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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

 

ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004

OR

o

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 0-21123

 

SRS LABS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

33-0714264

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

2909 Daimler Street, Santa Ana, California 92705

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

 

 

(949) 442-1070

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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 ý No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o   No ý

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: as of October 27, 2004, 14,645,253 of the issuer’s common stock, par value $.001 per share, were outstanding.  In addition, as of October 27, 2004, 258,957 shares of the issuer’s common stock were held as treasury shares.

 

 

 


 


SRS LABS, INC.

 

Form 10-Q

For the Period Ended September 30, 2004

 

Index

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2004 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2003

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 (Unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 



 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements reflecting management’s current expectations. Examples of such forward-looking statements include the expectations of the Company with respect to its strategy. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that the Company’s financial goals will be realized. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Numerous factors may affect the Company’s actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words, “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects” and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The important factors discussed in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors That May Affect Future Results”, herein, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made herein and presented elsewhere by management. Such forward-looking statements represent management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Investors are warned that actual results may differ from management’s expectations. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting such forward-looking information.

 

 

1


 

 


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

SRS LABS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

September 30, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

16,020,285

 

$

12,795,620

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

1,258,982

 

1,230,423

 

Inventories, net

 

767,006

 

753,020

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

991,828

 

1,073,696

 

Deferred income taxes

 

23,406

 

23,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

 

19,061,507

 

15,876,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments available for sale

 

10,281,176

 

10,490,210

 

Investment in LLC

 

2,025,626

 

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net

 

1,956,784

 

1,661,980

 

Goodwill

 

533,031

 

533,031

 

Intangible assets, net

 

2,748,289

 

2,736,810

 

Deferred income taxes

 

213,647

 

193,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

36,820,060

 

$

31,491,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

1,481,449

 

$

1,503,851

 

Accrued liabilities

 

2,218,691

 

1,606,069

 

Income taxes payable

 

538,751

 

430,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

4,238,891

 

3,540,869

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock—$.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock—$.001 par value; 56,000,000 shares authorized;14,626,922 and 13,682,282 shares issued; and 14,367,965 and 13,456,982 shares outstanding at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

 

14,627

 

13,683

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

62,058,625

 

58,423,249

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(297,523

)

(336,346

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(28,311,498

)

(29,431,524

)

Treasury stock at cost, 258,957 and 225,300 shares at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 respectively

 

(883,062

)

(718,601

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

32,581,169

 

27,950,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

36,820,060

 

$

31,491,330

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

 

4


 


SRS LABS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semiconductor

 

$

3,644,298

 

$

2,966,923

 

$

8,992,511

 

$

7,244,323

 

Licensing

 

2,727,861

 

1,919,471

 

8,140,592

 

6,638,291

 

Total revenues

 

6,372,159

 

4,886,394

 

17,133,103

 

13,882,614

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semiconductor

 

1,320,855

 

1,226,407

 

3,269,622

 

2,750,437

 

Licensing

 

100,342

 

16,029

 

146,886

 

62,132

 

Total cost of sales

 

1,421,197

 

1,242,436

 

3,416,508

 

2,812,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

4,950,962

 

3,643,958

 

13,716,595

 

11,070,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

1,372,303

 

1,216,568

 

4,149,887

 

3,840,155

 

Research and development

 

1,266,606

 

1,032,100

 

3,620,219

 

3,083,438

 

General and administrative

 

1,452,236

 

1,143,930

 

4,490,732

 

3,668,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

4,091,145

 

3,392,598

 

12,260,838

 

10,592,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

859,817

 

251,360

 

1,455,757

 

477,879

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

118,908

 

131,925

 

455,132

 

414,655

 

Minority interest

 

 

 

 

5,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

978,725

 

383,285

 

1,910,889

 

897,964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

241,721

 

264,459

 

790,863

 

770,486

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

737,004

 

$

118,826

 

$

1,120,026

 

$

127,478

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

14,278,589

 

13,076,315

 

14,045,162

 

12,956,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

15,395,792

 

14,730,290

 

15,991,331

 

13,729,676

 

 

 

 

 See accompanying notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

 

5


 


SRS LABS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional Paid-In

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

Treasury

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income
for the Periods

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Income (Loss)

 

Deficit

 

Stock

 

Total

 

Ended

 

BALANCE, Dec. 31, 2003

 

13,456,982

 

$

13,683

 

$

58,423,249

 

$

(336,346

)

$

(29,431,524

)

$

(718,601

)

$

27,950,461

 

$

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

573,611

 

573

 

2,149,746

 

 

 

 

2,150,319

 

 

Deferred stock option compensation

 

 

 

13,600

 

 

 

 

13,600

 

 

Unrealized gain on investments available for sale, net of tax

 

 

 

 

87,938

 

 

 

87,938

 

87,938

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

134,929

 

 

134,929

 

134,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, March 31, 2004

 

14,030,593

 

$

14,256

 

$

60,586,595

 

$

(248,408

)

$

(29,296,595

)

$

(718,601

)

$

30,337,247

 

$

222,867

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

182,854

 

183

 

837,669

 

 

 

 

837,852

 

 

Deferred stock option compensation

 

 

 

26,601

 

 

 

 

26,601

 

 

Unrealized loss on investments available for sale, net of tax

 

 

 

 

(187,991

)

 

 

(187,991

)

(187,991

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

248,093

 

 

248,093

 

248,093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, June 30,2004

 

14,213,447

 

$

14,439

 

$

61,450,865

 

$

(436,399

)

$

(29,048,502

)

$

(718,601

)

$

31,261,802

 

$

282,969

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

154,518

 

188

 

581,568

 

 

 

 

581,756

 

 

Deferred stock option compensation

 

 

 

26,192

 

 

 

 

26,192

 

 

Treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(164,461

)

(164,461

)

 

Unrealized gain on investments available for sale, net of tax

 

 

 

 

138,876

 

 

 

138,876

 

138,876

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

737,004

 

 

737,004

 

737,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE,Sept. 30, 2004

 

14,367,965

 

$

14,627

 

$

62,058,625

 

$

(297,523

)

$

(28,311,498

)

$

(883,062

)

$

32,581,169

 

$

1,158,849

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

 

 

6


 


SRS LABS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,120,026

 

$

127,478

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

966,692

 

833,508

 

Minority interest

 

 

(5,430

)

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

153,859

 

21,410

 

(Benefit) Provision for obsolete inventory

 

(44,600

)

39,453

 

Deferred taxes

 

(20,513

)

(22,820

)

Amortization of premium on investments available for sale

 

5,981

 

 

Increase in deferred stock option compensation

 

66,393

 

54,708

 

Loss on disposition of furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

6,791

 

 

Impairment on intangible assets

 

12,163

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(182,417

)

(102,874

)

Inventories

 

30,612

 

(180,887

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

81,868

 

(144,923

)

Accounts payable

 

(22,402

)

153,707

 

Accrued liabilities

 

612,623

 

(1,143,468

)

Income taxes payable

 

107,802

 

250,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

2,894,878

 

(119,504

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

(874,737

)

(396,161

)

Proceeds from sales of furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

550

 

 

Purchase of investments available for sale

 

 

(5,232,533

)

Proceeds from sale of investments available for sale

 

241,876

 

1,108,407

 

Investment in LLC

 

(2,025,626

)

 

Expenditures related to patents and intangible assets

 

(417,742

)

(175,649

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,075,679

)

(4,695,936

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(164,461

)

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

3,569,927

 

385,529

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

3,405,466

 

385,529

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

3,224,665

 

(4,429,911

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

 

12,795,620

 

15,720,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

 

$

16,020,285

 

$

11,290,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

456,600

 

