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EX-23 - EXHIBIT 23 - PERCEPTRON INC/MIc22708exv23.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - PERCEPTRON INC/MIc22708exv32w1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - PERCEPTRON INC/MIc22708exv32w2.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - PERCEPTRON INC/MIc22708exv31w2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - PERCEPTRON INC/MIc22708exv31w1.htm
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
    For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011
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: 0-20206
PERCEPTRON, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  38-2381442
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
47827 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, Michigan 48170-2461
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(734) 414-6100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
     
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock
  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Market)
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o No þ
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large Accelerated Filer o   Accelerated Filer o   Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held as of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2010, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market, was approximately $42,300,000 (assuming, but not admitting for any purpose, that all directors and executive officers of the registrant are affiliates).
The number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding as of September 20, 2011, was 8,474,244.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the following document, to the extent specified in this report, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this report:
     
Document   Incorporated by reference in:
     
Proxy Statement for 2011    
Annual Meeting of Shareholders   Part III, Items 10-14
 
 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1: BUSINESS
ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1B: UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
PART II
ITEM 5: MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9B: OTHER INFORMATION
PART III
ITEM 10: DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
PART IV
ITEM 15: EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 23
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2


Table of Contents

PART I
ITEM 1:  
BUSINESS
General
Perceptron, Inc. (“Perceptron” or the “Company”) develops, produces and sells non-contact measurement and inspection solutions for industrial and commercial applications. The Company has two business units, the Industrial Business Unit (“IBU”) and the Commercial Products Business Unit (“CBU”). IBU products provide solutions for manufacturing process control as well as sensor and software technologies for non-contact measurement, scanning and inspection applications. These products are used by the Company’s customers throughout the world to help manage their complex manufacturing processes to improve quality, shorten product launch times, reduce overall manufacturing costs and for digitizing and reverse engineering. CBU products are designed for sale to professional tradesmen in four strategic commercial markets. These products are sold to and distributed through leading strategic partners in each of these markets. The four strategic markets are the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and construction markets. The Company services multiple markets, with the largest being the automotive industry serviced by IBU. The Company’s primary operations are in North America, Europe and Asia.
Industrial Business Unit
The Industrial Business Unit’s products are categorized as follows:
Automated Systems products. Sales of these products involved the development, manufacture, and installation of:
   
Laser-based, non-contact dimensional gauging systems used in automotive assembly plants and tier-1 automotive manufacturers; and
   
Laser-based, non-contact systems that guide robots in a variety of automated assembly applications.
Technology Components products. Perceptron develops, manufactures and markets laser-based sensors and software used:
   
As the critical sensing component on automotive assembly plant wheel-alignment machines,
   
As the critical component for 3-dimensional scanning on coordinate measurement machines (“CMM”) for the reverse engineering and inspection markets; and
   
As the critical component for 3-dimensional scanning on portable coordinate measurement machines for the reverse engineering and inspection markets.
Value Added Services. Perceptron also offers the following value added services:
   
Training
   
Field Service
   
Launch Support Services
   
Consulting Services
   
Maintenance Agreements
   
Repairs; and
   
Software Tools
Commercial Products Business Unit
CBU leverages the Company’s expertise in electronics, optics and image processing to provide a range of optical inspection and location equipment and accessories for professional tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts. The products are marketed and distributed through the following brand leaders in each of their market segments:
   
Mechanical : Snap-on Logistics Company (“Snap-on”)
   
Construction and DIY : Bosch Power Tools and Accessories (“Bosch”)
   
Plumbing : Rothenberger Werkzeuge GmbH (“Rothenberger”)
   
Electrical : Greenlee Textron Inc. (“Greenlee”)
The Company was incorporated in Michigan in 1981 and is headquartered at 47827 Halyard Drive, Plymouth, Michigan 48170-2461, (734) 414-6100. The Company also has operations in Munich, Germany; Voisins le Bretonneux, France; Barcelona, Spain; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai, China; Singapore and Chennai, India.

 

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Markets
The Company services two major markets: manufacturing, primarily automotive, and the professional tool market.
The Company has product offerings encompassing many manufacturing processes, including product development, manufacturing process development and implementation, stamping, fabrication, welding, and final assembly.
The Company has professional tool products targeting the mechanic, plumbing, electrical and construction markets that are distributed through strategic partners.
Products and Applications
INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS UNIT (“IBU”)
Automated Systems
All of the Automated Systems products are based on Perceptron’s flexible and powerful Vector software platform. Automated Systems products in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 represented 58%, 57% and 43% of total sales, respectively.
AutoGauge®: These systems are used in the assembly and fabrication plants of many of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to contain, correct and control the quality of complex assemblies. AutoGauge® systems are placed directly in the manufacturing line or near the line to automatically measure critical dimensional characteristics of parts using non-contact, laser triangulation sensors. AutoGauge® can be installed as a “multi-sensor system” with fixed-mounted sensors, as a “robotic system” utilizing only robot-mounted sensors, or as a “hybrid system” involving both fixed-mounted sensors and robot-mounted sensors. This ability provides manufacturers with the flexibility to measure multiple part types on a single manufacturing line while maintaining high-speed production rates.
AutoGauge® Plus: This product offers inline freeform surface scanning and discrete feature measurement in one solution. Users of AutoGauge® Plus can create a fully-customized gauging solution that automatically converts from collecting precise, discrete measurements to capturing complete 3D point clouds. AutoGauge® Plus delivers both speed of in-line measurement and the data density of automated scanning.
AutoFit®: These systems are used in automotive manufacturing plants to contain, correct and control the fit of exterior body panels. The system automatically measures, records and displays the gap and flushness of parts most visible to the automobile consumer such as gaps between front and rear doors, hoods and fenders, and deck lids and rear quarter panels. The Company’s laser triangulation sensors have been enhanced to enable gap and flushness to be measured in multiple parts of the manufacturing process: in the body shop during assembly of non-painted vehicles, and in the final assembly area after the vehicle has been painted. AutoFit® has the ability to measure vehicles while in motion along the assembly line or in a stationary position.
AutoScan®: These systems provide a fast, non-contact method of gathering data for the analysis of the surface contour of a part or product such as automotive closure panels including doors, deck lids, and hoods. These systems use robot mounted sensors specifically designed to “scan” a part as the robot moves throughout its path. The AutoScan® system collects the “point cloud data” required for contour analysis and dimensional feature extraction. This allows the part’s shape to be automatically scanned and compared to a computer-generated design and to report specific measurements on the part.
AutoGuide®: These robot guidance systems were developed in response to the increasing use of robots for flexible, automated assembly applications. These systems utilize Perceptron sensors and measurement technology to improve the performance of robotic assembly operations. AutoGuide® systems calculate the difference between theoretical and actual relationships of a robot and the part being assembled and send compensation data, in six degrees of freedom, to the robot. Robotic applications supported by AutoGuide® include windshield insertion, roof loading, hinge mounting, door attachment, sealant application and many others.
Technology Components
Technology Components products in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 represented 21%, 14% and 13% of total sales, respectively.
ScanWorks®: The Company provides ScanWorks® products to a variety of markets through third party original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and value-added resellers (“VARs”). These products target the digitizing, reverse engineering, and inspection markets. ScanWorks® is a hardware/software component set that allows customers to add digitizing capabilities to their machines or systems. The use of the ScanWorks® software and the Contour Probe® sensor enables technicians to collect, display, manipulate and export large sets of “point cloud data” from optical tracking devices, portable CMMs or CMMs. The majority of ScanWorks® sales occur outside of the automotive industry.

 

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ScanWorks®xyz: This product is a 3D scanning solution designed for retrofitting 3-axis machines. It features all of the components required to add non-contact scanning capability to 1-, 2- or 3-axis CMMs, computer numerical controls, and layout machines in a cost-effective manner. The retrofitting of these machines with ScanWorks®xyz allows end users to repurpose their existing equipment and increase their throughput by scanning more parts in less time.
ToolKit: ToolKit is a software solution enabler used by CMM manufacturers, system integrators and application software developers. It enables the integration of Perceptron’s laser-based scanning technology into their proprietary systems.
WheelWorks®: WheelWorks® software and sensors offer a fast, accurate, non-contact method of measuring wheel position for use in automated or manual wheel alignment machines in automotive assembly plants. The Company supplies sensors and software to multiple wheel alignment machine OEMs in Europe, Asia and North America who sell to automotive manufacturers.
Multi-line Sensor: This new multi-line, laser triangulation sensor was released in September 2010 and is designed for use in automotive assembly plant wheel alignment systems. It offers a scalable and flexible solution that can handle multiple car models with different wheel sizes and tire profiles.
Value Added Services
Value Added Services: Value Added Services sales in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 represented 7%, 6% and 6% of total sales, respectively. Value Added Services include training, field service, launch support services, consulting services, maintenance agreements, repairs, and software tools.
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS BUSINESS UNIT (“CBU”)
Commercial Products: The Company designs and manufactures a family of products and accessories designed for professional tradesmen that are distributed and sold through strategic partners under their own brand names. These products leverage the Company’s strong technical expertise in electronics, optics, and image processing. CBU sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 represented 14%, 23% and 38% of total sales, respectively.
Mechanics market: Snap-on is the Company’s partner for the mechanics market. The Company manufactures the following products sold under the Snap-on brand:
   
The BK5500 Visual Inspection Device is a live video scope for use in inspection of small openings in automobiles, trucks and many other applications.
   
The BK5500A is a version of the BK5500 product, offering the product in a variety of colors and offering a cost competitive entry product for the automotive technician.
   
The BK5500W adds wireless capability to the BK5500 line, a larger viewing screen and greater flexibility and maneuverability for mechanics and technicians by allowing them to perform their work up to 30 feet from the handheld unit.
   
The BK6000 provides additional capabilities to the BK5500 line by allowing users to capture digital photos and live video on a SD card or a transfer of the images through a USB connection to a computer.
The Company also manufactures accessories for Snap-on:
   
The Digital Video Recorder has the capability to record and store images for users of the BK5500 product.
   
A 5.5 millimeter imager allows mechanics to see into diesel injector ports and glow plugs.
Snap-on’s distribution is principally through their network of franchisee trucks as well as their industrial distribution networks in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Plumbing market: Rothenberger is the Company’s partner in the plumbing market. The Company manufactures the following products sold under the Rothenberger brand:
   
The Roscope® 1000 is the core product in a complete suite of plumbing diagnostic equipment produced by the Company for Rothenberger. The Roscope® 1000 is a handheld inspection device that displays live color video, utilizes patented Up is Up™ visualization technology and has backward compatibility to other Rothenberger imagers.
   
Rothenberger Module 25/16 is a 16 meter imager system incorporating patented Up is Up™ visualization technology and a built-in SONDE transmitter. The Module 25/16 connects to the Roscope® 1000. This imager can also be used with the Rothenberger Line Detector to locate an underground pipe position.
   
Rothenberger Module Roloc Plus is a line detector accessory that connects to the Roscope® 1000 creating a tool to locate pipes and cables buried underground. The Roloc Plus works in conjunction with the Module 25/16 to provide a complete plumbing diagnostic and location system.
   
The Roscope® 500 is a handheld inspection device that connects to a 1.2 meter flexible imager and is sold primarily in the North American market.

 

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Rothenberger’s distribution is through their network of sales channels in Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia and South Africa.
During fiscal 2010, the Company transitioned from its previous partner, Ridge Tool Company, to Rothenberger as its partner in the plumbing market.
Construction and DIY Market: Bosch is the Company’s partner in the Construction and DIY market. The Company manufactures the following products sold under the Bosch brand:
   
Bosch PS90-1A is a handheld imager with a 2.7 inch color LCD screen, ten adjustable LED light settings and an accessory pack.
   
Bosch PS91-1A has the same features as the PS90-1A plus a 36 inch imager with a 9.5 millimeter head and 9.5 millimeter accessories.
These optical inspection devices offer the ‘Best in Class’ optics and imager head length in the industry. The products utilize the Bosch 12 volt (NA) and 10.8 volt (Europe) Lithium Ion Battery Platform, and are integrated into Bosch’s battery platform line up.
These products are sold by Bosch to professional tradesmen through distribution channels and internet sales in the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia.
Electrical market: Greenlee is the Company’s partner in the Electrical market. The Company manufactures the following products sold under the Greenlee brand:
   
FF100-FishFinder™ is a CAT IV view only imaging solution.
   
FF200-FishFinder™ is a CAT IV imaging solution that includes 180 degree image rotation, built-in memory for capturing over 2,000 pictures and image download capability and video output.
These products are the first CAT IV rated imaging solutions available and have been designed specifically with the needs of the electrical technician in mind. They conform to the highest levels of protection as specified by UL and IEC standards, allowing the electrical technician to safely use these imaging solutions in a wide variety of electrical environments.
These products are sold by Greenlee to professional tradesmen through distribution channels in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.
For information regarding net sales, operating income and net assets of the Company’s two business segments, IBU and CBU, see Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Segment and Geographic Information”.
Sales and Marketing
The Company markets its IBU products directly to end user customers, and through manufacturing line builders, system integrators, VARs and OEMs. CBU’s products are marketed through its strategic partners.
The Company’s Automated Systems sales efforts are led by account managers who develop a close consultative selling relationship with the Company’s customers. The Company’s principal customers for its Automated Systems (AutoGauge®, AutoFit®, AutoScan®, AutoGuide®) products have historically been automotive manufacturing companies that the Company either sells to directly or through manufacturing line builders, system integrators or OEMs. The Company’s Automated Systems products are typically purchased for installation in connection with retooling programs undertaken by these companies. Because sales are dependent on the timing of customers’ retooling programs, sales by customer vary significantly from year to year, as do the Company’s largest customers. For the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, approximately 36%, 32% and 25%, respectively, of net sales were derived from the Company’s four largest IBU automotive end user customers. The Company also sells to manufacturing line builders, system integrators or OEMs, who in turn sell to the Company’s automotive customers. For the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, approximately 10%, 10% and 8%, respectively, of net sales were to manufacturing line builders, system integrators and OEMs for the benefit of the same four largest IBU automotive end user customers in each respective year. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, direct sales to Volkswagen Group (includes Audi, SEAT and others) and General Motors accounted for approximately 20% and 12%, respectively, of the Company’s total net sales. At June 30, 2011, accounts receivable from Volkswagen Group and General Motors totaled approximately $2.9 million each.
The Company provides its Technology Component products to selected system integrators, OEMs and VARs that integrate them into their own systems and products for sales to end user customers. These products target the digitizing, reverse engineering and inspection markets.
The Company’s commercial products are sold to strategic partners who provide the distribution, marketing and promotion of the products through their distribution networks. The Company’s commercial products sales in fiscal 2011 were

 

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primarily sold to Snap-on, Rothenberger, Bosch and Greenlee for distribution through their wholesale and retail distribution networks. CBU sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 represented 14%, 23% and 38% of total sales, respectively.
In fiscal year 2002, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of its Forest Products business unit. As part of the sale, the Company and USNR entered into a Covenant Not to Compete dated March 13, 2002. The Company agreed, among other matters, for a period of ten years not to compete with USNR in any business in which the Forest Products business unit was engaged at any time during the three-year period prior to the closing of the transaction, and for so long as USNR is a customer of the Company, not to sell products or services intended primarily for operators of wood processing facilities or license any intellectual property to any third party primarily for use in any wood processing facility.
Manufacturing and Suppliers
The Company’s manufacturing operations consist primarily of pre and final assembly of hardware components and the testing and integration of the Company’s software with the hardware components. Individual components such as printed circuit boards are manufactured by third parties according to the Company’s designs. The Company believes a low level of vertical integration gives it significant manufacturing flexibility and minimizes total product costs. The Company’s commercial products are manufactured for the Company by contract manufacturers located in China and the United States.
The Company purchases a number of component parts and assemblies from single source suppliers. With respect to most of its components, the Company believes that alternate suppliers are readily available. Component supply shortages in certain industries, including the electronics industry, have occurred in the past and are possible in the future due to imbalances in supply and demand. Significant delays or interruptions in the delivery of components, assemblies or products by suppliers, or difficulties or delays in shifting manufacturing capacity to new suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company uses global purchasing sources to minimize the risk of part shortages.
International Operations
Europe: The Company’s European operations contributed approximately 38%, 39%, and 31%, of the Company’s net sales during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Perceptron Europe B.V. (“Perceptron B.V.”), formed in The Netherlands, holds a 100% equity interest in Perceptron (Europe) GmbH (“Perceptron GmbH”). Perceptron GmbH is located in Munich, Germany and is the operational headquarters for the European market. Perceptron GmbH holds a 100% interest in Perceptron E.U.R.L. located in Voisins le Bretonneux, France and a 100% interest in Perceptron Iberica SL located in Barcelona, Spain. At June 30, 2011, the Company employed 58 people in its European operations.
Asia: The Company operates direct sales, application and support offices in Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai, China; Singapore; and Chennai, India to service customers in Asia. At June 30, 2011, the Company employed 28 people in its Asian operations.
South America: The Company has a direct sales, application and support office in Sao Paulo, Brazil to service customers in South America. At June 30, 2011, the Company employed 4 people in its Brazilian operations.
The Company’s foreign operations are subject to certain risks typically encountered in such operations, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and controls, expropriation and other economic and local policies of foreign governments, and the laws and policies of the U.S. and local governments affecting foreign trade and investment. For information regarding net sales and identifiable assets of the Company’s foreign operations, see Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Segment and Geographic Information”.
Competition
The Company believes that its IBU products provide the best and most complete solutions for its customers in terms of system capabilities, levels of support, and at competitive prices for the value provided, which it believes are the principal competitive factors.
The principal competitive factors for the Company’s CBU products are a competitive price for the level of functionality and reliability provided. The Company believes its CBU products are well-designed for professional and industrial use and use advanced technology to meet the targeted end user’s requirements at a competitive price for the value provided.
The Company believes that there may be other entities, some of which may be substantially larger and have substantially greater resources than the Company, which may be engaged in the development of technology and products, which could prove to be competitive with those of the Company. In addition, the Company believes that certain existing and potential customers may be capable of internally developing their own technology. There can be no assurance that the

