UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549




FORM 10-K


(Mark One)


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




For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010


or


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





For the transition period from _____________________ to ___________________________




Commission file number 0-8771




EVANS & SUTHERLAND COMPUTER CORPORATION


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)





Utah

87-0278175(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employerincorporation or organization)

Identification No.)





770 Komas Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah

84108(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)





Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:801-588-1000




Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


NONE


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:


Title of Each Class


Common Stock, $0.20 par value





Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  ̈ Yes  x No





Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.   ̈ Yes  x No





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.       x Yes        ̈ No





Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  ̈ Yes   ̈ No





Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x





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





Large accelerated filer  ̈
Accelerated filer  ̈
Non-accelerated filer  ̈
Smaller reporting company x(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)





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





The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 2, 2010 the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $1,582,243 based on the closing sale price of $0.43  as reported by the Over-the-Counter Market. Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding common stock, based on Schedule 13D and 13G filings, have been excluded since such persons may be deemed affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination of affiliate status for other purposes.





The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2011 was 11,089,199.







DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:





Certain information from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference into Part III hereof.









EVANS & SUTHERLAND COMPUTER CORPORATION


FORM 10-K


FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010





PART IITEM 1.

BUSINESS


4ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES


7ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


8ITEM 4.

RESERVED


8PART IIITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


9ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


10ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


20ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS AND ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


43ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


43ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION


43PART IIIITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


44ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


44ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


45ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


45ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES


45PART IVITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


46SIGNATURES


50




3




PART I





ITEM 1.         BUSINESS




Throughout this document Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation may be referred to as “Evans & Sutherland,” “E&S,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company.”  All dollar amounts are in thousands unless otherwise indicated.




Evans & Sutherland was incorporated in the state of Utah on May 10, 1968.  Our principal offices are located at 770 Komas Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, and our telephone number is (801) 588-1000.  Through a link on our website, www.es.com, we make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  We make our website content available for informational purposes only.  The information provided on our website is not incorporated by
reference into this Form 10-K and our website address is not intended to be a hyperlink.  The above reports and other information are also available, free of charge, at www.sec.gov.  Alternatively, the public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.




General




Evans & Sutherland focuses on the production of high-quality advanced visual display systems used primarily in full-dome video projection applications, dome projection screens, dome architectural treatments, and unique content for planetariums, schools, science centers, other educational institutions, and entertainment venues.  With a 42-year history in computer graphics, we are widely regarded as both a pioneer and a leader in providing the world’s most compelling full-dome digital theater and planetarium systems as well as original full-dome shows.  With our subsidiary, Spitz, Inc., and its over 60-year history as a leading supplier of planetarium systems, dome projection screens and other dome displays, E&S supplies premier total system solutions for its digital theater markets
as well as customized domes and other unique geometric structures in the architectural market.





We continue to maintain a significant share of the overall planetarium and digital theater market. We estimate that our market share has ranged from 35% to 70%, depending on the specific market and time period.  We estimate that the size of the market for digital theater and planetarium systems is approximately $65 million annually.





Description of Products




E&S offers a range of products and services primarily for dome and planetarium theaters in educational institutions, training, and entertainment venues.  These products include state of the art planetarium and dome theater systems consisting of proprietary hardware and software, and other unique visual display systems primarily used to project digital video on large curved surfaces.  We also produce unique show content both for our own library which we license to customers and for specific customer requirements for planetarium and dome theaters.  Additionally we manufacture and install metal domes with customized optical coatings and acoustical properties that are used for planetarium and dome theaters as well as many other unique custom applications.  Our dome
engineering and manufacturing resources also design and supply geometrically complex structures for customized architectural treatments, often involving curved metal shapes with unique optical and acoustical properties.




Description of Markets




We are an industry leader in providing full-dome hardware and software to an international customer base in the digital theater, planetarium, entertainment, training and educational markets.    In each of these markets we face highly competitive conditions where we compete on features, performance, and responsiveness to customer needs as well as on price.  E&S is unique among its competitors by virtue of its capability as a single source that can directly supply and integrate all of the equipment in the planetarium theater, including the projection system, sound, lighting, computer control system and domed projection screen.  We believe our range of visual systems and services at various price and performance levels, our research and development investments and
capabilities, our responsiveness to customers, and our ability to design and manufacture value-added visual systems enable us to compete effectively. Our competitive strengths with visual systems and services aid the sale of our dome projection screens as customers often require a new dome projection screen with their visual system. We also believe our capabilities to design and manufacture domes and certain other architectural structures are very unique and enable us to compete effectively in all of the markets where these products are sold.




4




Digital Theater




In the digital theater market our products compete with traditional optical-mechanical products and digital display systems offered by GOTO Optical Mfg. Co., Konica-Minolta Planetarium Co. Ltd., Carl Zeiss Inc., Global Immersion Limited and Sky-Skan, Inc. The Company’s digital display systems can be configured with the proprietary Evans & Sutherland Laser Projector (“ESLP”) or standard commercial projectors similar to systems sold by our competitors.  Our proprietary Digistar 4 full-dome digital system, along with other customized software tools differentiate our digital theater systems and competes favorably with competitive digital display systems. Our SciDome planetarium system, which uses a dome theater version of a retail desktop astronomy product with curriculum tools for
teachers, creates a unique competitive advantage when targeting smaller classroom planetarium theaters.