$

469,928

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on investments, net

 

$

38,823

 

$

(67,082

)

Issuance of Common stock for minority interest

 

$

 

$

960,012

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

 

7


 


NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2004

 

1.             Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

As used herein, the “Company,” “SRS Labs,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means SRS Labs, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Valence Tech Limited (including its wholly-owned subsidiaries) and SRSWOWcast.com, Inc. ("SRSWOWcast").  The accompanying condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company without audit in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The Company previously reported five business segments (see Note 12). Certain accounts have been reclassified from that previously reported to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations for presentation of interim financial information. Therefore, the condensed interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Current and future financial statements may not be directly comparable to the Company’s historical financial statements. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Certain amounts included in the accompanying prior periods’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make use of certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates. See the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 for an additional discussion of the most significant accounting policies and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

 

 

2.             Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees under the recognition and measurement principles of APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. The Company provides additional pro forma disclosures as required under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an Amendment of SFAS No. 123.” Accordingly, no stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income (loss), as all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Had compensation expense been recorded under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income, (loss) and earnings per share would have been the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

 

 

For the three months ended
September 30,

 

For the nine months ended
September 30
,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

Net income (attributable to common shareholder) — as reported

 

$

737,004

 

$

118,826

 

$

1,120,026

 

$

127,478

 

Add: stock based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of 40% tax effect

 

15,715

 

18,236

 

39,590

 

54,708

 

Less fair value of stock-based employee compensation expense

 

(380,894

)

(563,564

)

(1,215,778

)

(1,671,514

)

Net income (loss) (attributable to common shareholder) — pro forma

 

$

371,825

 

$

(426,502

)

$

(56,162

)

$

(1,489,328

)

Net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic, as reported

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.01

 

Basic, pro forma

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.03

)

$

0.00

 

$

(0.12

)

Diluted, as reported

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.01

 

Diluted, pro forma

 

$

0.02

 

$

(0.03

)

$

0.00

 

$

(0.12

)

 

8



 

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants during the quarter ended September 30, 2004:

 

Risk free interest rate

 

3.3

%

Expected life

 

5 years

 

Expected volatility

 

76

%

 

Because FAS No. 123 has not been applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.

 

3.             Capitalization of Software Development Costs

 

Costs incurred in the research, design and development of software for sale to others as a separate product or embedded in a product and sold as part of the product as a whole are charged to expense until technological feasibility is established. Under SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed,” the Company capitalizes software purchased from third parties if the related software product under development has reached technological feasibility or if there are alternative future uses for the purchased software, provided that capitalized amounts will be realized over a period not exceeding five years. Costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are charged to research and development expense.

 

Capitalized software as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 is as follows:

 

 

 

September 30,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

Capitalized software

 

$

489,015

 

$

342,760

 

Accumulated amortization

 

(170,570

)

(96,401

)

Capitalized software, net

 

$

318,445

 

$

246,359

 

 

The Company’s weighted average amortization period for capitalized software is approximately three to five years. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for those assets for the current year and each of the four succeeding fiscal years.

 

Year ending December 31,

 

Estimated
Expense

 

2004

 

$

31,434

 

2005

 

105,352

 

2006

 

100,669

 

2007

 

48,365

 

2008

 

28,692

 

Thereafter

 

3,933

 

 

 

4.             Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which, among other things, establishes new standards for goodwill acquired in a business combination, eliminates the amortization of goodwill and requires the carrying value of goodwill and identifiable intangibles to be evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis.  At December 31, 2003, the Company evaluated goodwill and determined that no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary.  In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” all of the Company’s intangible assets that have definite lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

 

9



 

An intangible asset in the amount of $640,071 was recorded representing the prior “minority interest” portion of the Circle Surround license agreement held by SRSWOWcast (See Note 8).

 

Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:

 

 

 

September 30,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

Goodwill

 

$

533,031

 

$

533,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents

 

$

1,959,199

 

$

1,760,236

 

Accumulated amortization

 

(843,010

)

(739,792

)

Patents, net

 

1,116,189

 

1,020,444

 

Other Intangibles:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets acquired in the purchase of our subsidiary Valence Technology in 1998: Covenant not to compete, Developed Technology, ASP brand name, Cell Library, and Customer List

 

4,910,400

 

4,910,400

 

Asset acquired in purchase of our subsidiary SRSWOWcast in February 2003

 

640,071

 

640,071

 

Poly Planar purchased technology for speaker products

 

120,000

 

120,000

 

Capitalized software and hardware for several technologies

 

419,287

 

222,758

 

Total of Other Intangibles

 

6,089,758

 

5,893,229

 

Accumulated amortization, other intangibles

 

(4,457,658

)

(4,176,863

)

Other intangibles, net

 

1,632,100

 

1,716,366

 

Intangible assets, net

 

$

2,748,289

 

$

2,736,810

 

 

Amortization periods range from three to eleven years depending on the estimated useful life of the asset. Amortization expense consists of the following:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

Patents

 

$

46,331

 

$

37,592

 

$

113,307

 

$

108,519

 

Other intangibles:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covenant not to compete, developed technology, ASP brand name, cell library and customer list

 

67,479

 

51,477

 

202,436

 

162,405

 

Poly Planar purchased technology

 

6,000

 

6,000

 

18,000

 

18,000

 

Capitalized software and hardware

 

29,713

 

 

60,358

 

 

Total intangible amortization expense

 

$

149,523

 

$

95,069

 

$

394,101

 

$

288,924

 

 

The Company’s weighted average amortization period for patents and other intangibles is approximately three to ten years. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for those assets for the current year and each of the four succeeding fiscal years:

 

Year ending
December 31,

 

Estimated expense

 

2004

 

$

569,691

 

2005

 

$

580,279

 

2006

 

$

567,785

 

2007

 

$

498,313

 

2008

 

$

268,625

 

 

 

10



 

5.             Investments Available for Sale

 

The Company has classified its investments as available for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” The following table summarizes the Company’s investment securities available for sale:

 

 

 

September 30, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

Cost

 

$

10,497,397

 

$

10,745,254

 

Unrealized loss

 

(216,221

)

(255,044

)

Estimated fair value

 

$

10,281,176

 

$

10,490,210

 

 

 

The contractual maturities of investments are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities.

 

 

 

September 30, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

 

 

Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

U.S. Government securities available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one to five years

 

$

10,497,397

 

$

10,281,176

 

$

10,745,254

 

$

10,490,210

 

 

The following table summarizes sales of available for sale securities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. Specific identification was used to determine costs in computing realized gains or losses.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

Proceeds from sale

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,235,626

 

$

16,862,523

 

Realized gains

 

 

 

139,375

 

36,739

 

 

6.             Inventories

 

Inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method and is comprised of material costs and, where applicable, subcontracting and overhead costs that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less costs to be incurred in selling and distribution. Market is determined by comparison with recent purchases or net realizable value. Net realizable value is based on forecasts for sales of the Company’s products in the ensuing years. Should demand for the Company’s products prove to be significantly less than anticipated, the ultimate realizable value of the Company’s inventories could be substantially less than the amount shown on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

7.             Investment in LLC

 

On September 23, 2004, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Coming Home Studios LLC (“CHS”) to produce and sell concert DVD’s which include the Company’s Circle Surround technology.   In connection with the strategic alliance, SRS and CHS entered into four agreements:  a Strategic Alliance Agreement, the CHS/SRS LLC Operating Agreement, a Warrant Agreement and a Production Services Agreement.

 

In the Strategic Alliance Agreement, CHS and SRS agree to work together to identify and implement co-promotional opportunities, including trade shows, movie theatres, video streaming, concert DVDs, artist endorsements, bundling and premium deals, web-based promotional clips and road shows.  The initial term of the agreement expires on July 9, 2006 and is automatically renewable for successive one-year terms.

