a10qfy12q2.htm




UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended October 29, 2011

OR

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From   to  .

 Commission File Number: 0-23246

DAKTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

South Dakota
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
46-0306862
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Dak Logo
                    201 Daktronics Drive
   
                    Brookings, SD
 
   57006
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     
(605) 692-0200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 S  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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  
Yes S  No o
 
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 o                                                                           Accelerated filer  S
Non-accelerated filer o                                                                           Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No S  
 
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of November 28, 2011 was 41,854,947.

 
 
 


 

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended October 29, 2011

Table of Contents

 
Page
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
         
   
 
   
         
Exhibit Index:
 
   
   
   
   
 
Ex.
101
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as of and for the quarter ended October 29, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheet, (ii) Consolidated Statement of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 





 
 
-1-

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)


   
October 29,
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(note 1)
 
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
    Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 63,460     $ 54,308  
    Restricted cash
    1,675       1,546  
    Marketable securities
    25,663       22,943  
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
    58,469       61,778  
    Inventories
    52,825       46,889  
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
    25,684       24,193  
    Current maturities of long-term receivables
    6,180       5,343  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets
    6,727       6,253  
    Deferred income taxes
    9,644       9,640  
    Income tax receivables
    2,002       4,870  
    Property and equipment available for sale
    40       59  
        Total current assets
    252,369       237,822  
                 
    Advertising rights, net and other assets
    1,157       1,276  
    Long-term receivables, less current maturities
    13,795       13,558  
    Goodwill
    3,332       3,384  
    Intangibles
    1,523       1,761  
    Deferred income taxes
    283       180  
      20,090       20,159  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
               
    Land
    1,497       1,497  
    Buildings
    55,905       55,457  
    Machinery and equipment
    60,207       58,233  
    Office furniture and equipment
    15,640       15,648  
    Computer software and hardware
    39,279       37,754  
    Equipment held for rental
    1,318       1,283  
    Demonstration equipment
    8,717       8,086  
    Transportation equipment
    3,869       3,688  
      186,432       181,646  
        Less accumulated depreciation
    119,411       111,780  
      67,021       69,866  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 339,480     $ 327,847  
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
               






 
 
-2-

 

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
(in thousands, except share data)


   
October 29,
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(note 1)
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
    Notes payable, bank
  $ 3,140     $ 2,316  
    Accounts payable
    35,472       29,223  
    Accrued expenses
    20,975       21,748  
    Warranty obligations
    14,543       14,474  
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
    19,213       20,284  
    Customer deposits
    12,249       11,288  
    Deferred revenue (billed or collected)
    9,178       8,770  
    Current portion of other long-term obligations
    405       273  
    Income tax payable
    809       880  
    Deferred income taxes
    481       406  
        Total current liabilities
    116,465       109,662  
                 
    Long-term warranty obligations
    8,814       8,508  
    Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected)
    4,045       4,559  
    Other long-term obligations, less current maturities
    1,684       2,010  
    Deferred income taxes
    10       6  
        Total long-term liabilities
    14,553       15,083  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    131,018       124,745  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
    Common stock, no par value, authorized
        120,000,000 shares; 41,749,004 and 41,606,070 shares
        issued at October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, respectively
    33,677       32,670  
    Additional paid-in capital
    22,828       21,149  
    Retained earnings
    152,030       149,291  
    Treasury stock, at cost, 19,680 shares
    (9 )     (9 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (64 )     1  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    208,462       203,102  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 339,480     $ 327,847  
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
               
                 
                 

 
 
 
-3-
 

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)


                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 135,910     $ 126,919     $ 254,607     $ 227,421  
Cost of goods sold
    104,440       94,102       193,631       168,017  
    Gross profit
    31,470       32,817       60,976       59,404  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
    Selling expense
    12,926       12,600       25,135       24,936  
    General and administrative
    6,972       5,624       13,436       11,212  
    Product design and development
    5,636       4,561       11,353       9,114  
      25,534       22,785       49,924       45,262  
    Operating income
    5,936       10,032       11,052       14,142  
                                 
Nonoperating income (expense):
                               
    Interest income
    457       383       892       838  
    Interest expense
    (95 )     (41 )     (171 )     (77 )
    Other (expense) income, net
    (47 )     167       (193 )     262  
                                 
    Income before income taxes
    6,251       10,541       11,580       15,165  
    Income tax expense
    2,292       3,534       4,253       5,715  
    Net income
  $ 3,959     $ 7,007     $ 7,327     $ 9,450  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
    Basic
    41,792       41,387       41,759       41,440  
    Diluted
    41,934       41,647       41,938       41,788  
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
    Basic
    0.09       0.17       0.18       0.23  
    Diluted
  $ 0.09     $ 0.17     $ 0.17     $ 0.23  
                                 
Cash dividend paid per share
  $ -     $ 0.50     $ 0.11     $ 0.60  
                                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                         



 
 
 
-4-
 

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)


   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
      Net income
  $ 7,327     $ 9,450  
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
               
      by operating activities:
               
            Depreciation
    8,879       9,777  
            Amortization
    131       152  
            Amortization of premium/discount on marketable securities
    101        
            Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
    (7 )     33  
            Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation     (10  )     (30  )
            Stock-based compensation
    1,669       1,733  
            Equity in losses of affiliates
            36  
            Provision for doubtful accounts
    (337 )     249  
            Deferred income taxes, net
    (26 )     278  
            Change in operating assets and liabilities
    3,748       6,456  
                  Net cash provided by operating activities
    21,475       28,134  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
            Purchase of property and equipment
    (6,236 )     (3,195 )
            Purchases of marketable securities
    (7,739 )      
            Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities
    4,975        -  
            Insurance recoveries on property and equipment
    -       114  
            Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    147       168  
            Other investing activities, net
    -       482  
                  Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,853 )     (2,431 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
            Borrowings on notes payable
    782       -  
            Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    330       660  
            Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    10       30  
            Principal payments on long-term obligations
    -       (14 )
            Dividends paid
    (4,588 )     (24,794 )
                  Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,466 )     (24,118 )
                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    (4 )     1  
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    9,152       1,586  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
               
            Beginning of period
    54,308       63,603  
            End of period
  $ 63,460     $ 65,189  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
      Cash payments for:
               
            Interest
  $ 93     $ 45  
            Income taxes, net of refunds
    1,290       (2,213 )
                 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
      Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory
    32       421  
      Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable
    568       351  
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
               
 
 



 
 
 
-5-
 

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts therein.  Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from those estimates.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.  The balance sheet at April 30, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but it does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended April 30, 2011, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal year 2011 financial statements to conform to the presentation used in the fiscal year 2012 financial statements. We reclassified certain other assets and intangibles; computer software and hardware from office furniture and equipment; and other payables from obligations for warranties. These reclassifications had no effect on shareholders’ equity or net income as previously reported.

Revenue Recognition

On May 1, 2011, we prospectively adopted the Accounting Standard Updates (ASU) 2009-13 Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements a Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force regarding revenue recognition for multiple deliverable arrangements and arrangements that include software elements. The update requires a vendor to allocate revenue in an arrangement using its best estimate of selling price if neither vendor specific objective evidence nor third party evidence of selling price exists. The residual method of revenue allocation is no longer permissible. The accounting standard update did not change our units of accounting for bundled arrangements, nor do they materially change how we allocate arrangement consideration to our various products and services. Accordingly, the adoption of the standard update did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Multiple-element arrangements: We generate revenue from the sale of equipment and related services, including customization, installation and maintenance services.  In some instances, we provide some or all of such equipment and services to our customers under the terms of a single multiple-element sales arrangement.  These arrangements typically involve the sale of equipment bundled with some or all of these services, but may also involve instances in which we have contracted to deliver multiple pieces of equipment over time, rather than at a single point in time.

When a sales arrangement involves multiple elements, the items included in the arrangement (deliverables) are evaluated pursuant to ASC 605-25, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting.  We perform this evaluation at the inception of an arrangement and as we deliver each item in the arrangement.  Generally, we account for a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) separately if the delivered item(s) has standalone value to the customer and if we have given the customer a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s) and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) or service(s) is probable and substantially in our control.

When items included in a multiple-element arrangement represent separate units of accounting, we allocate the arrangement consideration to the individual items based on their relative selling values.  The amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the delivered item(s) is limited to the amount that is not contingent on us delivering additional products or services.  Once we have determined the amount, if any, of arrangement consideration allocable to the delivered item(s), we apply the applicable revenue recognition policy, as described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to determine when and by which method such amount may be recognized as revenue.

We generally determine if objective and reliable evidence of selling prices for the items included in a multiple-element arrangement exists based on whether we have vendor-specific objective evidence of the price for which we sell an item on a standalone basis.  If we do not have vendor-specific objective evidence for the item, we will use the price charged by a competitor selling a comparable product or service on a standalone basis to similarly situated customers, if available.  If neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third party evidence is available, we use our best estimate of the selling price for that deliverable.
 