Advanced Displays




Our capabilities and products sometimes are used for special advance display applications primarily for wide audiences in specialty theaters and other visitor attractions. This includes the integration of the most advanced video projectors with customized lenses, software and unique application techniques to serve customers who are in search of extraordinary display of visual content. Our competition in these markets includes various specialty audio visual systems integrators and alternative solutions using other technologies.




Domed Structures




Our Spitz subsidiary is the world's leading producer of domed projection screens. At Spitz we design, manufacture, and install domed projection screens used in planetarium theaters and a variety of other applications such as ride simulators, special or large format film theaters, simulation training systems and architectural treatments. We have developed proprietary dome products such as our NanoSeam dome which we believe provides the smoothest, most uniform projection surface available. Our experience with dome projection screens enables us to advise on the architectural integration of domed projection screens and solve complex optical problems involving reflectivity and image distortion on compound curved surfaces. We believe that these skills are important to buyers of domed projection screens. The principal
customers in our dome business are entities in the entertainment, educational and commercial and military simulation markets. Customers include major theme parks, casinos, world expositions, museums, schools, and military defense contractors. There is currently one known domestic competitor that manufactures domed projection screens. In addition, construction or metal fabrication contractors occasionally supply domed projection screens, particularly in foreign markets. The structures we design and supply for architectural treatments are sold as complements to our dome screen products or into the architectural market for a wide variety of interesting venues. Competition for our architectural treatment products usually comes from construction or metal fabrication contractors often with an alternative design idea.


Intellectual Property





We own a significant number of patents and trademarks and we are a licensee under several others.  Our portfolio of patents and trademarks, as a whole, contributes to our business.  However, no one piece of intellectual property is critical to our business, thus no individual piece of our intellectual property is separately discussed.  In the U.S. and internationally, we hold active patents that cover many aspects of our visualization technology.  Several patent applications are presently pending in the U.S., Japan and several European countries, and other patent applications are in preparation. We actively pursue patents on our new technology and we intend to vigorously protect our patent rights.  We often trademark key product names and brand names to protect our equity in the
marketplace. We routinely copyright software, documentation and chip masks designed by us and institute copyright registration when appropriate.  Currently we retain a total of 33 active U.S. patents, and have licenses to additional U.S. patents.


5




Research & Development





We consider the timely development and improvement of our technology to be essential to maintain our competitive position and to capitalize on market opportunities.  We continue to fund essentially all research and development (“R&D”) efforts internally.




R&D efforts continue to improve Digistar 4, the current generation of our popular full-dome digital system and a key component to our planetarium and dome theater products.  We are also exploring the possibility of other commercial applications for Digistar technology. We conduct ongoing R&D to improve the functionality of SciDome to keep pace with updated versions of the desktop software it emulates and to take advantage of the latest digital display and theater technology. Some noteworthy specific R&D activities for our advance display and planetarium products include the development of unique techniques to display three dimensional digital video and the expansion of educational curriculum tools to cover new subject matter in addition to astronomy such as chemistry and earth
sciences.  We continue to develop improvements to our dome products including optical coatings and ways to make the projection surface more uniform.  There are also R&D efforts ongoing to enhance components of the systems we sell, such as improvements to theater lighting.




We continually work with the new digital projection technologies to develop advanced visual display systems primarily to be used by wide audiences in specialty theaters and other visitor attractions. This includes the integration of the most advanced video projectors with customized lenses, software and unique application techniques to serve customers who are in search of extraordinary display of visual content.




We began work in 1997 to build a new generation of projection technology with specifications beyond any other technology either available or likely in the foreseeable future.  This goal evolved into the production of a revolutionary projector using lasers for illumination and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) to modulate the laser light and create an image.  The result is our proprietary ESLP System, which was first delivered late in 2005, with additional units delivered in each year since to our traditional simulation and digital theater customers.  There are currently ten ESLP systems in use at our customer sites, including one delivered in 2010.  We recently evaluated the resources available to continue R&D activities on our laser projector technology along with
the market interest in laser projector products among the many other developing digital projection technologies. This evaluation concluded that our resources were not sufficient to continue the laser R&D efforts at the level which we believed was necessary to achieve our goal of reaching new markets. We also concluded that the other commercially available digital projector technologies combined with our other products and capabilities provided opportunities to continue to improve and expand our planetarium, digital theater and advance display products.   As a result, in 2010 we significantly reduced our R&D resources and their focus on laser projector products. We have retained resources sufficient to support the existing ESLP product but have significantly curtailed efforts to expand the capability of our laser projection products for other markets. We continue to explore the possibilities of various opportunities for our laser projector technology through
partnering and licensing arrangements.




Dependence on Suppliers




Most of our current parts and assemblies are readily available through multiple sources in the open market; however, a limited number are available only from a single source.  In these cases, we either stock adequate inventory to cover future product demands, obtain the agreement of the vendor to maintain adequate stock for future demands, or develop alternative components or sources where appropriate.




Employees




As of December 31, 2010, Evans & Sutherland and its subsidiaries employed a total of 102 persons of which 97 were employed fulltime.




Environmental Standards




We believe our facilities and operations are within standards fully acceptable to the Environmental Protection Agency and that all facilities and procedures are operated in accordance with environmental rules and regulations, and international, federal, state and local laws.




Strategic Relationships




In the normal course of business we develop and maintain various types of relationships with key customers and technology partners.  The teaming agreements are with industry partners and are intended to improve our overall competitive position.  The product development agreements enhance our products by the cooperative development of new features and capabilities necessary to maintain our industry leading position.