 

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Company will be able to successfully compete with any such entities, or that any competitive pressures will not result in price erosion or other factors, which will adversely affect the Company’s financial performance.
Backlog
As of June 30, 2011, the Company had a backlog of $26.4 million, compared to $20.0 million at June 30, 2010. Most of the backlog is subject to cancellation by the customer with penalty provisions. The level of order backlog at any particular time is not necessarily indicative of the future operating performance of the Company. The Company expects to be able to fill substantially all of the orders in its backlog by June 30, 2012.
Research and Development
In fiscal year 2011, IBU research and development focused primarily on the Company’s innovative new Helixtm 3D metrology solution. Helixtm is expected to eventually replace all of the current Automated Systems products starting with AutoGauge®. Helixtm is being developed to provide Intelligent Illuminationtm, a breakthrough technology that will let the customer choose the quantity, density, and orientation of the laser lines on an individual inspection point level. That added control translates directly into better measurements, better information and better process control decisions. Helixtm sensors are expected to offer an expansive measurement volume. A large measurement volume provides customers with more measurement points using fewer sensors than existing solutions. Customer beta site installations continue to be in progress and customer field installations are expected to start in fiscal year 2012.
Research and development efforts in the CBU in fiscal 2011 included new commercial products that use advanced technology and are specifically designed for professional tradesmen in each of its four markets.
As of June 30, 2011, 42 persons employed by the Company were focused primarily on research, development and engineering. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s research, development and engineering expenses were $8.2 million, $7.3 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
Patents, Trade Secrets and Confidentiality Agreements
As of June 30, 2011, the Company has been granted 34 U.S. patents and has 30 U.S. patent applications pending, which relate to various products and processes manufactured, used, and/or sold by the Company. The Company has also been granted 22 foreign patents in Canada, Europe, China and Japan and has 14 patent applications pending in foreign locations. The U.S. patents expire from 2016 through 2029 and the Company’s existing foreign patent rights expire from 2016 through 2030. In addition, the Company holds perpetual licenses to more than 35 other U.S. patents including rights to practice 6 patents for non-forest product related applications that were assigned to USNR in conjunction with the sale of the Forest Products business unit in 2002. The expiration dates for these licensed patents range from 2011 to 2020.
The Company has registered, and continues to register, various trade names and trademarks including Perceptron®, Powered by Perceptron®, AutoGauge®, IPNet®, AutoFit®, AutoGuide®, AutoScan®, AutoSolve®, Contour Probe®, ScanWorks®, TriCam®, WheelWorks®, Visual Fixturing®, Optical Snaketm, Up is Uptm, Helixtm, and Intelligent Illuminationtm, among others, which are used in connection with the conduct of its business.
Perceptron’s products include hardware (camera, lens, etc.) for scanning an image and imbedded software (extraction software algorithms) to convey the results of the scan to the customer. The hardware and software operate and are sold as one product. Perceptron generally does not market its software algorithms as a separate item distinct from the scanning product. The Company’s software products are copyrighted and generally licensed to customers pursuant to license agreements that restrict the use of the products to the customer’s own internal purposes on designated Perceptron equipment.
The Company also uses non-disclosure agreements with employees, consultants and other parties.
There can be no assurance that any of the above measures will be adequate to protect the Company’s intellectual property or other proprietary rights. Effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable in certain foreign countries.
In the past, the Company had been informed that certain of its customers had received allegations of possible patent infringement involving processes and methods used in the Company’s products. Certain of these customers, including customers who were parties to patent infringement suits relating to this matter, settled such claims. Management believes that the processes used in the Company’s products were independently developed without utilizing any previously patented process or technology.

 

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Employees
As of June 30, 2011, the Company employed 229 persons, 228 of whom were employed on a full-time basis. None of the employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the Company believes its relations with its employees to be good.
Available Information
The Company’s Internet address is www.perceptron.com. On the website, the Company makes available, free of charge, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These reports can be accessed through the “Investors” section of the Company’s website under “SEC Filings”. The information found on the Company’s website is not part of this or any report the Company files with, or furnishes to, the SEC.
ITEM 1A:  
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our Common Stock involves numerous risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the following information about these risks. Any of the risks described below could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our future results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently deem immaterial, also may become important factors that adversely affect our business in the future. We believe that the most significant of the risks and uncertainties we face are as follows:
Our revenues are highly influenced by the sale of products for use in the global automotive market, particularly by manufacturers based in the United States, China, and Western Europe. These manufacturers have experienced periodic downturns in their businesses that could adversely affect their level of purchases of our products.
Our revenues are highly influenced by the sale of products for use in the automotive industry, particularly to manufacturers based in the United States, China and Western Europe. As a result, our ability to sell our systems and solutions to automotive manufacturers and suppliers is affected by periodic downturns in the global automotive industry.
New vehicle tooling programs are the most important selling opportunity for our automotive related sales. The number and timing of new vehicle tooling programs can be influenced by a number of economic factors. Our customers only launch a limited number of new car programs in any given year because of the time and financial resources required. From a macro perspective we continue to assess the global economy and its likely effect on our automotive customers and markets served. We continue to view the automotive industry’s focus on introducing new vehicles more frequently to satisfy their customers’ changing requirements, as well as their continuing focus on improved quality, as positive indicators for new business. However, because of periodic economic downturns experienced by our customers, our customers could determine to reduce their number of new car programs. We are experiencing continued pricing pressures from our customers, particularly our automotive customers. These pricing pressures could adversely affect the margins we realize on the sale of our products and, ultimately, our profitability.
Current levels of market volatility are unprecedented and have adversely impacted the market price of our Common Stock.
The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption over the past few years. During this period, the volatility and disruption reached unprecedented levels, which have exerted downward pressures on stock prices, including the market price of our Common Stock. Although there have been many widely reported government responses to these disruptions, there can be no assurances that they will be effective in restoring stock prices in general or the market price of our Common Stock.
Our future success is dependent upon our ability to implement our long-term growth strategy.
We realize that we are vulnerable to fluctuations in the global automotive industry. Our future success is dependent upon our ability to implement our long-term strategy to expand our customer base in our automotive markets and to expand into new markets. Currently, we are focusing on our plans to achieve sales growth in automotive markets through expansion in automotive markets in Asia and the expansion of our business with current customers in North America, South America and Europe. We also continue to explore opportunities for expansion into non-automotive markets through our existing and new products, including our new commercial products. However, there are a number of uncertainties involved in our long-term strategy over which we have no or limited control, including:
   
The quality and cost of competitive products already in existence or developed in the future.
   
The level of interest existing and potential new customers may have in our existing and new products and technologies.

 

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Our ability to resolve technical issues inherent in the development of new products and technologies.
   
Our ability to identify and satisfy market needs.
   
Our ability to identify satisfactory distribution networks.
   
General product development and commercialization difficulties.
   
Rapid or unexpected technological changes.
   
General product demand and market acceptance risks.
   
Our ability to successfully compete with alternative and similar technologies.
   
Our ability to attract the appropriate personnel to effectively represent, install and service our products.
   
The effect of economic conditions.
Even if we are able to expand our customer base and markets, the new revenues we derive may not offset declines in revenues from our current products. We also may not be able to generate profits from these new customers or markets at the same level as we generate from our current business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to expand our customer base and markets or successfully execute our strategies in a fashion to maintain or increase our revenues and profits.
We have recently introduced a series of new products for sale in new markets. We could experience unanticipated difficulties in bringing these products to market that would adversely affect our financial results of operation and divert the attention of our management.
Since the end of fiscal year 2007, the Company has introduced a series of commercial products for wholesale and retail distribution that are manufactured in China and the United States through subcontractors. As a result, we could experience unforeseen difficulties including:
   
Product quality problems and costs to correct those problems resulting from design or manufacturing defects.
   
Warranty claims at greater levels than anticipated.
   
Product orders at significantly greater volumes than our subcontractors’ current manufacturing capabilities.
   
The speed at which competitors’ products may be brought to market.
   
The need and cost to revise our product offerings to respond to competitors’ product introductions or unanticipated consumer preferences or negative reactions to our products.
Handling such unforeseen difficulties could require significant management time and could adversely affect our operating results.
Since we are distributing these new products through a limited number of third party wholesale distributors, the level of revenues we derive from these products will be dependent on the success of these third parties in advertising, promoting and selling the products through their distribution channels. In addition, competitive products exist in these markets and new product offerings are being developed for these markets. The level of spending by our competitors in advertising, promoting and selling their products could exceed the levels spent by our distributors and could adversely impact sales of our products.
If our distributors ceased selling our products, we would have to find alternative wholesale purchasers or distributors for our products, which could substantially reduce, at least in the short-term, the revenues and profits anticipated to be derived by us from the products.
A significant percentage of our revenues are derived from a small number of customers, so that the loss of any one of these customers could result in a reduction in our revenues and profits.
A majority of our revenues are derived from the sale of systems and solutions to a small number of customers that consist primarily of automotive manufacturers and suppliers in North America, Western Europe and Asia. The remainder of our revenues are derived from the sale of commercial products to a small number of large customers engaged in the global distribution of commercial tools and products.
With such a large percentage of our revenues coming from such a small and highly concentrated group of customers, we are susceptible to a substantial risk of losing revenues if these customers stop purchasing our products or reduce their purchases of our products. In addition, we have no control over whether these customers will continue to purchase our products, systems and solutions in volumes or at prices sufficient to generate profits for us. We may also need to liquidate any excess inventory at prices below our normal margins.
Our future commercial success depends upon our ability to maintain a competitive technological position in our markets, which are characterized by continual technological change.
Technology plays a key role in the systems and solutions that we produce. Our ability to sell our products to customers is directly influenced by the technology used in our systems and solutions. With the rapid pace at which technology is

 

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changing, there is a possibility that our customers may require more technologically advanced systems and solutions than what we may be capable of producing.
Technological developments could render actual and proposed products or technologies of ours uneconomical or obsolete. There also is a possibility that we may not be able to keep pace with our competitors’ products. In that case, our competitors may make technological improvements to their products that make them more desirable than our products.
Our growth and future financial performance depend upon our ability to introduce new products and enhance existing products that include the latest technological advances and customer requirements. We may not be able to introduce new products successfully or achieve market acceptance for such products. Any failure by us to anticipate or respond adequately to changes in technology and customer preferences, or any significant delays in product development or introduction, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Accordingly, we believe that our future commercial success will depend upon our ability to develop and introduce new cost-effective products and maintain a competitive technological position.
We are dependent on proprietary technology. If our competitors develop competing products that do not violate our intellectual property rights or successfully challenge those rights, our revenues and profits may be adversely affected.
Our products contain features that are protected by patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and contractual rights. Despite these protections, there is still a chance that competitors may use these protected features in their products as a result of our inability to keep our trade secrets confidential, or in violation of our intellectual property rights or following a successful challenge to those rights. The prosecution of infringement claims against third parties and the defense of legal actions challenging our intellectual property rights could be costly and require significant attention from management. Because of the small size of our management team, this could result in the diversion of management’s attention from day-to-day operations.
There also is a chance that competitors may develop technology that performs the same functions as our products without infringing upon our exclusive rights. It is possible that competitors may reverse engineer those features of our products that are not protected by patents, trademarks and trade secrets. If a competitor is able to reverse engineer an unprotected feature successfully, the competitor may gain an understanding of how the feature works and introduce similar products to compete with our products.
Because some of our new commercial products are manufactured in China, we are at risk of competitors misappropriating our intellectual property included in those products or reverse engineering those products. As a result, we may have a more limited ability, and significantly greater costs, to enforce our intellectual property rights in those products. Constant technological improvement of those products will be particularly important to keep the products competitive in their markets.
We are subject to risks related to litigation.
From time to time, we are subject to lawsuits and other claims arising out of our business operations. Adverse judgments in one or more of these lawsuits could require us to pay significant damage amounts. The outcome of lawsuits is inherently uncertain and typically a loss cannot be reasonably estimated or accrued by us relating to lawsuits. Accordingly, if the outcome of a legal proceeding is adverse to the Company, we would have to record a charge for the matter at the time the legal proceeding is resolved and generally in the full amount at which it is resolved. In addition, the expenses related to these lawsuits may be significant. Lawsuits can have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results, particularly where we have not established an accrual or a sufficient accrual for damages, settlements, or expenses. See “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” below for a discussion of the Company’s current material litigation matters and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Litigation and Other Contingencies” below for a discussion of the Company’s policies in accounting for lawsuits and other claims.
We could become involved in costly litigation alleging patent infringement.
In the past, we had been informed that certain of our customers have received allegations of possible patent infringement involving processes and methods used in our products. Certain of these customers, including one customer who was a party to a patent infringement suit relating to this matter, settled such claims. We believe that the processes used in our products were independently developed without utilizing any previous patented process or technology. However, it is possible that in the future we or our customers could receive allegations of possible patent infringement or could be parties to patent infringement litigation relating to our products.
The defense of patent infringement litigation could be costly and require significant attention from management. Because of the small size of our management team, this could result in the diversion of management’s attention from day-to-day operations.

 

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There are a number of companies offering competitive products in our markets, or developing products to compete with our products, which could result in a reduction in our revenues through lost sales or a reduction in prices.
We are aware of a number of companies in our markets selling products using similar or alternative technologies and methods. We believe that there may be other companies, some of whom may be substantially larger and have substantially greater resources than us, which may be engaged in the development of technology and products for some of our markets that could prove to be competitive with ours. We believe that the principal competitive factor in our markets is the total capability that a product offers as a process control system. In some markets, a competitive price for the level of functionality and reliability provided are the principal competitive factors. While we believe that our products compete favorably, it is possible that these new competitors could capture some of our sales opportunities or force us to reduce prices in order to complete the sale.
We believe that certain existing and potential customers may be capable of internally developing their own technology. This could cause a decline in sales of our products to those customers.
Our business depends on our ability to attract and retain key personnel.
Our success depends in large part upon the continued service of our executives and key employees, including those in engineering, technical, sales and marketing positions, as well as our ability to attract such additional employees in the future. At times and in certain geographic markets, competition for the type of highly skilled employees we require can be significant. The loss of key personnel or the inability to attract new qualified key employees could adversely affect our ability to implement our long-term growth strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may not be able to complete business opportunities and acquisitions and our profits could be negatively affected if we do not successfully operate those that we do complete.
We will evaluate from time to time business opportunities that fit our strategic plans. There can be no assurance that we will identify any opportunities that fit our strategic plans or will be able to enter into agreements with identified business opportunities on terms acceptable to us.
There is also no assurance that we will be able to effectively integrate businesses that we may acquire due to the significant challenges in consolidating functions and integrating procedures, personnel, product lines, technologies and operations in a timely and efficient manner. The integration process may require significant attention from management and devotion of resources. Because of the small size of our management team, this could result in the diversion of management’s attention from day to day operations and impair our relationships with current employees and customers.
We intend to finance any such business opportunities from available cash on hand, existing credit facilities, issuance of additional stock or additional sources of financing, as circumstances warrant. The issuance of additional equity securities could be substantially dilutive to our stockholders. In addition, our profitability may suffer because of acquisition-related costs, debt service requirements or amortization costs for acquired intangible assets. If we are not successful in generating additional profits from these transactions, this dilution and these additional costs could cause our Common Stock price to drop.
We are expanding our foreign operations, increasing the possibility that our business could be adversely affected by risks of doing business in foreign countries.
We have significant operations outside of the United States and are currently implementing a strategy to expand our operations outside of the United States, especially in Asia.
Our foreign operations are subject to risks customarily encountered in such foreign operations. For instance, we may encounter fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, differences in the level of protection available for our intellectual property, the impact of differences in language and local business and social customs on our ability to market and sell our products in these markets, the inability to recruit qualified personnel in a specific country or region and transportation delays from our Chinese subcontractors. In addition, we may be affected by U.S. laws and policies that impact foreign trade and investment. Finally, we may be adversely affected by laws and policies imposed by foreign governments in the countries where we have business operations or sell our products. These laws and policies vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Because of our significant foreign operations, our revenues and profits can vary significantly as a result of fluctuations in the value of the United States dollar against foreign currencies.
Products that we sell in foreign markets are sometimes priced in currency of the country where the customer is located. To the extent that the dollar fluctuates against these foreign currencies, the prices of our products in U.S. dollars also will fluctuate. As a result, our return on the sale of our products may vary based on these fluctuations. In the past, we have used, from time to time, a limited hedging program to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. In more

 

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recent years, we have not used such hedging programs. These hedging transactions involve the use of forward contracts that typically mature within one year and are designed to hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions. We may use forward exchange contracts to hedge the net assets of certain of our foreign subsidiaries to offset the translation and economic exposures related to our investment in these subsidiaries. There is no guarantee that these hedging transactions will protect against the fluctuations in the value of the dollar. Accordingly, we could experience unanticipated foreign currency gains or losses that could have a material impact on our results of operations.
Because a large portion of our revenues are generated from a limited number of sizeable orders, our revenues and profits may vary widely from quarter to quarter and year to year.
A large portion of our revenues are generated from a limited number of sizeable orders that are placed by a small number of customers. If the timing of these orders is delayed from one quarter to the next or from one year to the next, we may experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual revenues and operating results. Because our order terms vary from project to project, the application of the Company’s revenue recognition accounting policies to those orders can cause the timing for our recognition of revenue from an order to vary significantly between orders. This may cause our revenues and operating results to vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year.
The amount of revenues that we earn in any given quarter may vary based in part on the timing of new vehicle programs in the global automotive industry. In contrast, many of our operating expenses are fixed and will not vary from quarter to quarter. As a result, our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year.
We could experience losses in connection with sales of our investments.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, our long-term investments in auction rate securities were exchanged for preferred stock of a financial services company and a reinsurance company. These investments have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. The issuers of these securities are not obligated to register these securities. There is no regular trading market for these securities. As a result, we will have limited ability to liquidate these investments. This lack of liquidity, as well as negative changes in the financial condition of the issuers of these securities and their credit ratings, has adversely impacted the value of these securities. In the event that the financial condition of these issuers should continue to deteriorate and/or the issuers are unable to continue to pay interest/dividends in the future, we may have to record additional impairment charges relating to these securities, which would negatively impact our stockholders’ equity and net income. See Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
The trading price of our stock has been volatile.
The following factors may affect the market price of our Common Stock, which can vary widely over time:
   
announcements of new products by us;
 
   
announcements of new products by our competitors;
 
   
variations in our operating results;
 
   
market conditions in the electronic and sensing industry;
 
   
market conditions and stock prices in general; and
 
   
the volume of our Common Stock traded.
Because of the limited trading in our Common Stock, it may be difficult for shareholders to dispose of a large number of shares of our Common Stock in a short period of time or at then current prices.
Because of the limited number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding and the limited number of holders of our Common Stock, only a limited number of shares of our Common Stock trade on a daily basis. This limited trading in our Common Stock makes it difficult to dispose of a large number of shares in a short period of time. In addition, it is likely that the sale by a shareholder of a large number of shares of our Common Stock over an extended period would depress the price of our Common Stock.
We are restricted under our loan agreement from paying dividends.
Dividends are not permitted under our bank credit agreement. In the event the Board of Directors decided to declare a cash or a stock dividend in the future, we would have to seek a waiver from the covenant in our bank agreement. Our bank may not be willing to waive the restriction.
As permitted under Michigan law, our directors are not liable to Perceptron for monetary damages resulting from their actions or inactions.