-6-


All other revenue recognition accounting policies are explained in note one of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011.

Note 2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts (Topic 350)—Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.  ASU 2010-28 amends the criteria for performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts and requires performing Step 2 if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. ASU 2010-28 requires any impairment to be recorded upon adoption as an adjustment to our beginning retained earnings. The adoption of this update on May 1, 2011 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, as we don’t have any reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805) — Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations.  This update clarifies that, when presenting comparative financial statements, registrants should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the current period business combinations had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The update also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings.  ASU 2010-29 is effective prospectively for material (either on an individual or aggregate basis) business combinations entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  This update is effective for us for any acquisitions we make after April 30, 2011.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASU 2011-04 provides a consistent definition of fair value and ensures that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 also changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. These new standards will be effective for us beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  As this update impacts presentation only, its adoption will not impact our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income- an update to ASC 220, Comprehensive Income.  ASU 2011-05 requires the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but continuous statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity.  In addition, ASU 2011-05 requires companies to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented.  ASU 2011-05 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and interim periods thereafter.  As this update impacts presentation only, its adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)Testing Goodwill for Impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value before applying the two-step goodwill impairment model that is currently in place.  If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit’s fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. ASU 2011-08 will be effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.

Note 3. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would then share in our earnings.

-7-


The following is a reconciliation of the income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended October 29, 2011 and October 30, 2010:


   
Net income
   
Shares
   
Per share income
 
For the three months ended October 29, 2011:
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 3,959       41,792     $ 0.09  
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
    -       142       -  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 3,959       41,934     $ 0.09  
                         
For the three months ended October 30, 2010:
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 7,007       41,387     $ 0.17  
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
    -       260       -  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 7,007       41,647     $ 0.17  
                         
For the six months ended October 29, 2011:
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 7,327       41,759     $ 0.18  
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
    -       179       (0.01 )
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 7,327       41,938     $ 0.17  
                         
For the six months ended October 30, 2010:
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 9,450       41,440     $ 0.23  
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
    -       348       -  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 9,450       41,788     $ 0.23  
 
 
 
 

Options outstanding to purchase 1,660 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $18.97 for the three months ended October 29, 2011 and 1,479 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $19.70 for the three months ended October 30, 2010 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Options outstanding to purchase 1,625 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $19.18 for the six months ended October 29, 2011 and 1,529 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $19.18 for the six months ended October 30, 2010 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive

Note 4. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the six months ended October 29, 2011 were as follows:


   
Live Events
   
Commercial
   
Transportation
   
Total Goodwill
 
Balance as of April 30, 2011
  $ 2,452     $ 756     $ 176     $ 3,384  
Foreign currency translation
    (24 )     (21 )     (7 )     (52 )
Balance as of October 29, 2011
  $ 2,428     $ 735     $ 169     $ 3,332  

We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis as of the first business day of our third quarter of each year and more frequently if circumstances warrant.  We performed this analysis as of October 31, 2010.  The result of this analysis indicated that no goodwill impairment existed as of that date.

We face a number of risks to our business which can adversely impact cash flows in each of our business units and cause a significant decline in fair value of each business unit.  This decline could lead to an impairment of goodwill to some or all of our business units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, events could cause an impairment in goodwill in some or all of our business units if the trend of orders and sales worsens and we are unable to respond in ways that preserve future cash flows or if our stock price declines significantly.

-8-


Note 5. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:


   
October 29,
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
 
             
Raw materials
  $ 24,452     $ 18,795  
Work-in-process
    9,096       8,457  
Finished goods
    19,277       19,637  
    $ 52,825     $ 46,889  

Note 6. Segment Disclosure

We have organized our business into five business units which meet the definition of reportable segments under ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting: the Commercial segment, the Live Events segment, the Schools and Theatres segment, the Transportation segment, and the International segment.

Our Commercial segment primarily consists of sales of our video, Galaxy®, Fuelight™ and Valo™ product lines to resellers (primarily sign companies), outdoor advertisers, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos and petroleum retailers.  Our Live Events segment primarily consists of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports facilities and convention centers and sales of our mobile PST display technology to video rental organizations and other live events type venues.  Our Schools and Theatres segment primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary education facilities and sales of our Vortek® automated rigging systems for theatre applications.  Our Transportation segment primarily consists of sales of our Vanguard® and Galaxy® product lines to governmental transportation departments, airlines and other transportation related customers.  Finally, our International segment primarily consists of sales of all product lines to geographies outside the United States and Canada.

Segment reports present results through contribution margin, which is comprised of gross profit less selling costs. Segment profit excludes general and administration expense, product development expense, interest income and expense, non-operating income and income tax expense.  Assets are not allocated to the segments. Depreciation and amortization, excluding that portion related to non-allocated costs, are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures.  In general, segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note 1.  Costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, and Schools and Theatres segments based on cost of sales.  Shared manufacturing, building and utilities and procurement costs are allocated based on payroll dollars, square footage and various other financial measures.

We do not maintain information on sales by products and, therefore, disclosure of such information is not practical.

-9-

 
The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five operating segments for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net sales:
                       
    Commercial
  $ 43,704     $ 31,879     $ 76,407     $ 55,010  
    Live Events
    46,664       44,025       85,181       84,708  
    Schools & Theatres
    17,239       21,351       35,721       37,999  
    Transportation
    12,439       11,482       23,939       19,028  
    International
    15,864       18,182       33,359       30,676  
    $ 135,910     $ 126,919     $ 254,607     $ 227,421  
                                 
Contribution margin:
                               
    Commercial
  $ 7,449     $ 4,861     $ 11,987     $ 6,849  
    Live Events
    6,021       6,270       9,429       11,346  
    Schools & Theatres
    1,409       3,482       4,809       6,510  
    Transportation
    2,795       2,938       6,139       4,476  
    International
    870       2,666       3,477       5,287  
      18,544       20,217       35,841       34,468  
                                 
Non-allocated operating expenses:
                               
    General and administrative
    6,972       5,624       13,436       11,212  
    Product design and development
    5,636       4,561       11,353       9,114  
Operating income
    5,936       10,032       11,052       14,142  
                                 
Nonoperating income (expense):
                               
    Interest income
    457       383       892       838  
    Interest expense
    (95 )     (41 )     (171 )     (77 )
    Other (expense) income, net
    (47 )     167       (193 )     262  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    6,251       10,541       11,580       15,165  
    Income tax expense
    2,292       3,534       4,253       5,715  
Net income
  $ 3,959     $ 7,007     $ 7,327     $ 9,450  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization:
                               
    Commercial
  $ 1,517     $ 1,661     $ 3,198     $ 3,362  
    Live Events
    1,257       1,525       2,568       3,176  
    Schools & Theatres
    581       654       1,220       1,343  
    Transportation
    339       361       700       711  
    International
    166       220       330       446  
    Unallocated corporate depreciation
    499       435       994       891  
    $ 4,359     $ 4,856     $ 9,010     $ 9,929  

-10-


No single geographic area comprises a material amount of net sales or long-lived assets other than the United States.  The following table presents information about us in the United States and elsewhere:


   
United States
   
Others
   
Total
 
Net sales for three months ended:
                 
      October 29, 2011
  $ 117,630     $ 18,280     $ 135,910  
      October 30, 2010
    106,412       20,507       126,919  
                         
Net sales for six months ended:
                       
      October 29, 2011
  $ 215,728     $ 38,879     $ 254,607  
      October 30, 2010
    191,761       35,660       227,421  
                         
Long-lived assets at:
                       
      October 29, 2011
  $ 65,025     $ 1,996     $ 67,021  
      April 30, 2011
    68,034       1,832       69,866  


We are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services because we have numerous customers world-wide.  We are not economically dependent on a limited number of suppliers for our inventory items because we have numerous suppliers world-wide.  
       
Note 7. Comprehensive Income

We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For us, comprehensive income represents net income adjusted for foreign currency translation adjustments, net gains and losses on derivative instruments accounted for as effective hedges and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in comprehensive income has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent. In accordance with ASC 220, we have chosen to disclose comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity on an annual basis.

A summary of comprehensive income is as follows:
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
October 29,
 
October 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Net income
  $ 7,327     $ 9,450  
Net foreign currency translation adjustment
    (119 )     12  
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of income taxes
    54       -  
    Total comprehensive income
  $ 7,262     $ 9,462  

Note 8.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation:  We are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, based upon consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters, individually or as a whole, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Guarantees:  In connection with the sale of equipment to various financial institutions, we have entered into contractual arrangements whereby we agreed to repurchase equipment at the end of the lease term at a fixed price. Our total obligations under these fixed price arrangements were $1,285 as of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011.  We have recognized a guarantee liability in the amount of $200, which is included in the provisions of ASC 460, Guarantees, in connection with these arrangements.

