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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - DAKTRONICS INC /SD/dakt_20181027xq2xex322.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - DAKTRONICS INC /SD/dakt_20181027xq2xex321.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - DAKTRONICS INC /SD/dakt_20181027xq2xex312.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - DAKTRONICS INC /SD/dakt_20181027xq2xex311.htm
EX-3.1 - EXHIBIT 3.1 - DAKTRONICS INC /SD/dakt_20181027xq2xex31.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 27, 2018
 
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: 0-23246

daklogo.jpg

Daktronics, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

South Dakota
 
46-0306862
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
201 Daktronics Drive
Brookings, SD
 
 
57006
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(605) 692-0200
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes x  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
Emerging growth company o
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of November 21, 2018 was 44,860,543.




DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended October 27, 2018

Table of Contents

 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 








PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 
 
October 27,
2018
 
April 28,
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
35,557

 
$
29,727

Restricted cash
 
26

 
28

Marketable securities
 
31,721

 
34,522

Accounts receivable, net
 
92,194

 
77,387

Inventories
 
69,529

 
75,335

Contract assets
 
30,633

 
30,968

Current maturities of long-term receivables
 
1,305

 
1,752

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
8,172

 
9,029

Income tax receivables
 
6,015

 
5,385

Total current assets
 
275,152

 
264,133

 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
 
69,470

 
68,059

Long-term receivables, less current maturities
 
1,348

 
1,641

Goodwill
 
8,053

 
8,264

Intangibles, net
 
6,101

 
3,682

Investment in affiliates and other assets
 
5,623

 
5,091

Deferred income taxes
 
7,939

 
7,930

Total non-current assets
 
98,534

 
94,667

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
373,686

 
$
358,800

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
46,764

 
$
48,845

Contract liabilities
 
47,198

 
39,379

Accrued expenses
 
29,717

 
27,445

Warranty obligations
 
13,009

 
13,891

Current portion of other long-term obligations
 
1,106

 
1,088

Income taxes payable
 
272

 
660

Total current liabilities
 
138,066

 
131,308

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term warranty obligations
 
15,709

 
16,062

Long-term contract liabilities
 
8,520

 
7,475

Other long-term obligations, less current portion
 
2,420

 
2,285

Long-term income taxes payable
 
3,623

 
3,440

Deferred income taxes
 
611

 
614

Total long-term liabilities
 
30,883

 
29,876

 
 
 
 
 

1


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

 
 
October 27,
2018
 
April 28,
2018
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
 

 
 

Common Stock, no par value, authorized 115,000,000 shares; 45,031,769 and 44,779,534 shares issued and outstanding at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively
 
55,608

 
54,731

Additional paid-in capital
 
41,345

 
40,328

Retained earnings
 
114,033

 
107,105

Treasury Stock, at cost, 303,957 shares at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively
 
(1,834
)
 
(1,834
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(4,415
)
 
(2,714
)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
204,737

 
197,616

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
373,686

 
$
358,800

 
 
 
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 
 


2


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

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
Net sales
$
172,692

 
$
169,309

 
$
326,880

 
$
342,037

Cost of sales
129,935

 
126,705

 
245,876

 
254,787

Gross profit
42,757

 
42,604

 
81,004

 
87,250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Selling
16,125

 
15,350

 
32,503

 
30,289

General and administrative
8,574

 
8,868

 
17,111

 
17,803

Product design and development
9,039

 
8,948

 
18,331

 
17,995

 
33,738

 
33,166

 
67,945

 
66,087

Operating income
9,019

 
9,438

 
13,059

 
21,163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonoperating income (expense):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
188

 
151

 
385

 
362

Interest expense
(2
)
 
(47
)
 
(41
)
 
(133
)
Other (expense) income, net
(66
)
 
(87
)
 
(220
)
 
58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
9,139

 
9,455

 
13,183

 
21,450

Income tax expense
533

 
2,323

 
3

 
5,889

Net income
$
8,606

 
$
7,132

 
$
13,180

 
$
15,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
44,780

 
44,412

 
44,717

 
44,345

Diluted
44,950

 
44,679

 
44,994

 
44,696

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.19

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.35

Diluted
$
0.19

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 

 
 

 
 


3


DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
October 27, 2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
8,606

 
$
7,132

 
$
13,180

 
$
15,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative translation adjustments
 
(555
)
 
(20
)
 
(1,694
)
 
1,061

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
 
6

 
(26
)
 
(7
)
 
(33
)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
 
(549
)
 
(46
)
 
(1,701
)
 
1,028

Comprehensive income
 
$
8,057

 
$
7,086

 
$
11,479

 
$
16,589

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


4


DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total
Balance as of April 28, 2018
$
54,731

 
$
40,328

 
$
107,105

 
$
(1,834
)
 
$
(2,714
)
 
$
197,616

Net income

 

 
4,574

 

 

 
4,574

Cumulative translation adjustments

 

 

 

 
(1,139
)
 
(1,139
)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(13
)
 
(13
)
Share-based compensation

 
651

 

 

 

 
651

Exercise of stock options
57

 

 

 

 

 
57

Employee savings plan activity
820

 

 

 

 

 
820

Dividends declared ($0.07 per share)

 

 
(3,121
)
 

 

 
(3,121
)
Balance as of July 28, 2018
55,608

 
40,979

 
108,558

 
(1,834
)
 
(3,866
)
 
199,445

Net income

 

 
8,606

 

 

 
8,606

Cumulative translation adjustments

 

 

 

 
(555
)
 
(555
)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 
6

 
6

Share-based compensation

 
612

 

 

 

 
612

Tax payments related to RSU issuances

 
(246
)
 

 

 

 
(246
)
Dividends declared ($0.07 per share)

 

 
(3,131
)
 

 

 
(3,131
)
Balance as of October 27, 2018
$
55,608

 
$
41,345

 
$
114,033

 
$
(1,834
)
 
$
(4,415
)
 
$
204,737

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


5


DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(continued)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total
Balance as of April 29, 2017
$
52,530

 
$
38,004

 
$
113,967

 
$
(1,834
)
 
$
(4,381
)
 
$
198,286

Net income

 

 
8,429

 

 

 
8,429

Cumulative translation adjustments

 

 

 

 
1,081

 
1,081

Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Share-based compensation

 
673

 

 

 

 
673

Exercise of stock options
211

 

 

 

 

 
211

Employee savings plan activity
820

 

 

 

 

 
820

Dividends declared ($0.07 per share)

 

 
(3,094
)
 

 

 
(3,094
)
Balance as of July 29, 2017
53,561

 
38,677

 
119,302

 
(1,834
)
 
(3,307
)
 
206,399

Net income

 

 
7,132

 

 

 
7,132

Cumulative translation adjustments

 

 

 

 
(20
)
 
(20
)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(26
)
 
(26
)
Share-based compensation

 
668

 

 

 

 
668

Exercise of stock options
301

 

 

 

 

 
301

Tax payments related to RSU issuances

 
(311
)
 

 

 

 
(311
)
Dividends declared ($0.07 per share)

 

 
(3,104
)
 

 

 
(3,104
)
Balance as of October 28, 2017
$
53,862

 
$
39,034

 
$
123,330

 
$
(1,834
)
 
$
(3,353
)
 
$
211,039

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


6


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

 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,180

 
$
15,561

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
9,300

 
8,902

Gain on sale of property, equipment and other assets
(93
)
 
(1,221
)
Share-based compensation
1,263

 
1,341

Contingent consideration adjustment
(956
)
 

Equity in loss of affiliate
265

 
191

Provision for doubtful accounts
51

 
(21
)
Deferred income taxes, net
(85
)
 
81

Change in operating assets and liabilities
(368
)
 
(15,496
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
22,557

 
9,338

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(9,833
)
 
(7,735
)
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets
182

 
2,000

Purchases of marketable securities
(9,209
)
 

Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities
12,034

 
10,802

Purchases of equity investment
(854
)
 
(607
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(2,250
)
 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(9,930
)
 
4,460

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
57

 
511

Principal payments on long-term obligations
(431
)
 
(1,027
)
Dividends paid
(6,252
)
 
(6,197
)
Tax payments related to RSU issuances
(246
)
 
(311
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(6,872
)
 
(7,024
)
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
73

 
113

NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
5,828

 
6,887

 
 
 
 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:
 

 
 

Beginning of period
29,755

 
32,839

End of period
$
35,583

 
$
39,726

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash payments for:
 

 
 

Interest
$
84

 
$
134

Income taxes, net of refunds
954

 
6,934

 
 
 
 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 

 
 

Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory
$
97

 
$
48

Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable
2,348

 
1,312

Contributions of common stock under the ESPP
820

 
820

 
 
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

 
 


7


NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “Daktronics”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) are the world's industry leader in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays for sporting, commercial and transportation applications.

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

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  The balance sheet at April 28, 2018, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but it does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended April 28, 2018, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.

Certain prior year amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheet have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, customer deposits, and deferred revenue are combined to present contract liabilities. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings now represent contract assets. These reclassifications had no effect on reported net income, comprehensive income, cash flows, total assets or total liabilities.

Daktronics, Inc. operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The six months ended October 27, 2018 and October 28, 2017, contained operating results for 26 weeks.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheet that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows:
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
Cash and cash equivalents
$
35,557

 
$
39,699

Restricted cash
26

 
27

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
$
35,583

 
$
39,726


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Standards Adopted

In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory, which is intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party, which is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. This update eliminates the exception by requiring entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. We adopted ASU 2016-16 during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The adoption of ASU 2016-16 did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.