6




Forward-Looking Statements and Associated Risks




This annual report, including all documents incorporated herein by reference, includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, among others, those statements preceded by, followed by or including the words “estimates,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “predicts,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions or the negative of such terms.  See Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations” included in Part II of this annual report on Form 10-K for a list of some of the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K.




EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT




The following sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of E&S as of December 31, 2010.




Name

Age

PositionDavid H. Bateman

68

President, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorPaul L. Dailey

54

Chief Financial Officer and Corporate SecretaryBob Morishita

60

Vice President Human ResourcesKirk D. Johnson

49

Vice President and General Manager of Digital TheaterJonathan A. Shaw

54

President and Chief Executive Officer of Spitz, Inc.





David H. Bateman was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of E&S in February 2007.  Mr. Bateman joined E&S as Director of Business Operations in May 1998. He was appointed Vice President – Business Operations in March 2000 and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors in June 2006.




Paul L. Dailey was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of E&S in February 2007.  He became an executive officer of E&S in August 2006 when he was appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary.  Prior to his appointments at E&S, Mr. Dailey served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of E&S’s subsidiary, Spitz, Inc., where he started as Controller in 1983. Mr. Dailey is a Certified Public Accountant.




Bob Morishita was appointed Vice President of Human Resources in 2000.  He joined E&S as Compensation Manager in 1982 and was appointed Human Resources Director in 1997.




Kirk Johnson was appointed Vice President and General Manager of Digital Theater in January 2002.  He joined E&S in April 1990 and has held various engineering and management positions throughout his service at E&S.





Jonathan A. Shaw was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of E&S’s subsidiary, Spitz, Inc. in November 2001 where he held various management positions since 1985.




ITEM 2.         PROPERTIES




Our principal executive, engineering, manufacturing and operations facilities are located in the University of Utah Research Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, where we lease three buildings, which we previously owned, totaling approximately 68,000 square feet.  The buildings are located on land leased from the University of Utah with an initial term of 40 years or longer. During 2009, we concluded a sale-leaseback of the buildings whereby the buildings have been sold and the land lease has been assigned to a third party lender.  We lease the land and our buildings from that lender on a 5 year lease term with the option to renew the lease for two additional 5 year lease terms.  Because we also have the option to buy back the property and interest in the land lease during the term of the
lease, the transaction was recorded as a financing and therefore the buildings and related improvements are still recorded as assets as of December 31, 2010.




7




Spitz owns and occupies an approximately 47,000 square-foot building on approximately 15.2 acres in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The property serves as collateral under Spitz’s debt agreements through a mortgage granted to The Bryn Mawr Trust Company, a commercial bank.




ITEM 3.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS




In the normal course of business, we may have various legal claims and other contingent matters.  We know of no legal claims or other contingent matters outstanding that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.




ITEM 4.         RESERVED




8




PART II





ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDERMATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES





Our common stock trades on the Over-the-Counter Markets under the symbol “ESCC.”  On February 28, 2011 there were approximately 600 holders of record of our common stock.  Because brokers and other institutions hold many of our shares on behalf of shareholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of shareholders represented by these record holders.




We have never paid a cash dividend on our common stock and have used funds generated internally to operate our business.  Currently we have an accumulated deficit.  For the foreseeable future, we intend to follow our policy of retaining any future earnings to finance the development and growth of our business.




Additional information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the table captioned Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans as of December 31, 2010 in Item 12 “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K.




The table below presents the high and low sales prices per share as reported by the Over-the-Counter Markets, by quarter for 2010 and 2009. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.




2010


2009High


Low


High


LowFirst Quarter

$
0.17


$
0.10


$
0.79


$
0.03Second Quarter


2.00



0.11



0.73



0.20Third Quarter


1.01



0.43



0.60



0.10Fourth Quarter


1.29



0.45



0.38



0.05





ITEM 6.         NOT APPLICABLE




9




ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS




The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.  The discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes included in Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this annual report on Form 10-K.  Information set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.  See “Forward-Looking Statements” below
for additional information concerning these items.  All dollar amounts are in thousands unless otherwise indicated.





Executive Summary




Upon evaluating our access to liquidity and capital resources and considering the current economic climate we concluded in the first quarter of 2010 that we could no longer pursue our plans to expand our laser projector products  into the wider high-end commercial display market.  As a result, in March 2010, we began executing a plan to reduce our research and development activities to the minimum level to sustain the current digital theater business and the ESLP. We continue to reduce overhead structure wherever feasible.  This plan has significantly reduced our research and development activities and operating expenses. This will limit opportunities for growth in the foreseeable future, but we believe these actions are necessary to preserve liquidity resources for operations. We
believe that with aggressive cost cutting efforts and, if necessary, use of the marketable securities described in Note 2 of the financial statements, we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations through 2011. In the meantime, we continue to evaluate our strategies with the goal to preserve necessary resources and pursue worthwhile opportunities.




We will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities in the digital theater and other markets served by all of our products. This will include the Company’s continued support of the ESLP as well as the development and improvement of new innovative products such as Digistar for planetarium theaters. We will continue to develop and improve our planetarium products targeted for smaller venues in education markets such as our SciDome product. We will also continue to develop and improve our dome products used by planetarium theaters and many other varied applications.  We will continue the production of quality show content for planetarium theaters.  We believe that the ability to include the wide range of complementary products in the systems we sell, along with access to the legacy customer
base of E&S and our subsidiary, Spitz, Inc. (“Spitz”), provides a unique competitive advantage.