 

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Under our articles of incorporation, as permitted under the Michigan Business Corporation Act, members of our Board of Directors are not liable for monetary damages for any negligent or grossly negligent action that the director takes, or for any negligent or grossly negligent failure of a director to take any action. However, a director will remain liable for:
   
intentionally inflicting harm on Perceptron or its shareholders;
   
distributions that the director makes in violation of the Michigan Business Corporation Act; and
   
intentional criminal acts that the director commits.
However, we or our shareholders may seek an injunction, or other appropriate equitable relief, against a director. Finally, liability may be imposed against members of the Board of Directors under the federal securities laws.
We are required to indemnify our officers and directors if they are involved in litigation as a result of their serving as officers or directors of Perceptron or as officers or directors of other corporations at our behest, which could reduce our profits and cash available to operate our business.
Our by-laws require us to indemnify our officers and directors. We may be required to pay judgments, fines, and expenses incurred by an officer or director, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, as a result of actions or proceedings in which such officers or directors are involved by reason of being or having been an officer or director of Perceptron or other corporations at our behest.
Funds paid in satisfaction of judgments, fines and expenses would reduce our profits and may be funds we need for the operation of our business and the development of products. This could cause our stock price to drop.
Our profits could be reduced as a result of our compliance with SEC rules relating to our internal control over financial reporting.
Current SEC rules require our independent registered public accounting firm auditing our financial statements to provide an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting in our annual reports if the market value of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $75 million as of the Company’s second fiscal quarter in any given fiscal year.
For the fiscal years 2009 through 2011, the Company was not required to have an attestation report from our independent registered public accounting firm on our internal controls. However, if in the future, the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $75 million, we expect to expend significant resources in future fiscal years in connection with ongoing compliance with these requirements, which could adversely affect our profitability.
If management is not able to provide a positive report on our internal control over financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm is not able to provide an unqualified opinion regarding our internal control over financial reporting, shareholders and others may lose confidence in our financial statements, which could cause our stock price to drop.
Because of our relatively small size, we have a limited number of personnel in our finance department to handle their existing responsibilities, as well as compliance with the SEC’s rules relating to our internal control over financial reporting.
In fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2011, management provided a positive report on our internal control over financial reporting and we received in fiscal 2008 an unqualified opinion from our independent registered public accounting firm regarding our internal control over financial reporting. In fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2011, our auditors were not required to give an opinion on our internal control over financial reporting, but under current SEC rules, will be required to do so if the market value of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $75 million as of the Company’s second fiscal quarter in any given fiscal year. However, there can be no positive assurance that, in the future, management will provide a positive report on our internal control over financial reporting or that if required under SEC rules in the future, we will receive an unqualified opinion from our independent registered public accounting firm regarding our internal control over financial reporting. In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely manner, investors and others may lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. This could cause our stock price to drop.
If the subcontractors we rely on for component parts or products delay deliveries or fail to deliver parts or products meeting our requirements, we may not be able to deliver products to our customers in a timely fashion and our revenues and profits could be reduced.
We rely on subcontractors for certain components of our products, including outside subcontracting assembly houses to produce the circuit boards that we use in our products. Our new commercial products are manufactured by several subcontractors located in China and the United States. As a result, we have limited control over the quality and the delivery schedules of components or products purchased from third parties. In addition, we purchase a number of component parts from single source suppliers. If our supplies of component parts or products meeting our requirements

 

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are significantly delayed or interrupted, we may not be able to deliver products to our customers in a timely fashion. This could result in a reduction in revenues and profits for these periods. The termination of or material change in the purchase terms of any single source supplier could have a similar impact on us. It is also possible, if our delay in delivering products to our customer is too long, the customer could cancel its order, resulting in a permanent loss of revenue and profit from that sale. From time to time, we have experienced significant delays in the receipt of certain components, including components for our ScanWorks® systems.
Finally, although we believe that alternative suppliers are available, difficulties or delays may arise if we shift manufacturing capacity to new suppliers.
The Board of Directors has the right to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock without further action by shareholders. The issuance of those shares could cause the market price of our Common Stock to drop significantly and could be used to prevent or frustrate shareholders’ attempts to replace or remove current management.
Although no preferred stock currently is outstanding, we are authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by the Board of Directors, without further action by shareholders, and may include voting rights (including the right to vote as a series on particular matters), the dividends payable thereon, liquidation payments, preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion rights and redemption rights. In the event that preferred stock is issued, the rights of the common stockholders may be adversely affected. This could result in a reduction in the value of our Common Stock.
The preferred stock could be issued to discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of Perceptron. This may be beneficial to our management or Board of Directors in a hostile tender offer or other takeover attempt and may have an adverse impact on shareholders who may want to participate in the tender offer or who favor the takeover attempt.
Our common stock rights plan could be used to discourage hostile tender offers.
We maintain a common stock rights plan. Under the plan, if any person acquires 15% or more of our outstanding Common Stock, our shareholders, other than the acquirer, will have the right to purchase shares of our Common Stock at half their market price. The common stock rights plan discourages potential acquirers from initiating tender offers for our Common Stock without the approval of the Board of Directors. This may be beneficial to our management or Board of Directors in a hostile tender offer or other takeover attempt and may have an adverse impact on shareholders who may want to participate in the tender offer or who favor the takeover attempt.
ITEM 1B:  
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2:  
PROPERTIES
Perceptron’s principal domestic facilities consist of a 70,000 square foot building located in Plymouth, Michigan, owned by the Company. In addition, the Company leases a 1,576 square meter facility in Munich, Germany and leases office space in Voisins le Bretonneux, France; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Tokyo, Japan; Singapore; Shanghai, China; and Chennai, India. The Company believes that its current facilities are sufficient to accommodate its requirements through fiscal 2012.
ITEM 3:  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a party to a suit filed by Industries GDS, Inc., Bois Granval GDS Inc., and Centre de Preparation GDS, Inc. (collectively, “GDS”) on or about November 21, 2002 in the Superior Court of the Judicial District of Quebec, Canada against the Company, Carbotech, Inc. (“Carbotech”), and U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. (“USNR”), among others. The suit alleges that the Company breached its contractual and warranty obligations as a manufacturer in connection with the sale and installation of three systems for trimming and edging wood products. The suit also alleges that Carbotech breached its contractual obligations in connection with the sale of equipment and the installation of two trimmer lines, of which the Company’s systems were a part, and that USNR, which acquired substantially all of the assets of the Forest Products business unit from the Company, was liable for GDS’ damages. USNR has sought indemnification from the Company under the terms of existing contracts between the Company and USNR. GDS seeks compensatory damages against the Company, Carbotech and USNR of approximately $5.3 million using a June 30, 2011 exchange rate. GDS and Carbotech have filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada. Discovery is complete in this matter and a trial is currently expected to occur in the third or fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company intends to vigorously defend against GDS’ claims.
The Company is a party to a suit filed by i-CEM Service, Inc. and 3CEMS Prime (collectively “3CEMS”) on or about July 1, 2010 in the Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The suit alleges that the Company breached its

 

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contractual and common law indemnification obligations by failing to pay for component parts used to manufacture optical video scopes. The suit seeks damages of not less than $4 million. The Company intends to vigorously defend against 3CEMS’ claims.
See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Litigation and Other Contingencies” for a discussion of the Company’s accounting policies regarding legal proceedings and other contingencies. The outcome of legal proceedings is inherently uncertain and typically a loss cannot be reasonably estimated by the Company relating to legal proceedings. Accordingly, if the outcome of a legal proceeding is adverse to the Company, the Company would have to record a charge for the matter at the time the legal proceeding is resolved and generally in the full amount at which it is resolved.
PART II
ITEM 5:  
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Perceptron’s Common Stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market’s Global Market under the symbol “PRCP”. The following table shows the reported high and low sales prices of Perceptron’s Common Stock for fiscal 2011 and 2010:
                 
    Prices  
    Low     High  
Fiscal 2011
               
Quarter through September 30, 2010
  $ 3.71     $ 4.99  
Quarter through December 31, 2010
  $ 4.30     $ 5.75  
Quarter through March 31, 2011
  $ 4.94     $ 7.20  
Quarter through June 30, 2011
  $ 5.58     $ 7.50  
 
               
Fiscal 2010
               
Quarter through September 30, 2009
  $ 3.28     $ 5.15  
Quarter through December 31, 2009
  $ 3.03     $ 4.66  
Quarter through March 31, 2010
  $ 3.01     $ 4.50  
Quarter through June 30, 2010
  $ 3.83     $ 5.00  
No cash dividends or distribution on Perceptron’s Common Stock have been paid in the past and it is not currently anticipated that any will be paid in the foreseeable future. In addition, the payment of cash dividends or other distributions is prohibited under the terms of Perceptron’s revolving credit agreement with its bank unless the bank approves of such payment or distribution.
The approximate number of shareholders of record on September 20, 2011, was 156.
The information pertaining to the securities the Company has authorized for issuance under equity plans is hereby incorporated by reference to Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters — Equity Compensation Plan Information”. For more information about the Company’s equity compensation plans, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Stock Based Compensation”, included in Item 8 of this report.
The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s repurchases of its Common Stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2011. All repurchased shares are cancelled and not carried as treasury stock in accordance with Michigan state law. All shares were purchased pursuant to the Company’s stock repurchase program described below.
                                                
                    (c) Total Number        
                    of Shares        
    (a) Total             Purchased as     (d) Approximate Dollar  
    Number of     (b) Average     Part of Publicly     Value of Shares that  
    Shares     Price Paid     Announced     May Yet Be Purchased  
Period   Purchased     per Share     Program     Under the Program  
April 1-29, 2011
    78,396     $ 6.22       78,396     $ 2,691,623  
May 1-31, 2011
    70,540     $ 6.43       70,540     $ 2,238,798  
June 1-30, 2011
    62,784     $ 6.55       62,784     $ 1,826,959  
 
                           
Total
    211,720     $ 6.39       211,720     $ 1,826,959  
 
                           
On October 19, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $5.0 million of the Company’s Common Stock through December 31, 2011. The Company was authorized to buy shares of its Common Stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, based on market prices. The program may be discontinued at any time. The Company also announced that it had entered into a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan (“Repurchase Plan”) with Barrington Research Associates, Inc. to purchase up to

 

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$5.0 million of the Company’s Common Stock through December 31, 2011 (less the dollar amount of purchases by the Company outside the Repurchase Plan), in open market or privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 10b-18. Pursuant to the authorization, the Company repurchased 517,945 shares of Common Stock at an average price of $6.13 per share during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.
ITEM 6:  
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected statement of operations and balance sheet data presented below are derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this report.
PERCEPTRON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    June 30,  
Statement of Operations Data:1   2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
 
                                       
Net sales
  $ 59,271     $ 52,141     $ 61,536     $ 72,512     $ 62,252  
Gross profit
    25,215       18,767       20,908       29,819       26,404  
Operating income (loss)
    2,144       (3,439 )     (4,845 )     1,980       1,853  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    2,861       (2,997 )     (5,560 )     734       2,746  
Net income (loss)
    1,826       (805 )     (3,525 )     995       1,459  
 
                                       
Earnings (loss) per share:
                                       
Basic
  $ 0.21       ($0.09 )     ($0.40 )   $ 0.12     $ 0.18  
Diluted
  $ 0.20       ($0.09 )     ($0.40 )   $ 0.11     $ 0.17  
 
                                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                                       
Basic
    8,879       8,923       8,860       8,490       8,114  
Diluted
    9,050       8,923       8,860       8,982       8,761  
                                         
    As of June 30,  
Balance Sheet Data:   2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
 
                                       
Working capital
  $ 39,675     $ 36,345     $ 39,833     $ 45,233     $ 42,364  
Total assets
    69,991       64,653       65,359       75,193       66,221  
Shareholders’ equity
    55,480       53,476       55,700       59,859       53,805  
 
     
1  
No cash dividends have been declared or paid during the periods presented.

 

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ITEM 7:  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
We make statements in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations that may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including the Company’s expectation as to its fiscal year 2012 and future new order bookings, revenue, expenses, net income and backlog levels, trends affecting its future revenue levels, the rate of new orders, the timing of revenue and net income increases from new products which we have recently released or have not yet released, the timing of the introduction of new products and our ability to fund our fiscal year 2012 and future cash flow requirements. We may also make forward-looking statements in our press releases or other public or shareholder communications. When we use words such as “will,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all of our forward-looking statements. While we believe that our forward-looking statements are reasonable, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Because these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different. Factors that might cause such a difference include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those listed in “Item 1A — Risk Factors” in this report. Other factors not currently anticipated by management may also materially and adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly update or alter our statements whether as a result of new information, events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or otherwise. The Company’s expectations regarding future bookings and revenues are projections developed by the Company based upon information from a number of sources, including, but not limited to, customer data and discussions. These projections are subject to change based upon a wide variety of factors, a number of which are discussed above. Certain of these new orders have been delayed in the past and could be delayed in the future. Because the Company’s Industrial Business Unit segment products are typically integrated into larger systems or lines, the timing of new orders is dependent on the timing of completion of the overall system or line. In addition, because the Company’s Industrial Business Unit segment products have shorter lead times than other components and are required later in the process, orders for the Company’s Industrial Business Unit segment products tend to be given later in the integration process. The Company’s Commercial Products Business Unit segment products are subject to the timing of firm orders from its customers, which may change on a monthly basis. In addition, because the Company’s Commercial Products Business Unit segment products require short lead times from firm order to delivery, the Company purchases long lead time components before firm orders are in hand. A significant portion of the Company’s projected revenues and net income depends upon the Company’s ability to successfully develop and introduce new products, expand into new geographic markets and continue sales or supply agreements with its customer’s, especially its newer customers. Because a significant portion of the Company’s revenues are denominated in foreign currencies and are translated for financial reporting purposes into U.S. dollars, the level of the Company’s reported net sales, operating profits and net income are affected by changes in currency exchange rates, principally between U.S. dollars and euros. Currency exchange rates are subject to significant fluctuations, due to a number of factors beyond the control of the Company, including general economic conditions in the United States and other countries. Because the Company’s expectations regarding future revenues, order bookings, backlog and operating results are based upon assumptions as to the levels of such currency exchange rates, actual results could differ materially from the Company’s expectations.
Overview
Perceptron, Inc. (“Perceptron” or the “Company”) develops, produces and sells non-contact measurement and inspection solutions for industrial and commercial applications. The Company’s primary operations are in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company has two operating segments, the Industrial Business Unit (“IBU”) and the Commercial Products Business Unit (“CBU”). The IBU’s non-contact measurement solutions are further segmented into Automated Systems and Technology Components. Automated Systems products consist of a number of complete metrology solutions for industrial process control — AutoGaugeâ, AutoGaugeâ Plus, AutoFitâ, AutoScanâ, and AutoGuideâ — that are primarily used by the Company’s customers to improve product quality, shorten product launch cycles, reduce overall manufacturing costs, and manage complex manufacturing processes. Technology Components products include ScanWorks®, ScanWorks®xyz, ToolKit, WheelWorks® and Multi-line Sensor products that target the digitizing, reverse engineering, inspection and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) wheel alignment markets. Additionally, the IBU provides a number of Value Added Services that are primarily related to the Automated Systems line of products. The largest market served by IBU is the automotive market.
The products of the CBU segment are designed for sale to professional tradesmen in four specific strategic commercial markets. These products are sold to and distributed through leading strategic partners in each of these markets. The four strategic markets include the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and construction markets. All CBU sales are recorded in the Americas.