8


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Subsequently, the FASB also issued ASUs 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, and 2016-20 to give further guidance to revenue recognition matters. ASU 2014-09 and related guidance supersedes revenue recognition requirements under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605 and related industry specific revenue recognition guidance. This new standard defines a comprehensive revenue recognition model, requiring a company to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. It defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and allows companies to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance and requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. It provides guidance on transition requirements.

We adopted ASU 2014-09 and its related guidance under the modified retrospective method during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 by applying the guidance to all open contracts at the adoption date. We completed our evaluation of our revenue arrangements under the new standard and determined that the adoption did not materially change the timing or amount of revenue recognized, primarily based upon our assessment of "point in time" and "over time" revenue recognition. No adjustment to beginning retained earnings was recorded, and we have made additional disclosures related to revenue from contracts with customers as required by the new standard upon adoption. See "Note 4. Revenue Recognition" for more information.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). ASU 2018-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted that can be made on a prospective or retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2018-02 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and will require adoption on a prospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2017-04 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides guidance regarding the measurement and recognition of credit impairment for certain financial assets. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and will require adoption on a modified retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2016-13 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (that is, lessees and lessors). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. ASU 2016-02 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842 (Leases), and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements, which provide (i) narrow amendments to clarify how to apply certain aspects of the new lease standard, (ii) entities with an additional transition method to adopt the new standard, and (iii) lessors with a practical expedient for separating components of a contract. All ASUs are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and will require adoption on a modified retrospective basis.

We plan to adopt this new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.  We are still reviewing the new standard and recent updates published by FASB.  Our preliminary assumptions suggest we will likely adopt certain practical expedients, including the lookback option, and not change historical conclusions related to (1) contracts that contain leases, (2) existing lease classification, and (3) initial direct costs.  We are continuing to evaluate the effect that adopting these ASUs will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures but at this time do not think the adoption will have a material impact on our financial statements.

Note 2. Investments in Affiliates

9



Investments in affiliates over which we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Investments in affiliates over which we do not have the ability to exert significant influence over the affiliate's operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. We have evaluated our relationships with our affiliates and have determined that these entities are not variable interest entities.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the equity method was $4,236 and $3,647 at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively. The equity method requires us to report our share of losses up to our equity investment amount. Cash paid for investments in affiliates is included in the "Purchases of equity investment" line item in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Our proportional share of the respective affiliates' earnings or losses is included in the "Other (expense) income, net" line item in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the six months ended October 27, 2018 and October 28, 2017, our share of the losses of our affiliates was $265 and $191, respectively.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $42 at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively. There have not been any identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on their fair value, and it is not practical to estimate their fair value.

Note 3. Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

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

The following is a reconciliation of the net income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended October 27, 2018 and October 28, 2017
 
 Net income
 
 Shares
 
 Per share income
For the three months ended October 27, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
8,606

 
44,780

 
$
0.19

    Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

 
170

 

Diluted earnings per share
$
8,606

 
44,950

 
$
0.19

For the three months ended October 28, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
7,132

 
44,412

 
$
0.16

    Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

 
267

 

Diluted earnings per share
$
7,132

 
44,679

 
$
0.16

For the six months ended October 27, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
13,180

 
44,717

 
$
0.29

    Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

 
277

 

Diluted earnings per share
$
13,180

 
44,994

 
$
0.29

For the six months ended October 28, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
15,561

 
44,345

 
$
0.35

    Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

 
351

 

Diluted earnings per share
$
15,561

 
44,696

 
$
0.35

 
Options outstanding to purchase 2,377 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $9.94 for the three months ended October 27, 2018 and 1,303 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.08 for the three months ended October 28, 2017 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Options outstanding to purchase 2,129 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $10.15 for the six months ended October 27, 2018 and 1,312 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.08 for the six months ended October 28, 2017 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Note 4. Revenue Recognition

Our accounting policies and estimates as a result of adopting ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), are as follows:


10


Contracts are identified and follow the revenue recognition policies when: we have evidence all parties to the contract have approved the contract and are committed to perform their respective obligations, we can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, we can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred, the contract has commercial substance, and it is probable we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we would be entitled in exchange for the goods or services.

Precontract costs are generally expensed as incurred, unless they are directly associated with an anticipated contract and recoverability from that contract is probable. Precontract costs directly associated with anticipated contracts expected to be recoverable include $359 and $217 as of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively. These are included in Inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At contract inception, we identify performance obligations by reviewing the agreement for material distinct goods and services. Goods and services are distinct when the customer can benefit from them on their own and our promises to transfer these items are identifiable from other promises within the contract. When we are contracted to provide a single promise (an integrated system), we often treat it as a single performance obligation as we are providing goods and services with the same patterns of transfer, that are highly integrated or interdependent, that are modified or customized by other goods or services promised, or that provide a combined outcome for which the customer has contracted. When less interdependency or integration is necessary, or the customer can benefit from distinct items, we separate the contract into multiple performance obligations. We account for those warranties that extend beyond typical terms and include other services ("service-type warranty") as a separate performance obligation.

Our contracts can contain multiple components of transaction price. We evaluate each contract for these components and include fixed consideration, variable consideration, financing components, and non-cash consideration and exclude consideration payable to a customer and sales taxes in the transaction price. When we are responsible for site installations which includes subcontracted work, we maintain the responsibility and risks and consider ourselves the principal and include the consideration for these services in the transaction price. When our contract contains variable consideration, including return rights, discounts, claims, unpriced change orders, and liquidated damages, we estimate the transaction price using the expected value (i.e., the sum of the probability-weighted amount) or the most likely amount method, whichever is expected to better predict revenue for that contract situation. We also constrain the revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We consider the following factors in determining revenue associated with variable consideration: (a) the contract or other evidence providing legal basis, (b) additional costs caused by unforeseen circumstances, (c) evidence supporting the claim, and (d) historical evidence and patterns of customers. We adjust the contract price for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect, at contract inception, that the period between when we transfer goods and services to a customer will exceed one year from the time the customer pays and represents financing. If the payment structures exceed a year but are structured to account for risks with a contract or correspond to payments on milestones or are scheduled for performance, we do not adjust the contract price for a financing component. See "Note 11. Receivables" for amounts recorded in long-term receivables.

When separate performance obligations are identified, we allocate the transaction price to the individual performance obligation based on the best evidence and method we judge as faithfully depicting the value of the performance obligation. We allocate revenue to each performance obligation on the relative the standalone selling price basis, when the standalone selling price is available. Many of our contracts are bundled and we do not have separate selling prices for each performance obligation, therefore, we primarily use the cost plus a margin approach to allocate the relative transaction price to identified performance obligations as it is the best representative of our pricing methods.

Revenue is recognized when we satisfy a performance obligation. We receive payments from customers based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts. Billing schedules include down payments and progress billings over time, set milestone payments specific to the project, are scheduled for performance-based payments, or are set time-based payment(s). Variability in contract assets and contract liabilities ("Net over/under billings") relates to the timing of billings and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms and build and installation schedules and the related timing differences in transfer of control. Balances are also impacted by the seasonality in our business.

Significant judgments and estimates are used in our revenue policies. Throughout the revenue cycle, we evaluate contractual evidence, monitor our performance, evaluate variable consideration changes, update estimated costs to complete cost-to-cost projects, and obtain evidence of deliveries or other control change evidence for appropriate and consistent revenue recognition. We maintain internal policies and procedures to provide guidance for those involved in recording revenue. We monitor for changes in our business sales practices and customer interactions to capture the appropriate types of performance obligations and adjust for any change in control terms and conditions.

Our material performance obligation types include:

Unique configuration contracts: audio-visual communication systems uniquely configured (custom) or integrated for a customer's particular location and system configuration may include all or a combination of the following: engineering services, project management services, video display(s), control solution(s), installation and integration services, scoring and messaging equipment, training, other on-site services, spare parts, software licenses, and assurance-type warranties.

11



We account for these types of contracts as a combined single performance obligation with no segmentation between types of products and services. In our judgment, this accounting treatment is most appropriate because the substantial part of our promise to customers is to provide significant integration services and incorporates individual goods and services into a combined output or system, often times the system is customized or significantly modified to the customers' desired configurations and location, and the interrelated goods and services provide utility to the customers as a package.

Revenue for uniquely configured (custom) or integrated systems is recognized over time. Over time revenue recognition is appropriate because we have no alternative use for the uniquely configured system and have an enforceable right to payment for work performed. Sales and profits are recognized over time following the cost-to-cost input method measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date as compared to estimated total costs for each contract. The cost-to-cost input method is the most faithful depiction of our performance because it measures the value of the contract transferred to the customer. Costs to perform include direct and indirect costs for contract design, production, integration, installation, and assurance-type warranty reserve. Direct costs include material and components; manufacturing, project management, and engineering labor; and subcontracting expenses. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities and equipment depreciation and general overhead. Provisions of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period when such losses are capable of being estimated.

Contract modifications to existing contracts with customers are evaluated in accordance with the five-step revenue model. We treat contract modifications as a separate contract and new performance obligations when the additional goods or services are distinct and do not add to the unique configuration or are outside the integrated system and when the consideration reflects standalone selling prices. If the additional goods or services offered under the modification enhance the uniquely configured or integrated systems, revenue is allocated to the existing contracts' performance obligation. Modifications may cause changes in the timing of revenue recognition depending on the allocation to various performance obligations.

The time between contract order and project completion is typically less than 12 months but may extend longer depending on the amount of custom work and customers’ delivery needs.

