UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

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 X   No __

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 X   No __

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” ”accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer __  Accelerated filer __  Non-accelerated filer __  Smaller reporting company X 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  __ No X 

Shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding as of November 1, 2013:

7,786,053

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                  Financial Statements

DATA I/O CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION

Data I/O Corporation (“Data I/O”, “We”, “Our”, “Us”) prepared the financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to present fairly the results for the periods presented.  The balance sheet at December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America according to such SEC rules and regulations.  Operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements and the accompanying notes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue at the time the product is shipped.  We have determined that our programming equipment has reached a point of maturity and stability such that product acceptance can be assured by testing at the factory prior to shipment and that the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element.  These systems are standard products with published product specifications and are configurable with standard options.  The evidence that these systems could be deemed as accepted was based upon having standardized factory production of the units, results from batteries of tests of product performance to our published specifications, quality inspections and installation standardization, as well as past product operation validation with the customer and the history provided by our installed base of products upon which the current versions were based.  When arrangements include multiple elements, we recognize revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition have been met for each element individually, with multiple elements done on a pro-rata basis.

Installation that is considered perfunctory includes any installation that can be performed by other parties, such as distributors, other vendors, or in most cases the customers themselves.  This takes into account the complexity, skill and training needed as well as customer expectations regarding installation.  The revenue related to products requiring installation that is perfunctory is recognized at the time of shipment provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

We record revenue from the sale of service and update contracts as deferred revenue and we recognize it on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, which is typically one year.  We establish a reserve for sales returns based on historical trends in product returns and estimates for new items.  We recognize revenue when, the price is fixed or determinable, the buyer has paid or is obligated to pay and the obligation is not contingent on resale of the product, the buyer’s obligation would not be changed in the event of theft, physical destruction or damage to the product, the buyer acquiring the product for resale has economic substance apart from us and we do not have significant obligations for future performance to directly bring about the resale of the product by the buyer. 

Sales were recorded net of actual sales returns and changes to the associated sales return reserve.  Sales return reserves were $60,000 and $60,000 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. 

When we sell software separately, we recognize software revenue upon shipment provided that only inconsequential obligations remain on our part, substantive acceptance conditions, if any, have been met and when the fee is fixed and determinable and when collection is deemed probable.

We transfer certain products out of service from their internal use and make them available for sale.  The products transferred are our standard products in one of the following areas: service loaners, rental or test units; engineering test units; or sales demonstration equipment.  Once transferred, the equipment is sold by our regular sales channels as used equipment inventory.  These product units often involve refurbishing and an equipment warranty, and are conducted as sales in our normal and ordinary course of business.  The transfer amount is the product unit’s net book value and the sale transaction is accounted for as revenue and cost of goods sold.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

We measure and recognize compensation expense as required for all share-based payment awards, including employee stock options and restricted stock awards, based on estimated fair values on the grant dates.

Income Tax

Historically when accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, we have not incurred any interest or penalties associated with tax matters and no interest or penalties were recognized during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013.  However, we have adopted a policy whereby amounts related to penalties associated with tax matters are classified as general and administrative expense when incurred and amounts related to interest associated with tax matters are classified as interest income or interest expense.

We have incurred net operating losses in the current and certain past years.  We continue to maintain a valuation allowance for the full amount of the net deferred tax asset balance associated with our net operating losses and credit carryforwards, as sufficient uncertainty exists regarding our ability to realize such tax assets in the future.  There was $155,000 and $138,000 unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions and related valuation allowance as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Tax years that remain open for examination include 2010, 2011, and 2012 in the United States of America.  In addition, tax years from 2000 to 2009 may be subject to examination in the event that we utilize the net operating losses and credit carryforwards from those years in our current or future year tax returns.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” (“ASU 2013-11”), an amendment to ASC 740, “Income Taxes.”  ASU 2013-11 clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax benefit is disallowed.  In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be netted with the deferred tax asset.  The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  Early adoption is permitted.  The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on the determination or reporting of our financial results.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity,” (“ASU 2013-05”).  The objective of ASU 2013-05 is to clarify the applicable guidance for the release into net income of the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity.  ASU 2013-05 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on the determination or reporting of our financial results.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”  Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) by component.  In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts.  ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements.  ASU 2013-02 is effective for us on January 1, 2013.  The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