 

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In the IBU segment, new vehicle tooling programs represent the most important selling opportunity for the Company’s automotive-related sales. The number and timing of new vehicle tooling programs varies in accordance with individual automotive manufacturers’ plans. The existing installed base of Automated Systems products also provides a continuous revenue stream in the form of system additions, upgrades and modifications, and Value Added Services such as customer training and service. Opportunities for Technology Component products include the expansion of the ScanWorks® reseller channel as well as new OEM customers for WheelWorks®. The recently released multi-line WheelWorks® sensor provides a more scalable and flexible solution for OEM manufacturers of production wheel alignment systems. Furthermore, the ScanWorks®xyz product opens up a new market opportunity by allowing customers to add scanning capability to their existing coordinate measuring machines.
During fiscal 2011, the Company’s IBU segment announced the groundbreaking Helix™ 3D Metrology Solution. Helix™ is an innovative and versatile 3D metrology platform that enables manufacturers to perform their most challenging measurement tasks with unparalleled ease and precision. It combines more than 25 years of laser-triangulation and 3D metrology experience with recent technological advances to create the most unique and powerful solution in the market. Helix™ solutions offer the world’s only sensors with Intelligent Illumination™, a patented breakthrough that allows users to control virtually every aspect of the sensor’s calibrated light source. By customizing the quantity, density, and orientation of the sensor’s laser lines through a simple user interface, image acquisition is optimized on a feature-by-feature basis. The user can configure tightly spaced laser lines for small, complex features, increase the number of laser lines to robustly measure challenging materials, and alter the orientation of the laser lines to accommodate the differences between multiple parts manufactured on the same assembly line. Currently, Helix beta system testing is being done with several automotive customers.
The Company plans to continue investing in Asia in the IBU segment with the most significant investments being additional personnel in China to build the Company’s support infrastructure and expand sales.
In April 2011, the Company’s CBU segment announced that its customer, Rothenberger Werkzeuge GmbH of Kelkheim, Germany (“Rothenberger”), launched two new products designed and manufactured by Percepton that utilize the modular Roscope1000™ handheld inspection device at the 2011 ISH Trade Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. The first product is a new 16 meter Imager Reel 25/16, and the second product is the new ROLOC Plus Line Detector, that is used to detect and locate the exact position of the SONDE transmitter on the 25/16 imager cable. These new products are built on the modular platform of the Roscope 1000™, and provide the plumbing technician with a comprehensive means of diagnosis in the field, at a competitive system price. Both work in conjunction with the Roscope 1000™, the handheld inspection device launched with Rothenberger last fiscal year. The 16 meter Imager Reel reflects a refined mechanical design and adjusted imager length based on direct feedback from trades people in the field. It also supports an integrated transmitting SONDE device.
In April 2011, the Company’s partner in the construction market, Bosch, launched the Perceptron designed and developed PS90 and PS91 products. These products offer best in class image quality, and maximum flexibility with a market leading imager head design. These products are available in both commercial retail outlets, as well as a wide variety of online stores and in both the North American and European markets.
In May 2011, the Company announced Greenlee Textron Inc., a Textron Company, (“Greenlee”), as its strategic customer in the electrician’s market. The first two products for this market are the Greenlee FF100 and FF200 FishFinder™ which are the first visual inspection products that incorporate a CAT IV safety-rated imager. These products can be safely used to inspect motors, junction boxes, and a wide variety of other electrical environments.
Outlook — The Company’s business continued to grow and strengthen during fiscal 2011 and enters fiscal 2012 with a backlog of $26.4 million. IBU is expected to have another profitable year. Because CBU has just introduced new products with its three newest partners, it is difficult to forecast revenue growth because there is little experience in sell-through and reorder rates with these new partners. The Company is cautious about the impact that the ongoing, uncertain global economic picture may have on the fiscal 2012 results. Overall, the Company expects revenue growth of approximately 10% in fiscal 2012 and expects to be profitable.
The Company’s financial base remains strong with no debt and approximately $24.8 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at June 30, 2011 available to support its growth plans. Near-term, the Company will continue to focus on the release of new products in both of its business segments, geographic growth, principally in Asia, and expanding sales through its strategic partners in the CBU.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2011, Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2010
Overview — The Company reported net income of $1.8 million or $0.20 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 compared with a net loss of $805,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010. Specific line item results are described below.
Sales — Net sales of $59.3 million for fiscal 2011 increased $7.2 million, or 13.8%, compared with the same period one year ago. The following tables set forth comparison data for the Company’s net sales by segment and geographic location.

 

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Sales (by segment)                  
(in millions)   2011     2010     Increase/(Decrease)  
Industrial Business Unit
  $ 50.9       85.8 %   $ 40.2       77.2 %   $ 10.7       26.6 %
Commercial Products Business Unit
    8.4       14.2 %     11.9       22.8 %     (3.5 )     (29.4 )%
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 59.3       100.0 %   $ 52.1       100.0 %   $ 7.2       13.8 %
 
                                     
                                                 
Sales (by location)                  
(in millions)   2011     2010     Increase/(Decrease)  
Americas
  $ 28.8       48.6 %   $ 26.2       50.3 %   $ 2.6       9.9 %
Europe
    22.7       38.3 %     20.3       39.0 %     2.4       12.0 %
Asia
    7.8       13.1 %     5.6       10.7 %     2.2       39.3 %
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 59.3       100.0 %   $ 52.1       100.0 %   $ 7.2       13.8 %
 
                                     
IBU sales increased $10.7 million or 26.6% primarily due to increased sales of Automated Systems products and Technology Components products and, to a lesser extent, higher sales of Value Added Services. Most of the increase occurred in the Americas which had an increase in IBU sales of $6.1 million primarily for Automated Systems products and to a lesser extent Technology Components products. The increase is believed to reflect the pent up demand that occurred because of the significant downturn in the U.S. automotive industry during fiscal years 2010 and 2009. IBU sales in Europe increased $2.4 million primarily for Technology Component products. The effect of the lower overall euro exchange rate in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 reduced fiscal 2011 revenue by approximately $450,000. Sales growth in Europe on a year over year basis, in euros, for fiscal year 2011 was approximately 13.7%. Asia had an increase in IBU sales of $2.2 million split almost equally between increases in Technology Component products and Automated Systems products. Impacting the comparison in the Americas was the effect in fiscal 2010 of the bankruptcies of General Motors Corporation and Chrysler LLC that occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The bankruptcies disrupted the normal flow of orders and resulted in an increase in demand during fiscal 2011.
CBU sales decreased $3.5 million with the reduction primarily occurring in the plumbing market as a result of the transition to a new partner in that market and to a lesser extent the mechanics market due to the economy and the age of the products in the marketplace. The sales decrease was partially mitigated by an increase in the construction market as a result of the release of products for this market for the first time during fiscal 2011. Fiscal 2011 was a difficult transition year as CBU developed several new products for its four partners, but particularly for its three newest partners.
Bookings — Bookings represent new orders received from customers. During fiscal 2011 the Company had new order bookings of $65.7 million compared with new order bookings of $54.7 million during fiscal 2010. It should be noted that the Company’s level of new orders fluctuates from period to period and the amount of new order bookings during any particular period is not necessarily indicative of the future operating performance of the Company. The following tables set forth comparison data for the Company’s bookings by segment and geographic location.
                                                 
Bookings (by segment)                  
(in millions)   2011     2010     Increase/(Decrease)  
Industrial Business Unit
  $ 58.0       88.3 %   $ 41.5       75.9 %   $ 16.5       39.8 %
Commercial Products Business Unit
    7.7       11.7 %     13.2       24.1 %     (5.5 )     (41.7 )%
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 65.7       100.0 %   $ 54.7       100.0 %   $ 11.0       20.1 %
 
                                     
                                                 
Bookings (by location)                  
(in millions)   2011     2010     Increase/(Decrease)  
Americas
  $ 30.3       46.1 %   $ 29.2       53.4 %   $ 1.1       3.8 %
Europe
    23.1       35.2 %     17.3       31.6 %     5.8       33.5 %
Asia
    12.3       18.7 %     8.2       15.0 %     4.1       50.0 %
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 65.7       100.0 %   $ 54.7       100.0 %   $ 11.0       20.1 %
 
                                     
IBU bookings increased $16.5 million primarily for Automated Systems products and to a lesser extent Technology Components products. IBU bookings also increased in all three geographic regions. The Americas increased $6.6 million primarily for Automated Systems products and to a lesser extent Technology Component products and Value Added Services. Europe bookings increased $5.8 million primarily for Automated Systems orders and Asia increased $4.1 million primarily for Automated Systems products and to a lesser extent Technology Component products.
CBU bookings decreased $5.5 million primarily due to lower bookings in the plumbing market and to a lesser extent lower bookings in the mechanics market. Mitigating the decrease were increased bookings in the construction market.

 

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Backlog — Backlog represents orders or bookings received by the Company that have not yet been filled. The Company’s backlog was $26.4 million as of June 30, 2011 compared with $20.0 million as of June 30, 2010. The level of backlog during any particular period is not necessarily indicative of the future operating performance of the Company. Most of the backlog is subject to cancellation by the customer. The Company generally expects to be able to fill substantially all of the orders in backlog during the following twelve months. The following tables set forth comparison data for the Company’s backlog by segment and geographic location.
                                                 
Backlog (by segment)                  
(in millions)   2011     2010     Increase/(Decrease)  
Industrial Business Unit
  $ 23.9       90.9 %   $ 16.8       84.0 %   $ 7.1       42.9 %
Commercial Products Business Unit
    2.5       9.1 %     3.2       16.0 %     (0.7 )     (25.0 )%
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 26.4       100.0 %   $ 20.0       100.0 %   $ 6.4       32.0 %
 
                                     
                                                 
Backlog (by location)                  
(in millions)   2011     2010     Increase/(Decrease)  
Americas
  $ 10.1       38.2 %   $ 8.6       43.0 %   $ 1.5       17.4 %
Europe
    8.6       32.6 %     8.2       41.0 %     0.4       4.9 %
Asia
    7.7       29.2 %     3.2       16.0 %     4.5       140.6 %
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 26.4       100.0 %   $ 20.0       100.0 %   $ 6.4       32.0 %
 
                                     
IBU backlog of $23.9 million at June 30, 2011 and its backlog at March 31, 2011 of $25.7 million represent the two largest backlogs for IBU since the first quarter of fiscal year 1999. IBU backlog increased $7.1 million over the backlog at June 30, 2010 primarily for Automated Systems products. The increase in IBU’s Automated Systems backlog occurred in all three geographic areas. Most of the increase occurred in Asia with an increase in backlog of $4.5 million and the Americas which increased $2.2 million. Europe’s backlog increased $400,000 and reflected an increase in Automated Systems products being offset by a lower backlog in Technology Components products. The higher foreign currency rate at the end of fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 had the effect of increasing the European backlog approximately $1.2 million.
CBU’s backlog decreased $700,000 from the previous year primarily as a result of fewer open orders at June 30, 2011 in the construction and plumbing markets. Contributing to the decrease in the year-over-year comparison in these markets was the fact that the Company had received initial orders from two of CBU’s new customers at the end of fiscal 2010.
Gross Profit — Gross profit was $25.2 million, or 42.5% of sales, in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, as compared to $18.8 million, or 36.1% of sales, in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010. The $6.4 million gross profit increase primarily reflected higher sales in IBU and higher margins earned in both business units compared to fiscal 2010. The higher gross margin percentages in CBU in fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010 primarily reflected the discounted margins in fiscal 2010 to reduce inventory with a discontinued customer and the higher gross margin percentages in IBU primarily were the result of higher sales in relationship to fixed costs. The slightly weaker euro for the full year, compared to fiscal year 2010, decreased gross margin for the year by approximately $400,000.
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses — SG&A expenses of $14.9 million in fiscal 2011 were flat when compared to fiscal 2010. The comparison year over year reflected higher expenses for bonuses earned in fiscal 2011 as result of the Company’s improved performance, higher legal fees, higher salaries and related employee costs and higher commissions as a result of the higher sales achieved in fiscal 2011. These higher expenses were offset by lower expenses for sales promotions, auditing fees, depreciation and property taxes.
Engineering, Research and Development (R&D) Expenses — Engineering and R&D expenses were $8.2 million for fiscal 2011, compared with $7.3 million for fiscal 2010. The $861,000 increase was primarily due to increases in engineering and R&D expenses in the Company’s IBU business segment and to a lesser extent, increases in the Company’s CBU business segment. Increases occurred principally due to the use of outside contractors on the development of IBU’s new Helix™ metrology solution during fiscal 2011 compared to the cost only beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, higher outside contractor costs in CBU related to several new product developments and to a lesser extent, higher salary and related personnel costs primarily due to bonuses earned in fiscal 2011 as result of the Company’s improved financial performance.
Interest Income, net — Net interest income was $233,000 in fiscal 2011, compared with $228,000 in fiscal 2010. The increase in interest income for fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 was principally due to higher cash and investment balances in fiscal 2011.
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) — There was a net foreign currency gain of $484,000 in fiscal 2011 compared with a $214,000 gain in fiscal 2010. The gain in fiscal 2011 primarily related to the euro and to a smaller extent the yen. The gain in fiscal 2010 related to the yen and to a smaller extent foreign currency gains related to both the Brazilian real and

 

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euro. Foreign currency effects are primarily due to the difference in foreign exchange rates between the time that the Company’s foreign subsidiaries receive material or services denominated in U.S. dollars and when funds are converted to U.S. dollars to pay for the material or services received.
Income Taxes — The effective income tax expense rate of 36.2% for fiscal 2011 compares to an effective income tax benefit rate of 73.1% for fiscal 2010. Income taxes for fiscal 2010 included a $1.1 million tax benefit related to tax credits and the favorable recognition of an uncertain tax position. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 excluding these two items was 37.1%. The balance of the change in the effective tax rate reflected the effect of the mix of operating profit and loss among the Company’s various operating entities and their respective tax rates. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Income Taxes”.
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2010, Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009
Overview — The Company reported a net loss of $805,000 or $0.09 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 compared with a net loss of $3.5 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. Specific line item results are described below.
Sales — Net sales of $52.1 million for fiscal 2010 decreased $9.4 million, or 15.3%, compared with the same period one year ago. The following tables set forth comparison data for the Company’s net sales by segment and geographic location.
                                                 
Sales (by segment)                  
(in millions)   2010     2009     Increase/(Decrease)  
Industrial Business Unit
  $ 40.2       77.2 %   $ 38.3       62.3 %   $ 1.9       5.0 %
Commercial Products Business Unit
    11.9       22.8 %     23.2       37.7 %     (11.3 )     (48.7 )%
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 52.1       100.0 %   $ 61.5       100.0 %   $ (9.4 )     (15.3 )%
 
                                     
                                                 
Sales (by location)                  
(in millions)   2010     2009     Increase/(Decrease)  
Americas
  $ 26.2       50.3 %   $ 38.8       63.1 %   $ (12.6 )     (32.5 )%
Europe
    20.3       39.0 %     19.3       31.4 %     1.0       5.2 %
Asia
    5.6       10.7 %     3.4       5.5 %     2.2       64.7 %
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 52.1       100.0 %   $ 61.5       100.0 %   $ (9.4 )     (15.3 )%
 
                                     
IBU sales increased $1.9 million primarily due to increased sales of Automated Systems products that were mitigated by lower sales of Technology Components and Value Added Services. The global economic conditions in the automotive industry affected IBU’s sales beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and continued into fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2010, IBU sales increased each quarter over the preceding quarter. Year over year IBU sales increased $2.2 million in Asia, $1.0 million in Europe and decreased $1.3 million in the Americas which suffered the biggest impact from the bankruptcies of General Motors Corporation and Chrysler LLC that occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. These bankruptcies disrupted the normal flow of orders, caused several projects to be put on hold or cancelled that had been scheduled for fiscal 2010 and caused other companies that supported these two automotive companies to take a wait and see position before committing to purchases especially during the first half of fiscal 2010.
CBU sales decreased $11.3 million with the reduction almost evenly split between Snap-on and Ridge Tool Company. The decrease in CBU sales was the primary cause of the Company’s sales decline in the Americas for the year. The lower sales to Snap-on reflected the slow economic conditions globally during 2010. The Company’s supply agreement with Ridge Tool Company expired in fiscal 2010 and was not renewed which resulted in lower sales to Ridge for the year. During 2010, CBU entered into supplier agreements with three new partners, the first of which, Rothenberger, is in the plumbing market. During the second half of fiscal 2010, the Company was engaged in the design and development of new products for these three new partners as well as its existing partner, Snap-on. During 2010, CBU had sales of three new product offerings for Snap-on, a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a 5.5mm imager and the BK5500W. The DVR adds the capability to record and store images for users of the BK5500 product. The 5.5mm imager allows mechanics to see into diesel injector ports and glow plugs. The BK5500W is a wireless video inspection system that adds functionality to the BK5500 product line. It provides a larger viewing screen, greater flexibility and maneuverability for mechanics and technicians by allowing them to perform their work up to 30 feet from the handheld unit. Additionally, CBU had new sales of the Roscope® 1000 to one of its new partners, Rothenberger. The Roscope® 1000 is aimed at the plumbing market and the first small shipment which occurred at the very end of June 2010, was delivered to Europe.
Bookings — Bookings represent new orders received from customers. During fiscal 2010 the Company had new order bookings of $54.7 million compared with new order bookings of $53.5 million in the prior year. The amount of new order bookings during any particular period is not necessarily indicative of the future operating performance of the Company. The following tables set forth comparison data for the Company’s bookings by segment and geographic location.