Limited configuration (standard systems) and after-sale parts contracts: Limited configured (standard systems) or after-sale parts contracts with limited or no configuration or limited integration are recognized as distinct individual performance obligations when material or when not distinct, we combine into one performance obligation the goods and/or services with each other until the bundle of goods or services are distinct. For standard display purchases made in large quantities, we account for each piece of equipment separately as a distinct performance obligation from which a customer derives benefit. Immaterial goods or services in the context of the contract are included with the display system performance obligation. Standard systems and equipment with limited configurations or integrations may include all or a combination (when immaterial) of the following performance obligations: engineering services, project management services, video display(s), control solution(s), installation and integration services, scoring, messaging and audio equipment, training, spare parts, software licenses, assurance-type warranties, and after-sale parts.

Revenue is recognized at a point in time when title or control passes, or over time as services are performed. When fulfilling limited configuration performance obligations, we are typically able to redirect the video displays or scoring, messaging, or audio equipment to another customer without incurring significant economic losses. Therefore, we have alternative use for the performance obligation and recognize revenue upon our substantial completion and at the point in time we estimate control has transferred to the customer. When limited configured single performance obligations are more service-type (i.e., installation and integration services), we recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost input method, which is the most faithful depiction of the customer obtaining control and benefits from the work performed.

Services and other: Services sold on a stand-alone basis or after the initial system sale include performance obligations such as event support, control room design, on-site training, equipment service, service-type warranties, technical support, software sold as a service, and other immaterial revenue streams. These are contracted with a customer generally per service event or service type on a stand-alone basis. Services and other are recognized as net sales when the services are performed, and control is transferred to the customer at a point in time when title or control passes or over time as services are performed and for time-based "stand ready to perform" type obligations. We use professional judgment to determine control transfer. If we have the right to consideration from a customer that directly corresponds with the value of our performance (where we bill a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), we recognize revenue related to the work completed.

Software: Revenues from software license fees on sales, other than uniquely configured type contracts, are recognized when delivery of the product has occurred. Subscription-based licenses include the right for a customer to use our licenses and receive related support for a specified term, and revenue is recognized pro-rata over the term of the engagement.


12


Shipping and handling costs: Shipping and handling costs collected from our customers in connection with our sales are recorded as revenue. We record shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.

Warranty: Our warranty offerings are described in "Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies."

Disaggregation of revenue
In accordance with ASC 606-10-50, we disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers by the type of performance obligation and the timing of revenue recognition. We determine that disaggregating revenue in these categories achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors and to enable users of financial statements to understand the relationship to each reportable segment. As noted in the segment information footnote, we are organized in five business segments: Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, Transportation, and International.

The following table presents our disaggregation of revenue by segments:
 
Three Months Ended October 27, 2018
 
Commercial
 
Live Events
 
High School Park and Recreation
 
Transportation
 
International
 
Total
Type of performance obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unique configuration
$
11,426

 
$
38,283

 
$
6,671

 
$
10,427

 
$
10,776

 
$
77,583

Limited configuration
31,385

 
11,467

 
24,381

 
7,195

 
9,851

 
84,279

Service and other
3,258

 
5,349

 
528

 
455

 
1,240

 
10,830

 
$
46,069

 
$
55,099

 
$
31,580

 
$
18,077

 
$
21,867

 
$
172,692

Timing of revenue recognition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goods/services transferred at a point in time
$
31,896

 
$
12,558

 
$
22,060

 
$
7,267

 
$
10,126

 
$
83,907

Goods/services transferred over time
14,173

 
42,541

 
9,520

 
10,810

 
11,741

 
88,785

 
$
46,069

 
$
55,099

 
$
31,580

 
$
18,077

 
$
21,867

 
$
172,692

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended October 27, 2018
 
Commercial
 
Live Events
 
High School Park and Recreation
 
Transportation
 
International
 
Total
Type of performance obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unique configuration
$
14,475

 
$
77,204

 
$
15,614

 
$
20,045

 
$
26,992

 
$
154,330

Limited configuration
55,252

 
17,285

 
42,928

 
14,278

 
20,629

 
150,372

Service and other
6,911

 
10,082

 
1,158

 
911

 
3,116

 
22,178

 
$
76,638

 
$
104,571

 
$
59,700

 
$
35,234

 
$
50,737

 
$
326,880

Timing of revenue recognition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goods/services transferred at a point in time
$
56,479

 
$
19,360

 
$
39,058

 
$
14,499

 
$
21,662

 
$
151,058

Goods/services transferred over time
20,159

 
85,211

 
20,642

 
20,735

 
29,075

 
175,822

 
$
76,638

 
$
104,571

 
$
59,700

 
$
35,234

 
$
50,737

 
$
326,880

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See "Note 5. Segment Reporting" for a disaggregation of revenue by geography.

Contract Balances

13


Contract assets represent revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed and include unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables, which represent an unconditional right to payment subject only to the passage of time, are reclassified to accounts receivable when they are billed under the contract terms. Contract liabilities represent amounts billed to the clients in excess of revenue recognized to date.

The following table reflects the changes in our contract assets and liabilities:
 
October 27, 2018
 
April 28, 2018
 
Dollar Change
 
Percent Change
Contract assets
$
30,633

 
$
30,968

 
$
(335
)
 
(1.1
)%
Contract liabilities - current
47,198

 
39,379

 
7,819

 
19.9

Contract liabilities - noncurrent
8,520

 
7,475

 
1,045

 
14.0


The decrease in our contract assets and increase in contract liabilities from April 28, 2018 to October 27, 2018 was due to the timing of billing schedules and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on the contractual payment terms and the seasonality of the sports markets. We had no material impairments of accounts receivable or contract assets for the year.

During the six months ended October 27, 2018, we recognized revenue of $30,667 related to our contract liabilities as of April 28, 2018.

Remaining performance obligations
As of October 27, 2018, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations was $201,955. We expect approximately $167,857 of our remaining performance obligations to be recognized over the next 12 months with the remainder recognized thereafter. Remaining performance obligations related to product and service agreements are $150,123 and $51,832, respectively. Although remaining performance obligations reflects business that is considered to be legally binding, cancellations, deferrals or scope adjustments may occur. Any known project cancellations, revisions to project scope and cost, foreign currency exchange fluctuations and project deferrals are reflected or excluded in the remaining performance obligation balance as appropriate.

Note 5. Segment Reporting

We have organized and manage our business by five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting: Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, Transportation, and International. These segments are based on the customer type or geography and are the same as our business units. We evaluate segment performance based on operating results through contribution margin, which is comprised of gross profit less selling expense. We exclude general and administration expense, product design and development expense, non-operating income and expense and income tax expense in the segment analysis. Separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by our chief operating decision-maker (CODM), the president and chief executive officer, in making resource allocation decisions for our segments.  

14


The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five reporting segments for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Commercial
$
46,069

 
$
34,377

 
$
76,638

 
$
67,240

    Live Events
55,099

 
68,653

 
104,571

 
146,265

    High School Park and Recreation
31,580

 
29,660

 
59,700

 
58,139

    Transportation
18,077

 
16,476

 
35,234

 
35,388

    International
21,867

 
20,143

 
50,737

 
35,005

 
172,692

 
169,309

 
326,880

 
342,037

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Commercial
11,757

 
5,271

 
18,651

 
13,539

    Live Events
12,312

 
16,255

 
22,545

 
33,309

    High School Park and Recreation
9,759

 
10,553

 
19,261

 
20,904

    Transportation
6,140

 
6,181

 
11,591

 
13,126

    International
2,789

 
4,344

 
8,956

 
6,372

 
42,757

 
42,604

 
81,004

 
87,250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contribution margin: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Commercial
7,050

 
602

 
9,524

 
4,176

    Live Events
8,918

 
12,854

 
15,903

 
26,590

    High School Park and Recreation
6,706

 
7,810

 
13,258

 
15,557

    Transportation
4,991

 
5,079

 
9,286

 
10,987

    International
(1,033
)
 
909

 
530

 
(349
)
 
26,632

 
27,254

 
48,501

 
56,961

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-allocated operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    General and administrative
8,574

 
8,868

 
17,111

 
17,803

    Product design and development
9,039

 
8,948

 
18,331

 
17,995

Operating income
9,019

 
9,438

 
13,059

 
21,163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonoperating income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Interest income
188

 
151

 
385

 
362

    Interest expense
(2
)
 
(47
)
 
(41
)
 
(133
)
Other (expense) income, net
(66
)
 
(87
)
 
(220
)
 
58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
9,139

 
9,455

 
13,183

 
21,450

Income tax expense
533

 
2,323

 
3

 
5,889

Net income
$
8,606

 
$
7,132

 
$
13,180

 
$
15,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Commercial
$
1,236

 
$
1,544

 
$
2,414

 
$
3,078

    Live Events
1,334

 
1,196

 
2,506

 
2,434

    High School Park and Recreation
517

 
422

 
960

 
844

    Transportation
277

 
285

 
551

 
579

    International
723

 
270

 
1,423

 
551

    Unallocated corporate depreciation
725

 
725

 
1,446

 
1,416

 
$
4,812

 
$
4,442

 
$
9,300

 
$
8,902

(1) Contribution margin consists of gross profit less selling expense. 

15


No single geographic area comprises a material amount of our net sales or property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, other than the United States.  The following table presents information about net sales and property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the United States and elsewhere:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
146,377

 
$
145,034

 
$
268,074

 
$
300,472

Outside United States
26,315

 
24,275

 
58,806

 
41,565

 
$
172,692

 
$
169,309

 
$
326,880

 
$
342,037

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 27,
2018
 
April 28,
2018
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:
 
 
 
 
 
 


United States
$
61,665

 
$
61,206

 
 
 


Outside United States
7,805

 
6,853

 
 
 
 
 
$
69,470

 
$
68,059

 
 
 


 
We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services, and no customer accounted for 10% or more of net sales; therefore, we are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services. 