NOTE 2 – INVENTORIES

 NOTE 3 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment consisted of the following components:

 NOTE 4 – BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING

As a result of the business downturn we experienced in the second half of 2011 and in 2012, as well as the uncertain business outlook at the time, we took restructuring actions in September 2012 to reduce quarterly operating expenses and production costs.  These actions included reductions in personnel and the use of contractors, professionals, and consultants, as well as focusing our development efforts on a smaller number of projects. The net restructuring charge in 2012 associated with these actions was $207,000 and was primarily related to severance.  The remaining 2012 restructuring actions were completely paid out during the first quarter of 2013. 

During the second quarter of 2013, we took additional restructuring actions to reduce our excess office space and eliminate certain job positions.  These actions resulted in restructuring costs of $642,000 for the second quarter.  The positions eliminated will allow us to have the flexibility to add other critical positions or change fixed to variable costs through outsourcing.

The $1,000 change in the third quarter of 2013 represents the change in exchange rate impact on the previous quarter’s accrued expense.  The portion of the reserve expected to be paid over the next twelve months is $235,000.  The long term portion is $196,000 and relates to the lease abandonment payments that are due in over one year.

An analysis of the business restructuring is as follows:

NOTE 5 – OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following components:

The changes in Data I/O's product warranty liability for the nine months ending September 30, 2013 are as follows:

NOTE 6 – OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

We have commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and other agreements, primarily for factory and office space, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as follows:

For the years ending December 31:

Of the $2,665,000, $252,000 has been accrued as restructure liability related to abandoned lease space.

NOTE 7 – OTHER COMMITMENTS

We have purchase obligations for inventory and production costs as well as other obligations such as capital expenditures, service contracts, marketing, and development agreements.  Arrangements are considered purchase obligations if a contract specifies all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased, a pricing structure and approximate timing of the transaction.  Most arrangements are cancelable without a significant penalty, and with short notice, typically less than 90 days.  At September 30, 2013, the purchase commitments and other obligations totaled $1,104,000 and are expected to be paid over the next twelve months.

NOTE 8 – CONTINGENCIES

As of September 30, 2013, we were not a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which in management’s opinion, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. 

Indemnification Arrangements:  We may, from time to time in the ordinary course of our business enter into contractual arrangements with third parties that include indemnification obligations.  Under these contractual arrangements, we have agreed to defend, indemnify and/or hold the third party harmless from and against certain liabilities.  These arrangements include indemnities in favor of customers in the event that our programming system products infringe a third party's intellectual property and indemnities in favor of our lessors in connection with facility leasehold liabilities that we may cause.  In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and certain of our officers, and our bylaws contain indemnification obligations in favor of our directors, officers and agents.  These indemnity arrangements may limit the type of the claim, the total amount that we can be required to be paid in connection with the indemnification obligation and the time within which an indemnification claim can be made.  The duration of the indemnification obligation may vary, and for most arrangements, survives the agreement term and is indefinite.  We believe that substantially all of our indemnity arrangements provide either for limitations on the maximum potential future payments we could be obligated to make, or for limitations on the types of claims and damages we could be obligated to indemnify, or both.  However, it is not possible to determine or reasonably estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification obligations due to the varying terms of such obligations, a lack of history of prior indemnification claims, the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular contractual arrangement and in each potential future claim for indemnification, and the contingency of any potential liabilities upon the occurrence of events that are not reasonably determinable.  We have not had any requests for indemnification under these arrangements.  Our management believes that any liability for these indemnity arrangements would not be material to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.  We have not recorded any liabilities for these indemnification arrangements on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.

NOTE 9 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on these same weighted average shares outstanding plus the effect of potential shares issuable upon assumed exercise of stock options based on the treasury stock method.  Potential shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share to the extent their effect would be anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

The earnings per share computation for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 excludes the following options to purchase common stock, as their effect is anti-dilutive:

NOTE 10 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

For share-based awards granted, we have recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value method.  For these awards we have recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method and reduced for estimated forfeitures.  