Warranties:  We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from one to five years for all of our products.  We also offer additional types of warranties that include on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support.  In addition, the terms of warranties on some installations can vary from one to 10 years.  The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary primarily depending on the type of the product sold.  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under the warranty and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the revenue is recognized.  Factors that affect our warranty liability include historical and anticipated claims costs.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty reserves and adjust the amounts as necessary to reflect our best estimate of expected costs of warranty claims.
 
-11-



Changes in our product warranties for the six months ended October 29, 2011 consisted of the following:
 
   
Amount
 
Beginning accrued warranty costs
  $ 22,982  
      Warranties issued during the period
    4,562  
      Settlements made during the period
    (6,761 )
      Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing
            warranties during the period, including expirations
    2,574  
Ending accrued warranty costs
  $ 23,357  
 
Performance guarantees:  In connection with certain international transactions and construction-type contracts, we have entered into various performance guarantees.  As of October 29, 2011, we had outstanding $3,772 in standby letters of credit and $33,889 in outstanding surety bonds.  Performance guarantees provided by standby letters of credit and performance bonds are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and to guarantee our ability to complete a contract.  These performance guarantees have various terms, which are generally less than one year.

Leases:  We lease office space for various sales and service locations throughout the world, including manufacturing space in the United States and China and various equipment, primarily office equipment. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The lease for the facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota can be extended for an additional three years past its current term, which ends December 31, 2016, and it contains an option to purchase the property subject to the lease from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 for $8,400.  If the lease is extended, the purchase option increases to $8,600 for the year ending December 31, 2017 and $8,800 for the year ending December 31, 2018.  Rental expense for operating leases was $1,683 and $1,739 for the six months ended October 29, 2011 and October 30, 2010, respectively.  Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at October 29, 2011:


Fiscal years ending
 
Amount
 
2012
  $ 1,691  
2013
    2,634  
2014
    1,972  
2015
    1,601  
2016
    1,589  
Thereafter
    880  
Total
  $ 10,367  

Purchase commitments:  From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising and various other products and services over periods that extend beyond a year.  As of October 29, 2011, we were obligated under $1,000 in conditional purchase commitments and were obligated under unconditional commitments through fiscal 2014 as follows:


Fiscal years ending
 
Amount
 
2012
  $ 838  
2013
    2,314  
2014
    803  
2015
    11  
Total
  $ 3,966  

Note 9.  Income Taxes

As of October 29, 2011, we had approximately $551 of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective tax rate if recognized.  We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.  We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.

We are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions.  As a result of the completion of exams by the Internal Revenue Service on prior years and the expiration of statutes of limitations, fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011 are the only years remaining open under statutes of limitations.  Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction extending back to 2004.  We operate under a tax holiday in China that will expire in fiscal 2012.  At this time, we are unable to predict how the expiration of the tax holiday will impact us in the future.
 
-12-

Note 10.  Fair Value Measurement

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer the liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants.  It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The fair value hierarchy within ASC 820 distinguishes between three levels of inputs that may be utilized when measuring fair value, consisting of level 1 inputs (using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities), level 2 inputs (using inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability), and level 3 inputs (unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities).  A financial asset’s or liability’s classification within this hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair values for fixed-rate contracts receivable are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on interest rates currently being offered for contracts with similar terms to customers with similar credit quality. The carrying amounts reported on our consolidated balance sheets for contracts receivable approximate fair value.  The carrying amounts reported for variable rate long-term marketing obligations approximate fair value.  Fair values for fixed-rate long-term marketing obligations are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for debt with similar terms and underlying collateral.  The total carrying value of long-term marketing obligations reported on our consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets between the fair value hierarchies presented.


   
Fair Value Measurements
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Balance as of October 29, 2011:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 63,460     $ -     $ -     $ 63,460  
Restricted cash
    1,675       -       -       1,675  
Available for sale securities:
                               
      Certificates of deposit
    -       6,654       -       6,654  
      U.S. Treasury Bills
    2,000       -       -       2,000  
      U.S. Government sponsored entities
    -       13,601       -       13,601  
      Municipal Bonds
    -       3,408       -       3,408  
Derivatives - currency forward contracts
    -       41       -       41  
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 67,135     $ 23,704     $ -     $ 90,839  
                                 
Balance as of April 30, 2011:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 54,308     $ -     $ -     $ 54,308  
Restricted cash
    1,546       -       -       1,546  
Available for sale securities:
                               
      Certificates of deposit
    -       4,913       -       4,913  
      U.S. Treasury Bills
    1,999       -       -       1,999  
      U.S. Government sponsored entities
    -       13,617       -       13,617  
      Municipal Bonds
    -       2,414       -       2,414  
Derivatives - currency forward contracts
    -       (258 )     -       (258  )
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 57,853     $ 20,686     $ -     $ 78,539  

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument.  There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments.

Cash and cash equivalents. Consists of cash on hand in bank deposits and highly liquid investments, primarily money market accounts.  The fair value was measured using quoted market prices in active markets and is classified as Level 1.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Restricted cash. Consists of cash and cash equivalents that are held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.  The carrying amount approximates fair value and is classified as Level 1.

Certificates of deposit. Consists of time deposit accounts with original maturities of less than three years and various yields.  The carrying amount approximates fair value and is classified as Level 2.
 
-13-

U.S. Treasury Bills.  Consists of U.S. Government treasury bills with original maturities of less than three years and various yields. The fair value of these securities was measured using quoted market prices in active markets and is classified as Level 1.

U.S Government sponsored entities. Consist of Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Bank investment grade debt securities that trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations from a third party financial institution and is classified as Level 2.  The contractual maturities of these investments vary from one month to three years.

Municipal obligations. Consist of investment grade municipal bonds that trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these bonds was measured based on valuations from a third party financial institution and is classified as Level 2.  The contractual maturities of these investments vary from two to three years.

Derivatives – currency forward contracts. Consists of currency forward contracts that trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations from a third party bank is classified as Level 2.

The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  For example, certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value in connection with business combinations or when an impairment is recognized and the related assets are written down to fair value.  We did not enter into any material business combinations during the first six months of fiscal 2012 or in fiscal 2011.  No material impairments of our long-lived assets were recognized during the first six months of fiscal 2012 or in fiscal 2011.

Note 11.  Marketable Securities

We have a cash management program which provides for the investment of cash balances not used in current operations.  We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions of ASU 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.  Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive income.  Unrealized losses considered to be “other-than-temporary” are recognized currently in earnings.  The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.  Where quoted market prices are not available, we use the market price of similar types of securities that are traded in the market to estimate fair value.  As of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Gross Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Balance as of October 29, 2011
                             
Certificates of deposit
  $ 6,654     $ 6,654     $ 6,654     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Treasury bills
    2,000       2,000       2,000       -       -  
U.S. Government sponsored entities
    13,539       13,601       13,601       62       -  
Municipal bonds
    3,394       3,408       3,408       14       -  
Total
  $ 25,587     $ 25,663     $ 25,663     $ 76     $ -  
                                         
Balance as of April 30, 2011
                                       
Certificates of deposit
  $ 4,913     $ 4,913     $ 4,913     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Treasury bills
    1,998       1,999       1,999       1       -  
U.S. Government sponsored entities
    13,598       13,617       13,617       19       -  
Municipal bonds
    2,412       2,414       2,414       2       -  
Total
  $ 22,921     $ 22,943     $ 22,943     $ 22     $ -  
 
 
All available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets, as they are readily available to support our current operating needs. The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of October 29, 2011 were as follows:

-14-



   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
Certificates of deposit
  $ 5,420     $ 1,234     $ 6,654  
U.S. Treasury bills
    2,000       -       2,000  
U.S. Government sponsored agencies
    5,036       8,565       13,601  
Municipal obligations
    258       3,150       3,408  
    $ 12,714     $ 12,949     $ 25,663  

Note 12.  Receivables

We sell our products throughout the United States and certain foreign countries on credit terms that we establish for each customer.  On the sale of certain products, we have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral.  Foreign sales are at times secured by irrevocable letters of credit or bank guarantees.

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,211 and $2,548 at October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, respectively.

We make estimates regarding the collectability of our accounts receivable, long-term receivables, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and other receivables.  In evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, we analyze specific balances, customer creditworthiness, changes in customer payment cycles, and current economic trends. If the financial condition of any customer was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.  We charge off receivables at such time as it is determined that collection will not occur.  Charge offs of receivables and our allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables are not material to our financial results.