We have numerous raw material and component suppliers, and no supplier accounts for 10% or more of our cost of sales; however, we have a number of single-source suppliers that could limit our supply or cause delays in obtaining raw material and components needed in manufacturing.

Note 6. Marketable Securities

We have a cash management program which provides for the investment of cash balances not used in current operations.  We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions of ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.  Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  As it relates to fixed income marketable securities, it is not likely we will be required to sell any of these investments before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In addition, as of October 27, 2018, we anticipate we will recover the entire amortized cost basis of such fixed income securities, and we have determined no other-than-temporary impairments associated with credit losses were required to be recognized. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Where quoted market prices are not available, we use the market price of similar types of securities traded in the market to estimate fair value.  

As of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
 
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
Balance as of October 27, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit
$
5,196

 
$

 
$
5,196

U.S. Government securities
7,240

 
(9
)
 
7,231

U.S. Government sponsored entities
16,090

 
(104
)
 
15,986

Municipal bonds
3,322

 
(14
)
 
3,308

 
$
31,848

 
$
(127
)
 
$
31,721

Balance as of April 28, 2018
 

 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit
$
8,669

 
$

 
$
8,669

U.S. Government securities
999

 
(7
)
 
992

U.S. Government sponsored entities
20,072

 
(123
)
 
19,949

Municipal bonds
4,936

 
(24
)
 
4,912

 
$
34,676

 
$
(154
)
 
$
34,522


Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as "Other (expense) income, net." Upon the sale of a security classified as available-for-sale, the security’s specific unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of

16


accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the six months ended October 27, 2018 and October 28, 2017, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings were immaterial.

All available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets, as they are readily available to support our current operating needs. The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of October 27, 2018 were as follows:
 
Less than 12 months
 
1-5 Years
 
Total
Certificates of deposit
$
2,479

 
$
2,717

 
$
5,196

U.S. Government securities
6,240

 
991

 
7,231

U.S. Government sponsored entities
11,157

 
4,829

 
15,986

Municipal bonds
2,961

 
347

 
3,308

 
$
22,837

 
$
8,884

 
$
31,721


Note 7. Business Combinations

AJT Systems, Inc. Acquisition

We acquired the net assets of AJT Systems, Inc. ("AJT"), a Florida-based company, on June 21, 2018. The results of its operations have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. We have not made pro forma disclosures because the results of its operations are not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

AJT is a developer of real-time live to air graphics rendering and video server systems for the broadcast TV industry. This acquisition will allow our organization to grow and strengthen our solution offerings to the market. This acquisition was primarily funded with cash on hand.

Note 8. Sale of Non-Digital Division Assets

In September 2017, we sold our non-digital division assets, primarily consisting of inventory, non-digital manufacturing equipment, patented and unpatented technology and know-how, customer lists, and backlog, net of warranty obligations and accounts payable with a net book value of $517. We recorded a gain of $1,267 on the disposal, which is included in cost of sales in the International business unit during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. No gain was recorded in the three or six months ended October 27, 2018.

Note 9. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the six months ended October 27, 2018 were as follows: 
 
Live Events
 
Commercial
 
Transportation
 
International
 
Total
Balance as of April 28, 2018
$
2,295

 
$
3,344

 
$
67

 
$
2,558

 
$
8,264

Foreign currency translation
(6
)
 
(40
)
 
(6
)
 
(159
)
 
(211
)
Balance as of October 27, 2018
$
2,289

 
$
3,304

 
$
61

 
$
2,399

 
$
8,053

 
We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis, and it is tested for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. We perform our annual analysis during our third quarter of each fiscal year, based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third fiscal quarter. The result of the analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed for our third quarter in fiscal 2018, which began on October 30, 2017. We are currently in the process of completing this annual analysis based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third quarter of fiscal 2019, which began on October 29, 2018.

In conducting our impairment testing, we compare the fair value of each of our business units to the related carrying value of the allocated assets. We utilize the income approach based on discounted projected cash flows to estimate the fair value of each unit. The projected cash flows use many estimates including market conditions, expected market demand and our ability to grow or maintain market share, gross profit, and expected expenditures for capital and operating expenses. Assets shared or not directly attributed to a reportable segment's activities are allocated to the reportable segment based on sales and other measures.


17


Note 10. Selected Financial Statement Data

Inventories consisted of the following: 
 
October 27,
2018
 
April 28,
2018
Raw materials
$
27,693

 
$
30,570

Work-in-process
8,075

 
8,645

Finished goods
33,761

 
36,120

 
$
69,529

 
$
75,335


Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
 
October 27,
2018
 
April 28,
2018
Land
$
2,178

 
$
2,161

Buildings
67,834

 
67,773

Machinery and equipment
97,437

 
93,439

Office furniture and equipment
6,073

 
5,878

Computer software and hardware
54,982

 
53,004

Equipment held for rental
287

 
287

Demonstration equipment
7,004

 
7,035

Transportation equipment
7,667

 
7,632

 
243,462

 
237,209

Less accumulated depreciation
173,992

 
169,150

 
$
69,470

 
$
68,059

 
Note 11. Receivables

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,236 and $2,151 at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018 was $2,013 and $964, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding 12 months and sales-type leases.  The present value of these contracts and leases are recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with GAAP, and profit is recognized to the extent the present value is in excess of cost.  We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid.  The present value of long-term contracts and lease receivables, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $2,653 and $3,393 as of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively.  Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 4.8 to 9.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through 2024.  The face amount of long-term receivables was $2,929 as of October 27, 2018 and $3,733 as of April 28, 2018.

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation:  We are a party to legal proceedings and claims which arise during the ordinary course of business. We review our legal proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews and inspections, and other legal matters on an ongoing basis and follow appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We establish accruals for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and we disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our condensed financial statements to not be misleading. We do not record an accrual when the likelihood of loss being incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the loss is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote, although disclosures will be made for material matters as required by ASC 450-20, Contingencies - Loss Contingencies. Our assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on our assessment and consultation with legal counsel regarding the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals.

As of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, we recorded a liability and related other receivable of $1,529 and $1,904 for a net claim from a customer against work performed by one of our subcontractors during installation which damaged our customer's property. The amount recorded is for probable and reasonably estimated cost to remediate the damage. Our subcontractor has full insurance for such matters, we have claims to a performance bond as additional collateral, and we carry insurance to cover such matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of this claim is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.


18


As of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, a customer was withholding $2,224 of payment claiming we did not perform to the customer's specifications. We believe we have performed to the agreed-upon written specifications, have strong contractual documentation to support our position, and a customer with wherewithal to pay. We believe that we will ultimately prevail in collections. Although our assessment of the loss is remote, a number of factors could change the outcome.
 
For other unresolved legal proceedings or claims, we do not believe there is a reasonable probability that any material loss would be incurred. Accordingly, no material accrual or disclosure of a potential range of loss has been made related to these matters. We do not expect the ultimate liability of these unresolved legal proceedings or claims to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

Warranties:  We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from one to five years for most of our products.  We also offer additional types of warranties to include on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support.  In addition, the terms of warranties on some installations can vary from one to 10 years.  The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary primarily depending on the type of product sold.  We estimate the costs which may be incurred under the contractual warranty obligations (assurance type warranty) and record a liability in the amount of such estimated costs at the time the revenue is recognized.  Factors affecting our estimate of the cost of our warranty obligations include historical experience and expectations of future conditions.  We continually assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accruals and, to the extent we experience any changes in warranty claim activity or costs associated with servicing those claims, our accrued warranty obligation is adjusted accordingly. For service-type warranty contracts, we allocate revenue to this performance obligation and recognize the revenue over time and costs as incurred.

We disclosed a warranty issue in Note 18 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 regarding a mechanical device failure within a module for displays. During the six months ended October 27, 2018 and October 28, 2017, we recognized warranty expense for probable and reasonably estimated costs to remediate this issue of $1,335 and $3,439, respectively. As of October 27, 2018, we had $1,301 remaining accrued warranty and maintenance agreement obligations for the estimate of probable future claims related to this issue. Although many of our contractual warranty arrangements have expired for products with this issue, we may incur additional discretionary costs to maintain customer relationships or for higher than expected failure rates. Accordingly, it is possible that the ultimate cost to resolve this matter may increase and be materially different from the amount of the current estimate and accrual.

Changes in our warranty obligation for the six months ended October 27, 2018 consisted of the following:
 
 
October 27, 2018
Beginning accrued warranty obligations
 
$
29,953

      Warranties issued during the period
 
4,838

      Settlements made during the period
 
(9,201
)
      Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations
 
3,128

Ending accrued warranty obligations
 
$
28,718

 
Performance guarantees:  We have entered into standby letters of credit and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on contracts, primarily construction type contracts.  As of October 27, 2018, we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $11,936 and $5,218, respectively.  Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract.  These performance guarantees have various terms, but are generally one year.

Leases:  We lease vehicles, office space and equipment for various global sales and service locations, including manufacturing space in the United States and China. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The lease for the facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, can be extended for an additional five years past its current term, which ends March 31, 2022, and it contains an option to purchase the property subject to the lease from March 31, 2017 to March 31, 2022 for $9,000, which approximates fair value.  If the lease is extended, the purchase option increases to $9,090 for the year ending March 31, 2023 and $9,180 for the year ending March 31, 2024.  Rental expense for operating leases was $1,724 and $1,715 for the six months ended October 27, 2018 and October 28, 2017, respectively.  

Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at October 27, 2018:

19


Fiscal years ending
 
Amount
2019
 
$
1,611

2020
 
2,770

2021
 
2,398

2022
 
1,646

2023
 
249

Thereafter
 
296

 
 
$
8,970


Purchase commitments:  From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, cloud-based information systems, information technology maintenance and support services, and various other products and services over periods that extend beyond one year.  As of October 27, 2018, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $250 in conditional purchase commitments:
Fiscal years ending
 
Amount
2019
 
$
1,782

2020
 
3,918

2021
 
2,051

2022
 
143

2023
 
113

Thereafter
 
266

 
 
$
8,273


Note 13. Income Taxes

We calculate the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” income or loss (pre-tax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. Due to various factors and operating in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions, our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation. We recorded an effective tax rate expense of 5.8 percent and 0.0 percent for the three and six months ended October 27, 2018, respectively, and an effective tax rate expense of 24.6 percent and 27.5 percent for the three and six months ended October 28, 2017, respectively. The decreases in the effective tax rates, as compared to the same prior year period, are due to tax credits proportionate to pre-tax book income, and a decrease in the federal statutory tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent pursuant to the Tax Act.

Pursuant to the Tax Act, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Act (SAB 118), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year from the enactment date of December 22, 2017. The accounting for the deemed repatriation tax is provisional and incomplete due to continued guidance from the U.S. tax authority and our ongoing analysis of final year-end data and tax positions. This provisional estimate was included in our consolidated financial statements as of April 28, 2018. We did not make any measurement period adjustments during the first six months of fiscal 2019. We expect to complete the analysis within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118. As of October 27, 2018, the accounting for the remeasurement of U.S. deferred tax assets was finalized, resulting in additional tax expense of $12. We have also elected to recognize tax resulting from any Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) inclusion as a period cost if, and when, incurred. We have not previously provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries that have been considered to be reinvested indefinitely. The full effects of the Tax Act require a reassessment of previous indefinite reinvestment assertions with respect to certain jurisdictions. As of October 27, 2018, undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries were considered to have been reinvested indefinitely.

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. Fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 remain open to federal and state income tax examinations.  Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2008. In the event of any future tax assessments, we have elected to record the income taxes and any related interest and penalties as income tax expense on our statement of operations.

As of October 27, 2018, we had $3,360 of unrecognized tax benefits which would reduce our effective tax rate if recognized.


20


Note 14. Fair Value Measurement

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The fair value hierarchy within ASC 820 distinguishes between the following three levels of inputs which may be utilized when measuring fair value.

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (for example, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or market-corroborated input).

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities.

The fair values for fixed-rate long-term receivables are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered for contracts with similar terms to customers with similar credit quality. The carrying amounts reported on our condensed consolidated balance sheets for long-term receivables approximate fair value and have been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.  Fair values for fixed-rate long-term marketing obligations are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation applying interest rates currently being offered for debt with similar terms and underlying collateral.  The total carrying value of long-term marketing obligations as reported on our condensed consolidated balance sheets within other long-term obligations approximates fair value and has been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.

The following table sets forth by Level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Balance as of October 27, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
35,557

 
$

 
$

 
$
35,557

Restricted cash
26

 

 

 
26

Available-for-sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit

 
5,196

 

 
5,196

U.S. Government securities
7,231

 

 

 
7,231

U.S. Government sponsored entities

 
15,986

 

 
15,986

Municipal bonds

 
3,308

 

 
3,308

Derivatives - asset position

 
187

 

 
187

Derivatives - liability position

 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
Contingent liabilities

 

 
(1,338
)
 
(1,338
)
 
$
42,814

 
$
24,670

 
$
(1,338
)
 
$
66,146

Balance as of April 28, 2018
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
29,727

 
$

 
$

 
$
29,727

Restricted cash
28

 

 

 
28

Available-for-sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit

 
8,669

 

 
8,669

U.S. Government securities
992

 

 

 
992

U.S. Government sponsored entities

 
19,949

 

 
19,949

Municipal bonds

 
4,912

 

 
4,912

Derivatives - asset position

 
41

 

 
41

Derivatives - liability position

 
(236
)
 

 
(236
)
Contingent liabilities

 

 
(1,000
)
 
(1,000
)
 
$
30,747

 
$
33,335

 
$
(1,000
)
 
$
63,082


A roll forward of the Level 3 contingent liabilities, both short- and long-term, for the six months ended October 27, 2018 is as follows:

21


Contingent liability as of April 28, 2018
 
$
1,000

Additions
 
1,316

Fair value adjustments (1)
 
(956
)
Interest
 
(7
)
Foreign currency translation
 
(15
)
Contingent liabilities as of October 27, 2018
 
$
1,338

(1) We recorded an adjustment to the contingent consideration liability in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, resulting in an increase in income from operations. The adjustment was caused by a change in the fair value of the contingent liability, which reflected future financial performance measures established by the seller prior to the close of the acquisition.

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

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

Restricted cash: Consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.  The fair value of restricted cash was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Certificates of deposit: Consists of time deposit accounts with original maturities of less than three years and various yields.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments from a third-party financial institution.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

U.S. Government securities:  Consists of U.S. Government treasury bills, notes, and bonds with original maturities of less than three years and various yields. The fair value of these securities was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.

U.S. Government sponsored entities: Consists of Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Bank investment grade debt securities trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments.  The contractual maturities of these investments vary from one month to three years.

Municipal bonds: Consists of investment grade municipal bonds trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The contractual maturities of these investments vary from two to three years.  The fair value of these bonds was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments.

Derivatives – currency forward contracts: Consists of currency forward contracts trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on a valuation from a third-party bank. See "Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments" for more information regarding our derivatives.

Contingent liabilities: Consists of the fair value of liabilities measured on expected future payments relating to business acquisitions if future financial performance measures are achieved.  The contingent liabilities were calculated by estimating the discounted present value of expected future payments for estimated performance measure attainment.  To estimate future performance measure attainment, we utilized significant unobservable inputs as of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018.  The unobservable inputs included management expectations and forecasts for business sales and profits performance and an estimated discount rate based on current borrowing interest rates. To the extent that these assumptions changed, or actual results differed from these estimates, the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities could change from $1,338 to $0 or increase in proportion to increased business performance from this estimate.  The contingent liabilities are presented in the "Current portion of other long-term obligations" and "Other long-term obligations" line items in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
Non-recurring measurements: The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  Certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.

Other measurements using fair value: Some of our financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, long-term receivables, prepaid expense and other assets, contract assets and liabilities, accounts payable, warranty obligations, and other long-term obligations, are reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments

22



We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar.  We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks.  We account for all derivatives on the condensed consolidated balance sheets within accounts receivable or accounts payable measured at fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net investment hedges. As of October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as accounting hedges, and thus we recorded the changes in fair value in "Other (expense) income, net" in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange U.S. dollars at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018 were as follows:
 
October 27, 2018
 
April 28, 2018
 
U.S. Dollars
 
Foreign
Currency
 
U.S.
Dollars
 
Foreign
Currency
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars
3,857

 
5,304

 
1,081

 
1,400

U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars
1,288

 
1,682

 
2,165

 
2,819

U.S. Dollars/British Pounds
2,849

 
2,151

 
5,856

 
4,368

U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars

 

 
236

 
312

U.S. Dollars/Euros

 

 
(854
)
 
(708
)
U.S. Dollars/Swiss Franc

 

 
41

 
40

U.S. Dollars/Malaysian Ringgit
827

 
3,440

 

 


As of October 27, 2018, there was an asset and liability of $187 and $7, respectively, and as of April 28, 2018, there was an asset and liability of $41 and $236, respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

Note 16. Subsequent Events

Effective on November 16, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of one right (a “Right”) for each of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock, no par value per share. The dividend was paid to the shareholders of record at the close of business on November 19, 2018 (the “Record Date”). Each Right entitles the holder, subject to the terms of the “Rights Agreement” (as defined below), to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of one share of the Company’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an initial exercise price of $25.00 per Right, subject to certain adjustments. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement dated as of November 16, 2018 (the “Rights Agreement”) between the Company and Equiniti Trust Company, as Rights Agent, and are more fully described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 2018.


23


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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this Report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future.  These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: (i.) our competition; (ii.) our financing plans; (iii.) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iv.) our growth strategy and operating strategy; (v.) the declaration and payment of dividends; (vi.) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vii.) raw material shortages and lead times; (viii.) fluctuations in margins; (ix.) the seasonality of our business; (x.) the introduction of new products and technology; (xi.) the amount and frequency of warranty claims; (xii.) our ability to manage the impact that new or adjusted tariffs may have on the cost of raw materials and components and our ability to sell product internationally; and (xii.) the timing and magnitude of any acquisitions or dispositions.  The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and those factors discussed in detail in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report. The preparation of these condensed financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to total costs on long-term construction-type contracts, costs to be incurred for product warranties and extended maintenance contracts, bad debts, excess and obsolete inventory, income taxes, share-based compensation, goodwill impairment and contingencies. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

OVERVIEW

We design, manufacture and sell a wide range of display systems to customers throughout the world.  We focus our sales and marketing efforts on markets, geographical regions and products.  Our five business segments consist of four domestic business units and the International business unit.  The four domestic business units consist of Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, all of which include the geographic territories of the United States and Canada. Disclosures related to our business segments are provided in "Note 5. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report.

Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of uniquely configured orders, such as display systems for professional sports facilities, colleges and universities, and spectacular projects in the commercial area, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Uniquely configured orders can include several displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds, each of which can occur on varied schedules per the customer's needs. Outdoor installations sales can be impacted by outdoor weather conditions and the construction season. Our third fiscal quarter tends to be a slower quarter because it includes two holidays, it is affected by sports seasonality, and generally less outdoor construction work occurs due to weather conditions.  

