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RTG VENTURES INC - 10-K/A - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
(Edgar Glimpses Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Readers are cautioned that certain statements contained herein are
forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with our
disclosures under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" on page 1. These
statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to
risks and uncertainties. This discussion also should be read in conjunction with
the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8.
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Background
RTG Ventures, Inc. is an OTC:QB listed company. Subsequent to the close of the
fiscal year 2011 following substantial investment, the Company conducted a
structural review of its total product and services offering. The review was
carried out by the Board of Directors. The result was to bring technology
development being outsourced directly into the Company to steward on a daily
basis and any activities which were not revenue generating in the near term were
eliminated. It was unanimously agreed that the company would adopt a lean
approach that focused on the relationships and partnerships built up over the
year in the music arena as well as build on the early stage development of its
CloudChannel product by bringing the technology in-house following product
development disappointments of the technology being developed in the Ukraine.
Within this shift, it was agreed that a new, more appropriate name be given to
the services and technology offered by RTG that reflected the change and would
allow the building of brand value in its own right. Pulse Station reflected that
change.
Operations Overview/Outlook
Operationally, 2012 has been important in evaluating the direction of the
company and steering it toward a sustainable growth plan from last year's
various divisional sectors that centred on technology and digital marketing.
Music & Entertainment Solutions
RTG is taking its strengths including its relationships to build its business
focus on music and entertainment. The Company, under very competitive global
market conditions and growing development needs, continued to identify
partnership opportunities using its platform, Pulse Station, and conducted a
robust review of performance with excellent results.
The heart of the business is the marketing consultancy. Understanding each
client and developing the model to individualize the outlook has been essential.
This kind of close relationship with the client resulted in Digital Clarity
being considered a close professional advisor.
In fiscal year 2013, the Company will take the positive results of the last year
and use that model to expand geographic reach with existing and new partners.
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Digital Marketing Services
2012 has seen massive growth in the adoption of Social Media as a communication,
marketing and engagement avenue. Through Stylar, RTG's wholly owned digital
marketing agency brand, Digital Clarity, it was clear that the direction, talent
and growth of the company is in its human capital and outside relationships.
The clear opportunity is at the foundation of the company, namely the need to
expedite and encourage development in the digital marketing services sector. The
Company must jumpstart the growth by significant capital infusion by fiscal year
2013 to grow simultaneously in multiple geographies.
As a foundation, the financial review showed that Digital Clarity continued to
be revenue generating and remained cash flow positive.
Key Milestones
During the latter part of 2012, Digital Clarity continued to make inroads into
established and emerging markets. As part of this push, that was greatly
enhanced and supported by a newly created Head of US Operations, Steven
Baughman, the company won a major deal with a US based entertainment group. The
group was seeking a seasoned agency that could fulfil its complex specifications
and grow with its aggressive expansion plans throughout the US and beyond.
Digital Clarity was awarded the contract, removing the competitors to win the
design and development of the new website centered on an intelligent design as
well as a strong understanding and execution of social media integration.
Further to that success, Digital Clarity has also been in deep negotiation with
a Luxury Brand Group that takes established and well known global high-end
fashion brands into the rapidly growing Middle East market.
Digital Clarity is working with the group due to the agency's ability to
leverage on contacts within the region and the ability to deliver tangible
strategy. The Middle East remains an important market for the company. These two
initiatives are examples of the Company's development activities which will
serve as models for the 2013 fiscal year.
Key Differentiators
2012 has been about establishing strong foundations, streamlining operations and
assessing activities on a cost benefit basis. 2013 will be about growth and
outreach.
As the internet and mobile arena continues to mature, the need to make sense of
and manage companies through this often complex market is clearly an area of
massive growth. The company is confident that the talent and experience within
the digital marketing team is poised for a major springboard in 2013, but must
be expanded significantly in order to support the global reach intended.
Experience
The company has reach and experience across a large number of vertical markets
including: Automotive, Retail, Travel, Finance, Property, Recruitment,
Advertising, Entertainment/Sports, B2B, Start-ups to name a few.
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Relationships and Industry Contacts
The team at Digital Clarity have professional and personal contacts at companies
such as Google, Microsoft and Facebook, often being invited to attend strategic
market briefings and insights.
Partnerships and agency management have allowed Digital Clarity to work on some
of the biggest brands, sitting behind the agencies as a support and resource to
deliver very high quality service and results to their clients.
Team Expertise
· PPC campaign experience especially Google AdWords existed
· SEO evolution from aggressive link building and onsite SEO through to
strategic marketing integration of inbound marketing
· Website design and development based on results driven design and planning
· Brand consultancy
· Social media management and advertising.Several clients have been "won"
directly via Digital Clarity's internal social media strategy
· Sales and account management experience from multi-disciplined backgrounds
Evolution and Flexibility
The market is continually changing. Digital Clarity has always remained ahead of
the curve and given their clients peace of mind by remaining a true strategic
partner.
