each taxable year and is dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are uncertain or beyond our control, including the value of our assets, ADSs and common shares and the amount and type of our income. In light of the nature of our business activities and our holding of a significant amount of cash, short-term investments and other passive assets we believe that we were a PFIC during our 2008 through 2014 taxable years, and we expect that we will continue to be a PFIC during our 2015 taxable year. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or common shares, you could be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences as discussed below. Once we are a PFIC for any portion of the period that you hold our ADSs or common shares, all of our subsequent distributions, and any subsequent dispositions by you of such ADSs or common shares, will be subject to the special tax rules discussed below, even after we cease to be a PFIC.
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The PFIC rules described below could be avoided if an election to treat us as a "qualified electing fund" under section 1295 of the Code were available. This option will not be available to you because we do not intend to comply with the requirements necessary to permit you to make this election.
You are urged to consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding our ADSs or common shares if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year.
Taxation of dividends
For tax purposes, the amount of any dividend paid in Won will equal the United States dollar value of the Won received calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by you, in the case of our common shares, or by the depositary, in the case of our ADSs, regardless of whether the Won are converted into United States dollars. If the Won received as a dividend are not converted into United States dollars on the date of receipt, you will have a basis in the Won equal to their United States dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Won generally will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
Subject to the application of the special PFIC rules discussed below, the gross amount of distributions on our ADSs or common shares (including amounts withheld to reflect Korean withholding taxes) will be taxable as dividends, to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Such income (including withheld taxes) will be includable in your gross income as ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by you, in the case of our common shares, or by the depositary, in the case of our ADSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code. With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, certain dividends received from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation (other than a PFIC) that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the U.S. Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and which includes an exchange of information provision. The U.S. Treasury Department has determined that the current Tax Convention meets these requirements. A foreign corporation (other than a PFIC) is also treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid by that corporation on shares (or ADSs backed by such shares) that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Our common shares generally will not be considered readily tradable for these purposes. Under the U.S. Treasury Department guidance our ADSs, which are currently listed on NASDAQ, will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. There can be no assurance that our ADSs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. Non-corporate holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as "investment income" pursuant to section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met.
Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Korean withholding taxes on dividends may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Instead of claiming a credit, you may, at your election, deduct such otherwise creditable Korean taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid on our ADSs or common shares generally will be treated as income from sources outside the United States and generally will constitute "passive category income." Further, in certain circumstances, if you:
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you will not be allowed a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on dividends paid on our ADSs or common shares. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.
To the extent that the gross amount of any distribution on our ADSs or common shares exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits and subject to the special PFIC rules discussed below, the excess (including the amount of any Korean taxes withheld from the excess) will first be treated as a non-taxable return of (and will reduce, but not below zero) your tax basis in the ADSs or common shares to the extent thereof. Any remaining portion of the distribution will be treated as capital gain (which will be either long-term or short-term capital gain depending upon whether you have held the ADSs or common shares for more than one year). Consequently, such distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits generally would not give rise to foreign source income and you would not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean withholding tax imposed on such distribution unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. federal income tax due on other foreign source income in the appropriate category for foreign tax credit purposes. However, we do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles and, therefore, U.S. Holders should expect that the entire amount of any distribution generally will be reported as dividend income. Further, distributions of our ADSs, common shares or preemptive rights to subscribe for our common shares that are received as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our common shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Consequently such distributions will not give rise to foreign source income, and you will not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean withholding tax imposed on such distributions unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. federal income tax due on other income derived from foreign sources.
If you hold our ADSs or common shares while we are a PFIC
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or common shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any "excess distribution" received with respect to our ADSs or common shares unless you make the mark-to-market election described below. Distributions received in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for our ADSs or common shares will be treated as excess distributions. Under these special tax rules:
In addition, if we are a PFIC in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year, non-corporate U.S. Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from us.
There is a special set of foreign tax credit rules that apply to taxation under the excess distribution regime. These rules are complex and you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding their application. In certain circumstances, in lieu of being subject to the excess distribution rules discussed above, a shareholder may make an election to include gain on the stock of a PFIC as ordinary income under a mark-to-market method provided that such stock is regularly traded on a qualified exchange. Very generally, a class of stock is considered regularly traded for any calendar year during which such class of stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. Under current law, the mark-to-market election may be available for holders of our ADSs because our ADSs are listed on NASDAQ which constitutes a qualified exchange as designated in the Code, although
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there can be no assurance that our ADSs will be "regularly traded" for purposes of the mark-to-market election. Our common shares are not expected to be listed on a qualified exchange. Accordingly, the mark-to-market election may not be available for holders of our common shares. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the mark-to-market election will be available for holders of our ADSs and will not be available for holders of our common shares.
If you make an effective mark-to-market election, you will be required to include in each year as ordinary income an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of our ADSs at the end of the year over your adjusted tax basis in our ADSs. You will be entitled to deduct, as an ordinary loss each year an amount equal to the excess of your adjusted tax basis in our ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. Your adjusted tax basis in our ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. If you make a mark-to-market election it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless our ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. You are urged to consult your tax advisor about the availability and consequences of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would be advisable in your particular circumstances.
Taxation of gains from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of our ADSs or common shares
Subject to the application of the special PFIC rules discussed below, you generally will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the sale, exchange, or other disposition of our ADSs or common shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition (without reduction for any Korean or other non-U.S. tax withheld from such disposition) and your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs or common shares. Your adjusted tax basis in an ADS or common share generally will be its United States dollar cost. The United States dollar cost of a common share purchased with foreign currency generally will be the United States dollar value of the purchase price paid on the date of the purchase or, if the common shares are traded on an established securities market and the investor is a cash-basis or electing accrual basis taxpayer, the settlement date. Subject to the application of the special PFIC rules discussed below, such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain (taxable at a reduced rate for non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals) or loss if, on the date of sale, exchange, or other disposition, you have held the ADSs or common shares for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Capital gain or loss from the sale, exchange, or other disposition will generally be sourced within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Any such loss, however, could be resourced to the extent of dividends treated as received with respect to such ADSs or common shares within the preceding 24-month period. Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Korean tax imposed on the sale, exchange, other disposition of an ADS or common share unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. Any Korean securities transaction tax imposed on the sale or other disposition of our common shares or ADSs or common shares will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although you may be entitled to deduct such tax, subject to applicable limitations under the Code.
Under the Tax Convention, a U.S. resident is generally exempt from Korean taxation on gains from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ADSs or common shares, subject to certain exceptions. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding possible application of the Tax Convention.
Medicare Tax
Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates, and trusts must pay a 3.8% tax (the "Medicare Tax") on the lesser of the U.S. person's (1) "net investment income" or "undistributed net investment income" in the case of an estate or trust and (2) the excess of modified adjusted gross income over a certain specified threshold for the taxable year. "Net investment income" generally includes income from
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interest, dividends, and net gains from the disposition of property (such as the securities) unless such income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that is a passive activity with respect to the taxpayer or a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities). Net investment income may be reduced by allowable deductions properly allocable to such gross income or net gain. Dividends on, and gains from the sale or other taxable disposition of, our ADSs or common shares generally will be taken into account for purposes of determining your net investment income. Additionally, if we are treated as a PFIC, under recently proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, if you include gains and losses in income under the mark-to-market election described above in "ITEM 10.E. TAXATIONMATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONSTaxation of dividendsif you hold our ADSs or common shares while we are a PFIC," such gains and losses will be taken into account as gains and losses from the sale or other taxable disposition of our ADSs for purposes of determining your net investment income. If you are an individual, estate, or trust, you are urged to consult with your tax advisor regarding application of the Medicare Tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the securities.
Information Reporting Regarding PFICs and Specified Foreign Financial Assets
If we are a PFIC, unless an exception applies, a U.S. Holder would be required to file IRS Form 8621 for each year in which the U.S. Holder owns our ADSs or common shares, including any taxable year in which the U.S. Holder (i) recognizes gain on the direct or indirect disposition of our ADSs or common shares, (ii) receives certain direct or indirect distributions from us, or (iii) makes any of certain reportable elections (including a mark-to-market election). This requirement is in addition to other reporting requirements applicable to ownership in a PFIC. In the event a U.S. Holder does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such U.S. Holder for the related tax year may not close before the date which is three years after the date such form is filed.
Owners of "specified foreign financial assets" with an aggregate value in excess of US$50,000 (and in some cases, a higher threshold) may be required to file an information report with the IRS (on IRS Form 8938) with respect to such assets with their tax returns. "Specified foreign financial assets" include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following, but only if they are held for investment and not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities issued by non-U.S. persons, (ii) financial instruments and contracts that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties and (iii) interests in foreign entities. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this disclosure requirement to their ownership of our stock.
If you are a U.S. Holder, you are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding the application of the PFIC and specified foreign financial assets information reporting requirements and related statute of limitations tolling provisions with respect to the ADSs or our common shares.
Reportable transactions
Under U.S. Treasury regulations, U.S. Holders that participate in "reportable transactions" (as defined in the regulations) must attach to their federal income tax returns a disclosure statement on Form 8886. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the possible obligation to file Form 8886 with respect to the sale, exchange or other disposition of any Won received as a dividend from our ADSs or common shares, or as proceeds from the sale of our ADSs or common shares.
Information reporting and backup withholding
In general, information reporting will apply to dividends (including distributions of interest on shareholders' equity) in respect of our ADSs or common shares and the proceeds from the sale, exchange, or redemption of our ADSs or common shares that are paid to you within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the United States), unless you are an exempt recipient, such as a corporation. A backup withholding tax may apply to such payments if you fail to provide a taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status, or fail to report in full dividend and interest income. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
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ITEM 10.F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 10.G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 10.H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
We have filed this annual report on Form 20-F, including exhibits, with the SEC. As allowed by the SEC, in ITEM 19 of this annual report, we incorporate by reference certain information we filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this annual report. You may inspect and copy this annual report, including exhibits, and documents that are incorporated by reference in this annual report at the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Any filings we make electronically will be available to the public over the Internet at the Web site of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
ITEM 10.I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In the normal course of our business, we are subject to market risk associated with currency movements on non-Won denominated assets and liabilities and license and royalty revenues and interest rate movements.
Foreign currency risk
We conduct our business primarily in Won, which is also our functional and reporting currency. However, we have exposure to some foreign currency exchange-rate fluctuations on cash flows from our overseas licensees. The primary foreign currencies to which we are exposed are the Japanese Yen and the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in these exchange rates may affect our revenues from license fees and royalties and result in exchange losses and increased costs in Won terms.