The impact on our results of operations of recording share-based compensation, net of forfeitures, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, was as follows:

The fair value of share-based awards for employee stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  The following weighted average assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of stock options granted during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

Stock option grants during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

The remaining unamortized expected future compensation expense and remaining amortization period associated with unvested option grants and restricted stock awards at September 30, 2013 are:

Item 2.                  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  This Act provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about themselves as long as they identify these statements as forward-looking and provide meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ from the projected results.  All statements other than statements of historical fact made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking.  In particular, statements herein regarding industry prospects or trends; expected revenues; expected level of expense; future results of operations; reversals of tax valuation allowances; restructuring implications; breakeven point, or financial position; changes in gross margin; economic conditions and capital spending outlook; market acceptance of our newly introduced or upgraded products; development, introduction and shipment of new products; sales channels and any other guidance on future periods are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or other future events.  Moreover, neither we nor anyone else assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements.  We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.  The reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  The discussions above and in the section in Item 1A., Risk Factors “Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results” in our Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 describe some, but not all, of the factors that could cause these differences.

OVERVIEW

We have renewed our focus on managing the core programming business to return to profitability, while developing and enhancing products to drive future revenue and earnings growth.  Our challenge continues to be operating in a cyclical and rapidly evolving industry environment.  After starting the third quarter well, bookings decelerated and were softer than expected at $4.3M for the quarter.  We continue to see economic uncertainty in many countries and markets.  We are continuing our efforts to balance business geography shifts, increasing costs and strategic investments in our business with the level of demand and mix of business we expect.

We are focusing our research and development efforts in our strategic growth markets, namely new programming technology, automated programming systems for the manufacturing environment and software.  We continue to focus on extending the capabilities and support for our product lines and supporting the latest semiconductor devices, including NAND Flash, like e-MMC, and microcontrollers on our newer products.  In September 2013, we announced our new PSV7000, Data I/O's most advanced programming system, which can cut the cost of programming by up to 50% and represents new capabilities to handle and program small parts.

Our customer focus has been on strategic high volume manufacturers in key market segments like wireless and consumer electronics, automotive electronics, industrial controls and programming centers. 

BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING PROGRESS

As a result of the business downturn we experienced in the second half of 2011 and in 2012, as well as the uncertain business outlook at the time, we took restructuring actions in September 2012 to reduce quarterly operating expenses and production costs.  These actions included reductions in personnel and the use of contractors, professionals, and consultants, as well as focusing our development efforts on a smaller number of projects. The net restructuring charge in 2012 associated with these actions was $207,000 and was primarily related to severance.  The remaining 2012 restructuring actions were completely paid out during the first quarter of 2013. 

During the second quarter of 2013, we took additional restructuring actions to reduce our excess office space and eliminate certain job positions.  These actions resulted in restructuring costs of $642,000 for the second quarter.  The positions eliminated will allow us to have the flexibility to add other critical positions or change fixed to variable costs through outsourcing.  The net effect of the space and personnel reductions, offset in part by the other planned additions, will be to reduce annual operating expenses by approximately $300,000 and these actions have been fully implemented.  The $1,000 change in the third quarter of 2013 represents the change in exchange rate impact on a previous quarter’s accrued expense.  The portion of the reserve expected to be paid over the next twelve months is $235,000.  The long term portion is $196,000 and relates to the lease abandonment payments that are expected to be completely paid by July 2016.

cRITICAL aCCOUNTING pOLICY jUDGMENTS AND eSTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that we make estimates and judgments, which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, estimating the percentage-of-completion on fixed-price professional engineering service contracts, sales returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring charges, contingencies such as litigation, and contract terms that have multiple elements and other complexities typical in the capital equipment industry.  We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements:

Revenue Recognition: We recognize revenue at the time the product is shipped.  We have determined that our programming equipment has reached a point of maturity and stability such that product acceptance can be assured by testing at the factory prior to shipment and that the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element.  These systems are standard products with published product specifications and are configurable with standard options.  The evidence that these systems could be deemed as accepted was based upon having standardized factory production of the units, results from batteries of tests of product performance to our published specifications, quality inspections and installation standardization, as well as past product operation validation with the customer and the history provided by our installed base of products upon which the current versions were based.  When arrangements include multiple elements, we recognize revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition have been met for each element individually, with multiple elements done on a pro-rata basis.