In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and sales type leases.  The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable upon the installation and acceptance of the equipment, and profit is recognized to the extent that the present value is in excess of cost.  We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid.  The present values of long-term contract and lease receivables, including accrued interest and current maturities, were $19,975 and $18,901 as of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, respectively.  Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 6.0% to 12.0% are due in varying annual installments through July 2020.  The face amount of long-term receivables was $24,451 and $22,807 as of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, respectively.  Included in accounts receivable as of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011 was $298 and $31, respectively of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected in one year.

Note 13.  Derivative Financial Instruments

We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions that are denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar.  We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks.  We account for all derivatives on the balance sheet as an asset or liability measured at fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net investment hedges. If such hedge accounting criteria are met, the change is deferred in shareholder’s equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The deferred items are recognized in the statement of operations in the period the derivative contract is settled.  As of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as hedges, and, therefore  recorded the changes in fair value in the other income/expense.

The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange United States Dollars at October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011 were as follows:
 
   
October 29,
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
 
   
U.S. Dollars
   
Foreign
Currency
   
U.S.
Dollars
   
Foreign
Currency
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
                       
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars
    -       -       1,302       1,320  
U.S. Dollars/Polish Zloty
    329       1,025       803       2,390  
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollar
    731       927       -       -  


As of October 29, 2011, the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, using Level 2 inputs from a third party bank, represented other assets of $41 and, as of April 30, 2011 represented liabilities of approximately $258.  Changes in the fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts are reflected in other income.
 
-15-

Note 14.  Subsequent Event

On December 1, 2011, our Board declared a semi-annual dividend payment of $0.11 per share and a special dividend of $0.40 per share on our common stock to holders of record of our common stock on December 8, 2011. 
 
On November 15, 2011 we amended our bank facilities. The $35,000 bank facility was amended to extend its maturity date one year to November 15, 2012 and to remove the restriction on dividends. The $10,000 bank facility was amended to extend its maturity date to November 15, 2012, to remove the restrictions on dividends and to increase the facility to $20,000.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future.  These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding our intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: (i) our financing plans; (ii) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iii) our growth strategy and operating strategy; (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends; (v) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vi) parts shortages and longer lead times; (vii) fluctuations in margins; and (viii) the introduction of new products and technology.  The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plans” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including  those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

The following discussion highlights the principal factors affecting changes in financial condition and results of operations.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to estimated total costs on long-term construction-type contracts, estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties and extended maintenance contracts, bad debts, excess and obsolete inventory, income taxes, stock-based compensation and contingencies.  Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

OVERVIEW

We design, manufacture and sell a wide range of display systems to customers throughout the world.  We focus our sales and marketing efforts on markets, geographical regions and products.  Our primary five segments consist of four domestic segments and one International segment.  The four domestic segments consist of Live Events, Commercial, Schools and Theatres, and Transportation.

Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of large product orders, such as display systems for professional sports facilities and colleges and universities, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Net sales and gross profit percentages also have fluctuated due to other seasonality factors, including the impact of holidays, which primarily affects our third quarter.  Our gross margins on large product orders tend to fluctuate more than those for smaller standard orders.  Large product orders that involve competitive bidding and substantial subcontract work for product installation generally have lower gross margins.  Although we follow the percentage of completion method of recognizing revenues for large custom orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect that our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.

Orders are booked and included in backlog only upon receipt of a firm contract and after receipt of any required deposits.  As a result, certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be booked until all required contractual documents and deposits are received.  In addition, order bookings can vary significantly as a result of the timing of large orders.
 
-16-


We operate on a 52 to 53 week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year.  When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday.  Fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 each contains 52 weeks.  Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13 week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year.  In each 53 week year, each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period, and an additional week is added to the first quarter of that fiscal year.  
 
For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects of those pronouncements on our financial results, refer to Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the percentage of net sales represented by items included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of goods sold
    76.8 %     74.1 %     76.1 %     73.9 %
      Gross profit
    23.2 %     25.9 %     23.9 %     26.1 %
Total operating expenses
    18.8 %     18.0 %     19.6 %     19.9 %
      Operating income
    4.4 %     7.9 %     4.3 %     6.2 %
Interest income (expense), net
    0.3 %     0.3 %     0.3 %     0.4 %
Other income (expense), net
    0.0  %     0.1 %     (0.1 ) %     0.1 %
      Income before income taxes
    4.7 %     8.3 %     4.5 %     6.7 %
Income tax expense
    1.7 %     2.8 %     1.7 %     2.5 %
      Net income
    3.0 %     5.5 %     2.8 %     4.2 %

NET SALES

The following table sets forth net sales and orders by business unit for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
   
October 29,
   
October 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net Sales:
 
Amount
   
Percent Change
   
Amount
   
Amount
   
Percent Change
   
Amount
 
    Commercial
  $ 43,704       37.1 %   $ 31,879     $ 76,407       38.9 %   $ 55,010  
    Live Events
    46,664       6.0       44,025       85,181       0.6       84,708  
    Schools & Theatres
    17,239       (19.3 )     21,351       35,721       (6.0 )     37,999  
    Transportation
    12,439       8.3       11,482       23,939       25.8       19,028  
    International
    15,864       (12.7 )     18,182       33,359       8.7       30,676  
    $ 135,910       7.1 %   $ 126,919     $ 254,607       12.0 %   $ 227,421  
                                                 
Orders:
                                               
    Commercial
  $ 33,358       30.0 %   $ 25,666     $ 80,599       37.3 %   $ 58,712  
    Live Events
    44,488       65.6       26,864       83,823       31.0       64,000  
    Schools & Theatres
    13,475       (4.0 )     14,030       31,648       (11.1 )     35,602  
    Transportation
    12,342       31.2       9,408       28,016       33.2       21,036  
    International
    14,132       (46.1 )     26,211       33,899       (14.6 )     39,691  
    $ 117,795       15.3 %   $ 102,179     $ 257,985       17.8 %   $ 219,041  

Commercial Business Unit. The Commercial business unit is comprised of the reseller and key accounts business, which includes primarily our Galaxy®, Fuelight™ and GalaxyPro® displays and large custom contracts for commercial facilities, and the outdoor advertising business, which is primarily sales of our digital billboard technology to outdoor advertising companies.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and for the first half of fiscal 2012, net sales in the outdoor advertising business were up 201% and 170%, respectively, when compared to the same period one year ago.  Net sales and orders for the first six months of fiscal 2012 were $28.1 million and $28.0 million, respectively. Orders in the outdoor advertising business were up approximately 104% and 80% for the second quarter and year to date in fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period one year ago.  During the second half of fiscal 2011, two of the large outdoor advertising companies in the United States announced their plans for digital billboard deployments for calendar 2011, calling for an increase in digital billboard deployments beginning in the first calendar quarter of 2011.  These plans, in addition to the improving economy benefitting other outdoor advertising companies, have caused both orders and sales to rise.  We believe that our ability to maintain our market share with these customers and others has been driven, in part, by the industry’s acceptance of our Series 4000 digital billboard product.  Over the past few fiscal years, the average selling price of digital billboards has declined significantly.  As a result, although the unit sales may approximate the unit sales prior to the economic downturn, the total sales dollars will be significantly less.  It is important to note that the outdoor advertising business has a number of constraints in addition to the adverse economic conditions over the past few years, primarily the challenges of achieving adequate returns on investments on digital displays, which limit locations suitable for digital displays, and regulatory constraints, which limit where displays can be installed.  Furthermore, a large part of our business in this area is obtained from two customers, and therefore a loss of one of those customers could have an adverse impact on this portion of our business, although each customer is less that 5% of net sales in the first six months of fiscal 2011 and 2012.
 
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For the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and for the first half of fiscal 2012, net sales in the reseller portion of the Commercial business unit were up 9% and 13%, respectively, when compared to the same periods one year ago.  Orders in the reseller portion of the Commercial business unit were up approximately 6% and 20% for the second quarter and year to date in fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods one year ago. Net sales and orders for the first six months of fiscal 2012 were $36.3 million and $39.8 million, respectively.  These increases in orders and net sales have resulted from increases in sales of both large video displays and our standard Galaxy® displays, which we attribute to better economic conditions as well as increasing interest in our new product technologies, including our GalaxyPro® and DVX video platforms.  This area of the business has also been helped by the introduction of our architectural lighting products, which we expect to help drive further sales.  The level of large custom contract orders and sales in this niche is subject to volatility as described in prior filings, and therefore orders could decline in future periods, although we continue to see a growing number of opportunities.  Furthermore, this business unit is sensitive to economic conditions, and the future performance of this business unit will vary based on these conditions.

As a result of the worsening economic and credit environments in early fiscal 2009, the competitive pressures in the Commercial business unit increased as competitors went after fewer opportunities.  This competitive pressure put considerable pricing pressure on all aspects of this business unit.  The competitive pressures continue and are expected to continue in future quarters.  This has had an adverse impact on our gross margins and net sales.