As of December 31, 2014, we had Japanese Yen denominated accounts receivable of Won 1,325 million, which represented 25.0% of our total consolidated accounts receivable balance, and U.S. dollar denominated accounts receivable of Won 955 million, which represented 18.0% of our total consolidated accounts receivable balance. We also had Japanese Yen denominated accounts payable of Won 52 million, which represented 1.9% of our total consolidated accounts payable balance, and U.S. dollar denominated accounts payable of Won 279 million, which represented 10.2% of our total consolidated accounts payable balance. As these balances all have short maturities, exposure to foreign currency fluctuations on these balances is not significant. For example, a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the Won against the Japanese Yen and the U.S. dollar, in the aggregate, would reduce our cash flows by Won 195 million.
In 2014, Won 20,420 million of our revenue was derived from currencies other than the Won: primarily the Japanese Yen, Won 8,511 million; the U.S. dollar, Won 5,038 million; the NT dollar, Won 2,315 million; and the Thai Baht, Won 1,283 million. A hypothetical 10% depreciation in the exchange rates of these foreign currencies against the Won in 2014 would have reduced our revenue by Won 1,715 million.
As of March 31, 2015, we had no foreign currency forward contract outstanding. We may in the future enter into hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risks, but we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may
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be magnified by Korean exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert the Won into U.S. dollar, Japanese Yen or Euro under certain emergency circumstances.
Interest rate risk
Our exposure to risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investments in short-term financial instruments and other investments. Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry some interest rate risk. The fair value of fixed rate securities may fall due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates fall. We do not believe that we are subject to any material market risk exposure on our short-term financial instruments, as they are readily convertible to cash and have short maturities.
Credit risk
As our cash and cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments are placed with several local financial institutions, of which approximately 29% and 28% are held at two different financial institutions, we face a potential credit risk that the financial institutions may become insolvent and be unable to repay our principal and interest in a timely manner. While the management believes such financial institutions are of a high credit quality, it is difficult for us to predict the financial condition of the Korean banking sector and the financial institutions that manage our cash holdings. We may be materially and adversely affected by any widespread failure in the Korean banking sector caused by any economic downturn or volatile financial markets in the future.
The above discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity analyses referred to above include "forward-looking statements," which assume for analytical purposes that certain market conditions may occur. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements should not be considered projections by us of future events or losses.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 12.B. WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
ITEM 12.D. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Fees and Charges Our ADS holders May Have to Pay
The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of our ADS program, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay: | For: | |
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$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs) | Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property |
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Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates |
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$.02 (or less) per ADS | Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders |
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A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs | Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders |
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$.02 (or less) per ADS per calendar year | Depositary services |
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Registration or transfer fees | Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares |
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Expenses of the depositary | Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement) |
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Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars |
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Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, including without limitation stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes | As necessary |
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Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities | As necessary |
Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses they incur that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADS program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. In certain instances, the depositary has agreed to provide additional payments to the Company based on any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse the Company, but the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors.
From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, the depositary waived fees for the standard costs associated with the administration of the ADR estimated to total US$45,996.16.
From January 1, 2015 to the date of this Annual Report, the Company received no reimbursement from the depositary.
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ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2014. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014 were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Our management has evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based upon criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.
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Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting, as we are a non-accelerated filer exempted from section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In 2014, we implemented an enhanced revenue recognition procedure for our subsidiaries, which was to help define a more detailed process for recognizing deferred revenues generated from sales of in-game items.
Other than as stated above, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16.A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Jong Gyu Hwang, our outside director, is an "audit committee financial expert," as such term is defined by the regulations of the SEC issued pursuant to Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Mr. Hwang is an independent director as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act for purposes of the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market that are applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we previously adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and all other directors and executive officers. We have adopted an amended Code of Ethics, applicable to all our directors and officers and employees, which was filed as Exhibit 11.1 to our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2005. The amendment was made to more clearly set forth the principles underlying the Code of Ethics in order to assist our directors, officers and employees in connection with their adherence to the guidelines for ethical behavior described in the Code of Ethics.
ITEM 16.C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed for Deloitte Anjin LLC, or Deloitte, the Korean member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and our principal accountant for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, depending on the various types of services and a brief description of the nature of such services.
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Year Ended December 31, |
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Type of Service
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2013 | 2014 | Nature of Services | |||||
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(In millions of Won) |
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Audit Fees |
290 | 440 | Audit service for the Company | |||||
Audit-Related Fees |
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Tax Fees |
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All Other Fees |
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| | | | | | | | |
Total |
290 | 440 | ||||||
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| | | | | | | | |
ITEM 16.D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16.E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
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ITEM 16.F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16.G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
See ITEM 6.C. "BOARD PRACTICES."
ITEM 16.H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
We have responded to ITEM 18 in lieu of responding to this item.
Reference is made to ITEM 19 "EXHIBITS" for a list of all financial statements and related notes filed as part of this annual report.
(a) Financial Statements filed as part of this annual report
The following financial statements and related notes, together with the reports of an independent registered public accounting firm thereon, are filed as part of this annual report:
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Page | |
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Index to Financial Statements |
F-1 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 |
F-2 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 |
F-3 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 |
F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 |
F-5 | |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 |
F-6 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 |
F-7 | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-8 |
(b) Exhibits filed as part of this annual report
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
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1.1 | Articles of Incorporation, amended as of March 27, 2012 (English translation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012) | ||
2.1 |
Form of Stock Certificate of Registrant's common stock, par value Won 500 per share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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Exhibit No. | Description | ||
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2.2 | Form of Deposit Agreement among Registrant, The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly known as The Bank of New York, as depositary, and all holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American depositary receipt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of our Registration Statement on Form F-6 (file no. 333-122160) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) | ||
4.1 |
Agreement on the Development of Ragnarok Online, dated June 26, 2000, between Myoung-Jin Lee and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.2 |
Agreement on the Exclusive License of Copyright Regarding Ragnarok Game Services, dated June 26, 2000, between Myoung-Jin Lee and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.3 |
Cooperation Agreement on Ragnarok Game Services, dated May 31, 2002, between Myoung-Jin Lee and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.4 |
Agreement on Factual Matters, dated November 19, 2002, between Myoung-Jin Lee and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.5 |
Agreement on Ragnarok Game Services and Related Matters, dated January 22, 2003, between Myoung-Jin Lee and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.6 |
Agreement, dated June 3, 2003, between Myoung-Jin Lee and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.7 |
Agreement, dated October 27, 2004, between Myoung-Jin Lee and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333- 122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.8 |
Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement, dated July 24, 2002, between GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. (formerly OnSale Japan K.K.) (licensee in Japan) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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4.9 |
Amendment to Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement, dated September 23, 2004, between GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. (licensee in Japan) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) |
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Exhibit No. | Description | ||
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4.10 | Joint Project Agreement for TV Animation "Ragnarok the Animation," dated October 1, 2004, among Gravity Entertainment Corporation, formerly RO Production Ltd., GDH Co., Ltd., TV Tokyo Medianet Co., Ltd., Amuse Soft Entertainment Co., Ltd. and G&G Entertainment Inc (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-122159) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005) | ||
4.11 |
2nd Renewal of Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement dated September 29, 2006 between GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. (licensee in Japan) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.45 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2007) |
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4.12 |
Exclusive Ragnarok Online 2 License and Distribution Agreement dated October 15, 2007, between PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna (licensee in Indonesia) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.51 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2008) |
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4.13 |
Second Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2008, between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.55 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2008) |
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4.14 |
Exclusive Ragnarok Online 2 Authorization to Use and Distribute Software Agreement dated January 21, 2008, between Level Up! Interactive S.A. (licensee in Brazil) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.56 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2008) |
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4.15 |
Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated February 21, 2008, between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.59 of our annual report on Form 20- F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2008) |
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4.16 |
Exclusive Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement dated September 1, 2008, between Level Up! Inc. (licensee in the Philippines) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.68 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2009) |
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4.17 |
Third Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2009, between Gravity Interactive, Inc., and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.70 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2009) |
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4.18 |
Exclusive Ragnarok Authorization and Distribution Agreement dated March 2, 2009, between Level Up! Interactive S.A. (licensee in Brazil) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.73 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2009) |
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4.19 |
Form of Employment Agreement with Director and Senior Management (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.75 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2009) |
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4.20 |
Fourth Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated September 1, 2009 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.76 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) |
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Exhibit No. | Description | ||
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4.21 | Amendment to the 2nd Renewal of Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement dated September 29, 2009 between GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. (licensee in Japan) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.77 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) | ||
4.22 |
Fifth Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated October 1, 2009 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.78 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) |
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4.23 |
Ragnarok Online Exclusive Game License Agreement dated October 22, 2009 between Game Flier International Corporation (licensee in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.80 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) |
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4.24 |
First Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated December 1, 2009 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.81 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) |
||
4.25 |
Ragnarok Online Game License Agreement dated February 27, 2010 between PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna (licensee in Indonesia) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.85 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) |
||
4.26 |
Second Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated March 1, 2010 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.86 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) |
||
4.27 |
Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated March 5, 2010 between AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd., (licensee in Thailand) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.88 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2010) |
||
4.28 |
First Amendment to Exclusive Ragnarok Online 2 Authorization to Use and Distribute Software Agreement dated June 2, 2010 between Level Up! Interactive S.A. (licensee in Brazil) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.89 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2011) |
||
4.29 |
First Amendment to Exclusive Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement dated August 31, 2010 between Level Up! Inc. (licensee in the Philippines) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.90 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2011) |
||
4.30 |
Sixth Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2011 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.93 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2011) |
||
4.31 |
First Amendment to Exclusive Ragnarok Authorization and Distribution Agreement dated January 17, 2011 between Level Up! Interactive S.A. (licensee in Brazil) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.94 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2011) |
125
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
4.32 | Third Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated June 16, 2011 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.95 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012) | ||
4.33 |
Fourth Amendment to Ragnarok Online Exclusive Game License Agreement dated October 22, 2011 between Game Flier International Corporation (licensee in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.97 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012) |
||
4.34 |
Fourth Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated October 26, 2011 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.98 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012) |
||
4.35 |
Second Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated March 5, 2012 between AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd. (licensee in Thailand) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.99 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012) |
||
4.36 |
Fifth Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated August 1, 2012 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.43 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) |
||
4.37 |
7th Amendment to the 2nd Renewal of Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement dated September 29, 2012 between GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. (licensee in Japan) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.44 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) |
||
4.38 |
Third Amendment to Exclusive Ragnarok Authorization and Distribution Agreement dated October 29, 2012 between Level Up! Interactive S.A. (licensee in Brazil) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.45 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) |
||
4.39 |
Exclusive Ragnarok License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2013 between Level Up! Inc. (licensee in the Philippines) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.46 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) |
||
4.40 |
Seventh Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2013 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.47 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) |
||
4.41 |
Lease Agreement dated January 3, 2013, between National IT Industry Promotion Agency and Registrant (translation in English, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) |
126
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
4.42 | Second Amendment to the Ragnarok Online Game License Agreement dated February 27, 2013 between PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna (licensee in Indonesia) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.49 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) | ||
4.43 |
Third Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated March 5, 2013 between AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd. (licensee in Thailand) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.50 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013) |
||
4.44 |
Amendment to Lease Agreement dated May 1, 2013 between National IT Industry Promotion Agency and Registrant (translation in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.44 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014) |
||
4.45 |
Sixth Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated May 7, 2013 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.45 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014) |
||
4.46 |
Fifth Amendment to Ragnarok Online Exclusive Game License Agreement dated October 22, 2013 between Game Flier International Corporation (licensee in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.46 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014) |
||
4.47 |
Eighth Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated October 24, 2013 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.47 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014) |
||
4.48 |
Seventh Amendment to the Exclusive Requiem Online License and Distribution Agreement dated December 1, 2013 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014) |
||
4.49 |
First Amendment to the Exclusive Ragnarok Online 2 License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2014 between PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna (licensee in Indonesia) and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.49 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014) |
||
4.50 |
Fourth Amendment to Exclusive Ragnarok Authorization and Distribution Agreement dated March 2, 2014 between Level Up! Interactive S.A. (licensee in Brazil) and Registrant(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.50 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014) |
||
4.51* |
Lease Agreement dated December 31, 2014 between National IT Industry Promotion Agency and Registrant |
||
4.52* |
Ninth Amendment to The Exclusive Ragnarok Online License and Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2015 between Gravity Interactive, Inc. and Registrant |
||
4.53* |
Ragnarok Online 2 Online Game License Agreement dated January 15, 2015, between Shanghai The Dream Network Technology Co., Ltd. (licensee in China) and Registrant |
127
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
4.54* | Third Amendment to the Ragnarok Online Game License Agreement dated February 27, 2015 between PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna (licensee in Indonesia) and Registrant | ||
8.1* |
List of Registrant's subsidiaries |
||
11.1 |
Registrant's Code of Ethics (amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51138) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006) |
||
12.1* |
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
||
12.2* |
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
||
13.1* |
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
||
13.2* |
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
||
101.INS* |
XBRL Instance Document |
||
101.SCH* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
||
101.CAL* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
||
101.DEF* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
||
101.LAB* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
||
101.PRE* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
128
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
GRAVITY CO., LTD. | ||||
By: |
/s/ HEUNG GON KIM Name: Heung Gon Kim Title: Chief Financial Officer |
Date:
April 27, 2015
129
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and the Shareholders of
Gravity Co., Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gravity Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such 2013 and 2014 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gravity Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our audits also comprehended the translation of the Korean won amounts into United States dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers of the financial statements.