Creative, Individualized Solutions and Customer Service
Case Studies and testimonials reflect the client-centric approach of Digital
Clarity. Being selected over larger more established firms, support that we
provide the client with skills that are differentiating. The Digital Clarity
Brand is being established positively.
Growth opportunities in the Market
As the use of web mobile sites and applications grow, so do the complexities and
challenges of using these sites and platforms commercially. Digital Clarity
directs business through the maze of an often confusing and sophisticated set of
barriers, to create a clear path for the customer to our clients product or
service. As this market matures, the need for companies to rely on the services
from Digital Clarity can only grow. Here we look at some of the growth areas in
Digital Clarity's arsenal.
Growth & Opportunities in Design
§ 644,275,754- number of active web pages 1st QTR 2012 - NetCraft
§ 6million domain added in first QTR 2012 - Verisign
§ By2015, Mobile Internet Usage Will Increase by Factor of 26 - CISCO
§ 665million media tablets in use worldwide By end of 2016 - Gartner Group
Growth & Opportunities in Search
§ The North American Search industry will grow from $19.3 bn in 2011 to $26.8bn
in 2013 - SEMPO
§ Revenue from Localized Mobile Ads to Reach $5.8 Billion in U.S. by 2016 -
BIA/Kelsey
§ U.S. search spend grew by 11 percent Year over Year, while ROI improved by 26
percent - Adobe
§ 72% of Consumers Want Mobile-Friendly Sites - Google Research
§ 2million search queries are made on Google, every minute - Google
§ Growthin Corporate Search - 50% of Fortune 100 Companies have a Google+
Account
Growth & Opportunities in Social Media
§ Fortune Global 100 companies have more accounts on each platform than ever
before with an average:
o 10.1 Twitter accounts
o 10.4 Facebook pages
o 8.1 YouTube channels
o 2.6 Google Plus pages
o 2.0 Pinterest accounts
§ Seventy-four percent of companies studied have a Facebook page.
§ Ninety-three percent of corporate Facebook pages are updated weekly.
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§ Forty-eight percent of companies are now on Google Plus.
§ Twenty-five percent of companies have Pinterest accounts.
§ Each corporate Facebook page has an average of 6,101 people talking about it.
The need for RTG to reach Global Markets
It is clear that the economy continues its slow recovery from the global effect
of market forces which impact on all areas of commerce and trade. As the markets
remain volatile, the opportunity for a company like RTG Ventures to approach new
business with its proven track record, increase. The core markets remain US and
English speaking European markets. Emerging markets are a target for 2013. We
already have identified a partner in the Middle East and are actively developing
a significant client. In addition, BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and
China) would be the next targets from the emerging markets.
The company intends to further extend its services in the Middle Eastern market
initially then review the successes using a lean methodology and continuous
improvement along the way, and then roll out to the BRIC markets.
US
The US remains the center of the entertainment, technology and digital
industries and as such the emphasis looking forward to 2013 and building on the
recent success in the last quarter of the 2012 calendar year means that RTG and
its agency Digital Clarity are perfectly positioned to spring board into this
market using the successful models established this past year.
Currently, negotiations are taking place to extend relationships with
collaborative partners that have clients in the entertainment and media sectors
that can leverage Digital Clarity's experience in the digital and social space.
With the appointment of Steven Baughman as Head of US Operations in June 2012,
we are establishing a strong digital marketing presence in the Los Angeles area
to cover the music and entertainment market and then plan to do the same later
in 2013 in New York. We intended to establish the satellite office during the
2012 fiscal year but didn't have the bandwidth to do so and develop our client
base as well. As California remains a key regional base from which to build and
expand relationships, the need to have a New York satellite office is equally
important to serve and build relationships the largest advertising market in the
US.
Europe
As the current base of the digital marketing agency is in London England, it is
perfectly placed to reach out to the broader European market to replicate the
Company's model in the stronger economies in this region. As with the
relationships mentioned in the US, opportunities are being explored as to how US
partners can leverage Digital Clarity's reach in this region and help take
established US agencies into the European region.
Middle East
The Middle East is a fertile market for heritage based US and European brands
looking for entry into this lucrative market. The fastest area for growth in
this sector is to leverage on the luxury arena. Digital Clarity is already in
discussions with a number of different luxury groups each with different brands
within the group.
Given the complexity of the region as well as the enormous potential, it is
important that Digital Clarity aligns itself with established players in local
markets. With this in mind, Digital Clarity will look to collaborate with some
digital agency partners where there is already a relationship and create a
strategy that allows the company to look at the breakdown of current digital
competence of these brands focusing on various touch points such as tablets,
sites, mobile & social reach in the Middle East.