 

The Operating Agreement governs CHS/SRS, LLC, which is a joint venture between CHS and SRS formed to complete and distribute concert videos featuring Duran Duran, Boz Scaggs— Jazz, Boz Scaggs— Greatest Hits, Godsmack and All Access.

 

11



 

Pursuant to the Operating Agreement each of CHS and SRS contributed capital with a value of $1,800,000.  CHS is the managing member of the joint venture.  CHS’ capital contribution to CHS/SRS, LLC consists of the artist agreements and related contracts pursuant to which CHS/SRS, LLC will produce and distribute the above-referenced concert videos.  SRS’ capital contribution is an aggregate of $1,800,000, consisting of a $700,000 bridge loan that SRS extended to CHS on July 9, 2004 in anticipation of the strategic alliance, plus $1,100,000 in new cash.  In addition, the Company capitalized $185,626 consisting of costs associated with the formation of the LLC and co-promotional projects.  CHS’ capital contribution consisted of the artist agreements with Duran Duran, Boz Scaggs, Godsmack and All Access pursuant to which the concert videos are filmed, produced and distributed.  CHS/SRS, LLC contracted with CHS to complete production of the concert videos pursuant to the Production Services Agreement.

 

Profits from the distribution of the concert videos and related assets will be allocated and distributed equally until SRS and CHS have both received 1.75 times their original $1,800,000 capital contributions, after which profits will be allocated and distributed 90% to CHS and 10% to SRS.  Profits will be recognized upon cash distributions.

 

Under the Warrant Agreement, SRS paid CHS $40,000 to acquire a warrant to purchase up to 122,000 units of Class A membership interests in CHS, which represents approximately 10% of the equity of CHS, for an exercise price of $9.836 per unit, subject to adjustment based on valuation of CHS at the time of an additional funding.  The warrant is immediately vested and exercisable for up to two years.  It is transferable and contains customary antidilution and price protection provisions for warrants of this type.

 

Under the Production Services Agreement, CHS/SRS, LLC contracted with CHS as an independent contractor to perform all production services and to provide all other services, personnel, materials and elements for the production, completion and delivery of the concert videos.  CHS, as the independent contractor, shall receive an aggregate of $365,000 in production fees for all of its services under the Production Services Agreement.  CHS is responsible for payment of all costs and expenses in connection with the production and completion of the concert videos.

 

8.             Minority Interest

 

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary represents the minority stockholders’ proportionate share of the equity of SRSWOWcast, which was 13% at December 31, 2002.  On February 28, 2003, the Company completed an exchange offer with the minority shareholders representing 13% of SRSWOWcast, pursuant to which SRS Labs acquired all 3,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in exchange for the issuance of 332,184 shares of SRS Labs common stock trading at $2.89 per share at the closing price on the transaction date. The acquisition resulted in a purchase price of $960,012.  As a result of the exchange offer, SRSWOWcast became a wholly owned subsidiary of SRS Labs.

 

SRSWOWcast develops and markets professional software and hardware products and consumer software plug-ins that incorporate proprietary audio enhancement and voice and surround sound technologies. SRS Labs, as the majority shareholder, has consistently included the results of SRSWOWcast in all of the previously reported consolidated financial statements.

 

The following table summarizes the stated values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

Current Assets

 

$

324,002

 

Property & Equipment

 

3,774

 

Current Liabilities

 

(7,835

)

Intangible Assets

 

640,071

 

Purchase Price

 

$

960,012

 

 

Current assets primarily consisted of cash, accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and current liabilities were valued at stated value. Property and equipment was valued at net book value. The $640,071 of acquired intangible assets was assigned to a license agreement between SRS Labs, Inc and SRSWOWcast, which is being amortized over 10 years.  The proforma effect of the transaction, as if it had occurred at the beginning of the quarter ended March 31, 2003, would have been immaterial.

 

9.             Net Income Per Common Share

 

The Company applies SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” which requires the disclosure of basic and diluted net income or loss per share for all current and prior periods. Basic net income or loss per common share is computed by

 

12



 

dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted net income or loss per common share reflects the maximum dilution, based on the average price of the Company’s common stock each period, and is computed similar to basic income or loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive stock options and warrants had been exercised.

 

Basic and diluted net income per share computed in accordance with SFAS 128 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended September 30,

 

For the nine months
ended September 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

BASIC EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

737,004

 

$

118,826

 

$

1,120,026

 

$

127,478

 

Denominator: weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,278,589

 

13,076,315

 

14,045,162

 

12,956,971

 

Net income per share—basic

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DILUTED EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

737,004

 

$

118,826

 

$

1,120,026

 

$

127,478

 

Denominator: weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,278,589

 

13,076,315

 

14,045,162

 

12,956,971

 

Common equivalent shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

1,117,203

 

1,653,975

 

1,946,169

 

772,705

 

Total diluted shares

 

15,395,792

 

14,730,290

 

15,991,331

 

13,729,676

 

Net income per share—diluted

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.01

 

 

 

There were 1,308,500 and 1,109,881 potentially dilutive options outstanding for the quarters ending September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively and there were 164,000 and 2,113,419 potentially dilutive options outstanding for the nine months ending September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, that were not included in the table above because they would be anti-dilutive.

 

10.          Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the normal course of business. While the outcome of these proceedings and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company has contractual obligations and commitments with regards to operating lease arrangements. The following table quantifies the expected contractual obligations and commitments subsequent to December 31, 2003:

 

Year ending December 31,

 

Facility

 

Facility-Related
Party

 

Office
Equipment

 

Total

 

2004

 

$

138,333

 

$

210,600

 

$

10,504

 

$

359,437

 

2005

 

145,250

 

87,750

 

7,030

 

240,030

 

2006

 

159,083

 

 

6,534

 

165,617

 

2007

 

 

 

6,534

 

6,534

 

2008

 

 

 

2,995

 

2,995

 

 

 

$

442,666

 

$

298,350

 

$

33,597

 

$

774,613

 

 

11.          Stockholders’ Equity

 

On May 9, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock for a period from May 10, 2002 to November 10, 2002 (the “2002 Repurchase Program”). As of March 31, 2004, 225,300 shares had been repurchased at a cost of $718,601 under the 2002 Repurchase Program. On June 30, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (the “2004 Repurchase Program”).  Under the 2004 Repurchase Program the Company may acquire up to $3,000,000 of its outstanding

 

13



 

common stock for a six-month period from July 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004.  Purchases may be made from time to time in the open market, block purchases or privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors.  The following table shows activity under the 2004 Repurchase Program for the quarter ending September 30, 2004:

 

 

 

September 30, 2004

 

Shares repurchased

 

33,957

 

Average price per share

 

$

4.84

 

Total repurchase authorized

 

$

3,000,000

 

Repurchases under the plan

 

$

164,461

 

Authorized repurchase remaining

 

$

2,835,539

 

 

All repurchased shares are reflected as treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

12.       Segment Information

 

The Company operates two business segments — semiconductors and licensing.  In 2003, the Company reported its revenues in the following five segments: licensing; semiconductors; component distribution; product sales; and Internet and broadcast.  In 2004, the Company decided to reduce its segments because the revenue attributable to the discontinued segments were not material compared to revenues relating to semiconductors and licensing.  Segment information for the 2003 segments has been restated to conform to the current year presentation.  Revenue from the component distribution segment is now reported in the semiconductor segment and revenues from product sales and Internet and broadcast segments are now reported in the licensing segment. The Company does not allocate corporate operating expenses or specific assets to these segments. Therefore, the segment information that follows includes only net revenues, cost of sales and gross margins of the identified segments:

 

 

 

Valence
Semiconductor

 

SRS Labs
Licensing

 

Total

 

Three Months Ended Sept 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

3,644,298

 

$

2,727,861

 

$

6,372,159

 

Cost of sales

 

1,320,855

 

100,342

 

1,421,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

$

2,323,443

 

$

2,627,519

 

$

4,950,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended Sept 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

2,966,923

 

$

1,919,471

 

$

4,886,394

 

Cost of sales

 

1,226,407

 

16,029

 

1,242,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

$

1,740,516

 

$

1,903,442

 

$

3,643,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valence
Semiconductor

 

SRS Labs
Licensing

 

Total

 

Nine Months Ended Sept 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

8,992,511

 

$

8,140,592

 

$

17,133,103

 

Cost of sales

 

3,269,622

 

146,886

 

3,416,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

$

5,722,889

 

$

7,993,706

 

$

13,716,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended Sept 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

7,244,323

 

$

6,638,291

 

$

13,882,614

 

Cost of sales

 

2,750,437

 

62,132

 

2,812,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

$

4,493,886

 

$

6,576,159

 

$

11,070,045

 

 

 

For the three months ending September 30, 2004, one customer accounted for approximately 12% of revenues, or $757,886, in the semiconductor segment. For the same period in the prior year, one customer accounted for approximately

 

14



 

13% of revenues, or $620,766, in the semiconductor segment. There was no significant customer in the licensing segment for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003.  For the nine months ending September 30, 2004, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues in either segment. For the same period in the prior year, one customer accounted for approximately 11% of revenues, or $1,517,953, in the semiconductor segment.

 

The following schedule presents the Company’s revenue by geographic area. For product sales, revenue is allocated based on the country to which the product was shipped. For licensing-related revenue, the allocation is based on the location of the licensee’s corporate headquarters. The Americas region includes North, Central and South America.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

%

 

2003

 

%

 

2004

 

%

 

2003

 

%

 

Geographic Area Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hong Kong

 

$

3,283,202

 

52

%

$

2,619,125

 

48

%

$

8,264,269

 

54

%

$

6,323,620

 

46

%

Japan

 

1,098,643

 

17

%

933,546

 

22

%

3,756,473

 

19

%

4,173,863

 

30

%

China

 

797,074

 

13

%

453,442

 

9

%

1,590,754

 

9

%

1,315,920

 

9

%

Americas

 

512,699

 

8

%

 

10

%

1,824,668

 

3

%

736,567

 

5

%

Other Asia Pacific

 

502,769

 

7

%

399,314

 

8

%

1,103,930

 

9

%

841,274

 

6

%

Europe

 

177,772

 

3

%

 

3

%

593,009

 

6

%

491,370

 

4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

6,372,159

 

100

%

$

4,886,394

 

100

%

$

17,133,103

 

100

%

$

13,882,614

 

100

%

 

 

13.          Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2003, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition (SAB No. 104), which codifies, revises and rescinds certain sections of SAB No. 101, Revenue Recognition, in order to make this interpretive guidance consistent with current authoritative accounting and auditing guidance and SEC rules and regulations. The changes noted in SAB No. 104 did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF No. 03-06, Participating Securities and Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share. EITF No. 03-06 addresses a number of questions regarding the computation of earnings per share (EPS) by companies that have issued securities other than common stock that contractually entitle the holder to participate in dividends and earnings of the company when, and if, it declares dividends on its common stock. The issue also provides further guidance in applying the two-class method of calculating EPS. It clarifies what constitutes a participating security and how to apply the two-class method of computing EPS once it is determined that a security is participating, including how to allocate undistributed earnings to such a security. The consensus reached on EITF No. 03-06 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after March 31, 2004. Prior period earnings per share amounts will be restated to conform to the consensus to ensure comparability year over year. The adoption of EITF No. 03-06 did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

The Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued an exposure draft entitled “ Share-Based Payment, an Amendment of FASB Statements Nos. 123 and 95.” This exposure draft would require stock-based compensation to employees to be recognized as a cost in the financial statements and that such cost be measured according to the fair value of the stock options. In the absence of an observable market price for the stock awards, the fair value of the stock options would be based upon a valuation methodology that takes into consideration various factors, including the exercise price of the option, the expected term of the option, the current price of the underlying shares, the expected volatility of the underlying share price, the expected dividends on the underlying shares and the risk-free interest rate. The proposed requirements in the exposure draft would be effective for the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005.  See Note 2 for pro forma disclosures regarding the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of the exposure draft and SFAS No. 123.  We will continue to monitor communications on this subject from the FASB in order to determine the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

15


 


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

This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (the “Form 10-K”), the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K and the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report.

Overview

SRS Labs is a leading developer and provider of application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), standard integrated circuits (“ICs”) and audio and voice technology solutions for the home theater, portable audio, wireless, computer, game, automotive, broadcast, Internet and telecommunications markets. The Company operates in the following two business segments:

Semiconductor:  Through SRS Labs, Inc.’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ValenceTech Limited, and ValenceTech Limited’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively “Valence”), the semiconductor segment develops, designs and markets standard and custom, application specific technology solutions in the form of analog, digital signal processors (“DSPs”), and mixed signal, integrated circuits primarily to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), in the Asia Pacific region.

Licensing:  Through SRS Labs, the parent company, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SRSWOWcast.com, Inc., doing business as SRSWOWcast Technologies (“SRSWOWcast”), the licensing segment develops and licenses audio and voice technology solutions to many of the world’s leading OEMs, software providers and semiconductor companies, and licenses and markets hardware and software products for the Internet and professional audio markets.

In 2003, the Company reported its revenues in the following five segments: licensing; semiconductors; component distribution; product sales; and Internet and broadcast.  In 2004, the Company decided to reduce its segments because of the materiality of the revenues attributable to the other three segments.  Revenue from the component distribution segment is now reported in the semiconductor segment and revenues from product sales and Internet and broadcast segments are now reported in the licensing segment.  As used herein, the “Company,” “SRS Labs,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means SRS Labs, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Valence and SRSWOWcast.

We have determined that the most effective strategy for the creation of stable and sustainable revenue growth is to diversify our revenue base.  In our licensing segment, our goal is to diversify our revenue base from our historical concentration in home theater.  We believe that the mobile phone, portable audio, PC and automotive areas within the consumer electronics market present new high volume, high growth opportunities for application of our audio technologies.  Our diversification strategy also extends to our semiconductor segment in which we have refocused our team away from the heavy concentration on custom application specific projects for a few customers.  In addition, we are now also focused on marketing our standard branded chips, including new chips that embed SRS Labs’ technologies, with particular attention toward the large manufacturing market in China.

In September 2004, we entered into a strategic alliance with Coming Home Studios LLC (“CHS”) to produce and sell concert DVD’s which include our Circle Surround technology.  In connection with the strategic alliance, SRS and CHS entered into four agreements:  a Strategic Alliance Agreement, the CHS/SRS LLC Operating Agreement, a Warrant Agreement and a Production Services Agreement.  In the Strategic Alliance Agreement, CHS and SRS agree to work together to identify and implement co-promotional opportunities, including trade shows, movie theatres, video streaming, concert DVDs, artist endorsements, bundling and premium deals, web-based promotional clips and road shows.  The initial term of the agreement expires on July 9, 2006 and is automatically renewable for successive one-year terms.