/s/ DELOITTE ANJIN LLC Deloitte Anjin LLC |
Seoul,
KOREA
April 24, 2015
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and the Shareholders of
Gravity Co., Ltd.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of comprehensive loss, of changes in equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the results of Gravity Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries ("the Company") operations and their cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ SAMIL PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers |
Seoul,
KOREA
April 26, 2013
F-3
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2013 and 2014
|
2013 | 2014 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(Note 3) |
|||||||
|
(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of US dollars except share and per share data) |
|||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
31,222 | 28,382 | $ | 26,017 | ||||||
Short-term financial instruments |
18,000 | 14,500 | 13,292 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net (including related party balances of |
5,333 | 5,159 | 4,729 | |||||||
Current portion of deferred income tax assets |
1,433 | | | |||||||
Prepaid expenses |
619 | 954 | 875 | |||||||
Other current assets (including related party balances of |
2,044 | 1,697 | 1,555 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
58,651 | 50,692 | 46,468 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net |
2,315 | 1,213 | 1,112 | |||||||
Leasehold and other deposits |
5,569 | 937 | 859 | |||||||
Capitalized software development cost |
12,543 | 8,553 | 7,840 | |||||||
Other intangible assets |
166 | 210 | 193 | |||||||
Goodwill |
1,210 | 1,210 | 1,109 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets |
7,173 | | | |||||||
Other non-current assets |
138 | 281 | 258 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
87,765 | 63,096 | $ | 57,839 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||
Accounts payable (including related party balances of |
4,374 | 2,713 | $ | 2,487 | ||||||
Deferred revenue (including related party balances of |
5,782 | 5,727 | 5,250 | |||||||
Accrued expense (including related party balances of nil and |
573 | 787 | 721 | |||||||
Other current liabilities |
671 | 424 | 389 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
11,400 | 9,651 | 8,847 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term deferred revenue (including related party balances of |
6,875 | 5,268 | 4,829 | |||||||
Accrued severance benefits |
263 | 103 | 94 | |||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
227 | 226 | 208 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
18,765 | 15,248 | 13,978 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 11) |
||||||||||
Parent Company Shareholders' equity: |
||||||||||
Preferred shares, |
| | | |||||||
Common shares, |
3,474 | 3,474 | 3,185 | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
75,076 | 75,076 | 68,822 | |||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(10,889 | ) | (31,796 | ) | (29,148 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
1,674 | 1,521 | 1,394 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total parent company shareholders' equity |
69,335 | 48,275 | 44,253 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Non-controlling interest |
(335 | ) | (427 | ) | (392 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity |
69,000 | 47,848 | 43,861 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and equity |
87,765 | 63,096 | $ | 57,839 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
(Note 3) |
|||||||||
|
(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of US dollars except per share data) |
||||||||||||
Revenue |
|||||||||||||
Online gamessubscription revenue |
10,150 | 8,206 | 7,962 | $ | 7,299 | ||||||||
Online gamesroyalties and license fees (including related party revenue of |
32,325 | 21,726 | 13,093 | 12,002 | |||||||||
Mobile games and applications (including related party revenue of |
8,262 | 14,504 | 15,055 | 13,801 | |||||||||
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue (including related party revenue of |
7,044 | 3,249 | 3,779 | 3,464 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net revenue |
57,781 | 47,685 | 39,889 | 36,566 | |||||||||
Cost of revenue (including related party cost of |
34,906 | 35,399 | 34,188 | 31,340 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
22,875 | 12,286 | 5,701 | 5,226 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses (including related party expenses of |
20,310 | 17,063 | 12,682 | 11,626 | |||||||||
Research and development (including related party expenses of |
7,018 | 6,131 | 4,847 | 4,443 | |||||||||
Impairment loss on intangible assets |
14,569 | 5,822 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Gain on disposal of equity method investments |
(528 | ) | | | | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss |
(18,494 | ) | (16,730 | ) | (11,829 | ) | (10,844 | ) | |||||
Other income (expenses) |
|||||||||||||
Interest income |
1,763 | 1,334 | 1,137 | 1,042 | |||||||||
Interest expense |
(55 | ) | (41 | ) | (11 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||
Foreign currency loss, net |
(902 | ) | (413 | ) | (152 | ) | (139 | ) | |||||
Others, net |
65 | 1,225 | 3 | 2 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income tax expense and equity loss on investments |
(17,623 | ) | (14,625 | ) | (10,852 | ) | (9,949 | ) | |||||
Income tax expenses |
2,584 | 5,108 | 10,147 | 9,302 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before equity loss on investments |
(20,207 | ) | (19,733 | ) | (20,999 | ) | (19,251 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity loss on investments, net |
(333 | ) | (18 | ) | | | |||||||
Net loss |
(20,540 | ) | (19,751 | ) | (20,999 | ) | (19,251 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to: |
|||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
(8,316 | ) | (1,163 | ) | (92 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Parent company |
(12,224 | ) | (18,588 | ) | (20,907 | ) | $ | (19,167 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Losses per sharebasic and diluted: |
(1,759 | ) | (2,675 | ) | (3,009 | ) | $ | (2.76 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding |
|||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
|||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") |
|||||||||||||
Foreign CTA loss |
(39 | ) | (102 | ) | (156 | ) | (143 | ) | |||||
Reclassification adjustment for CTA |
(2 | ) | (1,225 | ) | 3 | 2 | |||||||
Net foreign CTA loss |
(41 | ) | (1,327 | ) | (153 | ) | (141 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss |
(20,581 | ) | (21,078 | ) | (21,152 | ) | (19,392 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive loss attributable to: |
|||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
(8,316 | ) | (1,163 | ) | (92 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Parent company |
(12,265 | ) | (19,915 | ) | (21,060 | ) | $ | (19,308 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014
|
No. of Common Shares |
Common Shares |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings (Accumulated deficit) |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |
Total | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won, except number of shares) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
6,948,900 | 3,474 | 75,395 | 19,923 | 3,042 | 8,825 | 110,659 | |||||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax |
| | | | (41 | ) | | (41 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (12,224 | ) | | (8,316 | ) | (20,540 | ) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
6,948,900 | 3,474 | 75,395 | 7,699 | 3,001 | 509 | 90,078 | |||||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax |
| | | | (1,327 | ) | | (1,327 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (18,588 | ) | | (1,163 | ) | (19,751 | ) | ||||||||||||
Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries |
| | (319 | ) | | | 319 | | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
6,948,900 | 3,474 | 75,076 | (10,889 | ) | 1,674 | (335 | ) | 69,000 | |||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax |
| | | | (153 | ) | | (153 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (20,907 | ) | | (92 | ) | (20,999 | ) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2014 |
6,948,900 | 3,474 | 75,076 | (31,796 | ) | 1,521 | (427 | ) | 47,848 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
(Note 3) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(In thousands of US dollars, except number of shares) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
6,948,900 | $ | 3,185 | $ | 68,822 | $ | (9,981 | ) | $ | 1,535 | $ | (308 | ) | $ | 63,253 | |||||||
Comprehensive loss |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax |
| | | | (141 | ) | | (141 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | (19,167 | ) | | (84 | ) | (19,251 | ) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2014 |
6,948,900 | $ | 3,185 | $ | 68,822 | $ | (29,148 | ) | $ | 1,394 | $ | (392 | ) | $ | 43,861 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
(Note 3) |
|||||||||
|
(In millions of Korean Won and in thousands of US dollars) |
||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|||||||||||||
Net loss |
(20,540 | ) | (19,751 | ) | (20,999 | ) | $ | (19,251 | ) | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities |
|||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,339 | 7,832 | 5,617 | 5,149 | |||||||||
Allowance for accounts receivable and other receivables |
213 | 28 | 98 | 90 | |||||||||
Impairment loss on intangible assets |
14,569 | 5,822 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Impairment losses on property plant & equipment |
| | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
Provision (reversal) for accrued severance benefits |
96 | 67 | (60 | ) | (55 | ) | |||||||
Equity loss on investments, net |
333 | 18 | | | |||||||||
Gain on disposition of intangible assets |
| (100 | ) | | | ||||||||
Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions |
93 | 68 | (75 | ) | (69 | ) | |||||||
Loss (gain) on disposition of property and equipment |
(7 | ) | 23 | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||
Gain on disposal of equity method investment |
(528 | ) | | | | ||||||||
Others |
7 | (1,122 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(1,611 | ) | 1,660 | 265 | 243 | ||||||||
Other assets |
76 | 834 | 4,026 | 3,691 | |||||||||
Accounts payable |
(795 | ) | (636 | ) | (1,702 | ) | (1,560 | ) | |||||
Accrued expenses |
179 | (344 | ) | 208 | 191 | ||||||||
Deferred revenue |
45 | 517 | (1,719 | ) | (1,576 | ) | |||||||
Income tax payable |
(67 | ) | (102 | ) | (34 | ) | (31 | ) | |||||
Deferred income taxes |
(1,025 | ) | 2,474 | 8,673 | 7,950 | ||||||||
Payment of severance benefits |
(190 | ) | (444 | ) | (100 | ) | (92 | ) | |||||
Other liabilities |
87 | (88 | ) | (342 | ) | (313 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in operating activities |
(726 | ) | (3,244 | ) | (6,147 | ) | $ | (5,636 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities |
|||||||||||||
Decrease in short-term financial instruments |
30,000 | 39,500 | 45,005 | $ | 41,255 | ||||||||
Increase in short-term financial instruments |
(32,500 | ) | (40,000 | ) | (41,500 | ) | (38,042 | ) | |||||
Decrease in short-term loans receivables |
176 | 71 | 36 | 33 | |||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of equity method investments |