Subject to the foregoing, our Commercial business unit generally benefits from increasing product acceptance, lower cost of displays, our distribution network and a stronger advertising market.

There is seasonality in the outdoor advertising niche because the deployment of displays slows in the winter months in the northern United States, which results in the fluctuation of our net sales over the course of a fiscal year.

Live Events Business Unit. The increase in net sales for the Live Events business unit for both the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2011 was primarily the result of the increase in orders booked in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  The increase in orders resulted from the increasing level of opportunities that have evolved in the business as a result of the lowering cost of video systems and our sense that the market is expanding as a result.  We believe that this can drive growth in this business unit in the future.

In fiscal 2011, as explained in prior filings, orders and net sales were adversely impacted by economic conditions.  Although it appears that those economic conditions improved during the first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2011, we believe that the labor situations in the National Football League (“NFL”) and the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) adversely impacted net sales and orders in the first six months of fiscal 2012.  Net sales for existing facilities in these two areas declined 87% in fiscal 2012 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2011.  The NFL labor situation has been resolved.  However, we expect that until labor issues are resolved in the NBA, net sales and orders could continue be adversely impacted. In addition, the current labor agreement in the National Hockey League expires in calendar 2012 and the failure to reach agreement on a new agreement could adversely impact net sales in fiscal 2013.

Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we began to see more significant competitive pressure in the Live Events marketplace.  We believe that this pressure continues to hurt gross profit margins.  We also believe that there are still some economic pressures that are adversely impacting orders and net sales. These competitive factors and general economic conditions also make it difficult to forecast orders and net sales in the Live Events business unit for the rest of fiscal 2012.  Furthermore, although on a year to date basis orders have increased significantly, we believe that the volume of orders in the rest of the fiscal year related to professional baseball facilities will decline compared to fiscal 2011 and, as a result, we believe that the current percentage increase in orders on a fiscal year to date basis will decline in the second half of the fiscal year.

Although our Live Events business is typically resistant to economic conditions, the severity of the current economic environment has negatively impacted this business.  There have been transactions which have been delayed due to economic conditions or labor issues, as described herein or in prior filings,  has also had a significant negative impact on this business.  However, we expect to see sales growth in Live Events over the long term, assuming that the economy improves and we are successful at counteracting competitive pressures.
 
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Our expectations regarding additional growth over the long term in large sports venues is due to a number of factors, including facilities tending to spend more on larger display systems; lower product costs, which are driving an expansion of  the marketplace; our product and services offerings, which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry; and our field sales and service network, which is important to support our customers.  In addition, we benefit from the competitive nature of sports teams, which strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems.  This impact has been and is expected to continue to be a driving force in increasing transaction sizes in new construction and major renovations.  Growth in the large sports venues is also driven by the desire for high-definition video displays, which typically drives larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which increase the average transaction size.  These increases, however, have been partially offset by the decline in product selling prices.  We also believe that the effects of an adverse economy are generally less on our sports related business as compared to our other businesses, as evidenced by periods of poor economic downturns that occurred prior to calendar year 2008.  We believe that the adverse economic conditions that have existed over the last couple of years were deep enough to adversely impact our sports business in a significant way.  Net sales in our sports marketing and mobile and modular portion of this market were approximately 1% of total net sales for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, and thus were not material.

Schools and Theatres Business Unit.  The decrease in net sales and orders in the Schools and Theatres business unit in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2011 is due to the economic pressures on schools, which we believe inhibits spending in spite of the revenue generation abilities of these display systems for schools.  We believe that this could lead to lower overall net sales in the Schools and Theatres business unit for all of fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011.  A positive aspect that could drive different results is the increase in opportunities for larger video systems, primarily in high school facilities which benefit from our sports marketing services that generate the advertising revenue to fund the display systems.  Net sales for the hoist portion of this business unit decreased in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period one year ago.  For the long term, we believe that this business unit presents growth opportunities once the economy improves.

Transportation Business Unit.  The increase in net sales in the Transportation business unit for both the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods one year ago was generally due to greater throughput in manufacturing, allowing us to work down the backlog at a faster rate than we were able to in the prior fiscal year and due to the increase in orders.  The increase in orders over the same periods is generally due to the inherent volatility of order bookings when looking at it over a short time horizon. The Transportation business unit is dependent on government spending, primarily federal government spending.  Furthermore, to the extent that the federal government commits to the spending, it takes an extended period of time for that spending to be allocated to projects for electronic displays.  Therefore, changes in government spending levels impact our business well after the spending levels change.  The U.S. Congress is expected to pass legislation to address future transportation spending; however, the outcome of any legislation is unknown at this time but could impact orders and net sales in the future.  We believe that overall growth in this business unit in the past was the result of federal government stimulus money and prior federal legislation that provided for increased spending on transportation projects and to us gaining market share.  Based on the uncertainty of federal spending levels, it is difficult to estimate how orders and net sales will turn out for fiscal 2012.

Similar to other business units, it appears that the competitive environment has become more intense in the Transportation business unit as a limited number of competitors have become more aggressive in pricing.  Although we expect that this pricing pressure is not sustainable, it is likely to have an adverse impact on our net sales and gross profit margins until it eases.

International Business Unit.  Net sales in the International business unit are impacted generally by the timing and magnitude of orders booked and the expected delivery expectations.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we had booked a large order in excess of $10 million for a new arena in Mexico.  This had a significant impact on orders for both the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and the first half of fiscal 2011 as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2012.  Since orders in the International business unit generally involved complex contract negotiating, contain more complicated issues compared to a U.S. order perspective, and are generally larger orders, there is more volatility in International order bookings on a quarter to quarter basis.

Overall, we have made considerable investments in growing our business internationally, where we do not have the same market share as we do domestically.  This investment has allowed us to leverage our internationally known brand and capture business we were not previously effective at winning since we were not local to the customer.  We also believe that improvements in the economy have improved order volumes.  We expect that we will continue to see growth in the International business unit over the long-term as a result.

As stated in prior filings, in the second half of fiscal 2009, we began to see more competitive pressures in this area similar to the competitive pressures described above in the Live Events market because the competitors tend to overlap.   We expect this challenging competitive environment to continue.
 
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Advertising Revenues.  We occasionally sell products in exchange for the advertising revenues generated from use of the products.  These sales represented less than 1% for the first six months and for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011.  The gross profit percent on these transactions has typically been higher than the gross profit percent on other transactions of similar size, although the selling expenses associated with these transactions are typically higher.

Backlog.  The product order backlog as of October 29, 2011 was approximately $136 million as compared to $121 million as of October 30, 2010 and $154 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012.  Historically, our backlog varies due to the timing of large orders.  The backlog increased from one year ago in all of our business units, with the exception of Schools and Theaters, which declined.  Backlog varies significantly quarter-to-quarter due to the effects of large orders, and significant variations can be expected, as explained previously.  Backlog also varies significantly due to customer delivery expectations.  In addition, our backlog is not necessarily indicative of future sales or net income.

GROSS PROFIT

The following table sets forth gross profit for each of our five business units for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
 
 October 29,
 
 October 30,
 
 2011
 
 2010
 
Gross Profit
 
Percent Change
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Gross Profit
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
Commercial
$
 10,964
 
 35.8
%
 
 25.1
%
 
$
 8,075
 
 25.3
%
Live Events
 
 9,200
 
 (5.4)
   
 19.7
     
 9,728
 
 22.1
 
Schools & Theatres
 4,191
 
 (30.9)
   
 24.3
     
 6,065
 
 28.4
 
Transportation
 
 3,717
 
 (1.0)
   
 29.9
     
 3,755
 
 32.7
 
International
 
 3,398
 
 (34.6)
   
 21.4
     
 5,194
 
 28.6
 
 
$
 31,470
 
 (4.1)
%
 
 23.2
%
 
$
 32,817
 
 25.9
%
                             
 
Six Months Ended
 
 October 29,
 
 October 30,
 
 2011
 
 2010
 
Gross Profit
 
Percent Change
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Gross Profit
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
Commercial
$
 18,944
 
 43.8
%
 
 24.8
%
 
$
 13,177
 
 24.0
%
Live Events
 
 15,691
 
 (13.9)
   
 18.4
     
 18,219
 
 21.5
 
Schools & Theatres
 10,067
 
 (13.2)
   
 28.2
     
 11,604
 
 30.5
 
Transportation
 
 7,828
 
 26.8
   
 32.7
     
 6,172
 
 32.4
 
International
 
 8,446
 
 (17.5)
   
 25.3
     
 10,232
 
 33.4
 
 
$
 60,976
 
 2.6
%
 
 23.9
%
 
$
 59,404
 
 26.1
%


For the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the decrease in gross profit as a percent of sales is the result of a 1.8 percentage point decrease in gross profit on product sales, primarily large contract sales, and a reduction of approximately two percentage points in our services related business.  These decreases were offset by a reduction in warranty expense which added 1.2 percentage points.  Included in gross profit on product sales is approximately $0.6 million related to the settlement of a claim from a customer, approximately $0.3 million in inventory write-downs, and approximately $0.3 million related to a contract which incurred significantly higher costs in order to conform to regulatory requirements in the country of installation, which was unforeseen at the time of sale.