Pursuant to the Operating Agreement each of CHS and us contributed capital with a value of $1,800,000.  In connection with this strategic alliance, we capitalized $185,626 consisting of costs associated with the formation of the LLC and co-promotional projects.  Profits from the distribution of the concert videos and related assets will be allocated and distributed equally until we and CHS have each received 1.75 times their original capital contribution, after which profits will be allocated and distributed 90% to CHS and 10% to SRS.  Revenues will be recognized upon profit distributions.  Under the Warrant Agreement, we paid CHS $40,000 to acquire a warrant to purchase up to 122,000 units of Class A membership interests in CHS, which represents approximately 10% of the equity of CHS, for an exercise price of $9.836 per unit, subject to adjustment based on a valuation of CHS at the time of an additional funding.  The warrant is immediately vested and exercisable for up to two years.  It is transferable and contains customary anti-dilution and price protection provisions for warrants of this type.

 

16



 

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

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 disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical and anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

The following represents a summary of our critical accounting policies, defined as those policies that we believe are: (a) the most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations; and (b) that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most critical accounting estimates include valuation of accounts receivable, which impacts operating expenses; valuation of inventory, which impacts gross margin; valuation of intangible assets and capitalization of software, which primarily impacts operating expenses when we impair assets or accelerate their depreciation; and recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which impacts our tax provision.  We discuss these policies, as well as the estimates and judgments involved in greater detail below. We also have other policies that we consider key accounting policies, such as our policies for revenue recognition; however, these policies do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates, because they do not require us to make estimates or judgments that are difficult or subjective.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history, the customer’s current credit worthiness and various other factors, as determined by our review of their current credit information. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts based upon specific customer circumstances, current economic trends, historical experience and the age of past due receivables. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past. Unanticipated changes in the liquidity or financial position of our customers may require additional provisions for doubtful accounts.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We periodically assess our inventory for potential obsolescence and lower-of-cost-or-market issues. We make estimates of inventory obsolescence, providing reserves when necessary, based on, among other factors, demand for inventory based on backlog, product pricing, the ability to liquidate or sell older inventory and the impact of introducing new products. If actual market conditions or our customer’s product demands are less favorable than those projected, additional provisions may be required.

 

Intangible Assets & Capitalization of Software

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are instead tested for impairment annually or sooner if circumstances indicate they may no longer be recoverable.  Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators and future cash flows related to intangible assets are based on operational performance of our acquired businesses, market conditions and other factors. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. For fiscal 2003, an independent valuation of goodwill and other intangibles was performed. To date, we have not recognized any impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets in connection with our adoption of SFAS 142. However, no assurances can be given that future evaluation of goodwill will not result in charges as a result of future impairment. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” all of the Company’s intangible assets that have definite lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

 

Costs incurred in the research, design and development of software for sale to others as a separate product or embedded in a product and sold as part of the product as a whole are charged to expense until technological feasibility is established. Under SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise

 

17



 

Marketed,” we capitalize software purchased from third parties if the related software product under development has reached technological feasibility or if there are alternative future uses for the purchased software, provided that capitalized amounts will be realized over a period not exceeding five years. Costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are charged to research and development expense. The establishment of technological feasibility and ongoing assessment of recoverability of capitalized software development costs require considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors, including, but not limited to, anticipated future revenues, estimated economic life and changes in software and hardware technologies. Upon the general release of the software product to customers, capitalization ceases and such costs are amortized to cost of sales using the straight-line method on a product-by-product basis over the estimated life, which is generally three years. To the extent that amounts capitalized for research and development become impaired due to a decline in demand or the introduction of new technology, such amounts will be written-off. All other research and development expenditures are charged to research and development expense in the period incurred.

 

Income Taxes

In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we go through a process to estimate our income taxes in each of the countries in which we operate. The process includes an assessment of the current tax expense, the results from tax examinations and the effects of temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of transactions for tax and financial accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, or SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. SFAS 109 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We evaluate the reliability of our deferred tax assets by assessing our valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. At December 31, 2003, we had net deferred tax assets primarily resulting from temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and loss and credit carry forwards. We continue to provide a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets based on an assessment of the likelihood of their realization. In reaching our conclusion, we evaluated certain relevant criteria including deferred tax liabilities that can be used to offset deferred tax assets, estimates of future taxable income of appropriate character within the carry forward period available under the tax law and tax planning strategies. Our judgments regarding future taxable income may change due to market conditions, changes in U.S. or international tax laws, and other factors. These changes, if any, may require material adjustments to these deferred tax assets, resulting in either a tax benefit, if it is estimated that future taxable income is likely, or a reduction in the value of the deferred tax assets, if it is determined that their value is impaired, resulting in a reduction in net income or an increase in net loss in the period when such determinations are made.

Our income tax provision is based on calculations and assumptions that will be subject to examination by the taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Should the actual results differ from our estimates, we would have to adjust the income tax provision in the period in which the facts and circumstances that give rise to the revision become known. Tax law and rate changes are reflected in the income tax provision in the period in which such changes are enacted.

 

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

 

Revenues

 

Semiconductor revenues consists of (a) design fees relating to, and sales of, application specific integrated circuits (“ASIC”) for third parties by Valence to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”); and  (b) sales of general purpose integrated circuits (“ICs”) designed by Valence under the brand name ASP.  Licensing revenues consist primarily of royalties generated from the license of SRS Labs’ audio and voice technologies.  License and royalty agreements generally provide for the license of technologies for a fee based on the number of units distributed by the licensee.  However, we have in the past and may again in the future, enter into a license agreement for a one-time fee. Also included in licensing revenue are revenues generated from the sale of hardware and software applications into the broadcast audio markets.

Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2004 were $6,372,159 compared to $4,886,394 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $1,485,765 or 30.4%.  Semiconductor revenues were $3,644,298 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $2,966,923 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $677,375 or 22.8%. Within semiconductor revenue, ASIC accounted for $2,526,417 or 69.3% for the three

 

18



 

months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $2,310,406 or 77.9% for same period last year, an increase of $216,011 or 9.3%. ASP chips accounted for $1,117,881, or 30.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $656,517 or 22.1% for the same period last year, an increase of $461,364 or 70.3%.  Within ASP revenues, SRS chips accounted for 49.5% this year compared to 22.9% last year, a growth of 60.8%.  The increase in semiconductor sales can be primarily attributed to traditional seasonality and the increased sales of ASP chips to the TV and portable audio markets. Semiconductor revenue also improved due to the movement of backlog, which built up in Q2 due to foundry capacity constraints.

Licensing revenues were $2,727,861 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1,919,471 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $808,390 or 42.1%.  The sales growth in licensing was attributable to our continued diversification strategy, which expanded the use of our technologies in the portable devices, PC, mobile phone and automotive markets. The following table presents the Company’s Licensing revenues mix by market segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended Sept 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Home Entertainment (TV, Set Top Box, A/V Receiver, DVD)

 

69

%

74

%

Portable Media Devices (Digital Media Player, Headphone)

 

13

%

12

%

PC (Software, Hardware)

 

8

%

7

%

Personal Telecommunications (Mobile phone, PDA)

 

7

%

6

%

Automotive

 

3

%

1

%

 

Gross Margin

 

Cost of sales consists primarily of fabrication costs, assembly and test costs, and the cost of materials and overhead from operations. Gross margins are dependent on the mix of products sold, services provided and royalties earned. The following table presents the Company’s gross margin percentages for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to September 30, 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended Sept 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Semiconductor

 

 

 

 

 

ASIC revenue as a percentage of total semiconductor revenue

 

69.3

%

77.9

%

ASIC gross margin

 

63.0

%

58.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASP revenue as a percentage of total semiconductor revenue

 

30.7

%

22.1

%

ASP gross margin

 

65.5

%

59.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total semiconductor revenue as a percentage of total revenue

 

57.2

%

60.7

%

Total semiconductor gross margin

 

63.8

%

58.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing revenue as a percentage of total revenue

 

42.8

%

39.3

%

Licensing gross margin

 

96.3

%

99.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Gross Margin

 

77.7

%

74.6

%

 

ASIC gross margins increased due to increase in design fees and sales of component inventory previously written off.  The increase in ASP gross margins can be attributable to new chips with higher gross margins representing 43.6% of total ASP chip sales.  The slight decrease in licensing gross margins is attributable to the write-off of speaker inventory, which was deemed to be obsolete, and the cost of logo materials for licensee products.