913 | 579 | | | |||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(1,473 | ) | (620 | ) | (342 | ) | (314 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment |
8 | 17 | 15 | 14 | |||||||||
Increase in capitalized software development costs |
(2,842 | ) | (946 | ) | | | |||||||
Reduction in cash balances upon deconsolidation of subsidiaries |
(23 | ) | | | | ||||||||
Decrease in leasehold deposits |
139 | 82 | 330 | 303 | |||||||||
Disposal of other non-current assets |
237 | 23 | | | |||||||||
Others, net |
173 | 60 | (61 | ) | (56 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(5,192 | ) | (1,234 | ) | 3,483 | 3,193 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings |
353 | | | | |||||||||
Repayment of borrowings |
(228 | ) | (619 | ) | (144 | ) | (132 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
125 | (619 | ) | (144 | ) | (132 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(182 | ) | (136 | ) | (32 | ) | (29 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(5,975 | ) | (5,233 | ) | (2,840 | ) | (2,604 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|||||||||||||
Beginning of the year |
42,430 | 36,455 | 31,222 | 28,621 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
End of the year |
36,455 | 31,222 | 28,382 | $ | 26,017 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Description of Business
Gravity Co., Ltd. ("Gravity") was incorporated on April 4, 2000 to engage in developing and distributing online games and other related businesses principally in the Republic of Korea and other countries in Asia, North and South America, and Europe. Gravity's principal product, Ragnarok Online, a multiplayer online role playing game, was commercially launched in August 2002. On February 8, 2005, Gravity listed its common shares on NASDAQ in the United States by means of American Depositary Shares ("ADSs").
Gravity has five subsidiaries. NeoCyon, Inc. and Gravity Games Corporation (formerly Barunson Interactive Corporation) operate in the Republic of Korea, while the others, including Gravity Interactive, Inc., operate in other countries.
Gravity CIS Co., Ltd. and Gravity RUS Co., Ltd. were excluded from the consolidation during the year ended December 31, 2012 since the Company no longer had control over them (See Note 2).
On April 1, 2008, GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. became a majority shareholder by acquiring 52.39% of the voting shares from Heartis Inc., the former majority shareholder, and also acquired additional 6.92% voting shares on June 23 and June 24, 2008. As of December 31, 2014, GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. has majority ownership and voting rights (59.31%) over the Company.
The Company conducts its business within one industry segmentthe business of developing and distributing online games, mobile games and other related services.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are summarized below.
Principles of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gravity and the following subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.
Subsidiary
|
Year of Establishment |
Year of Obtaining Control |
Percentage of Ownership (%) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gravity Interactive, Inc. |
2003 | 2003 | 100.00 | |||||||
Gravity Entertainment Corporation |
2003 | 2004 | 100.00 | |||||||
NeoCyon, Inc. |
2000 | 2005 | 96.11 | |||||||
Gravity Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC(*1) |
2007 | 2007 | 100.00 | |||||||
Gravity Games Corporation(*2) |
2003 | 2010 | 85.50 |
F-8
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
changed
its name to Gravity Games Corporation. In August 2013, the Company additionally acquired 34.67% of the share capital of Gravity Games Corporation through additional capital increase. As a
result of increase in ownership interest, additional paid-in capital was decreased by W319 million and non-controlling interest in subsidiaries increased
by the same amount.
The list of subsidiaries that were excluded from consolidation during the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows:
Subsidiary
|
Reason
|
|
---|---|---|
Gravity CIS Co., Ltd.(*) Gravity RUS Co., Ltd.(*) |
Surrendered rights for shares of its investment |
Investments in entities where the Company holds more than 20% but less than 50% ownership or over which the Company has significant management influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and the Company's share of the investee's operations is included in Equity method investments. The Company follows the equity method of accounting for investments in its joint ventures Animation Production Committee, Gravity EU SAS and Ingamba LLC (Note 6).
Investments in limited partnerships are accounted for using the equity method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 323, InvestmentEquity Method and Joint Ventures, which requires the use of the equity method unless the investor's interest "is so minor that the limited partner may have virtually no influence over partnership operating and financial policies." The Company follows the equity method of accounting for its investment in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1 (Note 6).
The Company recorded its initial investments at cost and records its pro rata share of the earnings or losses in the results of operations of the equity method investees.
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include useful lives of property and equipment, salvage values and recovery of property and equipment; recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets; valuation allowances for receivables, realization of deferred income tax assets, and estimated life-cycle of the permanent in-game items. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used.
Risks and uncertainties
Industry and revenue
The industry in which the Company operates is subject to a number of industry-specific risks, including, but not limited to, rapidly changing technologies; significant numbers of new competitive entrants; dependence on key individuals; competition from similar products from larger companies; change in customer preferences; the need for the continued successful development, marketing, and selling
F-9
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
of its products and services; and the need for positive cash flows from operations. The Company depends on one key product, "Ragnarok Online," for most of its revenues.
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company generated 87%, 81% and 84% of its revenues from countries in Asia, respectively.
As of December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. and LG Electronics Inc. are customers whose related accounts receivable and total revenue exceeds 10% of the Company's total accounts receivable and total revenue, and the proportions are as follows :
|
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country
|
Customer | Accounts Receivable |
Revenues | Accounts Receivable |
Revenues | Accounts Receivable |
Revenues | ||||||||||||||
Japan |
GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. | 34 | % | 51 | % | 30 | % | 38 | % | 25 | % | 28 | % | ||||||||
Korea |
LG Electronics Inc. | 7 | % | 4 | % | 9 | % | 6 | % | 15 | % | 8 | % |
The
amounts included within the accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2014 are W1,325 million and
W796 million from GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. and LG Electronics Inc., respectively.
Concentrations of credit risk
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments are placed with several financial institutions, of which approximately 29.35% and 28.14% of such amounts are held at two financial institutions, respectively.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product or the service has been delivered or rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
The Company derives most of its revenues from online game subscription revenue mainly from Ragnarok Online paid by users in Korea, the United States and Canada, and royalties and license fees paid by the licensees of the Company in overseas markets.
Online gamessubscription revenue
Players can access certain games free of charge, but may purchase game points to acquire in-game premium features. Subscription revenue consists of revenues from (i) micro-transactions, (ii) subscription fees from Internet cafés and (iii) premium services for individual PC users. Micro-transaction fees for consumable in-game items are deferred when such in-game items are purchased by users and recognized as revenue when the purchased in-game items are used in the games while those for permanent in-game items are recognized ratably as revenues over the estimated life cycle of game users. Micro-transaction fees for in-game items with limited time period are deferred and recognized as revenue in proportion to the number of days lapsed. All online game subscription fees and premium service fees are prepaid. Prepaid subscription fees from Internet cafés are deferred and recognized as revenue on a monthly basis based on actual hours used. Prepaid premium service fees from individual PC users are deferred and recognized as revenue on a monthly basis in proportion to the number of days lapsed.
F-10
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Online gamesroyalties and license fees
The Company licenses the right to sell and distribute its games in exchange for an initial prepaid license fee and guaranteed minimum royalty payments. The prepaid license fee revenues are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized ratably over the license period. If license agreements are renewed upon expiration of their terms, renewed license fees are deferred and recognized ratably over the new license period.
The Company generally provides its licensees with minimal post-contract customer support on its software products, consisting of technical supports and occasional unspecified upgrades, or enhancements during the contract term. The estimated costs of providing such support are insignificant and sufficient vendor-specific evidence does not exist to allocate the revenue from software and related integration projects to the separate elements of such projects, therefore all license revenue is recognized ratably over the life of the contract.
The guaranteed minimum royalty payments are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as the royalties are earned. In addition, the Company receives a royalty payment based on a specified percentage of the licensees' sales, including game item revenues. These royalties that exceed the guaranteed minimum royalty are recognized on a monthly basis, as the related revenues are earned by the licensees.
Mobile games and applications revenue
Mobile games and applications revenue consists of (i) revenues from micro-transactions and a proportion of the per-download fees that users pay in cases where the Company directly provides mobile games services to users, such as in Korea; (ii) license fees and/or guaranteed minimum royalty payments, and royalty revenues from the Company's licensees to which it licenses the right to market and distribute its mobile games in overseas countries; (iii) contract prices, which are related to various development services and products provided by the Company to third parties, such as developing games embedded in mobile phones, mobile applications, and sound for mobile phones and appliances; (iv) revenues from mobile games operation service for third parties; and (v) intellectual property royalty revenues from third parties that develop and provide services for mobile games based on the Company's original intellectual property.