Our value proposition is very much about creating digital penetration of the
Middle Eastern market for a particular group and how those brands would be
positioned to create brand value - a bye product of which would be sales.
Areas supporting growth in the Middle East
§ Leverage of trade shows - e.g. MEE in November in Dubai - World Travel &
Luxury Goods
§ 214,000 Chinese tourists visited Dubai in 2011, a 50% increase from the
previous year.
§ 25% of luxury goods sold in the Mall of the Emirates were bought by Chinese
tourists 2011
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§ A recent survey by Chalhoub Group revealed that 70% of survey respondents
shopped with friends and 40% with sisters and mothers. The survey found that
having the right logo and fashion brand displayed on handbags or clothes is
particularly important. For example, up to 90% of people surveyed in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia, believed it was important to have a prestigious logo displayed on
their clothing or accessories.
Key differentiators
Artist Collaboration with the head of US Operations, Steven Baughman is an area
that will see exponential growth in the coming 12 months and beyond. Artists and
brands that look to leverage their celebrity status will look to companies such
as Digital Clarity to help drive and develop their brand in the growing and
complex arena of social media.
Financial Overview/Outlook
RTG Ventures began the 2012 fiscal year with significant challenges which
included streamlining the Company, resulting in a reduction of 33% in
administrative costs and 72% in payroll costs, while focusing on the growth of
digital marketing services and technology driven through Digital Clarity. The
cost of sales has decreased by 37% while gross profit increased by 109%. The
template is in place, following the Company realignment from last year.
Though positive results were achieved through those efforts, the Company was
faced with a series of financings with conversion provisions in the first
quarter of the fiscal year, causing a depression in the share price which
continues today. The Company's intent had been to pay off the lender
pre-conversion as it had with previous financing, but business conditions in the
fall 2011 continuing into the first quarter of 2012 made that impossible.
Although the business plan was being positively realigned and executed, the
Company was faced with relentless conversions for a period of five to six
months.
By the end of the second quarter of the fiscal year, the Company was able to
restructure the remaining debt to the lender and subsequently paid off the
remaining notes in full and in cash in the prescribed time frame.
In addition, by the end of the fiscal year 2012 all debt is in the hands of
friendly lenders who have shown their support to the Company.
However, the weakened share price remains a challenge to the Company. Having
revenues of approximately $500,000 would suggest a conservative market multiple
of x10-x16, the latter being the manufacturing average, the market cap of RTG
should be a minimum of $5,000,000. Compared to other companies in this sector,
RTG is significantly undervalued. The issue will be addressed as a priority
early in the 2013 fiscal year.
In the past, RTG's financing efforts have always been in short term, small
amounts of working capital. That is going to change in 2013. Going forward, RTG
Ventures intends to embark on a significant capital raise to allow the Company
to scale up geographically and maximize our global reach through partnered
relationships. This strategy is the most efficient and effective path to grow
RTG quickly into multiple revenue streams. We have proven the model in the last
year. Our marketing services' offering is a labor intensive endeavor, wherein
human capital is a key differentiator of knowledge and/or relationships.
After a very difficult year, fraught with challenges and hurdles, we see 2013 as
poised for growth on multiple fronts. With capital infusion, which will allow us
to bring in new clients, grow existing successful clients and service them
accordingly, coupled with an offer of a deferred tax asset to attract partners
with significant revenue and expansion patterns, we will have a model in place
which will be sustainable.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not currently a party to, or otherwise involved with, any off-balance
sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or
future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial
condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital
expenditures or capital resources.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective,
accounting standards, if currently adopted, could have a material effect on the
accompanying financial statements.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified
to conform with the current period presentation.
Significant and Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion of the financial condition and results of operations is based
upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of any contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Management
regularly reviews its estimates and assumptions, which are based on historical
factors and other factors that are believed to be relevant under the
circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different
assumptions, estimates or conditions.
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of
significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially
different results under different assumptions and conditions. See "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional disclosure of the application
of these and other accounting policies.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
After the Board's strategic review post-2011 fiscal year, we have migrated the
technology in-house and are concentrating on activities which will grow Digital
Clarity organically and by acquisition. We spent fiscal year 2012 establishing a
client model for existing and new customers which can be exported
geographically.
FISCAL YEAR 2012
We had $78,131 cash at August 31, 2012. Our working capital deficit amounted to
approximately $1.5 million at August 31, 2012.
During fiscal 2012, we used cash in our operating activities amounting to
approximately $489,000. Our cash used in operating activities was comprised of
our net loss from continuing operations of approximately $1.3 million adjusted
for the following:
· Fair value of shares issued of approximately $319,000;
· Amortization of debt discount of approximately $264,000;
· Change in fair value of derivative liability of approximately $51,000;
· Bad debt expense of approximately $25,000;
· Interest related to modification of conversion price of debt of
approximately $173,000;
· Depreciation of approximately $2,000;
Additionally, the following variations in operating assets and liabilities
impacted our cash used in operating activity:
· An increase in our accounts payable and accrued expenses of
approximately $1,000, resulting from slower payment processing due to
our financial condition as well as an increase in expenditures of RTG
Ventures (Europe).
