In some instances, particularly from non-Tier 1 sports organizations, Genius receives noncash consideration in the form of official sports data and streaming rights, along with other rights, in exchange for Betting Technology services. Because there is not a readily determinable fair value for these unique data rights, Genius estimates the fair value of noncash consideration based on the standalone selling price of the services promised to customers. Revenue is recognized either ratably over the contract term or as the services are provided, by event or season, depending on the nature of the underlying promised product or service. An equal offsetting amount is expensed in costs of revenue as “data and streaming rights,” which fully offsets the revenue recognized from the noncash consideration.
Media Technology, Content and Services — revenue is primarily generated from providing data-driven performance marketing technology and services, including personalized online marketing campaigns, to sportsbooks, sports leagues and federations, along with other global brands in the sports ecosystem. Genius typically offers its solutions on a fixed fee basis, which is generally prepaid by customers. Revenue is generally recognized over time as the services are performed using an input method based on costs to secure advertising space.
Genius provides customers with data driven video marketing capabilities, and a suite of technology solutions for digital fan engagement products and free-to-play games. Customers subscribe or access these products through hosted services over the contractual term in exchange for a fixed annual fee, subject to certain variable components.
Genius provides sports teams and leagues with player tracking systems that capture and produce fast and accurate location data used to power new ways to understand, evaluate, improve and create content for their game, enhanced data analytics programs and real-time video augmentation services. Depending on the nature of the underlying product or service, revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term or recognized over time using an output method based on deliverables to the customer.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of revenue. Genius’ cost of revenue includes costs related to (i) amortization of intangible assets, mainly related to Genius’ capitalized internally developed software and acquired intangibles, (ii) fees for third-party data and streaming rights under executory contracts, including stock-based compensation for non-employees, (iii) data collection and production, third-party server and bandwidth and outsourced bookmaking, (iv) advertising costs directly associated with Genius’ Media Technology, Content and Services offerings, and (v) stock-based compensation for employees (including related employer payroll taxes).
Genius believes that its cost of revenue is highly scalable and can be leveraged over the longer term. While key components of cost of revenue, such as server and bandwidth costs and personnel costs related to revenue-generating activities, are variable, Genius expects them to grow at a slower pace than revenue. Other key costs, such as third-party data including those related to Genius’ EPL and NFL contracts, are typically fixed.
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of sales personnel costs, including compensation, stock-based compensation for employees (including related employer payroll taxes), commissions and benefits, amortization of costs to obtain a contract associated with capitalized commissions costs, event attendance, event sponsorships, marketing subscriptions, and facility costs.
Research and development. Research and development (“R&D”) expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for the development of new products related to Genius’ platform and services, as well as improving existing products and services. The costs incurred included related personnel salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation for employees (including related employer payroll taxes), travel and accommodation costs, facility costs, server and bandwidth costs, and amortization of production software costs.
R&D expenses can be volatile between periods, as Genius capitalizes a significant portion of its internally developed software costs, in periods where a product completes the preliminary project stage, and it is probable the project will be completed and performed as intended. Capitalized internally developed software costs are typically amortized in cost of revenue.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of administrative personnel costs, including executive salaries, bonuses and benefits, stock-based compensation for employees (including related employer payroll taxes), professional services (including legal, regulatory and audit), subscriptions and software licenses and facility costs.
Transaction expenses. Transaction expenses consist primarily of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees in connection with Genius’ corporate development activities.
Interest (expense) income, net. Interest expense consists primarily of interest on the Credit Agreement and accretion of obligations related to other intangible assets. Interest income consists primarily of interest on cash balances.
Impairment of equity method investment relates to Genius' impairment of its investment in CFL Ventures.
Income tax benefit (expense). Genius accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method whereby deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes reflects income earned and taxed, mainly in jurisdictions outside the UK. See Note 14 – Income Taxes, to Genius’ unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.