Revenue recorded in 2010 increased 9% compared to 2009 along with a slight improvement in gross margin. The revenue and gross profit increase was mostly attributable to strong fourth quarter revenue which resulted in fourth quarter net income of $844. As explained in more detail below under the caption “2010 Quarterly Results and Outlook for Sustained Profitability,” we have made significant progress in 2010 but we do not believe the late 2010 results will be consistently sustainable considering our current expectations for future sales levels and our existing cost structure. We believe that results would be close to breakeven with expected future sales levels under our existing cost structure and we are in process of evaluating several alternative strategies that will enable us to reach our goal of
sustained profitability. The progress we have made is reflected in the operating expenses which were reduced significantly in 2010 as compared to 2009 even with the inclusion of a first quarter charge for termination costs related to our cost cutting plan. The reduction of operating expenses is attributable to various reductions in research and development activities and overhead structure since 2009.  We expected the improvement in 2010 considering increased sales bookings and the effect of our cost cutting actions. The revenue backlog improved to $19,080 as of December 31 2010 compared with $13,339 at December 31, 2009.  We are encouraged with the progress we have made and look forward to opportunities for more improvement in 2011 and beyond.




10




Recurring losses have produced negative cash flows from operations and losses in the value of investments in late 2008 have increased our unfunded pension obligation. As a result we have accumulated a stockholders’ deficit of $11,362 as of December 31, 2010 which has negatively affected our liquidity and capital resources.  This pressure on liquidity and capital resources continues but has lessened in 2010 with some recovery in pension investment values and cost reduction efforts that have improved the results of operations. The cost reductions we implemented in 2010 have significantly reduced our absorption of cash. Also the actions to make the previously restricted marketable securities now available for working capital have provided a much needed liquid resource that may be required to carry us
through the planned transition to profitability. Ultimately, the ability to generate sustained positive cash flow from future operations will depend on our ability to sustain sufficiently profitable sales of our products with reduced ESLP research and development activities as well as our ability to further reduce overhead costs. In 2009 and 2010 there were no cash payments required to the pension trust; however, we anticipate approximately $950 will be required in 2011 and increasing amounts in future years. The amount and timing of cash payments required to be made to the pension trusts will depend on many factors as explained in more detail within the Liquidity and Capital Resources section that follows. We believe existing sources of liquidity and results of operations will adequately fund our obligations through 2011 and into 2012.  The longer term will depend on a sufficient stream of new orders with adequate customer progress payments and the ability of the Company to
support its operations after reducing its resources. Beyond 2011, we may also be dependent on many factors that could affect the funding of our pension plan obligations.




Results of Operations




Consolidated Sales and Backlog





The following table summarizes our consolidated sales for fiscal year:





2010


2009Sales

$
27,481


$
25,068





Sales increased 9% from 2009 to 2010 due to an increase in the volume of orders and deliveries of all of our products.  Most of the increase was attributable to an increase in orders and deliveries to international customers in Asia.





On December 31, 2010, our sales backlog was $19,080 compared with $13,339 at December 31, 2009 due to high level of orders received for planetarium systems from domestic and international customers in 2010, particularly in the fourth quarter.  We anticipate that approximately 80% of the 2010 backlog will be converted to sales in 2011.





Gross Profit





The following table summarizes our gross profit and the percentage to total sales during fiscal year:


2010


2009Gross profit

$
9,114


$
7,767Gross profit percentage


33
%


31
%





Our gross profit in 2010 was slightly improved as compared to 2009 due to strong gross margins on several customer projects. Margins suffered slightly from impairment losses recorded in both years.  We recorded losses on inventory impairment of $1,777 and $1,446 during 2010 and 2009, respectively, for obsolete and excess quantities of inventory primarily related to ESLP.




Operating Expenses


2010


2009Selling, general and administrative excluding pension expense

$
6,600


$
7,346Research and development


4,156



6,193Pension expense – general and administrative


1,827



2,160Total operating expenses

$
12,583


$
15,699




Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 10% compared to 2009 due to planned reductions in overhead costs.  Research and development expenses were 33% lower than prior year periods due to the planned reduction of research and development activities and overhead. The reductions to research and development were implemented in late March 2010 and cut resources to the minimum level to sustain the current digital theater business and the ESLP.  Pension expense in 2010 decreased from 2009 due to improved investment performance in 2010.




11




Other Income and Expense




The following table summarizes our other income and expense during fiscal year:




2010


2009Interest expense

$
(687
)

$
(258
)Other income (expense)


(415
)


384




The increase to interest expense is due to an increase in debt resulting from the financing transaction involving the sale-leaseback of our buildings completed at the end of 2009.  Interest expense related to the sale-leaseback debt was $489 for 2010 and $45 for 2009.  During 2010 other expense increased due to realized loss on our marketable securities.  Other income in 2009 was primarily due to a gain of $432 from termination of a long-term land lease with escalating rent payments.