For the first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period one year ago, the decline in gross profit is the result of a 1.5 percentage point decrease due to a lower gross profit on product sales, primarily large contract sales, and a reduction of approximately two percentage points due to higher costs in our services related business.  These decreases were offset by a reduction in warranty expense which increased gross profit percentage by approximately 1.0%.

For the changes in both the quarter and the first six months, the decline in large contract gross profit percentage was primarily due to the competitive factors described above and the items previously mentioned.  For the second quarters of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, large contracts were approximately 64% and 62%, respectively, of net sales.  Warranty costs for the second quarter and the first six months of fiscal 2012 were approximately 3.3% and 2.8%, respectively, of net sales, compared to 4.9% and 3.8% for the same periods in fiscal 2011.  Partially offsetting these costs were lower manufacturing conversion costs which represents total labor and overhead cost of manufacturing, as a percentage of net sales, which declined by 0.3 and 0.9 percentage points for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods one year ago.
 
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We have been challenged with higher than expected warranty costs, by competitive factors as noted above, and by added costs of our services infrastructure as we deploy and reengineer systems and processes. During fiscal 2009, in order to reduce warranty costs and to address competitive factors, we began expending significant effort on developing our new outdoor DVX technology and then, in 2011, our new indoor DVN technology, which are common module platforms that over time will replace the different and unique modules for each of our display resolutions and types.  Part of this development also involves the markets’ increasing interest in higher resolution outdoor displays which require surface mount technology as opposed to the traditional through-hole technology.

The DVX and DVN technologies decrease the cost of displays significantly and supply the market with higher resolution products.  We have also invested significant resources in quality initiatives and reliability equipment to test new designs.  We believe that this technology and investment in quality initiatives will drive down warranty costs over the long term and make our products more competitive, both of which are intended to increase gross profit percentages and drive higher sales.

One of the challenges that occurred with the downturn of our business during fiscal 2009 was the higher percentage of fixed costs in manufacturing relative to net sales.  Since the downturn, we have been lowering that percentage through cost reduction, lean initiatives and higher sales and expect to continue lowering it, adding to the gross profit percentages.  Total manufacturing conversion costs for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 were approximately $17.0 million and $16.3 million, respectively. For the first six months of fiscal 2012, total manufacturing conversion costs were approximately $33.8 million as compared to $32.3 million for the same period last year.

Within the Commercial business unit, the gross profit percent increased in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods one year ago as a result of lower margin percents in the large contract portion of the business, which was more than offset by better warranty performance.  The improvement in warranty expense in the second quarter and the first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods one year ago resulted in an improvement of 4.3 and 2.4 percentage points respectively.  This decrease resulted from some unusually higher costs in fiscal 2011, as explained in prior filings.  Furthermore, we have benefitted from the increase in production, primarily in our billboard plant, which has added approximately 3 percentage points to our gross profit.    Offsetting this improvement is a decrease in gross profit percentages, primarily on large video system contracts and increased costs of our services area.

Gross profit percentages decreased in the Live Events business unit for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods one year ago due to higher services costs, which lowered the gross profit percentage by approximately two percentage points for both periods.  The gross profit on large contracts, which accounts for approximately 60% of net sales in the Live Events business unit, improved slightly in both comparable periods of fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011, although the percentage improvement was minor.  Based on our current backlog and competitive factors, we do not expect to see any increase in gross profit percentages on a sequential basis; however, gross margins in the large contract business vary to a large degree and are difficult to forecast.

The decrease in gross profit percents in the Schools and Theatres business unit for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods one year ago was due primarily to the higher costs of services which caused gross profit percentages to decrease by 2.5 and 2.0 percentage points over the prior year’s periods.  For the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period one year ago, the gross profit percentage on equipment orders also declined in the high school segment. For the first six month the gross profit percentage increased on equipment orders.
 
The change in the gross profit percentages in our Transportation business unit increased for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 compared to the same periods one year ago as a result of the inherent volatility of gross profit percents that arise in the course of our business.

Historically, the gross profit percentages in the International business unit should approximate the gross profit percentages that we experience in our domestic large video contract business, subject to some differences in local markets.  Historically, our gross profit percentages in the International business have generally been higher as a result of the focus on more profitable contracts as we had limited penetration.  The declines in gross profit percentage in the International business unit is reflecting our deeper penetration, but also our success with larger international customers where the gross margins are typically lower due to the customers deeper knowledge and the more intense competition.  In prior quarters we have stated that the gross margin levels were not sustainable as a result of these factors, and we are starting to see some of this as our sales and penetration increases.

It is difficult to project gross profit levels for the rest of fiscal 2012 because of the uncertainty regarding the level of sales, warranty costs and the competitive factors described previously.

-21-


OPERATING EXPENSES

The following sets forth our operating expenses for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


 
Three Months Ended
 
 October 29,
 
 October 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
Operating expense
 
Percent Change
 
As a Percent of Sales
 
Operating expense
 
As a Percent of Sales
Selling expense
$
 12,926
 
 2.6
%
 
 9.5
%
 
$
 12,600
 
 9.9
%
General and administrative
 
 6,972
 
 24.0
   
 5.1
     
 5,624
 
 4.4
 
Product design and development
 
 5,636
 
 23.6
   
 4.1
     
 4,561
 
 3.6
 
 
$
 25,534
 
 12.1
%
 
 18.8
%
 
$
 22,785
 
 18.0
%
                             
 
Six Months Ended
 
 October 29,
 
 October 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
Operating expense
 
Percent Change
 
As a Percent of Sales
 
Operating expense
 
As a Percent of Sales
Selling expense
$
 25,135
 
 0.8
%
 
 9.9
%
 
$
 24,936
 
 11.0
%
General and administrative
 
 13,436
 
 19.8
   
 5.3
     
 11,212
 
 4.9
 
Product design and development
 
 11,353
 
 24.6
   
 4.5
     
 9,114
 
 4.0
 
 
$
 49,924
 
 10.3
%
 
 19.6
%
 
$
 45,262
 
 19.9
%

Operating expenses are comprised of selling, general and administrative expenses and product design and development costs.  The changes in the various components of operating expenses are explained below.

Selling Expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expense, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, and expenditures for marketing efforts, including collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demos and supplies.

The increase in selling expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2011 was due to $0.6 million increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, a $0.2 million increase in travel and entertainment costs, and an increase of $0.1 million of various other expenses, which was partially offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in payments to third party sales representatives and a decrease of $0.1 million of bad debts expense.  The increase in personnel costs is a result of an increase in employee count.  The increase in travel is a result of the higher level of sales opportunities for the quarter. The decrease in payments to third party sales representatives was a result of the reduction of sales made by the third party sales representatives.  The decrease in bad debt expense is due to the inherent volatility of bad debt expense that we experience.

On a year to date basis, selling expense in fiscal 2012 increased $0.2 million from fiscal 2011.  The increase was due to a $0.9 million increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, an increase of $0.5 million in travel and entertainment costs, and an increase of $0.2 million in building occupancy costs, offset by a decrease in payments to third party sales representatives of $0.7 million, a decrease of $0.4 million of depreciation expenses and a decrease of $0.3 million in bad debt expenses.  The increase in personnel costs is a result of an increase primarily in our International and Commercial business units to support the growth in orders.  The increase in travel is a result of the higher level of orders for the quarter. The decrease in payments to third party sales representatives was a result of the reduction of sales made by the third party sales representatives.  Payments to third party sales representatives are unpredictable and are based on the mix of sales sold on a commission basis by third parties.  The decrease in bad debt expense is due to the inherent volatility of bad debt expense that we experience.  The decrease in depreciation costs is a reflection of reduced capital expenditures for the last couple of years, which was a key component of our cost reduction strategy.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional fees, shareholder relations fees, facilities and equipment-related costs for administration departments, amortization of intangibles, and supplies.

General and administrative expenses increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 over the same period in fiscal 2011 due to increases in professional fees of $0.5 million; an increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, of approximately $0.5 million; and a net increase for various other expenses of approximately $0.3 million.  For the first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2011, the increase was due to increases in professional fees of $1.0 million; an increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, of approximately $0.6 million; and a net increase for various other expenses of approximately $0.6 million.  The increase in professional fees is a result of litigation costs and international expansion initiatives, some of which were one-time costs and are expected to decline in future quarters and higher costs of information systems consulting fees.  The increase in personnel costs is the result of an increase in employee count, primarily related to personnel to support further hiring in other areas of the company and in accounting and legal to support international development.
 