 

19



 

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee salaries, sales consultants’ fees and related expenses, sales commissions and product promotion costs. Sales and marketing expenses were $­­1,372,303 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $1,216,568 for the same prior year period, an increase of $155,735 or 12.8%.  The increase in sales expenses can be primarily attributed to severance costs and increased travel related to customer support and co-promotional activities.  As a percentage of total revenues, sales and marketing expenses decreased from 24.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 to 21.5% for the same period this year.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses consist of salaries and related costs of employees engaged in ongoing research, design and development activities and costs for engineering materials and supplies. Research and development expenses were $1,266,606 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $1,032,100 for the same prior year period, an increase of $234,506 or 22.7%. The increase in research and development costs is primarily due to the addition of research and development personnel added in the fourth quarter of 2003.  As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses decreased from 21.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, to 19.9% for the same period this year.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses consist primarily of employee-related expenses, legal costs associated with the administration of intellectual property and other professional fees. G&A expenses were $1,452,236 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $1,143,930 for the same prior year period, an increase of $308,306 or 27.0%. The increase is attributable to increases in professional fees, public company costs, bad debt and increases in amortization associated with increased capitalization of patents and purchased technology.  As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses decreased from 23.4% for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, to 22.8% for the same period this year.

 

Income From Operations

 

Income from operations increased by $608,457 to $859,817 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 as compared to income from operations of $251,360 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.  The increase in income from operations is due to an increase in revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net, consists primarily of interest income, gain or (loss) on sale of securities, interest expense and foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Other income, net, was $118,908 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $131,925 for the same prior year period, a decrease of $13,017 or 9.9%. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower interest rates in 2004.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $241,721, compared to tax expense of $264,459 for the same prior year period, a decrease of $22,738 or 8.6%. The provision consists primarily of taxes paid on licensing revenues sourced from countries requiring foreign tax withholdings and taxes paid on profits in Hong Kong at the rate of 17.5%.  The decrease in income tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 was attributable to the U.S. Japan tax treaty that went into effect on July 1, 2004 and eliminates source-country withholdings on royalties. Congress passed the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 on October 22, 2004 (“the Act”).  The Act contains numerous changes to existing tax laws including, but not limited to, incentives to repatriate foreign accumulated earnings and other international tax provisions regarding foreign tax credits.  The company has not yet evaluated and determined what impact, if any, the Act may have on our results of operations and financial condition in the future.

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

 

Revenues

 

Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 were $17,133,103 compared to $13,882,614 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $3,250,489 or 23.4%. Semiconductor revenues were $8,992,511 for

 

20



 

the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $7,244,323 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $1,748,188 or 24.1%. Within semiconductor revenue, ASIC accounted for $6,188,486 or 68.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $5,696,957 or 78.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $491,529 or 8.6%. ASP chips accounted for $2,804,025 or 31.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $1,547,366 or 21.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $1,256,659 or 81.2%, of which SRS technology chips accounted for 62.4% of ASP growth. This increase in semiconductor sales is attributable to new design wins with new chip offerings including SRS chips. Licensing revenues were $8,140,592 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $6,638,291 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $1,502,301 or 22.6%. This increase is attributable to our diversification strategy and revenues generated in new product categories such as mobile phones, portable audio devices, and PCs and increased penetration in the Company’s key home theater market, including set top boxes and televisions, which incorporate SRS Labs’ technologies. The following table presents the Company’s Licensing revenues mix by market segment:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended Sept 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Home Entertainment (TV, Set Top Box, A/V Receiver, DVD)

 

68

%

84

%

Portable Media Devices (Digital Media Player, Headphone)

 

10

%

7

%

PC (Software, Hardware).

 

11

%

4

%

Personal Telecommunications (Mobile phone, PDA)

 

10

%

4

%

Automotive.

 

1

%

1

%

 

Gross Margin

 

Cost of sales consists primarily of fabrication costs, assembly and test costs, and the cost of materials and overhead from operations. The following table presents the Company’s gross margin percentages for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to September 30, 2003:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended Sept 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Semiconductor

 

 

 

 

 

ASIC revenue as a percentage of total semiconductor revenue

 

68.8

%

78.6

%

ASIC gross margin

 

65.4

%

62.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASP revenue as a percentage of total semiconductor revenue

 

31.2

%

21.4

%

ASP gross margin

 

59.8

%

62.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total semiconductor revenue as a percentage of total revenue

 

52.5

%

52.2

%

Total semiconductor gross margin

 

63.6

%

62.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing revenue as a percentage of total revenue

 

47.5

%

47.8

%

Licensing gross margin

 

98.2

%

99.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Gross Margin

 

80.1

%

79.7

%

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee salaries, sales consultants’ fees and related expenses, sales commissions and product promotion costs. Sales and marketing expenses were $4,149,887 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $3,840,155 for the same prior year period, an increase of $309,732 or 8.1%. The net increase in sales and marketing expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 is attributable to severance costs and

 

21



 

increased promotion costs associated with higher licensing revenue and investments in branding and promotion of our technologies in new markets designed to increase future revenues. As a percentage of total revenues, sales and marketing expenses decreased from 27.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, to 24.2% for the same period this year.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses consist of salaries and related costs of employees engaged in ongoing research, design and development activities and costs for engineering materials and supplies. Research and development expenses were $3,620,219 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $3,083,438 for the same prior year period, an increase of $536,781 or 17.4%. The increase in research and development costs is primarily due to the addition of research and development personnel and increased costs associated with the increased semiconductor business activity.  As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses decreased from 22.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, to 21.1% for the same period this year.

 

General and Administrative

 

G&A expenses consist primarily of employee-related expenses, legal costs associated with the administration of intellectual property and other professional fees. G&A expenses were $4,490,732 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $3,668,573 for the same prior year period, an increase of $822,159 or 22.4%. The increase was primarily attributable to increased professional fees, public company expenses, and increased amortization associated with the increased capitalization of patents and purchased technology. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses decreased from 26.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, to 26.2% for the same period this year.

 

Income From Operations

 

Income from operations increased by $977,878 to $1,455,757 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, as compared to income from operations of $477,879 for the same period last year.  The increase in income from operations is due to an increase in revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net, consists primarily of interest income, gain or (loss) on sale of securities, interest expense and foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Other income, net, was $455,132 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $414,655 for the same prior year period, an increase of $40,477 or 9.8%. The increase is primarily attributable to investment gains from sales of U.S. Treasury in 2004.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority interest represents the minority shareholders’, 13%, proportionate share of losses in SRSWOWcast. Minority interest was $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $5,430 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. In February 2003, SRS Labs completed an exchange offer with the minority shareholders of SRSWOWcast, pursuant to which SRS Labs acquired all of the outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in exchange for the issuance of shares of SRS Labs common stock. As a result of the exchange offer, SRSWOWcast became a wholly owned subsidiary of SRS Labs.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $790,863, compared to tax expense of $770,486 for the same prior year period, an increase of $20,377 or 2.6%. The provision consists primarily of taxes paid on licensing revenues sourced from countries requiring foreign tax withholdings and taxes paid on profits in Hong Kong at the rate of 17.5%.  The increase in income tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was attributable to higher profits in Hong Kong offset by the U.S. Japan tax treaty that went into effect on July 1, 2004, which eliminated source-country withholdings on royalties.