Micro-transaction fees for consumable in-game items are deferred when such in-game items are purchased by users and recognized as revenue when the purchased in-game items are used in the games while those for permanent in-game items are recognized ratably as revenues over the estimated life cycle of game users. Per-download fees are recognized on a monthly basis as they are earned. License fees are deferred and recognized ratably as revenue over the license period and guaranteed minimum royalty payments are deferred and recognized as the relevant royalty is earned. Royalty revenues are based on an agreed percentage of each of the licensees' revenues based on the licensees' sales from mobile games. Contract prices are recognized when the products or services have been delivered or rendered and the customers can begin use in accordance with the contractual terms. Revenues from mobile games operation service are based on an agreed percentage of each of the licensors' revenues based on the licensor's sales from the mobile games the Company operates on their behalf and recognized on a monthly basis after the licensor confirms its revenues based on the licensor's sales from the relevant mobile games during the month. Intellectual property royalty revenues are recognized on a monthly basis.
Mobile application development service revenues are recognized by measuring progress-to-completion under the percentage-of-completion method. If the Company does not have a
F-11
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
sufficient basis to measure progress towards completion, revenues are recognized when it receives final acceptance from the customer that the services have been completed.
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue
Character merchandising, animation and other revenue consist of revenues from sales of console games, game character merchandising, animation and other services, including sales of goods related to mobile phones and website development and operation services for third parties.
Revenues from sales of console games are derived from a specified percentage of the publisher's sales after deductibles, including payments to the platform holder and others, and recognized on a quarterly basis as they are earned by the publisher. Royalty payments from game character merchandising are recognized on a quarterly basis as they are earned by the licensee. Contract prices for the Company's services provided to third parties are recognized when the products or services have been delivered or rendered and the customers can begin their use in accordance with the contractual terms.
The Company also sells goods related to mobile phones, such as accessories and USB data cable or provides contracted services, which is recorded in other revenue. The Company records these sales of goods when delivery has occurred and collectability of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured.
Out-of-Period Adjustments in 2013
The accompanying 2013 consolidated statement of operations includes certain out-of-period adjustments primarily related to the
understatement of revenues for in-game items of W981 million that were not properly deferred in fiscal year 2012. Management believes the impact of these
items, both individually and in the aggregate, to the year ended December 31, 2013 and to prior years presented are not material.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of time deposits with original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Short-term financial instruments
Short-term financial instruments primarily include time deposits placed with financial institutions which have an original maturity greater than three months but less than one year.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts receivable based upon the following information: an aging analysis of its accounts receivable balances, historical bad debt rates, repayment patterns, creditworthiness of its customers, and industry trend analysis.
The payment processing service providers are responsible for remitting to the Company the full subscription revenues generated in Korea after deducting their fixed service fees and charges, which range from approximately 1.4% to 15% and risk of loss or delinquencies are borne by such payment processing service providers.
F-12
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Computer and equipment | 4 years | |
Furniture and fixtures | 4 years | |
Software | 3 years | |
Vehicles | 4 years |
Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets or the lease term, whichever is shorter.
Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures which enhance the value or extend the useful lives of the related assets are capitalized.
Depreciation for property and equipment is allocated to cost of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses or research and development expenses.
Accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets
Definite-lived tangible and intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life according to the nature and characteristics of each asset. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets.
The Company reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying value may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. When the aggregate of future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset.
Intangible assets
Capitalized software development costsonline game development costs
The Company capitalizes certain software development costs relating to online games that will be distributed through subscriptions or licenses. The Company accounts for software development costs in accordance with ASC 985, Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed. Software development costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are expensed when incurred and are included in research and development expense. Once a software product has reached technological feasibility, then all subsequent software development costs for that product are capitalized until the product is commercially launched. Technological feasibility is evaluated on a product-by-product basis, but typically occurs when the online game has a proven ability to operate on a multiplayer level for a large number of users. Technological feasibility of a product encompasses both technical design documentation and game design documentation.
The Company amortizes capitalized software development costs relating to games and records such costs as a component of cost of revenues. Amortization is determined as the greater of the amount computed using the ratio of current gross revenues for a game to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that game or the straight-line method amount over the remaining estimated economic life of the game. Amortization starts when a game is available for general release to public users. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the economic life of the capitalized software
F-13
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
development costs based on the average life cycle of the games whenever each new game is commercially launched or acquired.
Capitalized
software development costs for games, net of accumulated amortization, at December 31, 2013 and 2014 were W12,543 million
and W8,553 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were
W3,852 million, W4,613 million and W3,990 million,
respectively.
The Company evaluates the recoverability of capitalized software development costs on a product-by-product basis. The recoverability of capitalized software development costs is evaluated based on the expected performance of the specific products to which the costs relate. Criteria used to evaluate expected product performance include: historical performance of comparable products using comparable technology; orders for the product prior to its release; and estimated performance of a sequel product based on the performance of the product on which the sequel is based. Capitalized costs for those products that are cancelled are expensed in the period of cancellation. In addition, an impairment loss shall be recorded when management's forecast for a particular game indicates that unamortized capitalized costs exceed the net realizable value of that asset. Significant management judgments and estimates are utilized in the assessment of when technological feasibility is established, as well as in the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of capitalized costs. In evaluating the recoverability of capitalized costs, the assessment of expected product performance utilizes forecasted sales amounts and estimates of additional development costs to be incurred. If revised forecasted or actual product sales are changed from the original forecasted amounts utilized in the initial recoverability analysis, the actual impairment charge may be larger than originally estimated in any given period.
Impairment
losses on capitalized software development cost for games for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 were W534 million
and nil, respectively.
Capitalized software development costswebsite and internal use software development costs
The Company accounts for website and internal use software development cost in accordance with ASC 340, Internal Use Software. For website and internally used software development costs, the Company expenses all costs that are incurred in connection with the planning and implementation phases of development and costs that are associated with repair or maintenance of the existing websites and software. Costs incurred in the development phase are capitalized and amortized over the estimated product life.
Capitalized
software development costs for website and internal use software at December 31, 2013 and 2014 were W90 million and nil,
respectively.
Impairment
losses on capitalized software development cost for website and internal use software for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 were
W245 million and nil, respectively.
Research and development costs
Research and development expenses consist primarily of payroll and other overhead expenses which are all expensed as incurred (i) until technological feasibility of an online game is reached or (ii) until commercial operation of a mobile game commences. Once technological feasibility of an online game is reached, these costs are capitalized and, once commercial operation commences, amortized as cost of revenues.
F-14
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Goodwill
Goodwill is accounted for under ASC 350, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other, which requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead be tested at least annually for impairment, and more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of these assets below their carrying amount. Such an event would include unfavorable variances from established business plans, significant changes in forecasted results or volatility inherent to external markets and industries, which are periodically reviewed by the Company's management.
Specifically, qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the relevant events and circumstances are assessed. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a two-step process of the goodwill impairment test is not performed. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test is performed. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized immediately in an amount equal to that excess. The goodwill impairment test is carried out at the reporting unit, which is either an operating division or a subdivision, for which stand-alone financial information is available to the management personnel of such division or subdivision for evaluating operating results.
When performing goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of reporting units are determined based on valuation techniques using the best available information, primarily discounted cash flow projections. The Company makes significant assumptions and estimates about the extent and timing of future cash flows and discount rates that represent unobservable inputs into valuation methodologies.
Acquired in-process research and development ("IPR&D") technology
Acquired IPR&D assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization. An IPR&D asset must be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the IPR&D asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the IPR&D asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the IPR&D asset will be its new accounting basis. Subsequent reversal of a previously recognized impairment loss is prohibited. The initial determination and subsequent evaluation for impairment of the IPR&D asset requires management to make significant judgments and estimates. Once an IPR&D project has been completed, the useful life of the IPR&D asset is determined and amortized accordingly. If an IPR&D project has been abandoned, it is immediately expensed.
The Company's intangible assets other than capitalized software development costs and goodwill are remeasured at fair value only if an impairment charge is recognized. The Company uses unobservable
F-15
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
inputs to the valuation methodologies that were significant to the fair value measurements, and the valuations required management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices.
Advertising
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense was
W4,585 million, W2,852 million and W1,614 million for the
years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Accrued severance benefits and pension plan
Employees and directors with one year or more of service are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment upon termination of their employment with the Company based on the length of service and rate of pay at the time of termination. Accrued severance benefits are estimated assuming all eligible employees were to terminate their employment at the balance sheet date in compliance with relevant laws in Korea. The annual severance benefits expense charged to operations is calculated based upon the net change in the accrued severance benefits payable at the balance sheet date based on the guidance of ASC 715, CompensationRetirement Benefits.
Gravity and NeoCyon introduced a defined contribution pension plan in 2005 and 2011, respectively, and provide an individual account for each participant. A plan's defined contributions to an individual's account are to be made for periods in which that individual renders services, the net pension cost for a period shall be the contribution called for in that period.
Foreign currency translation
The Korean parent company and its subsidiaries use their local currencies as their functional currencies. The financial statements of the subsidiaries in functional currencies other than the Korean Won are translated into the Korean Won in accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. All assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into the Korean Won at the exchange rate in effect at the end of the period, and capital accounts are determined to be of a permanent nature and are therefore translated using historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are reflected in the cumulative translation adjustment account, reported as a separate component of comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.
Foreign currency transactions
Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions are included in foreign currency income (losses) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under ASC 740, income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities at currently enacted statutory tax rates for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
A valuation allowance is provided on deferred income tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that such deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The total income tax provision includes current tax expenses under applicable tax regulations and the change in the balance of deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
F-16
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The Company follows ASC 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This standard also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with this standard is a two-step process. In the first step, recognition, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The second step addresses measurement of a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not criteria. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a likelihood of greater than 50 percent of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in (a) an increase in a liability for income taxes payable or a reduction of an income tax refund receivable, (b) a reduction in a deferred income tax asset or an increase in a deferred income tax liability or (c) both (a) and (b). Interest and penalty recognized related to uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of income tax expense.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset and liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a fair value hierarchy has been established that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments for which the determination of fair value is practicable. The fair values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial instruments, accounts receivable and other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate carrying values due to the short maturity of these instruments.
Earnings (losses) per share
Basic earnings (losses) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for all periods. Diluted earnings (losses) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (losses) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, increased by common stock equivalents. However, for each of three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, there has been no common stock equivalent.