Installation that is considered perfunctory includes any installation that can be performed by other parties, such as distributors, other vendors, or in most cases the customers themselves.  This takes into account the complexity, skill and training needed as well as customer expectations regarding installation.  The revenue related to products requiring installation that is perfunctory is recognized at the time of shipment provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

We record revenue from the sale of service and update contracts as deferred revenue and we recognize it on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, which is typically one year.  We establish a reserve for sales returns based on historical trends in product returns and estimates for new items.  We recognize revenue when, the price is fixed or determinable, the buyer has paid or is obligated to pay and the obligation is not contingent on resale of the product, the buyer’s obligation would not be changed in the event of theft, physical destruction or damage to the product, the buyer acquiring the product for resale has economic substance apart from us and we do not have significant obligations for future performance to directly bring about the resale of the product by the buyer. 

Sales were recorded net of actual sales returns and changes to the associated sales return reserve.  Sales return reserves were $60,000 and $60,000 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. 

When we sell software separately, we recognize software revenue upon shipment provided that only inconsequential obligations remain on our part, substantive acceptance conditions, if any, have been met and when the fee is fixed and determinable and when collection is deemed probable.

We transfer certain products out of service from their internal use and make them available for sale.  The products transferred are our standard products in one of the following areas: service loaners, rental or test units; engineering test units; or sales demonstration equipment.  Once transferred, the equipment is sold by our regular sales channels as used equipment inventory.  These product units often involve refurbishing and an equipment warranty, and are conducted as sales in our normal and ordinary course of business.  The transfer amount is the product unit’s net book value and the sale transaction is accounted for as revenue and cost of goods sold.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: We base the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of accounts receivable.  If there is deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness or actual defaults are higher than historical experience, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be adversely affected. 

Inventory: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Adjustments are made to standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis.  We estimate reductions to inventory for obsolete, slow-moving, excess and non-salable inventory by reviewing current transactions and forecasted product demand.  We evaluate our inventories on an item by item basis and record inventory adjustments accordingly.  If there is a significant decrease in demand for our products or there is a higher risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements, we may be required to increase our inventory adjustments and our gross margin could be adversely affected. 

Warranty Accruals: We accrue for warranty costs based on the expected material and labor costs to fulfill our warranty obligations.  If we experience an increase in warranty claims, which are higher than our historical experience, our gross margin could be adversely affected. 

Tax Valuation Allowances:  Given the uncertainty created by our loss history, as well as the current uncertain economic outlook for our industry and capital spending, we expect to continue to limit the recognition of net deferred tax assets and accounting for uncertain tax positions and maintain the tax valuation allowances.  At the current time, we expect, therefore, that reversals of the tax valuation allowance will take place only as we are able to take advantage of the underlying tax loss or other attributes in carry forward.  The transfer pricing and expense or cost sharing arrangements are complex areas where judgments, such as the determination of arms-length arrangements, can be subject to challenges by different tax jurisdictions. 

Share-based Compensation:  We account for share-based awards made to our employees and directors, including employee stock option awards and restricted stock awards, using the estimated grant date fair value method of accounting.  We estimate the fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock.  The expected stock price volatility assumption was determined using the historical volatility of our common stock.  Changes in the subjective assumptions required in the valuation model may significantly affect the estimated value of the awards, the related stock-based compensation expense and, consequently, our results of operations.  

Results of Operations

Net Sales

Net sales in the third quarter of 2013 were $5.4 million, up 24% compared with $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 and sequentially up 2% compared with the second quarter of 2013.  On a regional basis, net sales increased 114% in Asia and 11% in Europe, while declining 18% in the Americas compared to the third quarter of 2012.