Income Taxes




Income tax expense consisted of state income taxes and was as follows:




2010


2009Income tax expense

$
(73
)

$
(44
)




2010 Quarterly Results and Outlook for Sustained Profitability




Three Months EndedApril 2,


July 2,


October 1,


December 31,2010


2010


2010


2010Sales

$
4,400


$
7,273


$
7,027


$
8,781Cost of sales


2,751



6,765



4,260



4,591Gross profit


1,649



508



2,767



4,190Operating expenses:Selling, general and administrative excluding pension expense


1,694



1,590



1,466



1,850Research and development


1,809



855



752



740Pension expense – general and administrative


448



448



449



482Total operating expenses


3,951



2,893



2,667



3,072Income (loss) from operations


(2,302
)


(2,385
)


100



1,118Other expense


(245
)


(161
)


(423
)


(273
)Income (loss) before income taxes


(2,547
)


(2,546
)


(323
)


845Income tax expense


(3
)


(46
)


(23
)


(1
)Net income (loss)

$
(2,550
)

$
(2,592
)

$
(346
)

$
844




12


The quarterly results of 2010 reflect the impact of our reduction of R&D resources in March 2010 and our other cost cutting measures. Research and development expense included a charge of $483 in the first quarter for severance pay and other termination costs resulting from our targeted cost cuts in that area.  Research and development expense decreased over the remaining quarters which showed the execution of our plan to reduceresearch and development activities to the minimum level required to sustain the current digital theater business and the ESLP. Selling, general and administrative expenses were higher in the fourth quarter due to sales commissions paid to agents for international sales. Overall, there was a
marked improvement in the results of operations for the second half of 2010 most notably the net income of $844 recorded for the fourth quarter. Included in the fourth quarter was a strong contribution from the completion of a large contract for a Digistar ESLP system in India. Although contributions from large contracts of this nature are not expected to be a recurring event in every quarter, there are sales prospects which could potentially lead to similar impact in future quarters.  At the annual revenue levels anticipated for the foreseeable future, we expect to approach close to breakeven results under our existing cost structure; however, to attain sustained profitability we believe we must exceed current sales expectations or take additional steps to reduce our cost structure. We are in process of evaluating several alternative strategies to reach our goal of sustained profitability.




Liquidity and Capital Resources




Outlook




As discussed in the executive summary above, we have made significant progress in reducing the absorption of cash from operations and we have gained access to a new source of liquidity in the form of marketable securities that were formerly restricted. As a result, we believe existing liquidity resources and funds generated from forecasted revenue can meet our 2011 obligations.  The outlook beyond 2011 depends on the continued success of the digital theater business and its ability to generate sufficient cash to meet our obligations, most significantly the pension obligation. The timing and amount of cash required to meet the pension obligation will depend on a number of factors including the return on pension trust investments, market interest rates, ongoing actuarial estimates and potential legislation
that could affect required pension funding schedules. We continue to operate in a rapidly evolving and often unpredictable business environment that may change the timing or amount of expected future cash receipts and expenditures.




Cash Flow




Years Ended December 31,2010


2009Net cash provided by (used in):Operating activities

$
(2,748
)

$
(5,976
)Investing activities


1,119



292Financing activities


53



2,527Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

$
(1,576
)

$
(3,157
)




Cash and cash equivalents decreased $1,576 to $1,024 during 2010, primarily as a result of cash used in operating activities.




Operating Activities




The net cash used by operating activities in 2010 was attributable to $1,192 absorbed by the net loss after the effect of $3,452 of non-cash items and cash used from changes in working capital of $1,556.  Significant changes in working capital that used cash included a decrease of customer progress payments, an increase in accounts receivable, and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities which was partially offset by cash provided from an increase in pension and retirement liabilities and a decrease in inventory. The decrease in customer progress payments during the year was mostly attributable to revenue recorded on a project that had a large deposit carried over from 2009.  The increase in accrued pension and retirement liabilities reflects accumulating pension expense while no
cash payments to the pension trust were required due to credits for contributions made in prior years. Other changes in working capital in 2010 were due to differences in the timing of routine transactions.




The net cash used by operating activities in 2009 was attributable to $4,458 absorbed by the net loss after the effect of $3,392 of non-cash items and cash used from changes in working capital of $1,518.  Significant changes in working capital that used cash included a decrease of customer progress payments and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities which was partially offset by cash provided from an increase in pension and retirement liabilities and a decrease in accounts receivable and inventory.  The decrease in customer progress payments during the year corresponded to lower bookings of new customer orders and related deliveries of product.  The increase in accrued pension and retirement liabilities reflects accumulating pension expense while no cash payments to the
pension trust were required due to credits for contributions made in prior years. Other changes in working capital in 2009 were due to differences in the timing of routine transactions.




13




Investing Activities




Investing activities provided $1,119 of cash during 2010 consisting of $1,232 of proceeds from the sale of marketable securities which was offset by $113 for purchases of property, plant and equipment.




Investing activities provided $292 of cash during 2009 consisting of $688 of proceeds from the sale of marketable securities which was offset by $396 for purchases of property, plant and equipment.




Financing Activities




Financing activities provided $53 of cash during 2010 which reflected $190 of proceeds from a line of credit offset by $137 in principal payments on debt obligations.




Financing activities provided $2,527 of cash during 2009 which included $310 of proceeds from a line of credit utilized in late 2009 and $2,360 from the sale-leaseback of the Company’s main headquarters located in Salt Lake City, Utah which was accounted for as a financing. The proceeds were offset by $143 in principal payments on debt obligations.




Credit Facilities




The Company is a party to a Credit Agreement with a commercial bank which permits borrowings of up to $1,100 to fund Spitz working capital requirements.  Interest is charged on amounts borrowed at the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate.   Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by Spitz real and personal property and all of the outstanding shares of Spitz common stock. The Credit Agreement and Mortgage Notes contain cross default provisions whereby the default of either agreement will result in the default of both agreements. As of December 31, 2010 there was $500 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement.