F-17
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Revision of prior periods
In prior periods, the Company presented the net change in its short term financial instruments as a single line item within the investing activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Beginning in 2014, the Company chose to correct its presentation of increase and decrease in short term financial instruments on a gross basis. The investing activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows for the 2012 and 2013 periods have been revised accordingly to reflect this immaterial error, which did not affect cash balances, total investing cash flows or any other subtotal on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters, to clarify the accounting for the release of a cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The adoptions of ASU 2013-05 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes, which requires the presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits as reductions to deferred tax assets rather than as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new standard requires adoption on a prospective basis in the first quarter of 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate that this adoption will have a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") issued their converged standard on revenue recognition. The objective of the revenue standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) is to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within industries, across industries, and across capital markets. The revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. For public companies, the revenue standard is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB tentatively decided to defer one year the effective date of new revenue standard for public entities reporting under U.S. GAAP. If the changes in the proposed ASU are finalized to extend by a year, the standard will be effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting period within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard provides for either full retrospective adoption or a modified retrospective adoption by which it is applied only to the most current period presented. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In August, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern, which provides guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going-concern uncertainties in their financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity's financial statements (or within one year after the date on which the financial statements are available to be issued, when applicable). Further, an entity must provide certain disclosures if there is "substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern." The ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU shall be applied at the effective date, and the Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
F-18
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. Convenience Translation into United States Dollar Amounts
The Company reports its consolidated financial statements in Korean Won. The United States dollar ("US dollar") amounts disclosed in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented solely for the convenience of the reader, and have been converted at the rate of 1,090.89 Korean Won to one US dollar, which is the noon buying rate of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board in effect on December 31, 2014. Such translations should not be construed as representations that the Korean Won amounts represent, have been, or could be, converted into US dollars at that or any other rate.
4. Restricted Assets
As of December 31, 2014, the Company has no restricted long-term financial instrument. As of December 31, 2013, one of the Company's subsidiaries, Gravity Games Corporation
has a restricted long-term financial instrument amounting to W5 million provided to a financial institution as a guarantee for the issuance of credit
card.
5. Allowance for doubtful accounts
Changes in the allowance for accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
8 | 9 | 32 | |||||||
Provision for allowances |
6 | 23 | 16 | |||||||
Reversal of previous provision |
| | | |||||||
Write-offs |
(5 | ) | | (13 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
9 | 32 | 35 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Changes in the allowance for loan receivable for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
1,000 | 1,200 | 1,200 | |||||||
Provision for allowances |
200 | | | |||||||
Reversal of previous provision |
| | | |||||||
Write-offs |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
In
2011, the Company amended the loan agreement with Naru Entertainment Corporation ("Naru") so that W300 million of the loan should be paid
by Naru in 2012 from funding provided by a third party, and the rest of the loan, amounting to W1,000 million, and its accrued interest at 8% annually,
would be paid by revenue sharing payments in the future.
Original
long-term loans receivable due from Naru were W1,200 million. As Naru reported the closure of business during 2012, the Company
reserved full amounts of due from Naru as bad debt reserve for the year ended December 31, 2012.
F-19
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Equity Method Investment
The Company's equity income (loss) on investments is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Animation Production Committee |
| | | |||||||
Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1 |
(51 | ) | (18 | ) | | |||||
Gravity EU SAS |
(257 | ) | | | ||||||
Ingamba LLC |
(25 | ) | | | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity income (loss) on investments |
(333 | ) | (18 | ) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Animation Production Committee
In April 2004, the Company's subsidiary, Gravity Entertainment Corporation, invested ¥123 million
(W1,358 million) for a 30% interest in "Animation Production Committee," a joint venture, which was incorporated in Japan to produce an animation of
Ragnarok Online. The investment was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. In 2006, the Company discontinued applying the equity method as the investment was reduced to zero. The Company
does not have any contractual obligation to fund the further losses of the joint venture.
Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1
In 2005, the Company entered into a limited liability partnership agreement to invest the committed amount of
¥1,000 million (W8,713 million) in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1, a limited liability partnership (the "Partnership"). In
2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009, the Company invested ¥100 million (W869 million), ¥150 million
(W1,245 million), ¥642 million (W6,054 million) and ¥18 million
(W229 million), respectively. As of December 31, 2012, the Company, SoftBank Corporation and GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. ("GungHo")
had interests of 16.39%, 49.18% and 8.20%, respectively, in Online Game Revolution Fund No. 1. The Company had 16.39% interest in the Partnership as a limited partner, and could not
significantly influence the Partnership's operation and financial policies per the limited liability partnership agreement. However, the Company accounted for the investment under the equity method of
accounting in accordance with ASC 323, InvestmentEquity Method and Joint Ventures, which requires the use of the equity
method unless the investors' interest is so minor that the limited partner may have virtually no influence over the Partnership's operating and financial policies. The Company recorded the losses of
the Partnership as equity amounting to W51 million and W18 million in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
This Partnership was operated in Japan and the objective of the Partnership was to invest in business relating to online games for the benefit of all the partners. The Partnership invested in eight games since its operations began.
On
December 31, 2010, the term of the Partnership expired and it was liquidated on June 18, 2013. The Company received liquidation proceeds amounting to
W579 million and the entire accumulated other comprehensive income balance of W1,234 million that relates to
the Partnership was reclassified to other income, which was partially offset by the difference between the liquidation proceeds and the carrying amount of the Partnership.
F-20
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Equity Method Investment (Continued)
Ingamba LLC
In June 2010, the Company invested Russian Ruble 13 million (W502 million), which
represented 25% of Ingamba LLC's total capital, in order to distribute the Company's games in Russia. The investment in Ingamba LLC was accounted for as an equity method investment. The
Company recorded gain on investments as equity amounting to W13 million in 2010 and loss on investments as equity amounting to
W134 million and W25 million in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Ingamba LLC was disposed for
$800 thousand (W851 million) in May 2012 and the related gain on disposal of equity investments of
W528 million was recognized.
Gravity EU SAS
Gravity EU SAS was accounted for by using the equity method since August 2011, due to a dilution of the Company's interest in Gravity
EU SASU, the Company's ownership of the investee decreased from 100% to 25% and recognized equity loss on investments amounting to W257 million in 2012.
In 2013, the Company discontinued applying the equity method as the investment was reduced to zero. The Company did not have any contractual obligation to fund
further losses of Gravity EU SAS. Gravity EU SAS was disposed in November 2014 and the Company recognized the gain on disposition of investments amounting to
W3 million.
7. Fair value of financial instruments
The Company adopted ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures effective January 1, 2009, for all financial assets and liabilities as required. This statement defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and the Company considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and risk of non-performance.
The Company's financial instruments are measured and recorded at fair value, except for cost method investments. The Company's non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized.
As discussed in Note 2, the Company adopted ASC 825, which permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and consequently report unrealized gains and losses on these items in earnings. ASC 825 was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009. The Company has elected the fair value option to measure its short-term available-for-sale investments.
The estimated fair value of financial assets is determined by the Company, using available market information and valuation methodologies considered to be appropriate. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company's financial assets consist of cash, short-term financial instruments, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, and other current liabilities. The Company's carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial instruments, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
F-21
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 consist of the following:
|
2013 | 2014 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
||||||
Computer and equipment |
7,212 | 7,050 | |||||
Furniture and fixtures |
2,149 | 1,368 | |||||
Vehicles |
78 | 80 | |||||
Capital lease assets |
1,287 | 1,340 | |||||
Leasehold improvements |
746 | 964 | |||||
Software externally-purchased |
11,898 | 10,280 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
23,370 | 21,082 | |||||
Less accumulated depreciation |
(21,055 | ) | (19,869 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
2,315 | 1,213 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Depreciation
expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were W1,903 million,
W1,852 million and W1,578 million, respectively.
9. Goodwill and other intangible assets
Capitalized software development cost and other intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 consist of the following:
|
At December 31, 2013 | At December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gross Carrying Amount |
Accumulated Amortization |
Accumulated Impairment |
Net Carrying Amount |
Gross Carrying Amount |
Accumulated Amortization |
Accumulated Impairment |
Net Carrying Amount |
|||||||||||||||||
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capitalized software development cost |
29,558 | (16,236 | ) | (779 | ) | 12,543 | 29,558 | (20,226 | ) | (779 | ) | 8,553 | |||||||||||||
Acquired intangible assets |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product technology |
18,536 | (12,503 | ) | (6,033 | ) | | 18,599 | (12,523 | ) | (6,033 | ) | 43 | |||||||||||||
IPR&D technology |
8,503 | | (8,503 | ) | | 8,503 | | (8,503 | ) | | |||||||||||||||
Trademarks |
549 | (380 | ) | (3 | ) | 166 | 579 | (409 | ) | (3 | ) | 167 | |||||||||||||
Others |
3,078 | (1,089 | ) | (1,989 | ) | | 3,078 | (1,089 | ) | (1,989 | ) | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
60,224 | (30,208 | ) | (17,307 | ) | 12,709 | 60,317 | (34,247 | ) | (17,307 | ) | 8,763 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The
Company capitalized W2,303 million, W548 million and nil of R&D costs in accordance with
ASC 985, Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
All
of the Company's intangible assets other than goodwill and IPR&D are subject to amortization. No significant residual value is estimated for the intangible assets. Aggregate
amortization expenses for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were W6,479 million,
W5,980 million and W4,039 million, respectively.
The
Company recognized impairment loss of W779 million for capitalized software development cost (Ragnarok Odyssey Ace, Ragnarok Online
Guild Masters, and Game Station, a mobile game service platform) and W3 million for trademarks in 2013. The Company recognized impairment losses of
W2,225 million and W1,424 million for product technology (Dragonica and Jeweled Planet) in 2012 and
F-22
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued)
2013,
respectively. Impairment charges amounting to W227 million and W963 million for other intangible
assets were recognized in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, the Company recognized an impairment loss of W8,503 million for IPR&D technology
(East Road) in 2012.
Despite
the Company's various efforts, a significant decrease in revenue of Dragonica was noted in the third quarter of 2012 and fourth quarter of 2013, which were trigger events for the
impairment analysis of Dragonica. As the carrying amount of Dragonica exceeded its fair value, Dragonica was considered fully impaired. The Company recognized impairment losses of
W1,424 million for Dragonica in 2013.
Maestia
was commercially launched in August 2012, but did not gain popularity in market. As the carrying amount of Maestia exceeded its fair value, Maestia was considered fully impaired.
An impairment charge amounting to W237 million was recognized in 2013.
Requiem
Returns W was commercially launched in June 2013, but did not gain popularity in market. As the carrying amount of Requiem Returns W exceeded its fair value, Requiem Returns W
was considered fully impaired. An impairment charge amounting to W382 million was recognized in 2013.
Steal
Fighter was commercially launched in February 2013, but did not gain popularity in market. The Company ceased offering commercial service in February 2014, which was a triggering
event for the impairment of Steal Fighter. As the carrying amount of Steal Fighter exceeded its fair value, Steal Fighter was considered fully impaired. An impairment charge amounting to
W344 million was recognized in 2013.