Orders for the third quarter of 2013 were $4.3 million, up 5%, compared with $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2012, but sequentially down 36% compared to the second quarter of 2013.  On a regional basis, order bookings increased 30% in Europe and 6% in Asia, while declining 22% in the Americas, compared to the third quarter of 2012.  The difference in sales vs. order percentages is due to changes in backlog and deferred revenue.  We ended the quarter with a backlog of $1.3 million, compared to $1.0 million at September 30, 2012 and $2.4 million at June 30, 2013.  We saw a 25% increase in adapter orders in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same quarter in 2012, which we believe reflects a higher equipment utilization, however, we saw limited capacity related capital expenditures.  We continue to see economic uncertainty in many countries and markets.

For the first nine months ending September 30, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, the sales increase was primarily due to purchasing by wireless original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) and related electronics manufacturing service (“EMS”) customers; a new consumer home electronics customer; and the significant PS and FLX systems orders we received from a manufacturer of consumer electronics in the second quarter of 2013.  For the first nine months ending September 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, orders increased 17% primarily due to same general factors discussed above for the sales increase.

Gross Margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales in the third quarter of 2013 was 47.7%, compared with 44.7% in the third quarter of 2012.  The gross margin increase as a percentage of sales for the third quarter was primarily due to a sales volume increase in relation to fixed costs and favorable variances, offset in part by a less favorable product mix and higher sales discounts primarily related to the significant PS and FLX systems orders we received from a manufacturer of consumer electronics in the second quarter of 2013 and shipped in the third quarter.

For the first nine months of 2013, the gross margin increase as a percentage of sales was primarily due to the increased sales volume in relation to fixed costs, as well as the same general factors discussed above for the third quarter.

Research and Development

Research and development (“R&D”) decreased by $320,000 in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to the elimination of most of the amortization and expenses related to the Azido initiative, as well as savings from personnel reductions from the second quarter of 2013 and third quarter of 2012 restructuring actions and reduced use of contractors that support R&D efforts.

For the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, the decrease in R&D expense was due to the same general factors discussed above for the third quarter. 

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, General and Administrative expenses decreased $289,000 in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2012.  The decrease was primarily related to savings from personnel and contractor reductions from the September 2012 restructuring actions, as well as cost controls, offset in part by $32,000 higher incentive compensation.

For the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, the decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to the CEO search firm and separation pay expense of $460,000 in 2012 as well as the same general factors discussed above for the third quarter.

Interest

Interest income for the three months ending September 30, 2013 decreased compared to the same periods in 2012 primarily due to lower invested balances in foreign accounts.

Interest income for the first nine months of 2013 decreased compared to the same periods in 2012 primarily due to interest received related to foreign income tax refunds that occurred in 2012.

Income Taxes

Income tax (expense) benefit recorded for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 as well as for the same periods in 2012 resulted primarily from refund settlements received of foreign income taxes during 2012, offset in part by foreign taxes on current year subsidiary income.

The effective tax rate differed from the statutory tax rate primarily due to the effect of valuation allowances, as well as foreign taxes.  We have a valuation allowance of $11.2 million as of September 30, 2013.  Our deferred tax assets and valuation allowance have been reduced by approximately $155,000 and $138,000 associated with the requirements of accounting for uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Given the uncertainty created by our past loss history and the cyclical nature of the industry in which we operate, we expect to continue to limit the recognition of net deferred tax assets and maintain the tax valuation allowances.

Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the third quarter, cash declined $294,000 and accounts receivable grew $827,000, primarily due to two past due customers who paid $1.2 million in the week after quarter end.  Inventory grew $158,000 primarily related to production inventory for the new PSV7000.

For the first nine months of 2013, our cash position declined $234,000 and our accounts receivable increased $1.4 million, primarily due to the two past due customers discussed above and funding the year to date loss and restructuring actions.

Although we have no significant external capital expenditure plans currently, we expect that we will continue to make capital expenditures to support our business.  We plan to increase our internally developed sales demonstration and R&D test equipment as we develop and release new products.  Capital expenditures are expected to be funded by existing and internally generated funds or lease financing.