 

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Bookings (by segment)                  
(in millions)   2010     2009     Increase/(Decrease)  
Industrial Business Unit
  $ 41.5       75.9 %   $ 35.2       65.8 %   $ 6.3       17.9 %
Commercial Products Business Unit
    13.2       24.1 %     18.3       34.2 %     (5.1 )     (27.9 )%
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 54.7       100.0 %   $ 53.5       100.0 %   $ 1.2       2.2 %
 
                                     
                                                 
Bookings (by location)                  
(in millions)   2010     2009     Increase/(Decrease)  
Americas
  $ 29.2       53.4 %   $ 29.6       55.3 %   $ (0.4 )     (1.4 )%
Europe
    17.3       31.6 %     21.8       40.8 %     (4.5 )     (20.6 )%
Asia
    8.2       15.0 %     2.1       3.9 %     6.1       290.5 %
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 54.7       100.0 %   $ 53.5       100.0 %   $ 1.2       2.2 %
 
                                     
On a comparison basis, bookings in fiscal year 2009 started at a high level and generally declined as the year progressed, while fiscal year 2010 bookings started at a low level and increased as the year progressed.
IBU bookings increased $6.3 million primarily for Automated Systems products, but both Technology Components and Value Added Services bookings also increased over fiscal 2009. IBU bookings in the Americas and Asia increased $4.7 million and $6.1 million over fiscal 2009, respectively. IBU bookings in Europe decreased $4.5 million and were impacted by changes in the euro exchange rate, which reduced 2010 bookings by $1.1 million.
CBU bookings decreased $5.1 million primarily due to the continued slowness in the global economy and high unemployment in the United States which affected CBU’s two existing partners in fiscal 2010. Offsetting this decline was increased bookings from two of CBU’s new partners.
Backlog — Backlog represents orders or bookings received by the Company that have not yet been filled. The Company’s backlog was $20.0 million as of June 30, 2010 compared with $17.4 million as of June 30, 2009. The level of backlog during any particular period is not necessarily indicative of the future operating performance of the Company. Most of the backlog is subject to cancellation by the customer. The Company generally expects to be able to fill substantially all of the orders in backlog during the following twelve months. The following tables set forth comparison data for the Company’s backlog by segment and geographic location.
                                                 
Backlog (by segment)                  
(in millions)   2010     2009     Increase/(Decrease)  
Industrial Business Unit
  $ 16.8       84.0 %   $ 15.4       88.5 %   $ 1.4       9.1 %
Commercial Products Business Unit
    3.2       16.0 %     2.0       11.5 %     1.2       60.0 %
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 20.0       100.0 %   $ 17.4       100.0 %   $ 2.6       14.9 %
 
                                     
                                                 
Backlog (by location)                  
(in millions)   2010     2009     Increase/(Decrease)  
Americas
  $ 8.6       43.0 %   $ 5.7       32.7 %   $ 2.9       50.9 %
Europe
    8.2       41.0 %     11.1       63.8 %     (2.9 )     (26.1 )%
Asia
    3.2       16.0 %     0.6       3.5 %     2.6       433.3 %
 
                                     
Totals
  $ 20.0       100.0 %   $ 17.4       100.0 %   $ 2.6       14.9 %
 
                                     
The increase in IBU’s backlog was primarily for Technology Components and Value Added Services. Automated Systems backlog decreased slightly from the previous year. The increase in IBU’s backlog occurred in Asia and the Americas and was partially offset by a decline in Europe. The decline in Europe was partially due to the lower exchange rate between the dollar and the euro at June 30, 2010 compared to June 30, 2009. The European backlog at June 30, 2010 would have been $1.2 million higher if the euro exchange rate had been at the same rate as June 30, 2009. CBU’s backlog increased primarily as a result of orders received from two of CBU’s new partners. Snap-on’s backlog was constant year over year and Ridge Tool had no backlog as a result of the expiration of the Ridge Tool supply agreement in fiscal 2010.
Gross Profit — Gross profit was $18.8 million, or 36.1% of sales, in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, as compared to $20.9 million, or 34.0% of sales, in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. The Company achieved a gross margin percentage increase of 2.1% even though sales in fiscal 2010 decreased $9.4 million or 15.3% from 2009. The gross margin percentage increase was primarily the result of the IBU cost reduction actions taken by the Company in fiscal

 

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2009 mitigated by lower margin in the CBU. The $2.1 million gross profit decrease was primarily due to the $9.4 million sales decline in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. The slightly stronger euro for the full year, compared to fiscal year 2009, increased gross margin for the year by approximately $150,000.
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses — SG&A expenses in fiscal 2010 were $14.9 million, compared with $16.7 million in fiscal 2009. The $1.8 million decrease was primarily due to lower salary and benefit expenses in North America and Europe resulting from the cost reduction actions the Company took in fiscal 2009. Lower bad debt and depreciation expenses in fiscal 2010 also contributed to the favorable comparison to fiscal 2009.
Engineering, Research and Development (R&D) Expenses — Engineering and R&D expenses were $7.3 million for fiscal 2010, compared with $8.0 million for fiscal 2009. The $708,000 decrease was primarily due to reductions in engineering and R&D expenses in the Company’s IBU business segment. Reductions occurred primarily in salaries and benefit costs that were partially offset by increases in contract services and engineering material costs. Engineering and R&D costs for the Company’s commercial products line decreased by approximately $120,000 from fiscal 2009 principally due to lower engineering materials, mitigated by higher salary costs for additional product development personnel.
Interest Income, net — Net interest income was $228,000 in fiscal 2010, compared with $709,000 in fiscal 2009. The decrease in interest income for fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 was principally due to lower interest rates during fiscal 2010 on lower cash and investment balances.
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) — There was a net foreign currency gain of $216,000 in fiscal 2010 compared with a $64,000 gain in fiscal 2009. The gain in fiscal 2010 related to the yen and to a smaller extent foreign currency gains related to both the real and euro. The gain in fiscal 2009 also related to the yen, but was mitigated by foreign currency losses related to both the real and euro. Foreign currency effects are primarily due to the change in foreign exchange rates between the time that the Company’s foreign subsidiaries received material denominated in U.S. dollars and when funds were converted to pay for the material received.
Impairment on Long-Term Investment — During fiscal 2009 the Company’s long-term investments were exchanged for preferred stock of the issuers and the Company determined that these investments had been other-than-temporarily impaired. Based on an independent valuation, the Company wrote down the value of these investments by $728,000 and reclassified $767,000 from other comprehensive income for a total other-than-temporary charge of $1.5 million compared to a write-down in fiscal 2008 of $2.6 million. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Long and Short-term Investments”.
Income Taxes — The effective income tax benefit rate of 73.1% for fiscal 2010 compares to 36.6% for fiscal 2009. Income taxes for fiscal 2010 included a $1.1 million tax benefit related to tax credits and the favorable recognition of an uncertain tax position. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 excluding these two items was 37.1%. The balance of the change in the effective tax rate reflected the effect of the mix of operating profit and loss among the Company’s various operating entities and their respective tax rates. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Income Taxes”.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $12.1 million at June 30, 2011 compared to $9.8 million at June 30, 2010. Cash provided from operations of $6.7 million was used to repurchase $3.2 million of the Company’s common stock, to purchase $1.3 million of capital expenditures and for additional net purchases of short-term investments of $1.0 million. Cash also increased from proceeds received from employee and director stock purchases of $326,000 and from a $796,000 favorable change for foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents.
Of the $6.7 million in cash provided from operations, $2.4 million was provided from net working capital and $4.3 million was from net income of $1.8 million plus the add back of non-cash items totaling $2.5 million. The favorable net working capital change resulted primarily from a favorable change in other current assets and liabilities of $4.5 million offset by a $2.4 million decrease in accounts payable. The favorable change in other current assets and liabilities primarily represented higher deferred revenue, and to a lesser extent, higher accrued compensation related to an accrual for profit sharing payments, higher accrued taxes and other liabilities. The decrease in accounts payable related to normal fluctuations in the timing of payments.
The Company provides a reserve for obsolescence to recognize the effects of engineering changes and other matters that affect the value of the inventory. A detailed review of the inventory is performed yearly with quarterly updates for known changes that have occurred since the annual review. When inventory is deemed to have no further use or value, the Company disposes of the inventory and the reserve for obsolescence is reduced. During fiscal year 2011, the Company increased its reserve for inventory obsolescence by a net $232,000, which resulted from additional reserves for obsolescence of approximately $651,000 less disposals and the effect of changes in foreign currency of $419,000 of inventory.

 

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The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. During fiscal year 2011, the Company increased its allowance for doubtful accounts reserve by a net $176,000, which primarily represented an increase in the provision for bad debts at the Company’s subsidiary in Japan.
Financing activities during fiscal year 2011 reflected the use of cash to repurchase $3.2 million of the Company’s common stock offset by $326,000 received under the Company’s stock plans.
The Company had no debt outstanding at June 30, 2011. On November 16, 2010, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Agreement”) with Comerica Bank which replaced the Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002 and its thirteen amendments. The Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $6.0 million and expires on November 1, 2012. Proceeds under the Agreement may be used for working capital and capital expenditures. Security under the Agreement is substantially all non-real estate assets of the Company held in the United States. Borrowings are designated as a Libor-based Advance or as a Prime-based Advance if the Libor-based Advance is not available. Interest on Libor-based Advances is calculated currently at 2.35% above the Libor Rate offered at the time for the period chosen, and is payable on the last day of the applicable period. The Company may not select a Prime-based rate for Advances except during a period of time during which the Libor-based rate is not available as the applicable interest rate. Interest on Prime-based Advances is payable on the first business day of each month commencing on the first business day following the month during which such Advance is made and at maturity and is calculated daily, using the interest rate established by Comerica Bank as its prime rate for its borrowers. Quarterly, the Company pays a commitment fee of 0.15% per annum on the average daily unused portion of the revolving credit commitment. The Agreement prohibits the Company from paying dividends but permits the Company to repurchase up to $5.0 million of its common stock through December 31, 2011. In addition, the Agreement requires the Company to maintain a minimum Tangible Net Worth, as defined in the Agreement, of not less than $36.5 million as of October 18, 2010, with a further reduction to $35.5 million on June 30, 2011, minus the aggregate amount paid by the Company to redeem its shares of its common stock during the period beginning October 18, 2010 and ending December 31, 2011. The Agreement also requires the Company to have no advances outstanding for 30 days each calendar year. At June 30, 2011, the Agreement required a Tangible Net Worth of not less than $32.3 million and supported outstanding letters of credit totaling $543,000.
At June 30, 2011, the Company’s German subsidiary (GmbH) had an unsecured credit facility totaling 300,000 euros (equivalent to approximately $432,000). The facility may be used to finance working capital needs and equipment purchases or capital leases. Any borrowings for working capital needs will bear interest at 9.0% on the first 100,000 euros of borrowings and 2.0% for borrowings over 100,000 euros. The German credit facility is cancelable at any time by either GmbH or the bank and any amounts then outstanding would become immediately due and payable. At June 30, 2011, GmbH had no borrowings outstanding.
On October 19, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors (”Board”) approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $5.0 million of the Company’s Common Stock through December 31, 2011. See also, Part II Item 5, “Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on this program. Pursuant to the authorization, the Company has repurchased 517,945 shares of Common Stock at an average price of $6.13 per share during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 for total cash of $3.2 million, which includes commissions and fees.
See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” and Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Contingencies”, for a discussion of certain contingencies relating to the Company’s liquidity, financial position and results of operations. See also, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies - Litigation and Other Contingencies”.
At June 30, 2011, the Company had short-term investments totaling $12.7 million and long-term investments valued at $2.2 million. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Long and Short-term Investments”, for further information on the Company’s investments and their current valuation. The market for the long-term investments is currently illiquid.
The Company expects to spend approximately $2.3 million during fiscal year 2012 for capital equipment, although there is no binding commitment to do so. Based on the Company’s current business plan, including the introduction of new commercial products, the Company believes that available cash on hand and existing credit facilities will be sufficient to fund anticipated fiscal year 2012 cash flow requirements, except to the extent that the Company implements new business development opportunities, which would be financed as discussed below. The Company does not believe that inflation has significantly impacted historical operations and does not expect any significant near-term inflationary impact.
The Company will consider evaluating business opportunities that fit its strategic plans. There can be no assurance that the Company will identify any opportunities that fit its strategic plans or will be able to enter into agreements with identified business opportunities on terms acceptable to the Company. The Company anticipates that it would finance

 

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any such business opportunities from available cash on hand, issuance of additional shares of its stock or additional sources of financing, as circumstances warrant.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s financial statements and accompanying notes, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The Company’s significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”. Certain of the Company’s significant accounting policies are subject to judgments and uncertainties, which affect the application of these policies and require the Company to make estimates based on assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and underlying assumptions. In the event estimates or underlying assumptions prove to be different from actual amounts, adjustments are made in the subsequent period to reflect more current information. The Company believes that the following significant accounting policies involve management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments or involve the greatest uncertainty.
Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”. Revenue related to products is recognized upon shipment when title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured and customer acceptance criteria have been successfully demonstrated. Revenue related to services is recognized upon completion of the service. The Company also has multiple element arrangements in its Automated Systems product line that may include purchase of equipment, labor support and/or training. Each element has value on a stand-alone basis. For multiple element arrangements, the Company defers from revenue recognition the greater of the fair value of any undelivered elements of the contract or the portion of the sales price of the contract that is not payable until the undelivered elements are completed. Delivered items are not contingent upon the delivery of any undelivered items and do not include general rights of return. The Company does not have price protection agreements or requirements to buy back inventory. The Company’s Automated Systems products are made to order systems that are designed and configured to meet each customer’s specific requirements. The Company’s Technology Components and Commercial Products are sold under agreements with fixed quantities with no rights of return. As a result, the Company has virtually no history of returns.
Stock-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for non-cash stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation”. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. The estimated forfeiture rate may change from time to time based upon the Company’s actual experience. An increase in the forfeiture rate would require the Company to reverse a portion of its prior expense for non-cash stock-based compensation, which would positively impact the Company’s results of operations. Because the Company currently experiences a low forfeiture rate, a reduction in the estimated forfeiture rate would not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.
Accounts Receivable. The Company monitors its accounts receivable and charges to expense an amount equal to its estimate of potential credit losses. The Company considers a number of factors in determining its estimates, including, the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The use of different estimates for future credit losses would result in different charges to selling, general and administrative expense in each period presented and could negatively affect the Company’s results of operations for the period. In addition, if actual experience differs materially from the Company’s estimates, the Company could be required to record large credit losses that could negatively affect the Company’s results of operations for the period.
Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market; cost being determined under the first in, first out method. Provision is made to reduce inventories to net realizable value for excess and/or obsolete inventory. The Company reviews its inventory levels quarterly in order to identify obsolete and slow-moving inventory. The Company estimates excess or obsolete inventory based principally upon contemplated future customer demand for the Company’s products and the timing of product upgrades. The use of different assumptions in determining slow-moving and obsolete inventories could result in different charges to cost of sales in each period presented and could negatively affect the Company’s results of operations for the period. In addition, if actual experience differs materially from the Company’s estimates, the Company could be required to record large losses that could negatively affect the Company’s results of operations for the period. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Inventory”.
Long and Short-Term Investments. The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments — Debt and Equity Securities”. Investments with a maturity of greater than three months but less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-

 

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term if the Company reasonably expects the investment to be realized in cash or sold or consumed during the normal operating cycle of the business. Investments available for sale are recorded at market value using the specific identification method. Investments expected to be held to maturity or until market conditions improve are measured at amortized cost in the statement of financial position if it is the Company’s intent and ability to hold those securities long-term. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its investments for possible other-than-temporary impairment which involves significant judgment. In making this judgment, management reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below the cost basis, the anticipated recovery period, the financial condition of the issuer, the credit rating of the instrument and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for recovery of the cost basis. Any unrealized gains and losses on securities are reported as other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized or until a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in the income statement. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Long and Short-term Investments”.
Deferred Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent the estimated future income tax effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities, assuming they will be realized and settled at the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that it believes is more likely than not to be realized. This assessment includes consideration for the scheduled reversal of temporary taxable differences, projected future taxable income and the impact of tax planning. The Company adjusts this valuation allowance periodically based upon changes in these considerations. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Income Taxes”. If actual long-term future taxable income is lower than the Company’s estimate, or the Company revises its initial estimates, the Company may be required to record material adjustments to the deferred tax assets, resulting in a charge to income in the period of determination and negatively impacting the Company’s results of operations and financial position for the period.
Litigation and Other Contingencies. The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. The Company accrues for estimated losses if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company uses judgment and evaluates, with the assistance of legal counsel, whether a loss contingency arising from litigation should be disclosed or recorded. The outcome of legal proceedings is inherently uncertain and so typically a loss cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, if the outcome of legal proceedings are different than is anticipated by the Company, the Company would have to record a charge for the matter, generally in the full amount at which it was resolved, in the period resolved, negatively impacting the Company’s results of operations and financial position for the period.
Product Warranty. The Company provides a reserve for warranty based on its experience and knowledge. Factors affecting the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold or in service and historical and anticipated rates of claims and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its warranty liability based on changes in these factors. If a special circumstance arises requiring a higher level of warranty reserve, the Company would make a special warranty provision commensurate with the facts. Management believes that the accounting estimate related to warranty reserves is a “critical accounting estimate” because changes in it could materially affect net income, and it requires management to estimate the frequency and amounts of future claims, which are inherently uncertain. Management’s policy is to continuously monitor its warranty liabilities to determine their adequacy. As a result, the warranty reserve is maintained at an amount management deems adequate to cover estimated warranty expense. Actual claims incurred in the future may differ from the original estimates, which may result in material revisions to the warranty reserve that could negatively or positively affect the Company’s results of operations for the period.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — New Accounting Pronouncements”.
ITEM 8:  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