The ability to issue letters of credit and bank guarantees is important to our business. International sales are increasingly important to our business and in many countries, letters of credit and bank guarantees are required as part of sales contracts. Also, domestic sales sometimes require performance guarantees in the form of surety bonds.  We have relationships with licensed surety companies to provide performance bonds subject to certain limitations and collateral which we must provide for security. Letters of credit and bank guarantees are issued to serve as collateral and to ensure our performance for these purposes.





The Company has finance arrangements which facilitate the issuance of letters of credit and bank guarantees. Under the terms of the arrangements, we are required to maintain a balance in a specific cash account equal to or greater than the outstanding value of all letters of credit or bank guarantees issued, plus other amounts necessary to adequately secure our obligations with the financial institution. As of December 31, 2010, we had outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees of $1,514 of which $1,162 is scheduled to expire in 2010 and $352 is scheduled to expire in 2014.




Mortgage Notes




Debt obligations include a first mortgage note payable which represents the balance on a $3,200 note (“First Mortgage Note”) issued on January 14, 2004 by Spitz. The First Mortgage Note requires repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest over twenty years.  On each third anniversary of the First Mortgage Note, the interest rate is adjusted to the greater of 5.75% or 3% over the Three-Year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate published by the United States Federal Reserve (“3YCMT”).  The monthly installment is recalculated on the first month following a change in the interest rate. The recalculated monthly installment is equal to the monthly installment sufficient to repay the principal balance, as of the date of the change in the interest rate, over the
remaining portion of the original twenty-year term.  On January 14, 2010, the 3YCMT was 1.49% and the interest rate on the First Mortgage Note adjusted to 5.75% per annum. As a result of the interest rate adjustment, the monthly installment amount was changed from $26 to $23.




14




Debt obligations also include a second mortgage note payable which represents the balance on a $500 note (“Second Mortgage Note”) issued on September 11, 2008 by Spitz. The Second Mortgage Note requires repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest over twenty years.  On each fifth anniversary of the Second Mortgage Note, the interest rate is adjusted to the greater of 5.75% or 3% over 3YCMT.  The monthly installment is recalculated on the first month following a change in the interest rate. The recalculated monthly installment is equal to the monthly installment sufficient to repay the principal balance, as of the date of the change in the interest rate, over the remaining portion of the original twenty-year term.  The monthly installment for the first five
years is $4 and includes interest at 5.75% per annum.





The Mortgage Notes are secured by the real property occupied by Spitz pursuant to a Mortgage and Security Agreement; the real property had a carrying value of $4,715 as of December 31, 2010. The Mortgage Notes are guaranteed by E&S.





Sale-Leaseback Financing





In November 2009, the Company completed the sale of its corporate office buildings and its interest in the lease for the land occupied by the buildings for $2,500.  Under the agreement, we transferred legal title of the buildings including improvements and assigned the related land lease to the buyer. We also entered into a sublease agreement to lease back the land and building for rent of $501 per year, of which $126 represents the land lease and $375 represents the building lease.  The sublease agreement has a term of 5 years with an option for two subsequent 5 year renewal periods.  The agreement provided the Company with a 5 year option to repurchase the buildings and the interest in the land lease. The remaining term of the repurchase option is as follows:




DateFrom:

To:

Repurchase price:November 1, 2010

October 31, 2011

$
2,625November 1, 2011

October 31, 2012

$
2,732November 1, 2012

October 31, 2013

$
3,005November 1, 2013

October 31, 2014

$
3,305




The arrangement was accounted for as a financing and no sale was recorded because the Company has the right to repurchase the property.  Therefore, the assets representing the building and improvements remain in property, plant and equipment and the Company recorded the net proceeds of the sale as long-term debt. The $126 portion of the sublease payment attributable to the land lease is equivalent to the payment under the assigned land lease and therefore is subject to the same rent escalations to which the Company was bound before the assignment. The land lease portion of the sublease payment is recorded as rent expense consistent with the treatment of the prior land lease payment before the assignment of the lease. The $375 portion of the sublease payment attributable to the building lease is accounted
for as debt service under the financing transaction.  The net proceeds of the financing amounted to $2,329 consisting of the $2,500 sales price less a security deposit of $125, prorated building rent of $15 and the first monthly payment of $31. We record interest expense at a rate of approximately 20% imputed from the estimated cash flows assuming we exercise the option to repurchase the property at the end of the five year term. In the event that we exercise the option to repurchase the property sooner than the end of the five year term, the difference between the book balance of the debt and the repurchase cost would be recorded as a prepayment premium or discount on the payoff of the debt balance. The cash payment required to repurchase the property on December 31, 2010 was $2,500 consisting of the $2,625 repurchase price under the agreement less a credit for the $125 security deposit. Accordingly, if we had exercised our option to repurchase the property on December 31,
2010, we would have recorded a prepayment premium of approximately 2% in the amount of $49 over the $2,451 book balance of the debt.





Other




In 2011, we expect capital expenditures similar to 2010 following the reductions that occurred in early 2010.  There were no material capital expenditure commitments at the end of 2010, nor do we anticipate any over the next several years.




Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of 1,600,000 shares of our common stock.  As of February 28, 2011, 463,500 shares remained available for repurchase under the plans approved by the Board of Directors.  No shares were repurchased during 2010 or 2009.  Stock may be acquired on the open market or through negotiated transactions depending on market conditions, share price and other factors.




15




We also maintain trade credit arrangements with certain suppliers.  The unavailability of a significant portion of, or the loss of, these trade credit arrangements from suppliers would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operations.