In
addition, the Company decided to cease its development of East Road due to the low likelihood that the game will be commercially successful, which triggered impairment of East Road in
2012. As the carrying amount of East Road exceeded its fair value, East Road was considered fully impaired in 2012. The Company recognized an impairment loss of
W8,503 million. An impairment loss of W227 million was recognized for other intangible assets due to the
significant decrease in the revenue related to such assets in 2012.
The
Company developed Ragnarok Odyssey Ace, a PS VITA game, in a joint effort with GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. and commercialized the game in August 2013. The carrying
amount of Ragnarok Odyssey Ace, a PS VITA game, exceeded the net realizable value of that asset and it was a trigger event for the impairment analysis of Ragnarok Odyssey Ace, a PS VITA game. The
Company recognized impairment losses of W381 million and fully wrote it off due to impairment in 2013.
The
Company developed Ragnarok Online Guild Masters and commercialized the game in October 2011, but did not gain popularity in market. The Company ceased offering commercial service in
March 2013, which was a triggering event for the impairment of Ragnarok Online Guild Masters. As the carrying amount of Ragnarok Online Guild Masters exceeded the net realizable value of that asset,
Ragnarok Online Guild Masters was considered fully impaired. An impairment charge amounting to W154 million was recognized in 2013.
The
Company developed Game Station, a mobile game service platform, but the carrying amount of Game Station, a mobile game service platform, exceeded the net realizable value of that
asset. An impairment charge amounting to W244 million was fully recognized in 2013, as the carrying amount of Game Station, a mobile game service
platform, exceeded its present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived.
F-23
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued)
Changes in goodwill balances for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Balance at beginning of the year |
||||||||||
Goodwill |
8,232 | 8,232 | 8,232 | |||||||
Accumulated impairment losses |
(755 | ) | (4,369 | ) | (7,022 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
7,477 | 3,863 | 1,210 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Impairment losses |
(3,614 | ) | (2,653 | ) | | |||||
Balance at end of the year |
||||||||||
Goodwill |
8,232 | 8,232 | 8,232 | |||||||
Accumulated impairment losses |
(4,369 | ) | (7,022 | ) | (7,022 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,863 | 1,210 | 1,210 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
We performed our annual impairment test for goodwill at our reporting unit using data as of December 31, 2014. In performing the valuations, we used cash flows, which reflected management's forecasts and discount rates which reflect the risks associated with the current market. Prior to performing the two-step impairment test for goodwill, we performed a qualitative assessment for the reporting unit.
In 2014, we concluded not to recognize impairment loss for goodwill as the fair value of the business reporting unit was determined to be greater than its book value.
In
performing the annual impairment test for goodwill for Gravity Games in 2013, the fair value of the business reporting unit Gravity Games was determined to be lower than its book
value. Therefore, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded impairment losses of W2,653 million in reporting unit of Gravity
Games due to the overall decline in the fair value of the reporting unit and uncertainty in the future. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated principally using the expected present value
of the future cash flows. As a result of impairment, the goodwill for the reporting unit of Gravity Games Corporation was fully written off as of December 31, 2013.
The
impairment was due to declines in projected future revenues as compared to the projections of revenue used for the 2012 annual impairment test. During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2012, the Company recorded an impairment loss of W3,614 for the Gravity Games Corporation reporting unit due to the decline in the fair value
of the reporting unit and a decline in projected future revenues.
Expected amortization expenses related to the current net carrying amount of intangible assets are as follows:
|
(In millions of Korean Won) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 |
3,982 | |||
2016 |
3,982 | |||
2017 |
683 | |||
2018 |
16 | |||
2019 and thereafter |
100 | |||
| | | | |
|
8,763 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
F-24
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Accrued Severance Benefits
Changes in accrued severance benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
916 | 683 | 263 | |||||||
Provisions for severance benefits |
96 | 67 | (60 | ) | ||||||
Severance payments |
(190 | ) | (444 | ) | (100 | ) | ||||
Terminated but not yet paid |
(139 | ) | (43 | ) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
683 | 263 | 103 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
In
2005, Gravity introduced a defined contribution pension plan ("Pension Plan") in accordance with the Employee Benefit Security Act of Korea and entered into a nonparticipating defined
contribution insurance contract with a life insurance company. Gravity's contribution to the Pension Plan was W1,190 million,
W1,114 million and W1,227 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. In 2011, NeoCyon, Inc. also
introduced a pension plan. W390 million, W467 million, and
W569 million were recognized as a cost for such pension plan in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. For the contributions already paid, Gravity and NeoCyon
will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts and therefore no severance benefits were accrued. The accrued severance benefits recorded at December 31, 2014 relate to the
other employees who have not been included in a Pension Plan.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
As of December 31, 2014, the Company has outstanding licensing agreements for Ragnarok Online with 9 companies internationally. Based on the agreements with the licensees, the Company receives certain amounts (16% to 40%) of each licensee's revenues as royalty.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company has contracts for the exclusive rights of Ragnarok Online II game distribution and sales with GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. in Japan, AsiaSoft Corporation Public Co., Ltd. in Thailand and in Vietnam and PT. Lyto Datarindo Fortuna in Indonesia. Additionally the Company entered into the contract with Shanghai The Dream Square Network Technology Co., Ltd. in China in January 2015. The contract with Level up! Interactive S.A. in Brazil and the contract with Level Up! Inc. in Philippines were terminated in April 2014. Also, the contract with Asiasoft Online Pte. Ltd., in Singapore and Malaysia was terminated in September 2014. The contract periods of these license agreements range from one to three years after commercialization in each geographical location.
As
of December 31, 2013, the license fee the Company has committed to pay upon the commercial launches of the licensed games were
W200 million and W450 million for Steal Fighter and a Web browser-based game, respectively. But the
agreement for Steal Fighter and a Web browser-based game were terminated in January 2014 and June 2014, respectively.
The
Company entered into various capital lease agreements to utilize game servers. The Company made principal and interest payments of $203 thousand
(W216 million) and $36 thousand (W39 million) in 2012 and $243 thousand
(W256 million) and $22 thousand (W23 million) in 2013, respectively. In 2014, the Company made
principal and interest payments of $137 thousand (W144 million) and $11 thousand (W11 million)
in 2014, respectively.
F-25
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
Future minimum lease payments for the leases as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
|
2015 | 2016 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | |||||||||
Capital lease |
$ | 107 | $ | 4 | $ | 14 | $ | | |||||
|
117 | 4 | 16 | |
In
addition to the capital lease above, the Company leases certain properties which are considered to be operating leases. Rental expenses incurred under these operating leases were
W2,796 million, W2,342 million and W2,324 million for the
years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Company entered into an office lease agreement with Korea Software Industry Promotion Agency in 2008 and recorded a guarantee
deposit of W905 million as of December 31, 2014.
Future minimum rental payments for the operating leases as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
|
(In millions of Korean Won) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 |
1,671 | |||
2016 |
1,586 | |||
| | | | |
|
3,257 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
Litigation
In April 2009, the Company repatriated W1,820 million ($1.4 million) from Gravity
Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC ("ME&A"), which was the primarily remaining net assets of ME&A. ME&A has been in the process of liquidation since September 2008. In August 2010, the director and
manager of ME&A, as a representative of ME&A, filed a lawsuit against the Company and some of its directors and officers on the subject of them being accused of the repatriation of ME&A claiming an
aggregate of W1,628 million (AED 5 million and related interest plus litigation costs). In November 2011, the case was decided in favor of the
plaintiff and the Company filed an appeal with the Seoul High Court and paid a deposit in court amounting to W4,140 million to proceed with the appeals
against the dismissal of the case regarding the repatriation of capital funds from ME&A. The court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff in December 2012. The Company filed a final appeal in
December 2012 and the plaintiff filed a final appeal in January 2013 with the Supreme Court of Korea with additional deposit in court of W130 million. In
November 2014, the case was closed as a
result of the settlement with the plaintiff and the deposit in court amounting W4,270 million was fully refunded to the Company.
In
May 2010, former executive filed another lawsuit claiming employment termination without cause, amounting to W50 million. The case was
dismissed and the plaintiff filed an appeal with the Seoul High Court in April 2011. The Court dismissed the plaintiff's appeal in March 2013 and the plaintiff filed a final appeal with the Supreme
Court of Korea in April 2013. The Supreme Court of Korea ceased to hear such appeals and ruled such appeals dismissed in July 2013.
Furthermore,
in June 2011, the former executive filed another lawsuit against the Company claiming nullity of dismissal and seeking remuneration, amounting to
W110 million due regarding the remainder of his term. In June 2012, the case was decided in favor of the Company and the plaintiff filed an appeal with
the Seoul High Court. In January 2013 the appeal was withdrawn by the plaintiff.
F-26
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. Shareholders' Equity
As of December 31, 2014, Gravity is authorized to issue a total of 40 million shares with a par value of W500 per share, in
registered form, consisting of common shares and non-voting preferred shares. Of this authorized amount, Gravity is authorized to issue up to 2 million non-voting preferred shares. Under the
articles of incorporation, holders of non-voting preferred shares are entitled to receive dividends of not less than 1% and up to 15% of the par value of such shares, the exact rate to be determined
by Gravity's Board of Directors at the time of issuance, provided that the holders of preferred shares are entitled to receive dividend at a rate not lower than that determined for holders of common
shares. Gravity does not have any non-voting preferred shares outstanding.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a total of 6,948,900 common shares issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares are fully paid and are registered.
13. Loss Per Share
The components of basic and diluted losses per share are as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won, except per share data) |
|||||||||
Net loss available for common shareholders (A) |
(12,224 | ) | (18,588 | ) | (20,907 | ) | ||||
Weighted average outstanding shares of common shares (B) |
6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | 6,948,900 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per share Basic and diluted (A/B) |
(1,759 | ) | (2,675 | ) | (3,009 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
14. Income Taxes
Income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 consist of the following:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
||||||||||
Domestic |
(16,761 | ) | (13,403 | ) | (9,415 | ) | ||||
Foreign |
(862 | ) | (1,222 | ) | (1,437 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(17,623 | ) | (14,625 | ) | (10,852 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Current income taxes |
||||||||||
Domestic |
3,715 | 2,634 | 1,473 | |||||||
Foreign |
4 | | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,719 | 2,634 | 1,473 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes (benefit) |
||||||||||
Domestic |
(1,135 | ) | 2,474 | 8,674 | ||||||
Foreign |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(1,135 | ) | 2,474 | 8,674 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total income tax expenses |
2,584 | 5,108 | 10,147 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income
taxes recognized directly in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are W104 million,
W17 million and W68 million, respectively.