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[GRANT THORNTON LETTERHEAD]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Perceptron, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Perceptron, Inc. (a Michigan corporation) and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Perceptron, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Southfield, Michigan
September 26, 2011

 

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PERCEPTRON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amount)
                 
As of June 30,   2011     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
               
 
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,105     $ 9,789  
Short-term investments
    12,697       10,278  
Receivables:
               
Billed receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $314 and $138, respectively
    15,941       15,207  
Unbilled receivables
    690       616  
Other receivables
    917       916  
Inventories, net of reserves of $1,645 and $1,413, respectively
    6,773       6,551  
Deferred taxes
    3,828       2,877  
Other current assets
    1,235       1,288  
 
           
Total current assets
    54,186       47,522  
 
           
 
Property and Equipment
               
Building and land
    6,103       6,095  
Machinery and equipment
    14,423       12,976  
Furniture and fixtures
    973       951  
 
           
 
    21,499       20,022  
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (15,266 )     (14,091 )
 
           
Net property and equipment
    6,233       5,931  
 
           
 
               
Long-term Investments
    2,192       2,192  
Deferred Tax Asset
    7,380       9,008  
 
           
 
               
Total Assets
  $ 69,991     $ 64,653  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 2,162     $ 3,741  
Accrued liabilities and expenses
    3,162       2,932  
Accrued compensation
    1,922       1,222  
Income taxes payable
    442       98  
Deferred revenue
    6,823       3,184  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    14,511       11,177  
 
               
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock — no par value, authorized 1,000 shares, issued none
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 19,000 shares, issued and outstanding 8,566 and 8,961, respectively
    86       90  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,106       (1,505 )
Additional paid-in capital
    39,288       41,717  
Retained earnings
    15,000       13,174  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    55,480       53,476  
 
           
 
               
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 69,991     $ 64,653  
 
           
The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PERCEPTRON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
                         
Years ended June 30,   2011     2010     2009  
 
                       
Net Sales
  $ 59,271     $ 52,141     $ 61,536  
Cost of Sales
    34,056       33,374       40,628  
 
                 
Gross Profit
    25,215       18,767       20,908  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating Expenses
                       
Selling, general and administrative
    14,906       14,902       16,684  
Engineering, research and development
    8,165       7,304       8,012  
Restructuring charge
                1,057  
 
                 
Total operating expenses
    23,071       22,206       25,753  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating Income (Loss)
    2,144       (3,439 )     (4,845 )
 
                       
Other Income and (Expenses)
                       
Interest income, net
    233       228       709  
Foreign currency gain
    482       216       64  
Impairment on long-term investment
                (1,494 )
Other
    2       (2 )     6  
 
                 
Total other income (expense)
    717       442       (715 )
 
                 
 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    2,861       (2,997 )     (5,560 )
 
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
    (1,035 )     2,192       2,035  
 
                 
 
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 1,826     $ (805 )   $ (3,525 )
 
                 
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
                       
Basic
  $ 0.21       ($0.09 )     ($0.40 )
Diluted
  $ 0.20       ($0.09 )     ($0.40 )
 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
                       
Basic
    8,879       8,923       8,860  
Dilutive effect of stock options
    171              
 
                 
Diluted
    9,050       8,923       8,860  
 
                 
The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PERCEPTRON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(In Thousands)
                         
Years ended June 30,   2011     2010     2009  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,826     $ (805 )   $ (3,525 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from (used for) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    1,066       1,196       1,430  
Stock compensation expense
    440       536       693  
Deferred income taxes
    882       (2,546 )     (2,462 )
Impairment on long-term investment
                1,494  
Disposal of assets and other
    (17 )     329       21  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    154       (448 )     385  
Changes in assets and liabilities Receivables, net
    113       (7,515 )     10,858  
Inventories
    116       3,267       (2,095 )
Accounts payable
    (2,351 )     1,564       332  
Other assets and liabilities
    4,511       2,902       (3,846 )
 
                 
Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities
    6,740       (1,520 )     3,285  
 
                 
 
                       
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
                       
Proceeds from stock plans
    326       268       186  
Repurchase of company stock
    (3,199 )            
 
                 
Net cash provided from financing activities
    (2,873 )     268       186  
 
                 
 
                       
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                       
Purchases of short-term investments
    (51,091 )     (13,515 )     (1,241 )
Sales of short-term investments
    50,094       4,478        
Capital expenditures
    (1,350 )     (909 )     (777 )
 
                 
Net cash used for investing activities
    (2,347 )     (9,946 )     (2,018 )
 
                 
 
                       
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
    796       (1,667 )     (956 )
 
                 
 
                       
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    2,316       (12,865 )     497  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, June 30, 2010
    9,789       22,654       22,157  
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, June 30, 2011
  $ 12,105     $ 9,789     $ 22,654  
 
                 
 
                       
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
                       
Cash paid during the year for interest
  $ 12     $ 5     $ 73  
Cash paid during the year for income taxes
    138       422       586  
The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PERCEPTRON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In Thousands)
                                                 
                    Accumulated                      
                    Other     Additional             Total  
    Common Stock     Comprehensive     Paid-In             Shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Income (Loss)     Capital     Retained Earnings     Equity  
 
Balances, June 30, 2008
    8,844     $ 88     $ 2,232     $ 40,035     $ 17,504     $ 59,859  
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                               
Net loss
                                    (3,525 )     (3,525 )
Other comprehensive income
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                    (2,076 )                     (2,076 )
Hedging
                    (20 )                     (20 )
Reversal of unrealized loss on investment
                    582                       582  
 
                                             
Total comprehensive (loss)
                                            (5,039 )
 
                                             
 
                                               
Stock—based compensation
                            693               693  
Stock plans
    29       1               186               187  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balances, June 30, 2009
    8,873     $ 89     $ 718     $ 40,914     $ 13,979     $ 55,700  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                               
Net loss
                                    (805 )     (805 )
Other comprehensive income
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                    (2,223 )                     (2,223 )
 
                                             
Total comprehensive (loss)
                                            (3,028 )
 
                                             
 
                                               
Stock—based compensation
                            536               536  
Stock plans
    88       1               267               268  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balances, June 30, 2010
    8,961     $ 90     $ (1,505 )   $ 41,717     $ 13,174     $ 53,476  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                               
Net income
                                    1,826       1,826  
Other comprehensive income
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                    2,611                       2,611  
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                            4,437  
 
                                             
 
                                               
Stock—based compensation
                            440               440  
Stock plans
    123       1               325               326  
Stock repurchase
    (518 )     (5 )             (3,194 )             (3,199 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balances, June 30, 2011
    8,566     $ 86     $ 1,106     $ 39,288     $ 15,000     $ 55,480  
 
                                   
The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PERCEPTRON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operations
Perceptron, Inc. (“Perceptron” or the “Company”) develops, produces, and sells non-contact measurement and inspection solutions for industrial and commercial applications. The products from the Company’s Industrial Business Unit (“IBU”) provide solutions for manufacturing process control as well as sensor and software technologies for non-contact measurement, reverse engineering, and inspection applications. IBU also offers Value Added Services such as training and customer support services. Perceptron’s Commercial Products Business Unit (“CBU”) develops and manufactures a variety of handheld visual inspection devices and add-on accessories for professional tradesmen that are sold to and marketed through strategic partners.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make 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 reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue related to products is recognized upon shipment when title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured and customer acceptance criteria have been successfully demonstrated. Revenue related to services is recognized upon completion of the service.
The Company also has multiple element arrangements in its Automated Systems product line that may include purchase of equipment, labor support and/or training. Each element has value on a stand-alone basis. For multiple element arrangements, the Company defers from revenue recognition the greater of the fair value of any undelivered elements of the contract or the portion of the sales price of the contract that is not payable until the undelivered elements are completed. Delivered items are not contingent upon the delivery of any undelivered items nor do the delivered items include general rights of return.
When available, the Company allocates arrangement consideration to each element in a multiple element arrangement based upon vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value of the respective elements. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to establish the selling price of each element based on relevant third-party evidence. Because the Company’s products contain a significant level of proprietary technology, customization or differentiation such that comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained, the Company uses in these cases, its best estimate of selling price (“BESP”). The Company determines the BESP for a product or service by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, pricing practices, internal costs, geographies and gross margin.
The Company’s Automated Systems products are made to order systems that are designed and configured to meet each customer’s specific requirements. Timing for the delivery of each element in the arrangement is primarily determined by the customer’s requirements and the number of elements ordered. Delivery of all of the multiple elements in an order will typically occur over a three to 15 month period after the order is received.
The Company does not have price protection agreements or requirements to buy back inventory. The Company’s history demonstrates that sales returns have been insignificant.
Research and Development
Research and development costs, including software development costs, are expensed as incurred.
Foreign Currency
The financial statements of the Company’s wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries have been translated in accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Translation Matters” with the functional currency being the local currency in the foreign country. Under this standard, translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ equity until disposal of the subsidiary. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statement of income under “Other Income and Expenses”.

 

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Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Other obligations, such as stock options, are considered to be potentially dilutive common shares. Diluted EPS assumes the issuance of potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period and adjusts for any changes in income and the repurchase of common shares that would have occurred from the assumed issuance, unless such effect is anti-dilutive. The calculation of diluted shares also takes into effect the average unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense and additional adjustments for tax benefits related to non-cash stock-based compensation expense.
Options to purchase 811,000, 960,000, and 982,000 shares of common stock outstanding in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Fair value approximates carrying value because of the short maturity of the cash equivalents. At June 30, 2011, the Company had $12.1 million in cash and cash equivalents of which $5.8 million was held in foreign bank accounts. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company markets and sells its IBU products principally to automotive manufacturers, line builders, system integrators, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and value-added resellers. CBU’s products are marketed through its strategic partners. The Company’s accounts receivable are principally from a small number of large customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 to 60 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. Changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Beginning     Costs and     Less     Ending  
    Balance     Expenses     Charge-offs     Balance  
 
                               
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2011
  $ 138     $ 184     $ 8     $ 314  
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2010
  $ 603     $ 45     $ 510     $ 138  
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2009
  $ 228     $ 486     $ 111     $ 603  
Long and Short-term Investments
The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments — Debt and Equity Securities”. Investments with a maturity of greater than three months to one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term if the Company reasonably expects the investment to be realized in cash or sold or consumed during the normal operating cycle of the business. Investments available for sale are recorded at market value using the specific identification method. Investments expected to be held to maturity or until market conditions improve are measured at amortized cost in the statement of financial position if it is the Company’s intent and ability to hold those securities long-term. Each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its investments for possible other-than-temporary impairment which involves significant judgment. In making this judgment, management reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below the cost basis, the anticipated recovery period, the financial condition of the issuer, the credit rating of the instrument and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for recovery of the cost basis. Any unrealized gains and losses on securities are reported as other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized or until a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in the income statement. If market, industry, and/or investee conditions deteriorate, future impairments may be incurred.
At June 30, 2011, the Company had $12.7 million of short-term investments in certificate of deposits and variable rate demand note holdings of which $10.4 million was held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

 

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At June 30, 2011, the Company holds long-term investments in preferred stock investments that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Company’s long-term investments in auction rate securities totaling $6.3 million at cost were converted by the issuers to preferred stock. The Company estimated that the fair market value of these investments at June 30, 2011 was $2.2 million based on an internal valuation model and an independent valuation completed in fiscal 2009 by an external valuation firm. The fair market analysis considered the following key inputs, (i) the underlying structure of each security; (ii) the present value of the future principal and dividend payments discounted at rates considered to reflect current market conditions; and (iii) the time horizon that the market value of each security could return to its cost and be sold. Under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, such valuation assumptions are defined as Level 3 inputs.
During fiscal 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, pertaining to these long-term investments. The impairment amount was based on the Company’s assessment during those years that it was likely that the fair value of those investments would not be fully recovered in the foreseeable future. The assessment gave consideration to the duration, severity, and continued declining trend of the fair value of those securities, as well as the uncertain financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuers.
                         
            Unrealized     Estimated  
Long-term Investments   Cost     Gains (Losses)     Fair Value  
 
                       
June 30, 2011
                       
Preferred Stock
  $ 6,300     $ 4,108     $ 2,192  
 
                       
June 30, 2010
                       
Preferred Stock
  $ 6,300     $ 4,108     $ 2,192  
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of inventory is determined by the first in, first out (“FIFO”) method. The Company provides a reserve for obsolescence to recognize the effects of engineering change orders, age and use of inventory that affect the value of the inventory. When the related inventory is disposed of, the obsolescence reserve is reduced. A detailed review of the inventory is performed annually with quarterly updates for known changes that have occurred since the annual review. Inventory, net of reserves of $1,645,000 and $1,413,000 at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010 respectively, is comprised of the following (in thousands):
                 
    At June 30,  
    2011     2010  
 
               
Component parts
  $ 2,388     $ 1,507  
Work in process
    257       238  
Finished goods
    4,128       4,806  
 
           
Total
  $ 6,773     $ 6,551  
 
           
Changes in the Company’s reserves for obsolescence are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Beginning     Costs and     Less     Ending  
    Balance     Expenses     Charge-offs     Balance  
 
                               
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2011
  $ 1,413     $ 651     $ 419     $ 1,645  
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2010
  $ 646     $ 835     $ 68     $ 1,413  
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2009
  $ 1,304     $ 1,075     $ 1,733     $ 646  
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation related to machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures is primarily computed on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 13 years. Depreciation on buildings is computed on a straight-line basis over 40 years.
When assets are retired, the costs of such assets and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are eliminated from the respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and the effects of

 

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operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize their benefit, or future deductibility is uncertain.
Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and amounts due to banks or other lenders, approximate their fair values at June 30, 2011 and 2010. Fair values have been determined through information obtained from market sources and management estimates.
In the normal course of business, the Company may employ forward exchange contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Forward contracts for forecasted transactions are designated as cash flow hedges and recorded as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the contract’s fair value are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income until they are recognized in earnings at the time the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction does not occur, or it becomes probable that it will not occur, the gain or loss on the related cash flow hedge is recognized in earnings at that time. For forward exchange contracts designated as hedging the net assets of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, changes in the contract’s fair value are offset against the translation reflected in shareholders’ equity to the extent effective. The Company does not enter into any derivative transactions for speculative purposes.
The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” for all financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. ASC 820, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2011 include investments classified as held for sale, certificate of deposits and money market funds.
ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs), or reflect the Company’s own assumptions of market participant valuation (unobservable inputs). These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
   
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
   
Level 2 — Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
   
Level 3 — Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable and reflect management’s estimates and assumptions.
ASC 820 requires the use of observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort.
The following table presents the Company’s investments at June 30, 2011 that are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis consistent with the fair value hierarchy provisions of ASC 820.
                                 
(in thousands)   June 30, 2011     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Short-Term Investments
  $ 32     $ 32              
Long-Term Investments
  $ 2,192                 $ 2,192  
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 820 for fiscal year 2011 and 2010. The Company’s Level 3 investments consist of preferred stock investments (see Note 1 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Long and Short-term Investments”).
         
(in thousands)   Level 3 Assets  
Balance at June 30, 2010
  $ 2,192  
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
     
 
     
Balance at June 30, 2011
  $ 2,192  
 
     
         
(in thousands)   Level 3 Assets  
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ 2,192  
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
     
 
     
Balance at June 30, 2010
  $ 2,192  
 
     

 

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Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.
Warranty
Automated Systems products generally carry a two or three-year warranty for parts and a one-year warranty for labor and travel related to warranty. Product sales to the forest products industry carry a three-year warranty for TriCam® sensors. Sales of ScanWorks® and ScanWorks® ToolKit have a one-year warranty for parts; sales of WheelWorks® products have a two-year warranty for parts; sales of the Company’s commercial products have either a two or three-year warranty for parts and labor. The Company provides a reserve for warranty based on its experience and knowledge. Factors affecting the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold or in service and historical and anticipated rates of claims and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its warranty liability based on changes in these factors. If a special circumstance arises requiring a higher level of warranty, the Company would make a special warranty provision commensurate with the facts.
                                 