-22-

 
As described above, we expect that general and administrative expenses may increase slightly in future quarters, although our goal is to continue to challenge our cost structure until our operating margin returns to more acceptable levels.

Product Design and Development. Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, facilities and equipment-related costs and costs of supplies.

Investments in our DVX and DVN technology platforms, architectural lighting products and various other initiatives to standardize display components and in other display technologies and related items, including control systems for both single site displays and networked displays, continue to drive product design and development expenses.  Our costs for product development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, materials costs and overhead of our engineering departments.  Generally, between 65% and 75% of our engineering time is spent on product development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in costs of goods sold.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period one year ago, our personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, increased by approximately $0.9  million, offset by a $0.4 million decrease in other expenses. In addition, material costs related to product development increased by $0.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the same period of fiscal 2011 as a result of increasing importance placed on prototyping new products and the increase in new product introductions.  For the first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period one year ago, our personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, increased by approximately $1.7 million and other expenses decreased $0.6 million. In addition, material costs related to product development increased by $1.1 million.

CONTRIBUTION MARGIN BY SEGMENT

The following table sets forth contribution margin, defined as gross profit less selling expenses, by segment (dollars in thousands):


 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
October 29,
October 30,
 
October 29,
October 30,
 
 
2011
2010
 
2011
2010
 
Contribution Margin
Amount
   
Percent change
Amount
 
Amount
   
Percent change
Amount
 
    Commercial
  $ 7,449       53.2 %   $ 4,861     $ 11,986       75.0 %   $ 6,849  
    Live Events
    6,021       (4.0 )     6,270       9,429       (16.9 )     11,346  
    Schools & Theatres
    1,409       (59.5 )     3,482       4,809       (26.1 )     6,510  
    Transportation
    2,795       (4.8 )     2,937       6,140       37.2       4,476  
    International
    869       (67.4 )     2,666       3,477       (34.2 )     5,287  
    $ 18,543       (8.3 )  %   $ 20,216     $ 35,841       4.0 %   $ 34,468  
 
 
Contribution margin by segment is equal to gross profit less selling costs, which includes allocations of various expenses on a discretionary basis that may not be indicative of the segment’s actual performance on a stand-alone basis.  Therefore, we caution reaching conclusions as to performance based on these disclosures, which are required under generally accepted accounting principles.  All of our business units’ results were impacted as a result of the changes in sales and gross profit, as previously described.  The remainder of the changes for both the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 compared to the same period one year ago resulted from changes in selling expense.

In the Commercial business unit, selling expenses increased approximately 9.4% and 9.9% for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 compared to the same periods one year ago.  The increase for the quarter was the result of a $0.2 million increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, and a $0.1 million increase in travel and entertainment costs.  These increases are a result of the increase in orders as explained previously.  The increase for the first six months of fiscal 2012 was a result of $0.4 million of personnel costs, including taxes and benefits and $0.3 million increase in travel and entertainment costs.

In the Live Events business unit, selling expenses declined by 8.1% and 8.9% for the first six months and the second quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2011.  The decline for the quarter was the result of a $0.1 million decrease in marketing and convention expenses, bad debt expenses, and other expenses, offset by an increase of $0.1 million in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits.  The decline in the first six months of fiscal 2012 was a result of a decline in $0.2 million in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, and $0.6 million decrease in various other expenses.
 
-23-

 
Selling expenses for the Schools and Theatres business unit increased by 7.7% and 3.2% for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2011.  The increase for the quarter was due to an increase in bad debt write-offs and personnel costs, including taxes and benefits.

In the Transportation business unit, selling expenses increased 12.8% for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and were flat for the first six months of fiscal 2012, compared to the same periods one year ago.  The increase for the second quarter was the result of increases in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits.

In the International business unit, selling expenses were flat for both the first six months and the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the first quarter and six months of fiscal 2011, although there were increases in payroll costs, net of taxes and benefits, and various other expenses which were offset by decreases in commissions and fees to third parties.

INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

We generate interest income through short-term cash investments, marketable securities, product sales on an installment basis, under lease arrangements, or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which result in long-term receivables.  Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest costs on long-term marketing obligations.

Interest income increased slightly for both the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2011.  We expect that the amount of interest income will increase through the rest of fiscal 2012 due to higher levels of interest income we anticipate receiving as we invest excess cash into higher yielding investments, although due to the volatility of working capital needs and changes in investing and financing activities, this expectation could prove to be incorrect.

Interest expense increased to $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012, respectively, as compared to same periods in fiscal 2011 as a result of borrowings in China to support for the needs of the expanding business there and the impact of currency controls, which limit our transfers of investment capital from the U.S. to fund operations there.  We expect that interest expense will remain at relatively low levels for the rest of fiscal 2012.

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET

Other (expense) income for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was ($0.1) million as compared to a gain of $0.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011. For the first six months of fiscal 2012, we recognized a loss of ($0.2) million compared to a gain of $0.3 million for the same period in fiscal 2011. The decrease in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the same period one year ago was due mainly to increased foreign currency losses and various other non-operating gains which decreased from one year ago.

In addition, as a result of the decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar, we experienced higher levels of currency losses on U.S. dollar advances to foreign subsidiaries in the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period in fiscal 2011.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Income taxes were approximately $2.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and $3.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  For the first six months of fiscal 2012, income taxes were $4.3 million as compared to $5.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 2011.  The effective rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was approximately 37.1% as compared to 33.5% for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  The effective rate for the first six months of fiscal 2012 was approximately 37.0% as compared to 37.7% for the first six months of fiscal 2011.

Our effective tax rate can vary significantly due to the mix of pre-tax income in different countries and the estimate of the annual effective rate in each country.  In comparing the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2012 to the same periods in fiscal 2011, changes in the effective rate are the result of this mix and the impact that permanent adjustments to taxable income have as a percent of taxable income.

We operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions, both domestic and international, and are subject to audits in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, including challenges regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income amounts to various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by various tax authorities as different taxing jurisdictions have different statute of limitations. The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently in the process of examining our U.S. federal tax returns for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.  In addition, as a result of a move of our main facility to a different local taxing jurisdiction within China, which occurred in a prior fiscal year, we are required to undergo a tax review to get tax clearance from the previous local taxing jurisdiction since the entity was formed in calendar year 2005.
 
-24-


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Working capital was $135.6 million at October 29, 2011 and $128.2 million at April 30, 2011.  We have historically financed working capital needs through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings under bank credit agreements.

Cash provided by operations for the first six months of fiscal 2012 was $21.5 million.  Net income of $7.0 million plus $4.0 million in changes in net operating assets and liabilities, adjusted by depreciation and amortization of $9.1 million and $1.7 million of stock-based compensation, offset by $0.3 million of provision for doubtful accounts, generated most of the cash provided by operations.

The most significant drivers of the change in net operating assets which generated cash from operations were increases in accounts payable and customer deposits and decreases in accounts receivables and income tax receivables.  These items were offset by increases in inventories, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and long term receivables and decreases in accrued expenses and warranty obligations and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings.  The decrease in income tax receivables was due to refunds received in connection with net operating loss carry backs that originated in fiscal 2010.  The increase in inventories was related to the higher levels needed to support more short delivery projects and the transition to new products.  Days sales outstanding declined from 54 days as of April 30, 2011 to 46 days as of October 29, 2011.  This change results from the natural volatility that can occur with large projects and the timing of customer payments. Days inventory outstanding increased from 42 days as of April 30, 2011 to 53 days as of October 29, 2011.   These values fluctuate due to the current mix of business and the timing on orders, primarily large contract orders.  Overall, changes in operating assets and liabilities can be impacted by the timing of cash flows on large orders, as described above, which can cause significant fluctuations in the short term.  As a result of various initiatives underway, including changes in manufacturing, purchasing, collections and payment processes, we expect to continue improving our cash flow relative to sales and costs of goods sold from operating activities.

Cash used by investing activities of $8.9 million for the first six months of fiscal 2012 included $7.7 million for purchases of marketable securities and $6.2 million for purchases of property and equipment, which was offset by $5.0 million in proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities.  During the first six months of fiscal 2012, we invested approximately $2.3 million in manufacturing equipment, $1.5 million in product demonstration equipment, $1.9 million in information systems infrastructure, including software, and $0.4 million in other assets.  These investments were generally for maintenance in the case of information systems, in manufacturing related to the expansion of capability in China and in improving flexibility in the plants as it relates to new products.  As of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2012, capital expenditures were 2.4% of net sales.  For the remainder of fiscal 2012, our capital expenditures are expected to be closer to 4% of net sales as we expand our manufacturing capabilities in China and enhance our internal systems and operations within and outside of manufacturing.