F-27
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Income Taxes (Continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
|
2013 | 2014 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
||||||
Deferred tax assets |
|||||||
Accrued expense |
294 | 269 | |||||
Allowance for doubtful |
1,148 | 1,201 | |||||
Investments in subsidiaries and equity method investees |
232 | 231 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
743 | 269 | |||||
Deferred revenue |
934 | 578 | |||||
Provisions for severance benefits |
15 | | |||||
Net operation loss carryforwards |
7,085 | 10,882 | |||||
Foreign tax credit carryforwards |
19,441 | 13,901 | |||||
Tax credit carryforwards for research and human resource development |
3,027 | 3,507 | |||||
Tax credit carryforwards for social insurance for employment increase |
78 | 70 | |||||
Others |
106 | 105 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total deferred tax assets |
33,103 | 31,013 | |||||
Less valuation allowance |
(24,352 | ) | (30,902 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
8,751 | 111 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities |
|||||||
Accrued income |
80 | 34 | |||||
Investments in subsidiaries and equity method investees |
65 | 77 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total deferred tax liabilities |
145 | 111 | |||||
Net deferred tax assets |
8,606 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Reported as |
|||||||
Current portion of deferred income tax assets |
1,433 | | |||||
Non-current deferred income tax assets |
7,173 | |
Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that realization of the related tax benefit is more likely than not. Realization of the future tax benefits related to the deferred income tax assets is dependent on many factors, including the Company's ability to generate taxable income within the period during which the temporary differences reverse, the outlook for the economic environment in which the Company operates, and the overall future industry outlook.
In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets, management considered whether it was more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets would not be realized. In particular, a significant portion of the tax credit carryforwards is expected to expire if the Company does not generate sufficient taxable income in Korea. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax asset is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences became deductible. Management considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, uncertainty in the future taxable income, the tax structure of the Company and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In 2013, based on the level of historical taxable income and the future taxable
F-28
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Income Taxes (Continued)
income
under the Company's business plan over the periods in which the deferred tax assets were deductible, management believed it was more likely than not that
W2,642 million or 13% of the deferred tax assets from tax credit carry forwards is realizable for Gravity. However, in 2014, management believed it was
more likely than not that Gravity and certain subsidiaries could not realize the benefits of these deductible differences, available loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, and recognized
full allowances from deferred income tax assets.
As
of December 31, 2014, Gravity Co., Ltd. in Korea had temporary differences of W9,258 million, available loss
carryforwards of W22,763 million, foreign tax credit carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards for research and human resource development etc. of
W12,681 million and W1,988 million, respectively, which expire from 2015 to 2019. Based on the Company's
historical and projected net and taxable income, the Company determined that it would not be able to realize these temporary differences, available loss carryforwards and tax credits carryforwards,
and recognized a valuation allowance of W21,714 million on the full amount of temporary differences, available loss carryforwards and available tax credit
carryforwards at an effective rate expected to be incurred to Gravity.
As
of December 31, 2014, NeoCyon, Inc., the Company's 96.11% owned subsidiary in Korea, had temporary differences of
W646 million and available loss carryforwards of W3,712 million. Also, the subsidiary had foreign tax credit
carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards for research and human resource development etc. of W744 million and
W1,431 million, respectively, which expire from 2015 to 2019. Based on this subsidiary's historical and projected net and taxable income, the Company
determined that it would not be able to realize these temporary differences, available loss carryforwards and tax credits carryforwards, and recognized a valuation allowance of
W3,134 million on the full amount of the temporary differences, available loss carryforwards and tax credits carryforwards at an effective rate expected
to be incurred in Korea.
As
of December 31, 2014, Gravity Entertainment Corp., the Company's 100% owned subsidiary in Japan, had temporary differences of
W244 million and available loss carryforwards of W14 million which expire from 2015 to 2021. Based on this
subsidiary's historical and projected net and taxable income, the Company determined that it would not be able to realize these temporary differences and loss carryforwards, and recognized a valuation
allowance of W108 million on the full amount of the temporary differences and available loss carryforwards at an effective rate expected to be incurred in
Japan.
As
of December 31, 2014, Gravity Interactive, Inc., the Company's 100% owned subsidiary in US, had available loss carryforwards of
W7,328 million for federal tax and W7,696 million for state tax, respectively, which expire from 2027 to
2034. Based on this subsidiary's historical and projected net and taxable income, the Company determined that it would not be able to realize these loss carryforwards, and recognized a valuation
allowance of W2,822 million on the full amount of the available loss carryforwards at an effective rate expected to be incurred in U.S.
As
of December 31, 2014, Gravity Games Corporation, the Company's 85.50% owned subsidiary in Korea, had temporary differences of
W1,772 million and available loss carryforwards of W9,543 million. Also, the subsidiary had foreign tax
credit carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards for research and human resource development etc. of W477 million and
W158 million, respectively, which expire from 2015 to 2019. Based on this subsidiary's historical and projected net and taxable income, the Company
determined that it would not be able to realize these temporary differences, available loss carryforwards and tax credits carryforwards, and recognized a valuation allowance of
W3,124 million on the full amount of the temporary differences, available loss carryforwards and tax credits carryforwards at an effective rate expected
to be incurred in Korea.
F-29
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Income Taxes (Continued)
The Korean statutory tax rate applicable to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are 22%. Deferred taxes are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply at the time of reversal, which is 22% for the Company. On January 1, 2014, amended local income tax law was enacted. This amendment has an impact on calculation of surtax on income tax for the period ended December 31, 2014. Prior to the amended local income tax law was enacted, surtax on corporate income tax was calculated at 10% of income tax payable which was subtracted by tax credit. However, it is now calculated at 10% of income tax payable in accordance with this amendment. Such change resulted in change in the tax rate for calculation of deferred tax asset of tax credit carryforward to 20% from 22%.
A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) from the Korean statutory income tax rate to actual income tax expense is as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Tax expense at Korean statutory tax rate (22%) |
(3,877 | ) | (3,217 | ) | (2,387 | ) | ||||
Foreign tax credit and foreign tax deduction |
(387 | ) | 14 | 1,069 | ||||||
Tax credit carryforwards for research and human resource development |
(997 | ) | (1,104 | ) | (756 | ) | ||||
Tax credit carryforwards for social insurance for employment increase |
| (78 | ) | | ||||||
Foreign tax differential |
(350 | ) | (156 | ) | (259 | ) | ||||
Income not asssessable for tax purpose |
| | (26 | ) | ||||||
Expense not deductible for tax purpose |
923 | 38 | 351 | |||||||
Change in formula of surtax on income tax |
| | 2,049 | |||||||
Change in valuation allowances |
5,181 | 4,640 | 6,550 | |||||||
Tax effect from consolidation of subsidiaries |
(2,424 | ) | (462 | ) | 3 | |||||
Loss of control in subsidiaries |
258 | | | |||||||
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rate |
266 | 79 | (110 | ) | ||||||
Expiration of unused foreign tax credit and unused net operating loss carryforwards |
4,054 | 5,332 | 4,090 | |||||||
Others |
(63 | ) | 22 | (427 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total income tax expense |
2,584 | 5,108 | 10,147 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The Company assessed uncertain tax positions and measured unrecognized tax benefits for open tax years in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company's policy is that it recognizes interest expenses and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. Accordingly, the Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examinations based upon the evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at that reporting date. For those tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company records the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. If the Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized.
Based on the approach above, the Company assessed the uncertain tax positions and did not record any unrecognized tax benefits as the Company believes that it is more likely than not that there will not be any unrecognized tax benefits.
F-30
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Income Taxes (Continued)
Allowances for deferred income tax assets for the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
|
Balance at Beginning of Year |
Decrease | Increase | Balance at End of Year |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
||||||||||||
2012 |
|||||||||||||
Valuation allowance |
14,531 | | 5,181 | 19,712 | |||||||||
2013 |
|||||||||||||
Valuation allowance |
19,712 | | 4,640 | 24,352 | |||||||||
2014 |
|||||||||||||
Valuation allowance |
24,352 | | 6,550 | 30,902 |
15. Operations by Geographic Area
Geographic information for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 is based on the location of the distribution entity. Revenues by geographic region are as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Korea |
14,762 | 15,491 | 19,469 | |||||||
Japan |
30,387 | 14,409 | 8,511 | |||||||
United States of America |
5,023 | 7,725 | 5,038 | |||||||
Taiwan and Hong Kong |
2,244 | 3,106 | 2,315 | |||||||
Thailand |
974 | 1,015 | 1,283 | |||||||
China |
495 | 2,734 | 749 | |||||||
Brazil |
837 | 705 | 664 | |||||||
Europe |
982 | 643 | 300 | |||||||
Russia |
476 | 180 | 123 | |||||||
Other |
1,601 | 1,677 | 1,437 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
57,781 | 47,685 | 39,889 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Approximately 80% and 20% of the Company's property and equipment are located in Korea and the United States of America, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
16. Related Party Transactions
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, there were related party transactions with a shareholder and an equity investee as follows:
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Sales to related parties |
30,061 | 18,562 | 11,441 | |||||||
Purchases from related parties |
3,312 | 1,212 | 599 | |||||||
Amounts due from related parties |
2,657 | 1,773 | 1,365 | |||||||
Amounts due to related parties |
6,699 | 5,756 | 5,111 |
On April 1, 2008, GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. became a majority shareholder by acquiring 52.39% of the voting shares from Heartis Inc., the former majority shareholder, and acquired additional
F-31
GRAVITY CO., LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
6.92% voting shares on June 23 and June 24, 2008. The transactions with GungHo and the related balances during 2012, 2013 and 2014 were included in related party transactions above.
Due
to the disposal of equity investments in Ingamba LLC, in May 2012, and Gravity EU SAS, in November 2014, the related party relationships between the Company and those equity
investees were discontinued. Therefore, the transactions with Ingamba LLC and Gravity EU SAS that occurred before the disposal of the equity investments were included in the related party
transactions. Sales to Ingamba LLC were W138 million in 2012 and Sales to Gravity EU SAS were
W237 million in 2014.
17. Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activities
|
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In millions of Korean Won) |
|||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information |
||||||||||
Cash paid during the year for income taxes |
3,727 | 2,373 | 1,344 | |||||||
Interest paid |
55 | 24 | 11 | |||||||
Supplemental non-cash activities |
||||||||||
Reclassification of long-term deferred revenue to deferred revenue |
1,562 | 1,922 | 1,242 | |||||||
Reclassification of prepayment to intangible assets |
312 | 1,361 | 31 |
18. Subsequent events
On April 22, 2015, the Company announced, as approved by Board of Directors on the same day, that it will change the ratio of its ADS to common share from four ADSs to one common share (4:1) to one ADS to two common shares (1:2), effective as of May 11, 2015, which will have the effect of a 1-for-8 reverse split of our ADSs. The ratio change of ADS will not have a financial impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
F-32