· An increase in our accrued salaries of approximately $92,000, resulting
from partial payments made due to our financial condition.
· A decrease in our accounts receivable of $7,000 resulting from sales
made by acquisition.
During fiscal 2012, we used cash from investing activities of approximately
$2,000, for purchase of fixed assets.
During fiscal 2012, we generated cash from financing activities of approximately
$509,000, which consist of the proceeds from the issuance of loans, convertible
notes, and capital contributions of approximately $548,000 offset by principal
repayments on such debt amounting to approximately $40,000.
FISCAL YEAR 2011
We had $62,111 cash at August 31, 2011. Our working capital deficit amounted to
approximately $1.66 million at August 31, 2011.
During fiscal 2011, we used cash in our operating activities amounting to
approximately $525,000. Our cash used in operating activities was comprised of
our net loss from continuing operations of approximately $1.48 million adjusted
for the following:
· Fair value of shares issued of $46,150;
· Amortization of debt discount of $123,672;
· Impairment of Intangible of $156,908;
· Loss on settlement of debt of $43,343;
· Gain on write off of payables of $218,999;
· Depreciation of $1,844;
Additionally, the following variations in operating assets and liabilities
impacted our cash used in operating activity:
· An increase in our accounts payable and accrued expenses of
approximately $141,000, resulting from slower payment processing due to
our financial condition as well as an increase in expenditures of RTG
Ventures (Europe).
· An increase in our accrued salaries of approximately $656,000, resulting
from an increase in staff as well as partial salary payments made due to
our financial condition.
· A decrease in our accounts receivable of $13,950 resulting from sales
made by acquisition.
During fiscal 2011, we generated cash from investing activities of approximately
$80,037, which consist of cash acquired in connection to acquisition of Digital
Clarity and 6,075 for purchase of fixed assets.
During fiscal 2011, we generated cash from financing activities of approximately
$505,000, which consist of the proceeds from the issuance of loans, convertible
notes, and capital contributions of approximately $560,000 offset by principal
repayments on such debt amounting to approximately $53,000.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of the Results for the Years Ended August 31, 2012 and 2011
We currently generate revenue through our Pay-Per-Click Advertising, Search
Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization Services, Web Design, Social Media,
Digital analytics and Advisory Services.
Revenue for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $458,000
and $540,000, respectively. In 2012 our primary sources of revenue are the
Per-Click Advertising, Web Design Fee Income and Search Engine Optimization
Services. These primary sources amounted to greater than 88% of our revenues or
approximately $405,000. Our secondary sources of revenue are SMS Fee Income,
Social Fee Income, Email Media Income and SMS Media. These secondary sources
amounted to approximately 11% of our revenues or approximately $50,000. In 2011
our primary sources of revenue are the Per-Click Advertising, and Search Engine
Optimization Services. These primary sources amounted to greater than 75% of our
revenues or approximately $425,000. Our secondary sources of revenue are our Web
Design Fees, Social Media and SMS Marketing. These secondary sources amounted to
approximately 20% of our revenues or approximately $105,000.
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We recognize revenue upon the completion of our performance obligation, provided
that: (1) evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) the arrangement fee is fixed
and determinable; and (3) collection is reasonably assured.
Cost of sales for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately
$288,000 and $460,000, respectively. In 2012, 100% of cost of sales included
advertising, salaries and media spend. This resulted in gross margins of
approximately $170,000 for the fiscal year 2012. In 2011, 99% of cost of sales
included advertising, salaries and media spend. This resulted in gross margins
of approximately $81,000 for the fiscal year 2011.
General and administrative costs decreased 33% to approximately $242,000 from
approximately $359,000 for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011,
respectively. This is primarily attributable to the streamlining of overhead in
the parent company in the US resulting in a decrease in expenditures.
Payroll decreased in 2012 by 72% to approximately $524,000 as a result of the
Company's decrease in the number of employees including an officer of the
Company. The Company has also adjusted its salary related to the elimination of
an accrual of an officer of the Company.
Professional fees (which include accounting/auditing, consulting and legal fees)
increased by approximately $258,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012.
This increase is primarily attributable to the increased professional fees in
2012 associated with the Company's use of consultants.
Amortization and depreciation for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 was
approximately $266,000 and $125,000 respectively. The increase is due to the
amortization of debt discount of approximately $264,000 in 2012.
Interest expense for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately
$92,000 and $106,000 respectively. A decrease of approximately $14,000 or 13%
which is the result of interest associated with the notes payable issued in
2011.
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