    Beginning     Costs and     Less     Ending  
(in thousands)   Balance     Expenses     Charge-offs     Balance  
 
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2011
  $ 306     $ 249     $ 262     $ 293  
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2010
  $ 301     $ 353     $ 348     $ 306  
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2009
  $ 480     $ 453     $ 632     $ 301  
Advertising Expense
The Company charges advertising expense in the period incurred. As of June 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, advertising expense was $150,000, $207,000, and $442,000, respectively.
Self—Insurance
The Company is self-insured for health, vision and short-term disability costs up to a certain stop-loss level per claim and on an aggregate basis of a percentage of estimated annual costs. The estimated liability is based upon review by management and an independent insurance consultant of claims filed and claims incurred but not reported.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Beginning July 1, 2010, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements”, (amendments to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“ASU 2009-13”) (formerly Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 08-1) on a prospective basis. The new standard requires the Company to allocate revenues in an arrangement using best estimated selling prices of deliverables if the Company does not have vendor specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price on a stand-alone basis. The standard also eliminates the residual method of allocation and provides for expanded disclosures. See Note 1 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Revenue Recognition” above which encompasses the additional expanded disclosures. Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements because no significant change was required in the Company’s process of allocating arrangement consideration to the units of accounting under the new standard.
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2011-05 to provide guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. Instead, an entity will be required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2012 and will have presentation changes only.
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04 to amend the accounting and disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The new guidance limits the highest-and-best-use measure to nonfinancial assets, permits certain financial assets and liabilities with offsetting positions in market or counterparty credit risks to be measured at a net basis, and provides guidance on the applicability of premiums and discounts. Additionally, the new guidance expands the disclosures on Level 3 inputs by requiring quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions, as well as description of the valuation processes and the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in unobservable inputs. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the Company does not anticipate material impacts on its financial statements upon adoption.
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to amend the disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance requires the disclosure of roll forward activities on purchases, sales, issuance and settlements of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). The guidance will become effective with the reporting period beginning July 1,

 

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2011. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
2. Leases
The Company leases building space, office equipment and motor vehicles under operating leases. Lease terms generally cover periods from two to five years and may contain renewal options. The following is a summary, as of June 30, 2011, of the future minimum annual lease payments required under the Company’s operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year (in thousands):
         
Year   Minimum Rentals  
2012
  $ 951  
2013
    625  
2014
    167  
2015
    35  
2016 and beyond
    31  
 
     
 
       
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 1,809  
 
     
Rental expenses for operating leases in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $1,105,000, $1,195,000 and $1,256,000, respectively.
3. Credit Facilities
The Company had no debt outstanding at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010.
On November 16, 2010, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Agreement”) with Comerica Bank which replaced the Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002 and its thirteen amendments. The Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $6.0 million and expires on November 1, 2012. Proceeds under the Agreement may be used for working capital and capital expenditures. Security under the Agreement is substantially all non-real estate assets of the Company held in the United States. Borrowings are designated as a Libor-based Advance or as a Prime-based Advance if the Libor-based Advance is not available. Interest on Libor-based Advances is calculated currently at 2.35% above the Libor Rate offered at the time for the period chosen, and is payable on the last day of the applicable period. The Company may not select a Prime-based rate for Advances except during a period of time during which the Libor-based rate is not available as the applicable interest rate. Interest on Prime-based Advances is payable on the first business day of each month commencing on the first business day following the month during which such Advance is made and at maturity and is calculated daily, using the interest rate established by Comerica Bank as its prime rate for its borrowers. Quarterly, the Company pays a commitment fee of 0.15% per annum on the average daily unused portion of the revolving credit commitment. The Agreement prohibits the Company from paying dividends but permits the Company to repurchase up to $5.0 million of its common stock through December 31, 2011. In addition, the Agreement requires the Company to maintain a minimum Tangible Net Worth, as defined in the Agreement, of not less than $36.5 million as of October 18, 2010, with a further reduction to $35.5 million on June 30, 2011, minus the aggregate amount paid by the Company to redeem its shares of its common stock during the period beginning October 18, 2010 and ending December 31, 2011. The Agreement also requires the Company to have no advances outstanding for 30 days each calendar year. At June 30, 2011, the Agreement required a Tangible Net Worth of not less than $32.3 million and supported outstanding letters of credit totaling $543,000.
At June 30, 2011, the Company’s German subsidiary (GmbH) had an unsecured credit facility totaling 300,000 euros (equivalent to approximately $432,000). The facility may be used to finance working capital needs and equipment purchases or capital leases. Any borrowings for working capital needs will bear interest at 9.0% on the first 100,000 euros of borrowings and 2.0% for borrowings over 100,000 euros. The German credit facility is cancelable at any time by either GmbH or the bank and any amounts then outstanding would become immediately due and payable. At June 30, 2011, GmbH had no borrowings outstanding.
4. Foreign Exchange Contracts
The Company may use, from time to time, a limited hedging program to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. These transactions involve the use of forward contracts, typically mature within one year and are designed to hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions. The Company may use forward exchange contracts to hedge the net assets of certain of its foreign subsidiaries to offset the translation and economic exposures related to the Company’s investment in these subsidiaries.
At June 30, 2011, and 2010, the Company had no forward exchange contracts outstanding. The Company recognized a loss of $20,000 in other comprehensive income (loss) for the unrealized change in value of forward exchange contracts during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

 

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5. Information About Major Customers
The Company has two segments: the Industrial Business Unit and the Commercial Products Business Unit.
The Company’s Automated Systems sales efforts are led by account managers who develop a close consultative selling relationship with the Company’s customers. The Company’s principal customers for its Automated Systems (AutoGauge®, AutoFit®, AutoScan®, AutoGuide®) products have historically been automotive manufacturing companies that the Company either sells to directly or through manufacturing line builders, system integrators or OEMs. The Company’s Automated Systems products are typically purchased for installation in connection with retooling programs undertaken by these companies. Because sales are dependent on the timing of customers’ retooling programs, sales by customer vary significantly from year to year, as do the Company’s largest customers. For the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, approximately 36%, 32% and 25%, respectively, of net sales were derived from the Company’s four largest IBU automotive end user customers. The Company also sells to manufacturing line builders, system integrators or OEMs, who in turn sell to the Company’s automotive customers. For the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, approximately 10%, 10% and 8%, respectively, of net sales were to manufacturing line builders, system integrators and OEMs for the benefit of the same four largest IBU automotive end user customers in each respective year. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, direct sales to Volkswagen Group (includes Audi, SEAT and others) and General Motors accounted for approximately 20% and 12%, respectively, of the Company’s total net sales. At June 30, 2011, accounts receivable from Volkswagen Group and General Motors totaled approximately $2.9 million each.
The Company’s commercial products are sold to strategic partners who provide the distribution, marketing and promotion of the products through their distribution networks. The Company’s commercial products sales in fiscal 2011 were primarily sold to Snap-on, Rothenberger, Bosch and Greenlee for distribution through their wholesale and retail distribution networks. CBU sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 represented 14%, 23% and 38% of total sales, respectively.
6. Contingencies
Management is currently unaware of any significant pending litigation affecting the Company, other than the matters set forth below.
The Company is a party to a suit filed by Industries GDS, Inc., Bois Granval GDS Inc., and Centre de Preparation GDS, Inc. (collectively, “GDS”) on or about November 21, 2002 in the Superior Court of the Judicial District of Quebec, Canada against the Company, Carbotech, Inc. (“Carbotech”), and U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. (“USNR”), among others. The suit alleges that the Company breached its contractual and warranty obligations as a manufacturer in connection with the sale and installation of three systems for trimming and edging wood products. The suit also alleges that Carbotech breached its contractual obligations in connection with the sale of equipment and the installation of two trimmer lines, of which the Company’s systems were a part, and that USNR, which acquired substantially all of the assets of the Forest Products business unit from the Company, was liable for GDS’ damages. USNR has sought indemnification from the Company under the terms of existing contracts between the Company and USNR. GDS seeks compensatory damages against the Company, Carbotech and USNR of approximately $5.3 million using a June 30, 2011 exchange rate. GDS and Carbotech have filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada. Discovery is complete in this matter and a trial is currently expected to occur in the third or fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company intends to vigorously defend against GDS’ claims.
The Company is a party to a suit filed by i-CEM Service, Inc. and 3CEMS Prime (collectively “3CEMS”) on or about July 1, 2010 in the Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The suit alleges that the Company breached its contractual and common law indemnification obligations by failing to pay for component parts used to manufacture optical video scopes. The suit seeks damages of not less than $4 million. The Company intends to vigorously defend against 3CEMS’ claims.
The Company may, from time to time, be subject to other claims and suits in the ordinary course of its business.
To estimate whether a loss contingency should be accrued by a charge to income, the Company evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the loss. Since the outcome of claims and litigation is subject to significant uncertainty, changes in these factors could materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
7. 401(k) Plan
The Company has a 401(k) tax deferred savings plan that covers all eligible employees. The Company may make discretionary contributions to the plan. The Company made no contributions during fiscal year 2011 and 2010. The Company’s contribution during the fiscal year ended June 30 2009 was $387,000.

 

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8. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan for all employees meeting certain eligibility criteria. Under the Plan, eligible employees may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at 85% of its market value at the beginning of the six-month election period. Purchases are limited to 10% of an employee’s eligible compensation and the shares purchased are restricted from being sold for one year from the purchase date. At June 30, 2011, 78,991 shares remained available under the Plan. During fiscal years 2011 and 2010, 19,534 and 16,213 shares, respectively, were issued to employees. The average purchase price per share was $3.05 and $2.83 in fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. No shares were issued to employees during fiscal year 2009. During fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded non-cash stock based compensation expense of $22,000, $25,000 and $8,000, respectively, related to this plan.
9. Stock Based Compensation
The Company uses the Black-Scholes model for determining stock option valuations. The Black-Scholes model requires subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which affect the calculated values. The expected term of option exercises is derived from historical data regarding employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate of return is based on published U.S. Treasury rates in effect for the corresponding expected term. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. These factors could change in the future, which would affect the stock-based compensation expense in future periods.
The Company recognized operating expense for non-cash stock-based compensation costs in the amount of $440,000, $536,000 and $693,000 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As of June 30, 2011, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options amounted to $258,000. The Company expects to recognize this cost over a weighted average vesting period of 1.4 years.
The Company received $182,000 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the twelve months ended June 30, 2011. The actual tax benefit realized, that related to tax deductions for non-qualified options exercised and disqualifying dispositions under all share-based payment arrangements, totaled approximately, $70,000 for fiscal 2011.
The Company maintains a 1992 Stock Option Plan (“1992 Plan”) and 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan (“1998 Plan”) covering substantially all company employees and certain other key persons and a Directors Stock Option Plan (“Directors Plan”) covering all non-employee directors. During fiscal 2005, shareholders approved a new 2004 Stock Incentive Plan that replaced the 1992 and Directors Plans as to future grants. No further grants are permitted to be made under the terms of the 1998 Plan. Options previously granted under the 1992, Directors and 1998 Plans will continue to be maintained until all options are exercised, cancelled or expire. The 2004, 1992 and Directors Plans are administered by a committee of the Board of Directors, the Management Development, Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The 1998 Plan is administered by the President of the Company.
Awards under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or restricted stock units, performance share awards, director stock purchase rights and deferred stock units; or any combination thereof. The terms of the awards will be determined by the Management Development, Compensation and Stock Option Committee, except as otherwise specified in the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. As of June 30, 2011, the Company has only issued awards in the form of stock options. Options outstanding under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan generally become exercisable at 25% per year beginning one year after the date of grant and expire ten years after the date of grant. All options outstanding under the 1992 and Directors Plans are vested and expire ten years from the date of grant. Option prices for options granted under these plans must not be less than fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.
Activity under these Plans is shown in the following tables:
                                                 
    Fiscal Year 2011     Fiscal Year 2010  
            Weighted     Aggregate             Weighted     Aggregate  
            Average     Intrinsic             Average     Intrinsic  
            Exercise     Value(1)             Exercise     Value(1)  
Shares subject to option   Shares     Price     ($000)     Shares     Price     ($000)  
Outstanding at beginning of period
    1,240,529     $ 6.29               1,435,592     $ 6.30          
New Grants (based on fair value of common stock at dates of grant)
    9,000     $ 6.42               20,000     $ 3.15          
Exercised
    (82,985 )   $ 2.19               (49,575 )   $ 3.29          
Expired
    (33,763 )   $ 7.35               (139,383 )   $ 6.90          
Forfeited
    (9,862 )   $ 3.56               (26,105 )   $ 6.69          
 
                                           
Outstanding at end of period
    1,122,919     $ 6.60     $ 1,252       1,240,529     $ 6.29     $ 814  
Exercisable at end of period
    922,069     $ 6.82     $ 845       849,206     $ 6.31     $ 550  

 

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    Fiscal Year 2009  
            Weighted     Aggregate  
            Average     Intrinsic  
            Exercise     Value(1)  
Shares subject to option   Shares     Price     ($000)  
Outstanding at beginning of period
    1,291,037     $ 6.87          
New Grants (based on fair value of common stock at dates of grant)
    243,100     $ 3.07          
Exercised
    (13,680 )   $ 5.19          
Expired
    (53,477 )   $ 5.27          
Forfeited
    (31,388 )   $ 7.79          
 
                     
Outstanding at end of period
    1,435,592     $ 6.30     $ 427  
Exercisable at end of period
    821,008     $ 5.99     $ 324  
     
(1)  
The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, were $270,000, $42,000 and $16,000, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, were $490,000, $677,000 and $820,000, respectively.
The estimated fair value as of the date options were granted during the periods presented using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, was as follows:
                         
    2011     2010     2009  
Weighted Average Estimated Fair Value Per Share Of Options Granted During The Period
  $ 2.77     $ 1.38     $ 1.15  
Assumptions:
                       
Amortized Dividend Yield
                 
Common Stock Price Volatility
    47.32 %     47.35 %     39.86 %
Risk Free Rate Of Return
    1.84 %     2.38 %     1.93 %
Expected Option Term (in years)
    5       5       5  
The following table summarizes information about stock options at June 30, 2011:
                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Weighted     Weighted             Weighted  
            Average     Average             Average  
            Remaining     Exercise             Exercise  
Range of Exercise Prices   Shares     Contractual Life     Price     Shares     Price  
 
$1.24 to $2.08
    102,670       1.07     $ 1.60       102,670     $ 1.60  
2.80 to 5.24
    227,900       7.72     $ 3.06       105,300     $ 3.06  
5.72 to 8.81
    618,849       4.76     $ 7.64       572,099     $ 7.58  
8.92 to 14.03
    173,500       6.22     $ 10.48       142,000     $ 10.35  
 
                                   
$1.24 to $14.03
    1,122,919       5.25     $ 6.60       922,069     $ 6.82  
 
                                   
At June 30, 2011, options covering 176,864 shares were available for future grants under the 2004 Plan.
10. Income Taxes
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for U.S. and foreign operations was as follows (in thousands):
                         
    2011     2010     2009  
U.S.
  $ 1,429     $ (4,386 )   $ (2,242 )
Foreign
    1,432       1,389       (3,318 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 2,861     $ (2,997 )   $ (5,560 )
 
                 

 

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The income tax (provision) benefit reflected in the statement of income consists of the following (in thousands):
                         
    2011     2010     2009  
Current (provision) benefit:
                       
U.S. Federal & State
  $ (123 )   $ 969     $ (14 )
Foreign
    (235 )     (468 )     (452 )
Deferred taxes
                       
U.S.
    (390 )     1,651       1,222  
Foreign
    (287 )     40       1,279  
 
                 
Total (provision) benefit
  $ (1,035 )   $ 2,192     $ 2,035  
 
                 
The Company’s deferred tax assets are substantially represented by the tax benefit of net operating losses, tax credit carry-forwards and the tax benefit of future deductions represented by timing differences for unrealized losses on investments, allowances for bad debts, warranty expenses, deferred revenue and inventory obsolescence. The Company has a valuation allowance for tax credit carry-forwards in the United States that it expects will more likely than not expire prior to the tax benefit being realized. The Company also has a valuation allowance for net operating loss carry-forwards for some of its foreign operations. The components of deferred tax assets were as follows (in thousands):
                         
    2011     2010     2009  
 
                       
Benefit of net operating losses
  $ 5,481     $ 7,379     $ 6,657  
Tax credit carry-forwards
    4,486       4,240       4,125  
Other, principally reserves
    3,971       3,035       2,381  
 
                 
Deferred tax asset
    13,938       14,654       13,163  
Valuation allowance
    (2,730 )     (2,769 )     (2,970 )
 
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 11,208     $ 11,885     $ 10,193  
 
                 
 
                       
Rate reconciliation:
                       
Provision at U.S. statutory rate
    34.0 %     34.0 %     34.0 %
Net effect of taxes on foreign activities
    2.3 %     (5.2 )%     (3.6 )%
Tax effect of U.S. permanent differences
    (4.4 )%     12.1 %     3.9 %
State taxes and other, net
    0.9 %     (0.2 )%     0.1 %
Adjustment of federal/foreign income taxes related to prior years
    4.7 %     25.7 %     1.3 %
Valuation allowance
    (1.3 )%     6.7 %     0.9 %
 
                 
Effective tax rate
    36.2 %     73.1 %     36.6 %
 
                 
No provision was made with respect to earnings as of June 30, 2011 that have been retained for use by foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability for the undistributed foreign earnings. At June 30, 2011, the Company had net operating loss carry-forwards for federal income tax purposes of $15.0 million that expire in the years 2021 through 2030 and tax credit carry-forwards of $4.5 million of which $4.2 million expire in the years 2011 through 2030. Included in the federal net operating loss carry-forward is $6.2 million from the exercise of employee stock options, the tax benefit of which, when recognized, will be accounted for as an increase to additional paid-in-capital rather than a reduction of the income tax provision. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was a decrease of $39,000, a decrease of $201,000 and an increase of $50,000, respectively.
On June 30, 2011, the Company had $1.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $1.1 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had $1.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $1.0 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense and income tax expense, respectively. As of June 30, 2011 there was no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions recorded on the Company’s financial statements. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax years 2008 through 2011 remain open to examination by government tax authorities. For German income tax purposes, the 2008 through 2011 tax years remain open to examination by government tax authorities.
The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows (in thousands):
         
Year End June 30,   2011  
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 1,048  
Increases for tax positions related to the current year
    48  
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years
     
 
     
Balance, year end
  $ 1,096  
 
     

 

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11. Segment and Geographic Information
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that have separate management teams focused on different marketing strategies. The Industrial Business Unit (“IBU”) segment markets its products primarily to industrial companies directly or through manufacturing line builders, system integrators, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and value-added resellers (“VARs”). Products sold by IBU include Automated Systems products consisting of AutoGaugeâ, AutoGaugeâ Plus, AutoFitâ, AutoScanâ, and AutoGuideâ that are primarily custom-configured systems typically purchased for installation in connection with new automotive model retooling programs, value added services that are primarily related to Automated Systems products, and Technology Components consisting of ScanWorks®, ScanWorks®xyz, ToolKit, WheelWorks® and Multi-line Sensor products that target the digitizing, reverse engineering, inspection and original equipment manufacturers wheel alignment markets. The Commercial Products Business Unit (“CBU”) segment products are designed for sale to professional tradesmen in the commercial market and are sold to and distributed through strategic partners.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant policies. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income, excluding unusual items. Company-wide costs are allocated between segments based on revenues and/or labor as deemed appropriate.
                         