Our gross margins on uniquely configured orders tend to fluctuate more than limited configured orders.  Uniquely configured orders involving competitive bidding and substantial subcontract work for product installation generally have lower gross margins.  Although we follow the over time method of recognizing revenues for uniquely configured orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.

Our remaining performance obligations ("backlog") consist of contractually binding sales agreements or purchase orders for integrated electronic display systems and related products and exclude extended service agreements and service only orders. Orders are included

24


in backlog when we are in receipt of an executed contract and any required deposits or security. As a result, certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be included in backlog until all required contractual documents and deposits are received. Backlog can fluctuate due to large order bookings and the timing and seasonality of net sales. Because order backlog fluctuates and may be subject to extended delivery schedules, orders may be canceled, and orders have varied estimated profitability, our backlog is not necessarily indicative of future net sales or net income.

GENERAL

Our mission is to be the world leader at informing and entertaining audiences through dynamic audio-visual communication systems. We measure our success through estimated market share based on estimated market demand for digital displays and generating profits over the long-term. Our success is contingent on the depth and quality of our products, including related control systems, the depth of our service offerings and our technology serving these market demands.  These qualities are important for our long-term success because our products have finite lifetimes, and we strive to win replacement business from existing customers.

Increases in user adoption, the acceptance of a variety of digital solutions, and the decline of digital solution pricing over the years have increased the size of the global market.  With this positive demand, strong competition exists across all of our business units, which causes margin constraints.  Projects with multimillion-dollar revenue potential also attract competition, which generally reduces profitability.

We organize around customer segments and geographic regions as further described in "Note 5. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report. Each business segment also has unique key growth drivers and challenges.

Commercial Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Commercial business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

Standard display product market growth due to market adoption and lower product costs, which drive marketplace expansion. Standard display products are used to attract or communicate with customers and potential customers of retail, commercial, and other establishments.  Pricing and economic conditions are the principal factors that impact our success in this business unit. We utilize a reseller network to distribute our standard products.
National accounts standard display market opportunities due to customers' desire to communicate their message, advertising and content consistently across the country. Increased demand is possible from retailers, quick serve restaurants, petroleum businesses, and other nationwide organizations.
Increasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment venues such as casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships and Times Square type locations.
Dynamic messaging systems demand growth due to market adoption and marketplace expansion.
The use of architectural lighting products for commercial buildings, which real estate owners use to add accents or effects to an entire side or circumference of a building to communicate messages or to decorate the building.
The continued deployment of digital billboards as Out-of-Home ("OOH") advertising companies continue developing new sites and replacing digital billboards which are reaching end of life.  This is dependent on there being no adverse changes in the digital billboard regulatory environment restricting future deployments of billboards, as well as maintaining our current market share of the business concentrated in a few large OOH companies.
Replacement cycles within each of these areas.

Live Events Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Live Events business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

Facilities spending more on larger display systems to enhance the game-day and event experience for attendees.
Lower product costs, driving an expansion of the marketplace.
Our product and service offerings, which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry.
The competitive nature of sports teams, which strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems.
The desire for high-definition video displays, which typically drives larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which increase the average transaction size.
Dynamic messaging systems needs throughout a sports facility.
Replacement cycles within each of these areas.

High School Park and Recreation Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the High School Park and Recreation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

Increased demand for video systems in high schools as school districts realize the revenue generating potential of these displays versus traditional scoreboards.

25


Increased demand for different types of displays and dynamic messaging systems, such as message centers at schools to communicate to students, parents and the broader community.
The use of more sophisticated displays in school athletic facilities, such as large integrated video systems.

Transportation Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Transportation business unit will result from increasing applications and acceptance of electronic displays to manage transportation systems, including roadway, airport, parking, transit and other applications. Effective use of the United States transportation infrastructure requires intelligent transportation systems. This growth is highly dependent on government spending, primarily by state and federal governments, along with the continuing acceptance of private/public partnerships as an alternative funding source. Growth is also expected in dynamic messaging systems for advertising and way-finding use in public transport and airport terminals.

International Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the International business unit will result from achieving greater penetration in various geographies and building products more suited to individual markets. We continue to broaden our product offerings into the transportation segment in Europe and the Middle East. We also focus on sports facility, spectacular-type, and third-party advertising market opportunities and the factors listed in each of the other business units to the extent they apply outside of the United States and Canada.

Each of our business units is impacted by adverse economic conditions in different ways and to different degrees.  The effects of an adverse economy are generally less severe on our sports related business as compared to our other businesses, although in severe economic downturns, the sports business also can be seriously impacted. Our Commercial and International business units are highly dependent on economic conditions in general.

The cost to manufacture and the selling prices of our products have decreased over time and are expected to continue to decrease in the future. As a result, each year we must sell more product to generate the same or greater level of net sales as in previous fiscal years. This price decline has been significant as a result of increased competition across all business units.

Our Annual Report discloses Risk Factors we face, including exposure to geopolitical, economic, and social changes. For fiscal year 2019, while we remain optimistic about long-term growth in the digital display industry, the recent U.S. Administrative trade actions, including tariffs and sanctions, and related reactions and responses outside the U.S. is very dynamic.  This environment has created volatility, such as increases in pricing and demand of aluminum, electrical, and other components we use in the production of our products. We continue to monitor the situation and evaluate ways to minimize these impacts through vendor negotiations, alternative sources, and potential price adjustments. We also expect some of the measures being contemplated by various governments will create market reactions, possibly having significant financial impact in future quarters.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2018 AND OCTOBER 28, 2017

Net Sales
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
Dollar Change
 
Percent Change
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Commercial
$
46,069

 
$
34,377

 
$
11,692

 
34.0
 %
    Live Events
55,099

 
68,653

 
(13,554
)
 
(19.7
)
    High School Park and Recreation
31,580

 
29,660

 
1,920

 
6.5

    Transportation
18,077

 
16,476

 
1,601

 
9.7

    International
21,867

 
20,143

 
1,724

 
8.6

 
$
172,692

 
$
169,309

 
$
3,383

 
2.0
 %
Orders:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

    Commercial
$
46,731

 
$
39,134

 
$
7,597

 
19.4
 %
    Live Events
43,641

 
43,730

 
(89
)
 
(0.2
)
    High School Park and Recreation
18,445

 
14,737

 
3,708

 
25.2

    Transportation
21,279

 
14,245

 
7,034

 
49.4

    International
21,260

 
30,414

 
(9,154
)
 
(30.1
)
 
$
151,356

 
$
142,260

 
$
9,096

 
6.4
 %


26


Commercial: The increase in net sales for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the timing of large custom projects in the spectacular niche, increased order volumes in the on-premise niche, and an increase in the OOH niche shipment activity due to customer demand.

The increase in orders for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of volatility in order timing of large custom projects in the spectacular niche, an increased demand in the on-premise niche, and orders in the OOH niche remained relatively flat quarter over quarter.

Live Events:  The decrease in net sales for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the size and timing of large contracts for arenas, professional sports, and colleges and universities. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we recognized more than $12 million in sales on four projects, with no similar sized projects in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

Orders for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago remained relatively flat.

High School Park and Recreation: The increase in net sales for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to increased shipments of scoring systems and message centers as a result of increased market activity and the timing of customer demand.

Orders increased for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to overall strong market demand and an increase in projects for larger video systems.
   
Transportation: The increase in net sales for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the variability of large order production timing caused by customer project schedules.

Orders for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago increased primarily due to variability caused by large order timing and continued demand for intelligent transportation systems.

International:  Net sales for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago increased primarily due to the timing of recognizing revenue on sports stadium projects.

Orders decreased for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to the variability of timing caused by large projects.

Product Order Backlog

The product order backlog as of October 27, 2018 was $150 million as compared to $155 million as of October 28, 2017 and $177 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2019.  Historically, our product order backlog varies due to the seasonality of our business, the timing of large projects, and customer delivery schedules for these orders.  The product order backlog as of October 27, 2018 increased from October 28, 2017 in our Commercial, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units and decreased in our Live Events and International business units.

Gross Profit
 
Three Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
 Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
 
 
 Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Commercial
$
11,757

 
25.5
%
 

 
$
5,271

 
15.3
%
Live Events
12,312

 
22.3

 

 
16,255

 
23.7

High School Park and Recreation
9,759

 
30.9

 

 
10,553

 
35.6

Transportation
6,140

 
34.0

 

 
6,181

 
37.5

International
2,789

 
12.8

 

 
4,344

 
21.6

 
$
42,757

 
24.8
%
 

 
$
42,604

 
25.2
%


27


Gross profit is net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of inventory, consumables, salaries, other employee-related costs, facilities-related costs for manufacturing locations, machinery and equipment maintenance and depreciation, site sub-contractors, warranty costs, and other service delivery expenses.

The decrease in our gross profit percentage for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to an increase in commodity costs, partly offset by lower warranty expenses. Total warranty as a percent of sales decreased to 2.5% for the three months ended October 27, 2018 as compared to 3.9% during the three months ended October 28, 2017. The following describes the overall impact by business unit:

Commercial:  The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was due to lower warranty expenses, higher sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs, and a $1.0 million adjustment of the contingent liability related to a prior acquisition earn out provision.

Live Events: The gross profit percent decrease for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was due to lower sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs, partly offset by lower warranty expenses.

High School Park and Recreation:  The gross profit percent decrease for the three months ended October 27, 2018 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to competitive bidding on several large projects and a change in sales mix, partly offset by higher sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs and lower warranty expenses.
 
Transportation:  The gross profit percent decrease for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the receipt in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 of a supplier reimbursement for a component issue with no similar receipt in the second quarter of the current fiscal year and an increase in manufacturing expense due to a component issue in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. These changes are partly offset by higher sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs.