 

22



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s principal source of liquidity to fund ongoing operations at September 30, 2004 consisted of cash, cash equivalents and long-term investments of $26,301,461.  At September 30, 2004, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $16,020,285 and long-term investments of $10,281,176. Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash, money market funds and other money market instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Investments consist of U.S. government securities rated AAA.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $3,224,665 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to $16,020,285.  The increase was primarily due to the net cash provided by operating activities of $2,894,878, and financing activities of $3,405,466 derived primarily from the exercise of stock options, offset by net cash used in investing activities of $3,075,679 relating primarily to an investment in a strategic alliance for $2,025,626, as well as capital and patent expenditures of $1,292,479. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,894,878 versus net cash used of $119,504 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 respectively. The improvement in our operating cash flows is primarily the result of increased revenues, gross margins and net income. Our inventories decreased $30,612 and increased $180,887 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 respectively.  The decrease in 2004 resulted from increased semiconductor sales and the sell off of backlog, which built up in Q2 due to foundry capacity constraints.  Also, during the quarter, the company sold component inventory, which was previously reserved for in our provision for slow moving and obsolete inventory.  The reversal of the provision, provided a benefit of $160,855 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, which was offset by increases in the reserve of $116,255 associated with our periodic assessment of inventory to arrive at a net benefit of $44,600.  Accrued liabilities increased $612,623 and decreased $1,143,468 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 respectively.  These changes relate to professional fees, commissions and bonus and the timing of payments to vendors and employees.

Our net cash used for investing activities was $3,075,679 and $4,695,936 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 respectively.  Investing activities in 2004 primarily represented an investment in the strategic alliance with Coming Home Studios LLC, referenced above under the caption “Overview,” and purchases of capital equipment, patents and intangible assets.  Investing activities in 2003 primarily represented purchases of investments available for sale and capital equipment. Our financing activities, primarily consisted of proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options, provided $3,405,466 and $385,529 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 respectively.

 On June 30, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program.  Under the repurchase program, the Company may acquire up to $3,000,000 of its outstanding common stock for a period of six months from July 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004.  Purchases may be made from time to time in the open market, block purchases or privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors.

Congress passed the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 on October 22, 2004 (the “Act”).  The Act contains numerous changes to existing tax laws including, but not limited to, incentives to repatriate foreign accumulated earnings and other international tax provisions regarding foreign tax credits.  The Company is in the process of evaluating what impact, if any, the Act may have on our results of operations and financial condition in the future.

Based on current plans and business conditions, the Company expects that its cash, cash equivalents and investments together with any amounts generated from operations will be sufficient to meet the Company’s cash requirements for the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be required to seek other financing sooner or that such financing, if required, will be available on terms satisfactory to the Company.

 

Factors That May Affect Future Results

We are exposed to risks in our licensing business related to product and customer concentration

Currently, our licensing revenue is concentrated in the home theater market with the majority of revenue generated from the inclusion of SRS technology inside televisions, DVD players and set-top boxes. We expect that the consumer home entertainment market will continue to account for a significant portion of our licensing revenues for the foreseeable future. While consumer spending in general on consumer electronic products has increased, retail prices for certain consumer electronics products that include our audio technology, such as DVD players, have decreased significantly.  Indications are that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, from time to time, certain of our original equipment manufacturer and semiconductor manufacturer customers may account for a significant portion of revenue from a particular product application, such as DVD players, set-top boxes or televisions. Consumer electronics products manufacturers could decide to exclude our audio enhancement technology from their home theater products altogether in an effort to reduce cost. The loss of any such customer could have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

23



 

Declining prices of consumer electronic products could put pressure on our licensing fees that are charged to manufacturers. Also, given the current economic environment, consumer spending on DVD players and other home electronic products may not increase as expected. Such declines in consumer spending, should they occur, and continued decreases in consumer product pricing for electronic goods may have a significant negative impact on our financial results. The Company’s strategy is to diversify its customer base in an effort to decrease the impact from the loss of a particular customer, product segment or change in market trend.

 

Our quarterly results may fluctuate

Our operating results may fluctuate from those in prior quarters and will continue to be subject to quarterly and other fluctuations due to a variety of factors, including the extent to which our licensees incorporate our technologies into their products; the timing of orders from, and the shipments to, major customers; the timing of new product introductions; the gain or loss of significant customers; competitive pressures on selling prices; the market acceptance of new or enhanced versions of our technologies; the rate that our semiconductor licensees manufacture and distribute chips to product manufacturers; and fluctuations in general economic conditions, particularly those affecting the consumer electronics market. Due to our dependence on the consumer electronics market, the substantial seasonality of sales in the market could impact our revenues and net income. In particular, we believe that there is seasonality relating to the Christmas season generally and the Chinese New Year within the Asia region, which fall into the fourth and first quarters respectively. As a result, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied on as indications of future performance.

 

We rely on revenue contribution from our ASIC and standard IC business

We derive a significant amount of our revenue from Valence’s ASIC business. Valence’s engineering team focuses on the design of custom ASICs to meet specific customers’ requirements and outsources the production of the design to mask houses, foundries and packaging houses located primarily in Asia. The operations of Valence could be affected by a variety of factors, including the timing of customer orders, the timing of development revenue, changes in the mix of products distributed and the mix of distribution channels employed, the emergence of a new industry standard, product obsolescence and changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors or its suppliers.

Business revenue from ASICs is concentrated in a limited number of customers in the areas of consumer electronics, communications products, computers and computer peripherals. The business generated from any one customer may be for a fixed length or quantity. As such, it is customary in our ASIC business to have a certain amount of customer turnover as new ASIC projects are obtained for different customers. However, it is possible that the loss of any particular customer or any bad debt arising from such customer may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operation. Beginning in fiscal 1999, Valence began to exit from certain lower margin product offerings in the distribution side of the business and has placed more emphasis on developing and distributing products that are related to, or incorporate, our proprietary technologies. As a result, the immediate loss in revenue of the low margin distribution business will not be entirely offset by the new proprietary technology based products, which will take time to develop and be introduced into the marketplace. There can be no assurance that we will be able to quickly introduce new products to offset the loss in revenue or that the new products developed will receive a favorable market acceptance.

Valence adds significant diversity to our overall business structure and opportunities. We recognize that in the presence of such corporate diversity, and in particular with regard to the semiconductor industry, there will always exist a potential for conflict among sales channels between the Company and our technology licensees. Although the operations of our licensing business and those of Valence are generally complementary, there can be no assurances that sales channel conflicts will not arise. If such potential conflicts do materialize, we may or may not be able to mitigate the effect of such perceived conflicts, which, if not resolved, may impact the results of operations.

 

We are exposed to risks in our Valence business related to product fabrication outsourcing to third parties

Valence is a “fabless” semiconductor company meaning that Valence designs, develops and markets our selection of custom and standard integrated circuits but we rely on third party contractors to manufacture, assemble and test our products. From time to time there can be foundry capacity issues due to global demands that affect the semiconductor industry.  Although we believe our relationships are generally good, we do not have long-term supply agreements with our third-party vendors and they are not obligated to perform services or supply products to us for any particular period or in any particular quantities, except as provided in each separate purchase order accepted by them. The increased demand for our products coupled with the demand for foundry services, is, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a challenge for us.  In these times of high demand, there are significant risks associated with our reliance on third-party vendors including: reallocation of capacity to other foundry customers, potential price increases, delays and interruptions in order deliveries, reduced control over product quality and increased risk of misappropriation of intellectual property.