At December 31, 2010, our total indebtedness was $5,950 due on the mortgage notes, line of credit and sales-leaseback financing.  Our cash, restricted cash and marketable securities, subject to various restrictions set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K, are available for working capital needs, capital expenditures, strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, stock repurchases and other potential cash needs as they may arise.




Effects of Inflation




The effects of inflation were not considered material during fiscal years ended 2010 and 2009, and are not expected to be material for the fiscal year ending 2011.




Application of Critical Accounting Estimates




The application of the accounting estimates discussed below is considered by management to be critical to an understanding of our consolidated financial statements.  Their application places significant demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Specific risks for these critical accounting estimates are described in the following paragraphs.  A summary of significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 “Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this annual report on Form 10-K.  For all of these policies, management cautions that future results rarely
develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment.




Revenue Recognition




Revenue from long-term contracts requiring significant production, modification and customization is recorded using the percentage-of-completion method.  This method uses the ratio of costs incurred to management’s estimate of total anticipated costs.  Our estimates of total costs include assumptions, such as man-hours to complete, estimated materials cost, and estimates of other direct and indirect costs.  Actual results may vary significantly from our estimates.  If the actual costs are higher than management’s anticipated total costs, then an adjustment is required to reduce the previously recognized revenue as the ratio of costs incurred to management’s estimate was overstated.  If actual costs are lower than management’s anticipated
total costs, then an adjustment is required to increase the previously recognized revenue as the ratio of costs incurred to management’s estimate is understated.  Adjustments for revisions of previous estimates are made in the period they become known.




Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts and Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts




Billings on uncompleted long-term contracts may be greater than or less than incurred costs and estimated earnings.  As a result, these differences are recorded as an asset or liability on the balance sheet.  Since revenue recognized on these long-term contracts includes management’s estimates of total anticipated costs, the amounts in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts also include these estimates.




Inventories




Inventories includes materials at standard costs, which approximates average costs, as well as inventoried costs on programs (including material, labor, subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs).  We periodically review inventories for excess supply, obsolescence, and valuations above estimated realizable amounts, and then provide a reserve we consider sufficient to cover these items.  Reserve adequacy is based on estimates of future sales, product pricing, and requirements to complete projects.  Revisions of these estimates would result in adjustments to our operating results.




Allowance for Doubtful Accounts




We specifically analyze accounts receivable and consider historical experience, customer creditworthiness, facts and circumstances specific to outstanding balances, current economic trends, and payment term changes when evaluating adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Changes in these factors could result in material adjustments to the expense recognized for bad debts.




16




Income Taxes




As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements we are required to estimate our actual income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate.  This involves estimating our actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items, such as accrued liabilities, for tax and accounting purposes.  These differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets.  We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred income tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance.  To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or
increase or decrease this allowance in a period, we must include a corresponding adjustment within the income tax provision in the statement of operations.  Significant judgment by management is required to determine our provision for income taxes, our deferred income tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred income tax assets.




Impairment of Long- Lived Assets




Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may not be fully recoverable. When this occurs, we review the value assigned to long-lived assets by analyzing the anticipated, undiscounted cash flows they generate.  When the expected future undiscounted cash flows from these assets do not exceed their carrying balances, the Company determines the estimated fair value of such assets. Impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value.  Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.




Straight Line Rent and Contingent Obligation




We recognize scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, which may include optional lease renewal terms, and deferred rent income and expense is recognized to reflect the difference between the rent paid or received in the current period and the calculated straight-line amount.




Recent Accounting Pronouncements




In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (ASC Topic 605) - Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.  This guidance modifies the fair value requirements of ASC subtopic 605-25, “Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements” by allowing the use of the “best estimate of selling price” in addition to vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) (now referred to as “TPE” standing for third-party evidence) for determining the selling price of a deliverable. A vendor is now required to use its best estimate of the selling price when VSOE or TPE of the selling price cannot be determined. In addition, the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration is no longer
permitted.




In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-14, Software (ASC Topic 985) - Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This guidance modifies the scope of ASC subtopic 965-605, “Software-Revenue Recognition” to exclude from its requirements (a) non-software components of tangible products and (b) software components of tangible products that are sold, licensed, or leased with tangible products when the software components and non-software components of the tangible product function together to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality.




ASC Topic 605 and 985 require expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures and are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. However, companies may elect to adopt as early as interim periods ended September 30, 2009. These updates may be applied either prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year for new or materially modified arrangements or retrospectively. We believe that the future impact of adopting these updates on our consolidated financial statements will not be significant.




17




In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which updates the guidance in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, related to disclosures about fair value measurements. New disclosures will require entities to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers; and to present separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements in Level 3 information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis rather than as one net amount. The ASU also amends ASC subtopic 820-10 to clarify certain existing disclosures regarding the level of disaggregation at which fair value measurements are provided for each class of assets and liabilities; and disclosures about inputs
and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, which become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance has not had, and is not expected to have, a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.





In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, which updates the guidance in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill & Other. The amendments in ASU subtopic 2010-28 affect all entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test is zero or negative. The amendments in ASU subtopic 2010-28 modify Step 1 so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are
consistent with existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance will become effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.





Forward-Looking Statements





The foregoing contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including among others, those statements preceded by, followed by or including the words “estimates,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “projects,” and similar expressions.




These forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following statements:




·
Our belief that our range of products and services at various price and performance levels, our research and development investments and capabilities, and our ability to design and manufacture products will enable us to compete effectively.