International:  The gross profit percent decrease for the three months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of higher warranty expenses and the $1.2 million gain from the sale of our non-digital assets that was recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

Contribution Margin
 
Three Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
7,050

 
15.3
 %
 
1,071.1
 %
 
$
602

 
1.8
%
Live Events
8,918

 
16.2

 
(30.6
)
 
12,854

 
18.7

High School Park and Recreation
6,706

 
21.2

 
(14.1
)
 
7,810

 
26.3

Transportation
4,991

 
27.6

 
(1.7
)
 
5,079

 
30.8

International
(1,033
)
 
(4.7
)
 
(213.6
)
 
909

 
4.5

 
$
26,632

 
15.4
 %
 
(2.3
)%
 
$
27,254

 
16.1
%
 
Contribution margin is comprised of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demonstrations, customer relationship management systems, and supplies.

Contribution margin is impacted by the previously discussed sales and gross margin for each business unit. The impact of changes in selling expenses on each business unit's contribution margin is as follows:

Selling expense in our High School Park and Recreation business unit increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the same quarter a year ago due to an increase in the allocation of shared resources to this market's selling efforts. Selling expense in our International business unit increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the same quarter a year ago due to increased personnel related expenses.

Selling expense in our Commercial, Live Events, and Transportation business units remained relatively flat during the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the same quarter a year ago.


28


Other Operating Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
General and administrative
$
8,574

 
5.0
%
 
(3.3
)%
 
$
8,868

 
5.2
%
Product design and development
$
9,039

 
5.2
%
 
1.0
 %
 
$
8,948

 
5.3
%

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

General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 decreased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to a decrease in professional fees.

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional services, facilities costs and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product design and development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points. We plan to make continued investments in our software and controller capabilities throughout our various product offerings. Through all design efforts, we focus on standardizing display components and control systems for both single site and network displays.  

Our costs for product design and development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, professional services, materials costs and the overhead of our engineering departments.  Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product design and development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in cost of sales.

Product design and development expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 remained relatively flat as compared to the same period one year ago. To deliver value to our customers and serve the markets' expectations, we expect a similar level of expenditures for new or enhanced customer solutions for the remainder of fiscal 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.

Other Income and Expenses 
 
Three Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Interest income, net
$
186

 
0.1
 %
 
78.8
 %
 
$
104

 
0.1
 %
Other (expense) income, net
$
(66
)
 
 %
 
(24.1
)%
 
$
(87
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
Interest income, net:  We generate interest income through short-term cash investments, marketable securities, and product sales on an installment basis or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which result in long-term receivables.  Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest costs on long-term marketing obligations.

The change in interest income, net for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the change in investment levels caused by the volatility of working capital needs.

Other (expense) income, net:  The change in other income and expense, net for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to foreign currency volatility and the losses recorded from an equity method affiliate.

Income Taxes

We calculate the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” income or loss (pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. Due to various factors, including operations in multiple jurisdictions worldwide, our effective rate is subject to fluctuation. We have recorded a tax rate expense of 5.8 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 as compared to an effective tax rate expense of 24.6 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease in the effective tax rate, as compared to the same prior year period, is due to tax credits proportionate to pre-tax book income, and a decrease in the federal statutory tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent pursuant to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”).

29



COMPARISON OF THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2018 AND OCTOBER 28, 2017

Net Sales
 
Six Months Ended
(in thousands)
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
Dollar Change
 
Percent Change
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Commercial
$
76,638

 
$
67,240

 
$
9,398

 
14.0
 %
    Live Events
104,571

 
146,265

 
(41,694
)
 
(28.5
)
    High School Park and Recreation
59,700

 
58,139

 
1,561

 
2.7

    Transportation
35,234

 
35,388

 
(154
)
 
(0.4
)
    International
50,737

 
35,005

 
15,732

 
44.9

 
$
326,880

 
$
342,037

 
$
(15,157
)
 
(4.4
)%
Orders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

    Commercial
$
82,523

 
$
69,071

 
$
13,452

 
19.5
 %
    Live Events
83,036

 
105,335

 
(22,299
)
 
(21.2
)
    High School Park and Recreation
56,894

 
46,917

 
9,977

 
21.3

    Transportation
43,195

 
23,514

 
19,681

 
83.7

    International
45,318

 
50,504

 
(5,186
)
 
(10.3
)
 
$
310,966

 
$
295,341

 
$
15,625

 
5.3
 %

Commercial: Net sales for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago increased as a result of timing of large custom projects in the spectacular niche, increased order volumes in the on-premise niche, and an increase in the OOH niche shipments.

The increase in orders for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of the volatility in order timing of large custom projects in the spectacular niche and an increased demand in the on-premise niche.

Live Events:  The decrease in net sales for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the size and timing of large contracts for arenas, professional sports, and colleges and universities. During the first six months of fiscal 2018, we recognized more than $28 million in sales on five projects, with no similar sized projects in the first six months of fiscal 2019.

Orders decreased for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to decreased number of projects in professional sports venues and due to an order cancellation. During the first six months of fiscal 2018, we were awarded three projects each valued at over $5 million as compared to no projects valued at over $5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2019.

High School Park and Recreation: The increase in net sales for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to increased shipments of scoring systems and message centers as a result of increased market activity and timing of customer demand.

Orders increased for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to overall strong market demand and an increase in projects with larger video systems.
 
Transportation: Net sales for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago remained relatively flat.

Orders increased for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to variability caused by large order timing and continued demand for intelligent transportation systems.

International:  Net sales increased in our International business unit for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago mainly due to the timing of recognizing revenue on spectacular and sports stadium projects.

Orders decreased for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to the variability of timing caused by large projects.


30


Gross Profit
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
 Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
 
 
 Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Commercial
$
18,651

 
24.3
%
 
 
 
$
13,539

 
20.1
%
Live Events
22,545

 
21.6

 
 
 
33,309

 
22.8

High School Park and Recreation
19,261

 
32.3

 
 
 
20,904

 
36.0

Transportation
11,591

 
32.9

 
 
 
13,126

 
37.1

International
8,956

 
17.7

 
 
 
6,372

 
18.2

 
$
81,004

 
24.8
%
 
 
 
$
87,250

 
25.5
%

Gross profit is net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of inventory, consumables, salaries, other employee-related costs, facilities-related costs for manufacturing locations, machinery and equipment maintenance and depreciation, site sub-contractors, warranty costs, and other service delivery expenses.

The decrease in our gross profit percentage for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of the changes described below:

Commercial:  The gross profit percent increase for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of lower warranty expenses, higher sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs, and the $1.0 million adjustment of the contingent liability related to a prior acquisition earnout provision.

Live Events: The gross profit percent decrease for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of lower sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs, partly offset by lower warranty expenses.

High School Park and Recreation:  The gross profit percent decrease for the six months ended October 27, 2018 as compared to the same period one year ago primarily was due to competitive bidding on large projects and a change in sales mix, partly offset by lower warranty expenses.
 
Transportation:  The gross profit percent decrease for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the receipt in the first six months of the prior fiscal year of a supplier reimbursement for a component issue with no similar receipt in the first six months of the current fiscal year and an increase in manufacturing expense due to a component issue in the current fiscal year.

International:  The gross profit percent decrease for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of higher warranty expenses and the $1.2 million gain from the sale of our non-digital assets that was recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, partly offset by higher sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs.

Contribution Margin
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
9,524

 
12.4
%
 
128.1
 %
 
$
4,176

 
6.2
 %
Live Events
15,903

 
15.2

 
(40.2
)
 
26,590

 
18.2

High School Park and Recreation
13,258

 
22.2

 
(14.8
)
 
15,557

 
26.8

Transportation
9,286

 
26.4

 
(15.5
)
 
10,987

 
31.0

International
530

 
1.0

 
(251.9
)
 
(349
)
 
(1.0
)
 
$
48,501

 
14.8
%
 
(14.9
)%
 
$
56,961

 
16.7
 %

Contribution margin is comprised of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demonstrations, customer relationship management systems, and supplies.


31


Contribution margin is impacted by the previously discussed sales and gross margin for each business unit. The impact of changes in selling expenses on each business unit's contribution margin is as follows:

Selling expense in our High School Park and Recreation business unit increased in the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to a change in the allocation of resources to this market's selling efforts. Selling expense in our International business unit increased in the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to third-party commissions and increased personnel related expenses.

Selling expenses in our Commercial, Live Events, and Transportation business units remained relatively flat in the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago.

Other Operating Expenses
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
General and administrative
$
17,111

 
5.2
%
 
(3.9
)%
 
$
17,803

 
5.2
%
Product design and development
$
18,331

 
5.6
%
 
1.9
 %
 
$
17,995

 
5.3
%

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

General and administrative expenses in the six months ended October 27, 2018 decreased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to a decrease in professional fees.

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional services, facilities costs and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product design and development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points. We plan to make continued investments in our software and controller capabilities throughout our various product offerings. Through all design efforts, we focus on standardizing display components and control systems for both single site and network displays.  

Our costs for product design and development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, professional services, materials costs and the overhead of our engineering departments.  Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product design and development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in cost of sales.

Product design and development expenses in the six months ended October 27, 2018 as compared to the same period one year ago increased primarily due to increased labor costs and professional services assigned to product design and development projects relating to our strategy to accelerate the deployment of products and solutions to our markets. To deliver value to our customers and serve the markets' expectations, we expect a similar level of expenditures for new or enhanced customer solutions for the remainder of fiscal 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.

Other Income and Expenses 
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27, 2018
 
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Percent Change
 
Amount
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Interest income, net
$
344

 
0.1
 %
 
50.2
 %
 
$
229

 
0.1
%
Other (expense) income, net
$
(220
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
(479.3
)%
 
$
58

 
%

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

The change in interest income, net in the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the change in investment levels caused by the volatility of working capital needs and changes in investing and financing activities.