 

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We conduct operations in a number of countries and are subject to risks of international operations, particularly in Asia and the PRC

We have significant operations in Hong Kong, the PRC and other parts of Asia that require refinement to adapt to the changing market conditions in that region. Our operations in Asia, and international operations in general, are subject to risks of unexpected changes in, or impositions of, legislative or regulatory requirements.

Our customers geographically located in the Asia Pacific markets accounted for approximately 93%, 90% and 90% of total Company sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively and are expected to continue to account for a substantial percentage of sales in the future. The economic climate in Asia continues to be impacted by increases in unemployment, declines in consumer spending, currency devaluation and bank failures. Any of these factors, should they continue, could significantly reduce the demand for the end user goods in which our products and technologies are used.

The PRC economy has experienced significant growth in the past decade; but such growth has been uneven across geographic and economic sectors. There can be no assurance that such growth will continue or that any potential currency devaluation in the region will not have a negative effect on our business, including Valence. The PRC economy has also experienced deflation in the past, which may continue in the future. The current economic situation may adversely affect our profitability over time as expenditures for consumer electronics products and information technology may decrease due to the results of slowing domestic demand and deflation.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the PRC with its own government and legislature. Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy from the PRC under the principle of “one country, two systems.” We can give no assurance that Hong Kong will continue to enjoy autonomy from the PRC.

The Hong Kong dollar has remained relatively constant due to the U.S. dollar peg and currency board system that has been in effect in Hong Kong since 1983. Since mid-1997, interest rates in Hong Kong have fluctuated significantly and real estate and retail sales have declined. We can give no assurance that the Hong Kong economy will not worsen or that the historical currency peg of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar will be maintained. Continued declining consumer spending in Hong Kong, deflation or the discontinuation of the currency peg could adversely affect our business.

 

We are exposed to currency fluctuations and instability in the Asian markets

We expect that international sales will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues. To date, all of our licensing revenues have been denominated in U.S. dollars and most costs have been incurred in U.S. dollars. It is our expectation that licensing revenues will continue to be denominated in U.S. dollars for the foreseeable future. Because Valence’s business is primarily focused in Asia and because of our anticipated expansion of business in the PRC and other parts of Asia, our consolidated results of operations and financial position could be significantly affected by risks associated with international activities, including economic and labor conditions, political instability, tax laws (including U.S. taxes on foreign subsidiaries) and changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the local currency in which the products are sold.  In addition, our valuation of assets recorded as a result of the Valence acquisition may also be adversely impacted by the currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.  We intend to actively monitor our foreign exchange exposure and to implement strategies to reduce our foreign exchange risk at such time that we determine the benefits of such strategies outweigh the associated costs. However, there is no guarantee that we will take steps to insure against such risks, and should such risks occur, there is no guarantee that we will not be significantly impacted.  Countries in the Asia Pacific region have experienced weakness in their currency, banking and equity markets. These weaknesses could adversely affect consumer demand for Valence’s products, the U.S. dollar value of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ foreign currency denominated sales, the availability and supply of product components to Valence and ultimately, our consolidated results of operations.

 

We are subject to competitive pressures

Our existing and potential competitors include both large and emerging domestic and international companies that have substantially greater financial, manufacturing, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources. Present or future competitors may be able to develop products and technologies comparable or superior to ours, and to adapt more quickly than us to new technologies or evolving market needs. We believe that the competitive factors affecting the market for our products and technologies include product performance, price and quality; product functionality and features; the ease of integration; and implementation of the products and technologies with other hardware and software components in the OEM’s products. In addition, the markets in which we compete are intensely competitive and are characterized by rapid technological changes, declining average sales prices and rapid product obsolescence. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete effectively in its respective markets, that competition will not intensify or that future competition will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows and financial condition.

 

We strongly rely on our intellectual property

Our ability to compete may be affected by our ability to protect our proprietary information. We have filed numerous U.S. and foreign patent applications and to date have a number of issued U.S. and foreign patents covering various

 

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aspects of our technologies. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by SRS Labs to protect our intellectual property will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of our technology or that our competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to our technology. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent, as do the laws of the U.S. The semiconductor industry is characterized by frequent claims and litigation regarding patent and other property rights. We are not currently a party to any claims of this nature. There can be no assurances that third parties will not assert claims or initiate litigation against the Company or our customers with respect to existing or future products. In addition, we may initiate claims or litigation against third parties for infringement of our proprietary rights or to determine the scope and validity of our proprietary rights.

 

We depend on our key personnel

Our future success depends to a large extent upon the continued service of key personnel, including engineering, sales and marketing staff, and highly skilled semiconductor design staff. We anticipate that any future growth will require us to recruit and hire a number of new personnel in engineering, operations, finance, sales and marketing. Competition for such personnel can be intense, and there can be no assurance that we can recruit and retain necessary personnel to operate our business and support future growth.

 

The market price of our common stock is volatile

The trading price of our Common Stock has been, and will likely continue to be, subject to wide fluctuations in response to quarterly variations in our operating results, announcements of new products or technological innovations by the Company or our competitors, strategic alliances between SRS Labs and third parties, general market fluctuations and other events and factors. Changes in earnings estimates made by brokerage firms and industry analysts relating to the markets in which we do business, or relating to the Company specifically, have in the past resulted in, and could in the future result in, an immediate and adverse effect on the market price of the Common Stock. Even though our stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market, our stock has had and may continue to have low trading volume and high volatility. The historically low trading volume of our stock makes it more likely that a severe fluctuation in volume, either up or down, will significantly impact the stock price. Since our shares are thinly traded, our shareholders may have difficulty selling our common stock.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes to the information called for by this Item 3 from the disclosures set forth in Part II, Item 7A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective to ensure that all information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, and allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls.  In connection with the above-referenced evaluation, no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

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

                The following table details our common stock repurchases for the three months ended September 30, 2004: 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased

 

Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)

 

Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

 

July 1 — 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

$

3,00,000

 

August 1 — 31, 2004

 

31,114

 

$

4.87

 

31,114

 

$

2,848,330

 

September 1 — 30, 2004

 

2,543

 

$

5.03

 

33,657

 

$

2,835,539

 


(1)                                  On June 30, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (the “2004 Repurchase Program”).  Under the 2004 Repurchase Program the Company may acquire up to $3,000,000 of its outstanding common stock for a six-month period from July 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004.  Purchases may be made from time to time in the open market, block purchases or privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

(a)           Exhibits.

 

The exhibits listed below are hereby filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Report.

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description

10.1

 

Strategic Alliance Agreement between SRS Labs, Inc. and Coming Home Studios, LLC dated September 23, 2004, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on September 28, 2004 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.2

 

CHS/SRS, LLC Operating Agreement between SRS Labs, Inc. and Coming Home Studios, LLC dated September 23, 2004, previously filed with the Commission on September 28, 2004 as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Warrant Agreement between SRS Labs, Inc. and Coming Home Studios, LLC dated September 23, 2004, previously filed with the Commission on September 28, 2004 as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.4

 

Production Services Agreement between CHS/SRS, LLC and Coming Home Studios, LLC dated September 23, 2004, previously filed with the Commission on September 28, 2004 as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of SRS Labs, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of SRS Labs, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of SRS Labs, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of SRS Labs, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

SRS LABS, INC., a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

Date:  November 12, 2004

By:

/s/ THOMAS C.K. YUEN

 

 

Thomas C.K. Yuen

 

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:  November 12, 2004

By:

/s/ JANET M. BISKI

 

 

Janet M. Biski

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

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