As a result of our significant product development, customer support, selling and marketing efforts, we have required substantial working capital to fund our operations.  Over the last few years and again during 2013, we restructured our operations to lower our costs and operating expenditures in some geographic regions, while investing in other regions; creating headroom to hire critical product development resources; and to lower the level of revenue required for our net income breakeven point; as well as offsetting in part, costs rising over time; to preserve our cash position and to focus on profitable operations. See “Business Restructuring Progress” discussion above for future expected restructuring related payments.

We believe that we have sufficient working capital available under our operating plan to fund our operations and capital requirements through at least the next one-year period.  Approximately $8.6 million of our cash is located in foreign subsidiary accounts at September 30, 2013.  Although we have no current repatriation plans, there may be tax and other impediments to repatriating the cash to the United States.  Our working capital may be used to fund share repurchases and growth initiatives including acquisitions, which could reduce our liquidity.  Any substantial inability to achieve our current business plan could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations and may require us to reduce expenditures and/or seek additional financing.

OFF-Balance sheet arrangements

Except as noted in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in Note 6, “Operating Lease Commitments” and Note 7, “Other Commitments”, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Non-Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) FINANCIAL MeasureS  

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) was an earnings of $228,000 and a loss of ($1,094,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure provides meaningful supplemental information regarding our results and facilitates the comparison of results.  A reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA follows:

RECENT ACCOUNTING ANNOUNCEMENTS

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” (“ASU 2013-11”), an amendment to ASC 740, “Income Taxes.”  ASU 2013-11 clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax benefit is disallowed.  In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be netted with the deferred tax asset.  The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  Early adoption is permitted.  The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on the determination or reporting of our financial results.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity,” (“ASU 2013-05”).  The objective of ASU 2013-05 is to clarify the applicable guidance for the release into net income of the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity.  ASU 2013-05 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on the determination or reporting of our financial results.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”  Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) by component.  In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts.  ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements.  ASU 2013-02 is effective for us on January 1, 2013.  The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Item 3.                  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 4.                  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable level of assurance. Disclosure Controls are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in internal controls

There were no changes made in our internal controls during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business.  As of September 30, 2013, we were not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.

Item 1A.                                Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.  There are no material changes to the Risk Factors described in our Annual Report.

Item 2.                  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

                                None

Item 3.                  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

                                None

Item 4.                  Mine Safety Disclosures

                                Not Applicable

Item 5.                  Other Information

                                None

Item 6.                  Exhibits    

(a)    Exhibits 

10        Material Contracts: 

10.26                     Rajeev Gulati Offer Letter (incorporated by reference to Data I/O’s current report on Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2013).  

                 31    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002:

31.1                           Chief Executive Officer Certification

31.2                           Chief Financial Officer Certification

                 32    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002:

32.1                           Chief Executive Officer Certification                   

32.2                           Chief Financial Officer Certification

101   Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

DATED:   November 8, 2013

DATA I/O CORPORATION

(REGISTRANT)

 By: //S//Anthony Ambrose                                                                                                                            

 Anthony Ambrose

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

By: //S//Joel S. Hatlen

Joel S. Hatlen

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Secretary and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION        

I, Anthony Ambrose, certify that:

1)            I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Data I/O Corporation;

2)            Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3)            Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4)            The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:

a)             Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)            Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)             Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

d)            Disclosed in this quarterly report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5)            The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)             All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)            Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

DATED:   November 8, 2013

/s/ Anthony Ambrose

Anthony Ambrose

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Joel S. Hatlen, certify that:

1)            I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Data I/O Corporation;

2)            Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3)            Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4)            The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:

a)             Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)            Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)             Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

d)            Disclosed in this quarterly report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5)            The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)             All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)            Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

DATED:   November 8, 2013

 /s/ Joel S. Hatlen  

Joel S. Hatlen

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

Certification by Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Data I/O Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Anthony Ambrose, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Anthony Ambrose

Anthony Ambrose

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

November 8, 2013

Exhibit 32.2

Certification by Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Data I/O Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joel S. Hatlen, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 /s/ Joel S. Hatlen  

Joel S. Hatlen

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

November 8, 2013