32



Other (expense) income, net:  The change in other income and expense, net for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to foreign currency volatility and the losses recorded from an equity method affiliate.

Income Taxes

We calculate the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” income or loss (pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. Due to various factors, including operations in multiple jurisdictions worldwide, our effective rate is subject to fluctuation. We have recorded a tax rate expense of 0.0 percent for the six months ended October 27, 2018 as compared to an effective tax rate of 27.5 percent for the six months ended October 28, 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate, as compared to the same prior year period, is due to tax credits proportionate to pre-tax book income, and a decrease in the federal statutory tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent pursuant to the Tax Act.


33


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
 
Percent Change
(in thousands)
Net cash (used in) provided by:
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
22,557

 
$
9,338

 
141.6
 %
Investing activities
(9,930
)
 
4,460

 
(322.6
)
Financing activities
(6,872
)
 
(7,024
)
 
(2.2
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
73

 
113

 
(35.4
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
5,828

 
$
6,887

 
(15.4
)%

Net cash provided by operating activities:  Operating cash flows consist primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes and the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $22.6 million for the first six months of fiscal 2019 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $9.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018. The $13.3 million increase in cash from operating activities from the first six months of fiscal 2018 to the first six months of fiscal 2019 was the net result of changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $15.1 million, a $1.0 million adjustment of the contingent liability, $0.4 million in depreciation and amortization, $0.2 million in deferred income taxes, and $0.1 million in other non-cash items, net, adjusted by $2.4 million decrease in net income and a $1.1 million gain on the sale of property, equipment and other assets.

The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
 
Six Months Ended
 
October 27,
2018
 
October 28,
2017
(Increase) decrease:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
$
(15,663
)
 
$
(29,851
)
Long-term receivables
711

 
719

Inventories
5,225

 
(4,470
)
Contract assets
82

 
5,101

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
587

 
(14
)
Income tax receivables
(683
)
 
(1,114
)
Investment in affiliates and other assets
57

 
220

Increase (decrease):
 
 
 
Current marketing obligations and other payables
45

 
(481
)
Accounts payable
(2,141
)
 
(1,282
)
Contract liabilities
9,226

 
8,831

Accrued expenses
3,379

 
3,176

Warranty obligations
(878
)
 
1,867

Long-term warranty obligations
(348
)
 
1,419

Income taxes payable
(176
)
 
(18
)
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables
209

 
401

 
$
(368
)
 
$
(15,496
)

Overall, changes in operating assets and liabilities can be impacted by the timing of cash flows on large orders, which can cause significant short-term and seasonal fluctuations in inventory, accounts receivables, accounts payable, contract assets and liabilities, and various other operating assets and liabilities. Variability in contract assets and liabilities relates to the timing of billings on construction-type contracts and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms and build and installation schedules. Balances are also impacted by the seasonality of the sports markets.

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities: Net cash used in investing activities totaled $9.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2019 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $4.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018. Marketable securities, net totaled $2.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2019 as compared $10.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $9.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2019 compared to $7.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018. Proceeds from the sale of property, equipment and other assets totaled $0.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2019 compared to $2.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018; this was mostly related to the sale of our non-digital division assets

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in the first six months of fiscal 2018. During the first six months of fiscal 2019, we had a net cash outflow of $2.3 million for the acquisition of assets of AJT Systems, Inc.

Net cash used in financing activities:  Net cash used in financing activities was $6.9 million for the six months ended October 27, 2018 compared to $7.0 million in the same period one year ago. Principal payments on long-term obligations for the six months ended October 27, 2018 was $0.4 million compared to $1.0 million during the first six months of fiscal 2018, which was mostly related to a contingent liability payment. Dividends of $6.3 million, or $0.14 per share, were paid to Daktronics shareholders during the first six months of fiscal 2019, as compared to dividends of $6.2 million, or $0.14 per share, paid to Daktronics shareholders during the first six months of fiscal 2018.

Other Liquidity and Capital Resources Discussion: We had $5.4 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and contract assets as of October 27, 2018, which we expect to collect within one year.

Working capital was $137.1 million and $132.8 million at October 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018, respectively.  The changes in working capital, particularly changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and contract assets and liabilities, and the seasonality of the sports market can have a significant impact on the amount of net cash provided by operating activities largely due to the timing of payments and receipts. We have historically financed working capital needs through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings under bank credit agreements.

We have used and expect to continue to use cash balances to meet our short-term working capital requirements.  On large product orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to and exceed 12 months depending on the amount of custom work and a customer’s delivery needs.  We often receive down payments or progress payments on these product orders.  To the extent these payments are not sufficient to fund the costs and other expenses associated with these orders, we use working capital and bank borrowings to finance these cash requirements.

On November 15, 2016, we entered into a credit agreement and a related revolving note with a U.S. bank. The agreement and note have a maturity date of November 15, 2019. The revolving amount of the agreement and note is $35.0 million, including up to $15.0 million for commercial and standby letters of credits. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 145 basis points to LIBOR plus 195 basis points depending on the ratio of our interest-bearing debt to EBITDA.  EBITDA is defined as net income before deductions for interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.  The effective interest rate was 3.7 percent at October 27, 2018.  We are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum on any unused portion of the loan.  As of October 27, 2018, there were no advances to us under the loan portion of the line of credit, and the balance of letters of credit outstanding was approximately $10.6 million.

The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to be in compliance with the following financial ratios:
A minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year.  The ratio is equal to (a) EBITDA minus the sum of dividends or other distributions (unless the bank approves), share repurchases, a maintenance capital expenditure reserve in the amount of $6.0 million, and income tax to (b) all principal and interest payments with respect to indebtedness, excluding principal payments on the line of credit; and
A ratio of funded debt, excluding any marketing obligations, to EBITDA of less than 1 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter.

On November 15, 2016, we entered into an amended and restated loan agreement and a continuing and unlimited guaranty agreement with another U.S. bank which supports our credit needs outside of the United States. The loan and guaranty have a maturity date of November 15, 2019. The revolving amount of the loan is $20.0 million. We intend to use the borrowings under the agreement to support credit needs for general corporate purposes outside the United States.  This credit agreement is unsecured.  It contains the same covenants as the credit agreement on the line of credit and contains an inter creditor agreement whereby the debt has a cross default provision with the primary credit agreement. Total credit allowed between the two credit agreements is limited to $55.0 million. The interest rate is equal to LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. As of October 27, 2018, there were no advances outstanding under the loan agreement and approximately $1.4 million in bank guarantees under this line of credit.

As of October 27, 2018, we were in compliance with all applicable bank loan covenants.

We utilize cash on hand to pay dividends to our investors. The following table summarizes the quarterly dividends declared and/or paid since the prior fiscal year end of April 28, 2018:

Date Declared
Record Date
Payment Date
Amount per Share
May 31, 2018
June 11, 2018
June 21, 2018
$0.07
September 6, 2018
September 17, 2018
September 27, 2018
$0.07


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Although we expect to continue to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, the nature and amounts of dividends will be reviewed regularly and declared by the Board at its discretion.

We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have a bonding line available through a surety company for an aggregate of $150.0 million in bonded work outstanding. If we were unable to complete the work and our customer would call upon the bond for payment, the surety company would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. At October 27, 2018, we had $5.2 million of bonded work outstanding against this line.

Our business growth and profitability improvement strategies depend on investments in capital expenditures. We are projecting capital expenditures to be less than $20.0 million for all of fiscal 2019 for purchases of manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production, expanded capacity, investments in quality and reliability equipment, and continued information infrastructure investments.

We believe our working capital available from all sources will be adequate to meet the cash requirements of our operations in the foreseeable future. If our growth extends beyond current expectations, profitability does not continue, or if we make any strategic investments, we may need to increase our credit facilities or seek other means of financing.  We anticipate we will be able to obtain any needed funds under commercially reasonable terms from our current lenders or other sources, although this availability cannot be guaranteed.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

There has been no material change in our off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations since the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018. For additional information, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

We describe our significant accounting policies in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018. We discuss our critical accounting estimates in "Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018. In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted new revenue recognition guidance, as described in "Note 1. Basis of Presentation" of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report. There have been no other significant changes in our significant accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since the end of fiscal 2018.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects of those pronouncements on our financial results, refer to "Note 1. Basis of Presentation" of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to certain interest rate, foreign currency, and commodity risks as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018. There have no material changes in our exposure to these risks during the first six months of fiscal 2019.

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures,” as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of October 27, 2018, which is the end of the period covered by this Report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of October 27, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Based on the evaluation described in the foregoing paragraph, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that during the quarter ended October 27, 2018, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting which has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Not applicable.


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Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The discussion of our business and operations included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read together with the risk factors described in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018.  They describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties, together with other factors described elsewhere in this Report, have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner.  New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict those risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial condition or financial results.

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

Share Repurchases

During the six months ended October 27, 2018, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock.

Item 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

Item 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

Item 6.   EXHIBITS

A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this report is set forth in the Index of Exhibits, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURES

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



 
 
/s/ Sheila M. Anderson
 
 
Daktronics, Inc.
 
 
Sheila M. Anderson
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer and
 
 
Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
Date:
November 26, 2018
 



38


Index to Exhibits

Certain of the following exhibits are incorporated by reference from prior filings.  The form with which each exhibit was filed and the date of filing are as indicated below; the reports described below are filed as Commission File No. 0-23246 unless otherwise indicated.

101
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 27, 2018 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vii) document and entity information. (1)
 
(1)
Filed herewith electronically.

39