Cash used by financing activities of $3.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 consisted of the dividends paid to shareholders of $4.6 million on June 24, 2011 that were partially offset by $0.3 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and $0.8 million of net borrowings on notes payable. The increase in notes payable relate to loans in our Chinese subsidiary to fund expansion that were put in place to more effectively deal with currency restrictions imposed on moving currency in and out of the country. 

Included in receivables as of October 29, 2011 was approximately $3.3 million of retainage on long-term contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

We have used and expect to continue to use cash reserves and, to a lesser extent and primarily in China, bank borrowings to meet our short-term working capital requirements.  On large product orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to and exceed 24 months depending on the amount of custom work and the customer’s delivery needs.  We often receive down payments or progress payments on these product orders.  To the extent that these payments are not sufficient to fund the costs and other expenses associated with these orders, we use working capital and bank borrowings to finance these cash requirements.

Our product development activities during the second quarter of fiscal 2012 included the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products from existing technologies.  Product design and development expenses were $5.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to $4.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  We expect to incur expenditures at a higher rate than our long-term targeted level of 4.0% of net sales throughout the rest of fiscal 2012 to develop new display products and solutions that will offer higher resolution and more cost-effective and energy-efficient displays, as well as to complement the services and solutions that are provided with the displays.  We also intend to continue developing software applications related to our display systems to enable these products to continue to meet the needs and expectations of the marketplace.

We have a credit agreement with a U.S. bank that provides for a $35.0 million line of credit and includes up to $15.0 million for standby letters of credit.  The line of credit, which was amended on November 15, 2011, is due on November 15, 2012. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 125 basis points to LIBOR plus 175 basis points depending on the ratio of interest-bearing debt to EBITDA.  EBITDA is defined as net income before income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization.  The effective interest rate was 1.5% at October 29, 2011.  We are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.125% per annum of any non-used portion of the loan.  As of October 29, 2011, there were no advances under the line of credit.
 
-25-

 
The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to be in compliance with the following financial ratios:

· 
A minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year.  The ratio is equal to (a) EBITDA less dividends, a capital expenditure reserve of $6 million, and income tax expense, over (b) all principal and interest payments with respect to debt, excluding debt outstanding on the line of credit, and
· 
A ratio of interest-bearing debt, excluding any marketing obligations, to EBITDA of less than 1 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter.

We have an additional credit agreement with another U.S. bank that also was amended on November 15, 2011 that is intended to support our credit needs outside of the U.S., primarily in China.  The facility provides for a $20.0 million line of credit and includes facilities to issue up to $20.0 million for letters of credit and bank guarantees and to secure foreign loans.  This U.S. credit facility secured the credit facility that we entered into in China with a Chinese affiliate of the U.S. bank.  It is also expected to secure another facility in Europe to be used to issue credit enhancements as required under our contracts with our customers.  The U.S. credit agreement is unsecured and is cross collateralized with the $35.0 million line of credit described above.  It contains the same covenants as the credit agreement for that line of credit.  As of October 29, 2011, there was $2.6 million of advances outstanding under the China credit facility.

We were in compliance with all applicable covenants as of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, and expect to be in compliance with all applicable covenants at the end of fiscal 2012.  The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as of October 29, 2011 was 135-to-1, and the ratio of interest-bearing debt to EBITDA as of October 29, 2011 was approximately 0.08-to-1.

On June 2, 2011, our Board declared an annual dividend payment of $0.11 per share on our common stock for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011, which was paid on June 24, 2011.

On December 1, 2011, our Board declared a semi-annual dividend payment of $0.11 per share on our common stock and a special dividend of $0.40 per share on our common stock.  The dividend will be paid on December 22, 2011.  Although we intend to pay regular semi-annual dividends for the foreseeable future, all subsequent dividends will be reviewed annually and declared by our Board of Directors at its discretion.

We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have a bonding line available through a surety company that provides for an aggregate of $100.0 million in bonded work outstanding. At October 29, 2011, we had approximately $33.9 million of bonded work outstanding against this line.

We believe that if our growth extends beyond current expectations or if we make any strategic investments, we may need to increase our credit facilities or seek other means of financing.  We anticipate that we will be able to obtain any needed funds under commercially reasonable terms from our current lenders or other sources.  We believe that our working capital available from all sources will be adequate to meet the cash requirements of our operations in the foreseeable future.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES

Through October 29, 2011, most of our net sales were denominated in United States dollars, and our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes on net sales had not been significant. For the first quarter of fiscal 2012, net sales originating outside the United States were approximately 15% of total net sales, of which a portion was denominated in Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, British pounds, Hong Kong dollars, Australia dollars or other currencies. If we believed that currency risk in any foreign location was significant, we would utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations.  Over the long term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of this business could be denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, we fund our foreign subsidiaries’ operating cash needs in the form of loans denominated in United States dollars.  As a result, their operating results may become subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the United States dollar.  To the extent that we engage in international sales denominated in United States dollars, an increase in the value of the United States dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by the sources of raw materials from international sources.  We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques, including foreign currency forward contracts and options, to minimize the effect of these fluctuations.  However, exchange rate fluctuations, as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, differing tax structures and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our financial results in the future.

INTEREST RATE RISKS

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our debt, marketing obligations, and long-term accounts receivables.  We maintain a blend of both fixed and floating rate debt instruments.  As of October 29, 2011, our outstanding debt was $3.1 million, substantially all of which was in variable rate obligations.  Each 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have an insignificant annual effect on variable rate debt based on the balances of such debt as of October 29, 2011.  As of October 29, 2011, our outstanding marketing obligations were $1.0 million, substantially all of which were in fixed rate obligations.  For fixed-rate debt, interest rate changes affect our fair market value but do not affect earnings or cash flows.
 
-26-


In connection with the sale of certain display systems, we have entered into various types of financings with customers. The aggregate amounts due from customers include an imputed interest element. The majority of these financings carry fixed rates of interest. As of October 29, 2011, our outstanding long-term receivables were approximately $20.0 million.  Each 25 basis point increase in interest rates would have an associated annual opportunity cost to us of approximately $0.1 million.

The following table provides maturities and weighted average interest rates on our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including debt obligations.


   
Fiscal Years (dollars in thousands)
       
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
Thereafter
 
Assets:
                                   
Long-term receivables, including
    current maturities:
                                   
    Fixed-rate
  $ 2,901     $ 4,945     $ 3,339     $ 3,027     $ 2,402     $ 3,361  
    Average interest rate
    8.0 %     7.9 %     8.0 %     8.0 %     7.8 %     8.2 %
Liabilities:
                                               
Long- and short-term debt
                                               
    Fixed-rate
  $ 3,140     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
    Average interest rate
    6.4 %     -       -       -       -       -  
Long-term marketing obligations,
    including current portion
                                               
    Fixed-rate
  $ 62     $ 364     $ 275     $ 121     $ 66     $ -  
    Average interest rate
    7.7 %     8.8 %     9.0 %     8.9 %     9.0 %     -  
 
 
Approximately $59.0 million of our cash balances are denominated in United States dollars.  Cash balances in foreign currencies are operating balances maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.  A portion of the cash held in foreign accounts is used to collateralize outstanding bank guarantees issued by the foreign subsidiaries.

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures,” as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of October 29, 2011, which is the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of October 29, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Based on the evaluation described in the foregoing paragraph, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that during the quarter ended October 29, 2011, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
We are involved in a variety of other legal actions relating to various matters that arise in the normal course of business.  Although we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of these matters, taken as a whole, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or financial results.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The discussion of our business and operations included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read together with the risk factors described in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011.  They describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties, together with other factors described elsewhere in this Report, have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner.  New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict those risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial condition or financial results.
 
-27-


Item 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

Item 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

Item 4.   [REMOVED AND RESERVED]

Item 5.   OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

Item 6.   EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are included as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350). (1)
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350). (1)
     
101
 
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 29, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheet, (ii) Consolidated Statement of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*
 
 
(1)
Filed herewith electronically.
 
*
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed part of a registration statement, prospectus or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filings.

The following exhibits are incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

   10.1
Tenth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 15, 2011 by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (the “Bank”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2011 (the “Form 8-K”)).
   10.2
Renewal Revolving Note dated November 15, 2011 issued by the Company to the Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K).
 
10.3    Loan Agreement dated December 23, 2010 by and between Bank of America (“BoA”) and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K).
 
10.4    First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated February 1, 2011 by and between BoA and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K).
 
10.5    Second Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 15, 2011 by and between BoA and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 8-K).
 
10.6    Revolving Note dated November 15, 2011 issued by the Company to BoA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 8-K).

-28-


SIGNATURE

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.



 
/s/ William R. Retterath
 
Daktronics, Inc.
 
William R. Retterath
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer and
 
Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: December 2, 2011