    Industrial Business     Commercial Products        
Reportable Segments ($000)   Unit     Business Unit     Consolidated  
 
                       
Twelve months ended June 30, 2011
                       
Net sales
  $ 50,847     $ 8,424     $ 59,271  
Operating income (loss)
    5,050       (2,906 )     2,144  
Assets, net
    54,346       15,645       69,991  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    14,537       729       15,266  
 
                       
Twelve months ended June 30, 2010
                       
Net sales
  $ 40,199     $ 11,942     $ 52,141  
Operating loss
    (727 )     (2,712 )     (3,439 )
Assets, net
    42,498       22,155       64,653  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    13,730       361       14,091  
 
                       
Twelve months ended June 30, 2009
                       
Net sales
  $ 38,287     $ 23,249     $ 61,536  
Operating income (loss)
    (7,735 )     2,890       (4,845 )
Assets, net
    34,355       31,004       65,359  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    13,272       491       13,763  
The Company primarily accounts for geographic sales based on the country from which the sale is invoiced rather than the country to which the product is shipped. The Company operates in three primary geographic areas: The Americas (substantially all of which is the United States, with immaterial net sales in Brazil), Europe, and Asia.
                                 
Geographical Regions ($000)   Americas     Europe1     Asia     Consolidated  
 
                               
Twelve months ended June 30, 2011
                               
Net sales
  $ 28,829     $ 22,636     $ 7,806     $ 59,271  
Long-lived assets, net
    7,978       333       114       8,425  
 
                               
Twelve months ended June 30, 2010
                               
Net sales
  $ 26,232     $ 20,279     $ 5,630     $ 52,141  
Long-lived assets, net
    7,617       306       200       8,123  
 
                               
Twelve months ended June 30, 2009
                               
Net sales
  $ 38,846     $ 19,284     $ 3,406     $ 61,536  
Long-lived assets, net
    8,112       402       215       8,729  
     
1  
The Company’s German subsidiary had net external sales of $22.6 million, $20.3 million and $19.3 million in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Long-lived assets of the Company’s German subsidiary were $314,000, $293,000 and $383,000 as of June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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12. Restructuring
During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company implemented a significant cost reduction plan for its Industrial Business Unit. The actions did not affect the Commercial Products Business Unit. Most of the cost reduction actions took place in North America with a smaller amount in Europe. The actions included reducing personnel, benefits, contract services and other related expenses. During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of approximately $1.0 million related to severance and other related costs.
13. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued. No events have taken place that meet the definition of a subsequent event that requires disclosure in this filing.
ITEM 9:  
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 9A:  
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation Of Disclosure Controls And Procedures
The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2011, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Rule 13a-15(e) of the 1934 Act defines “disclosure controls and procedures” as controls and other procedures of the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the 1934 Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Report Of Management On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting policies and procedures includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are made in accordance with management and directors authorizations; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2011.
This Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Form 10-K.

 

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Changes In Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 identified in connection with the Company’s evaluation that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B:  
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10:  
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information contained under the captions “Matters to Come before the Meeting — Proposal 1: Election of Directors”, “Corporate Governance”, “Executive Officers”, “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance — Code of Ethics” of the registrant’s proxy statement for 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Part III, Item 10 with respect to the Company’s nominating committee, audit committee and the audit committee’s financial expert is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance — Audit Committee”, “Corporate Governance — Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee” and “Corporate Governance — Audit Committee Report”, which paragraphs are incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of the Company’s directors, executive and financial officers and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been posted to the Company’s website at www.perceptron.com in the “Investors” section under “Corporate Governance” and is available free of charge through the Company’s website. The Company will post information regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for executive and financial officers and directors on the Company’s website in the Company section under “Investors”.
ITEM 11:  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information contained under the captions “Matters to Come before the Meeting — Proposal 1: Election of Directors — Director Compensation for Fiscal 2011”, “Matters to Come before the Meeting — Proposal 1: Election of Directors — Standard Director Compensation Arrangements” and “Compensation of Executive Officers” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12:  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information contained under the captions “Share Ownership of Management and Certain Shareholders — Principal Shareholders” and “Share Ownership of Management and Certain Shareholders — Beneficial Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table gives information about the Company’s Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of the Company’s existing equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2011, including the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1992 Stock Option Plan, the Directors Stock Option Plan, the 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (together, the “Plans”):

 

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                    Number of securities  
                remaining available for  
    Number of securities     Weighted-average     future issuance under  
    to be issued upon     exercise price of     equity compensation  
    exercise of     outstanding     plans (excluding  
    outstanding options,     options, warrants     securities  
Plan Category   warrants and rights     and rights     reflected in column (a))  
    (a)     (b)     (c)  
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders:
                       
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
    665,225 (1)   $ 6.99       176,864  
1992 Stock Option Plan
    98,000 (2)   $ 4.13        
Directors Stock Option Plan
    74,000 (2)   $ 5.35        
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    7,626 (3)   $ 4.22       71,365  
 
                   
Total of equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
    844,851     $ 6.49       248,229  
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders: 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan
    285,694 (4)   $ 6.84        
 
                   
Total:
    1,130,545     $ 6.58       248,229  
 
                   
     
(1)  
Awards under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or restricted stock units, performance share awards, director stock purchase rights and deferred stock units; or any combination thereof.
 
(2)  
The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan replaced the 1992 Stock Option Plan and Directors Stock Option Plan effective December 7, 2004. No further grants under these plans will be made.
 
(3)  
Does not include an undeterminable number of shares subject to a payroll deduction election under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the period from July 1, 2011 until December 31, 2011, which will not be issued until January 2012.
 
(4)  
The 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan expired on February 25, 2008. No further grants under this plan will be made.
1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan
On February 26, 1998, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan”), pursuant to which non-qualified stock options may be granted to employees who are not officers or directors or subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The 1998 Plan has been amended by the Board of Directors on several occasions thereafter. The 1998 Plan expired on February 25, 2008. No further grants under this plan will be made. The expiration of the 1998 Plan does not affect any awards previously granted under the 1998 Plan.
The purpose of the 1998 Plan is to promote the Company’s success by linking the personal interests of non-executive employees to those of the Company’s shareholders and by providing participants with an incentive for outstanding performance. The 1998 Plan authorizes the granting of non-qualified stock options only. The President of the Company administers the 1998 Plan and had the power to set the terms of any grants under the 1998 Plan. The exercise price of an option could not be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant and no option has a term of more than ten years. All of the options that are currently outstanding under the 1998 Plan become exercisable ratably over a four-year period beginning at the grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant. If, for any reason, an option lapses, expires or terminates without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased shares covered thereby are again available for grants of options under the 1998 Plan. In addition, if the option is exercised by delivery to the Company of shares previously acquired pursuant to options granted under the 1998 Plan, then shares of Common Stock delivered in payment of the exercise price of an option will again be available for grants of options under the 1998 Plan.

 

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The exercise price is payable in full in cash at the time of exercise; or in shares of Common Stock, (but generally, only if such shares have been owned for at least six months or, if they have not been owned by the optionee for at least six months, the optionee then owns, and has owned for at least six months, at least an equal number of shares of Common Stock as the option shares being delivered); or the exercise price may be paid by delivery to the Company of a properly executed exercise notice, together with irrevocable instructions to the participant’s broker to deliver to the Company sufficient cash to pay the exercise price and any applicable income and employment withholding taxes, in accordance with a written agreement between the Company and the brokerage firm (“cashless exercise” procedure).
Generally, if the employment by the Company of any optionee who is an employee terminates for any reason, other than by death or total and permanent disability, any option which the optionee is entitled to exercise on the date of employment termination may be exercised by the optionee at any time on or before the earlier of the expiration date of the option or three months after the date of employment termination, but only to the extent of the accrued right to purchase at the date of such termination. In addition, the President of the Company has the discretionary power to extend the date to exercise beyond three months after the date of employment termination. If the employment of any optionee who is an employee is terminated because of total and permanent disability, the option may be exercised by the optionee at any time on or before the earlier of the expiration date of the option or one year after the date of termination of employment, but only to the extent of the accrued right to purchase at the date of such termination. If any optionee dies while employed by the Company and, if at the date of death, the optionee is entitled to exercise an option, such option may be exercised by any person who acquires the option by bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the optionee, or by the executor or administrator of the estate of the optionee, at any time before the earlier of the expiration date of the option or one year after the date of death of the optionee, but only to the extent of the accrued right to purchase at the date of death.
The 1998 Plan provides for acceleration of vesting of awards in the event of a change in control of the Company. See “Compensation of Executive Officers — Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” of the Proxy Statement for a definition of change in control. The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 1998 Plan at any time without shareholder approval, but no amendment or termination of the 1998 Plan or any award agreement may adversely affect any award previously granted under the 1998 Plan without the consent of the participant. The NASDAQ listing requirements prohibit the Company from amending the 1998 Plan to add additional shares of Common Stock without shareholder approval.
ITEM 13:  
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information contained under the captions “Corporate Governance — Board Leadership Structure and Board and Committee Information” and “Related Party Transactions” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14:  
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information contained under the captions “Matters to Come Before the Meeting — Proposal 3: Ratification of Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” “Independent Accountants — Policy for Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services” and “Independent Accountants — Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15:  
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
  A.  
Financial Statements and Schedules Filed
 
     
Financial Statements — see Item 8 of this report. Financial statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included.
 
  B.  
Exhibits:
 
     
Exhibits — the exhibits filed in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K with this report are listed on pages 48 through 51. The Exhibit List is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  Perceptron, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
 
  By:   /S/ Harry T. Rittenour    
    Harry T. Rittenour, President and   
    Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: September 26, 2011
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
Signatures   Title   Date
 
       
/S/ Harry T. Rittenour
 
Harry T. Rittenour
  President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
  September 26, 2011
 
       
/S/ John H. Lowry III
 
John H. Lowry III
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  September 26, 2011
 
       
/S/ Sylvia M. Smith
 
Sylvia M. Smith
  Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)   September 26, 2011
 
       
/S/ W. Richard Marz
 
W. Richard Marz
  Chairman of the Board and Director   September 26, 2011
 
       
 
 
David J. Beattie
  Director   September 26, 2011
 
       
/S/ Kenneth R. Dabrowski
 
Kenneth R. Dabrowski
  Director   September 26, 2011
 
       
/S/ Philip J. DeCocco
 
Philip J. DeCocco
  Director   September 26, 2011
 
       
/S/ Robert S. Oswald
 
Robert S. Oswald
  Director   September 26, 2011
 
/S/ James A. Ratigan
 
James A. Ratigan
  Director   September 26, 2011
 
       
/S/ Terryll R. Smith
 
Terryll R. Smith
  Director   September 26, 2011

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit No.   Description of Exhibits
       
 
  3.    
Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
       
 
  3.1    
Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 1998.
       
 
  3.2    
Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended to date, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2007.
       
 
  4.    
Instruments Defining the Rights of Securities Holders.
       
 
  4.1    
Articles IV, V and VI of the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 1998.
       
 
  4.2    
Articles I, II, III, VI, VII, X and XI of the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2007.
       
 
  4.3    
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated November 15, 2010, between the Company and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2010.
       
 
  4.4    
Revolving Credit Note dated November 15, 2010, between the Company and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2010.
       
 
  4.5    
Form of certificate representing Rights (included as Exhibit B to the Amendment to Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.6) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Company’s Form 8-A/A filed March 20, 2008. Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, Rights Certificates will not be mailed until after the earlier of (i) the tenth business day after the Shares Acquisition Date (or, if such Shares Acquisition Date results from the consummation of a Permitted Offer, such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of a majority of the Continuing Directors), or (ii) the tenth business day (or such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of a majority of the Continuing Directors, prior to such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person) after the date of the commencement of, or first public announcement of the intent to commence, a tender or exchange offer by any person if, upon consummation thereof, such person would be an Acquiring Person, other than as a result of a Permitted Offer.
       
 
  4.6    
Rights Agreement, dated as of March 24, 1998, between Perceptron, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed March 24, 1998.
       
 
  4.7    
Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2002.
       
 
  4.8    
Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2008, between Perceptron, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Company’s Form 8-A/A filed on March 20, 2008.
       
 
  4.9    
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2003.
       
 
  4.10    
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2003.
       
 
  4.11    
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended June 30, 2004.
       
 
  4.12    
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed January 5, 2005.

 

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Exhibit No.   Description of Exhibits
       
 
  4.13    
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2005.
       
 
  4.14    
Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2006.
       
 
  4.15    
Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed December 21, 2006.
       
 
  4.16    
Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended June 30, 2008.
       
 
  4.17    
Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2008.
       
 
  4.18    
Tenth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2008.
       
 
  4.19    
Eleventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 2009.
       
 
  4.20    
Twelfth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed July 2, 2010.
       
 
  4.21    
Thirteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2002, between Perceptron, Inc. and Comerica Bank, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed October 18, 2010.
       
 
       
Other instruments, notes or extracts from agreements defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company or its subsidiaries have not been filed because (i) in each case the total amount of long-term debt permitted there under does not exceed 10% of the Company’s consolidated assets, and (ii) the Company hereby agrees that it will furnish such instruments, notes and extracts to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
       
 
  10.    
Material Contracts.
       
 
  10.1    
Registration Agreement, dated as of June 13, 1985, as amended, among the Company and the Purchasers identified therein, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form S-1 Registration Statement (amended by Exhibit 10.2) No. 33-47463.
       
 
  10.2    
Form of Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement between the Company and all of the employees of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-47463.
       
 
  10.3    
Form of Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement between the Company and certain vendors and customers of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-47463.
       
 
  10.4    
Form of Executive Agreement Not to Compete between the Company and certain officers of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended June 30, 2005.
       
 
  10.5 @  
Perceptron, Inc. First Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed October 10, 2008.
       
 
  10.6 @  
First Amendment to Perceptron, Inc. First Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed October 10, 2008.
       
 
  10.7 @  
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement Terms for Officers under the Perceptron, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed January 5, 2005.

 

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Exhibit No.   Description of Exhibits
       
 
  10.8 @  
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement Terms for Officers under the Perceptron, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed January 5, 2005.
       
 
  10.9 @  
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement Terms for Officers under the Perceptron, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2005.
       
 
  10.10 @  
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement Terms for Officers under the Perceptron, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2005.
       
 
  10.11 @  
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement Terms — Board of Directors under the Perceptron, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2006.
       
 
  10.12 @  
1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan and Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements under such Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 1997.
       
 
  10.13 @  
First Amendment to the 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the Transition Period Ended June 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.14 @  
Second Amendment to the 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the Transition Period Ended June 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.15 @  
Third Amendment to the 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 of the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-55164.
       
 
  10.16 @  
Fourth Amendment to the 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 of the Company’s S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-76194.
       
 
  10.17 @  
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements under 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan after September 1, 1999 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.18 @  
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements under 1998 Global Team Member Stock Option Plan after January 1, 2006 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2006.
       
 
  10.19 @  
Perceptron, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated as of October 22, 2004, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed December 10, 2004.
       
 
  10.20 @  
Amendment No. 1 to Perceptron, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed July 2, 1010.
       
 
  10.21 @  
Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.53 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 1996.
       
 
  10.22 @  
First Amendment to Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 1997.
       
 
  10.23 @  
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 1999.
       
 
  10.24 @  
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended June 30, 2001.
       
 
  10.25 @  
Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended June 30, 2002.
       
 
  10.26 @  
Forms of Incentive Stock Option Agreements (Officers) and Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements (Officers) under 1992 Stock Option Plan after September 1, 1999 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.27 @  
Amended and Restated Directors Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 1996.

 

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Exhibit No.   Description of Exhibits
       
 
  10.28 @  
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Directors Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 1999.
       
 
  10.29 @  
Second Amendment to the Perceptron, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan (Amended and Restated October 31, 1996) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2000.
       
 
  10.30 @  
10.32@ Forms of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements under the Directors Stock Option Plan after September 1, 1999 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended December 31, 1999.
       
 
  10.31    
Covenant Not to Compete between U.S. Natural Resources, Inc., and Perceptron, Inc., dated March 13, 2002 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed March 29, 2002.
       
 
  10.32 @  
Written Description of 2008 Team Member Profit Sharing Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed August 9, 2007.
       
 
  10.33 @  
Written Description of 2010 Annual Incentive and Profit Sharing Plans is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed August 31, 2009.
       
 
  10.34 @  
Written Description of Fiscal 2011 Annual Incentive and Profit Sharing Plans is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed September 8, 2010.
       
 
  10.35 @  
Severance Agreement, dated December 18, 2008, between the Company and Harry T. Rittenour is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed December 24, 2008.
       
 
  10.36 @  
Severance Agreement, dated December 18, 2008, between the Company and Mark S. Hoefing is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on December 24, 2008.
       
 
  10.37 @  
Severance Agreement, dated December 18, 2008, between the Company and John H. Lowry III is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed December 24, 2008.
       
 
  10.38 @  
Severance Agreement, dated July 2, 2010, between the Company and Richard Price is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed July 2, 2010.
       
 
  21.    
A list of subsidiaries of the Company is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended June 30, 2008.
       
 
  23. *  
Consent of Experts and Counsel.
       
 
  31.    
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
       
 
  31.1 *  
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
       
 
  31.2 *  
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
       
 
  32.    
Section 1350 Certifications.
       
 
  32.1 *  
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
       
 
  32.2 *  
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
 
     
*  
Filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.
 
@  
Indicates a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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