·
Our belief that our cost cutting actions were necessary to preserve liquidity resources for operations.




·
Our belief that with our cost cutting efforts and existing sources of liquidity, including marketable securities, operations will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations through 2011 and into 2012.




·
Our belief that our ability to include the wide range of complementary products offered by E&S and Spitz in the systems we sell, along with access to the legacy customer base of E&S and Spitz, provides a unique competitive advantage.




·
Our belief that the late 2010 results will not be consistently sustainable considering our current expectations for future sales levels and our existing cost structure.




·
Our belief that results would be close to breakeven with expected future sales levels under our existing cost structure.




·
Our belief that to attain sustained profitability we must exceed current sales expectations or take additional steps to reduce our cost structure.




·
Our belief that contributions from exceptionally large contracts are not expected to be recurring in every quarter but there are sales prospects which could potentially lead to significant impact in future quarters.




·
Our belief that the adoption of new accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.




18




·
Our belief that our inventory obsolescence  reserve is adequate and based on materially accurate estimates of future sales, product pricing, and requirements to complete projects




·
Our belief that our estimates of total costs for customer contracts are materially accurate and  include correct assumptions in computing such estimates , such as man-hours to complete, estimated materials cost, and estimates of other direct and indirect costs.




·
Our belief that our products are performing well, that we will meet all our delivery requirements, and as a result we will incur no damages or penalties for late deliveries in 2011.




·
Our belief that capital expenditures during 2011 will be similar to the capital expenditures incurred during 2010.




·
Our belief that any inherent risk that may exist in our foreign operations is not material.




·
Our belief that we will perform under the conditions of our letters of credit and therefore incur no losses with respect to these letters of credit in 2011 or future years.




·
Our belief that the effects of inflation will not be material for fiscal year 2011.




·
Our belief that most of our backlog will be converted to sales in 2011.




·
Our belief that our 2011 orders will continue at a level sufficient to sustain sales in 2011 comparable to 2010




·
Our belief that we can continue to successfully implement a plan to reduce operating expenses to a  level that will improve cash flow sufficiently to meet our 2011 obligations while sustaining our digital theater business with adequate support of the ESLP planetarium product.




Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified.  Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.  Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  Important factors to consider in evaluating such forward-looking statements include risks of product demand, market acceptance, economic conditions, competitive products and pricing, difficulties in product development, and product delays.  In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the events contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report will, in fact,
occur.




19




ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS




(In thousands, except share data)




December 31,2010


2009ASSETSCurrent assets:Cash and cash equivalents

$
1,024


$
2,600Restricted cash


1,162



1,597Marketable securities


2,376



-Accounts receivable, net


6,654



4,024Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts


2,094



2,073Inventories, net


3,515



7,159Prepaid expenses and deposits


1,289



1,346Total current assets


18,114



18,799Property, plant and equipment, net


9,592



10,608Restricted marketable securities


-



3,248Goodwill


635



635Intangible assets, net


343



479Other assets


1,276



849Total assets

$
29,960


$
34,618LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICITCurrent liabilities:Accounts payable

$
1,438


$
1,624Accrued liabilities


2,873



3,433Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts


3,565



3,667Customer deposits


2,218



3,483Current portion of retirement obligations


604



643Current portion of long-term debt


648



452Total current liabilities


11,346



13,302Deferred rent obligation


1,454



1,432Long-term debt


5,302



5,332Pension and retirement obligations


23,220



20,522Total liabilities


41,322



40,588Commitments and contingenciesStockholders’ deficit:Preferred stock, no par value: 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding


-



-Common stock, $0.20 par value: 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,441,666 shares issued


2,288



2,288Additional paid-in-capital


54,385



54,355Common stock in treasury, at cost, 352,467 shares


(4,709
)


(4,709
)Accumulated deficit


(44,641
)


(39,997
)Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(18,685
)


(17,907
)Total stockholders’ deficit


(11,362
)


(5,970
)Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

$
29,960


$
34,618




See notes to consolidated financial statements.




20




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS




(In thousands, except per share data)




Years ended December 31,2010


2009Sales

$
27,481


$
25,068Cost of sales


18,367



17,301Gross profit


9,114



7,767Operating expenses:Selling, general and administrative excluding pension expense


6,600



7,346Research and development


4,156



6,193Pension expense – general and administrative


1,827



2,160Total operating expenses


12,583



15,699Loss from operations


(3,469
)


(7,932
)Interest expense


(687
)


(258
)Other income (expense)


(415
)


384Loss before income taxes


(4,571
)


(7,806
)Income tax expense


(73
)


(44
)Net loss

$
(4,644
)

$
(7,850
)Net loss per common share – basic and diluted:

$
(0.42
)

$
(0.71
)Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding


11,089



11,089





See notes to consolidated financial statements.




21


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’




DEFICIT AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS




(In thousands)




AccumulatedAdditional








OtherCommon Stock


Paid-in


Treasury


Accumulated


ComprehensiveShares


Amount


Capital


Stock


Deficit


Loss


TotalBalance at December 31, 2008


11,442


$
2,288


$
54,260


$
(4,709
)

$
(32,147
)

$
(22,093
)

$
(2,401
)Components of comprehensive loss:Net loss


-



-



-



-



(7,850
)


-



(7,850
)Unrealized gains on marketable securities


-



-



-



-



-



1,043



1,043Decrease in minimum pension liability


-



-



-



-



-



3,143



3,143Total comprehensive loss


























(3,664
)Stock-based compensation


-



-



95



-



-



-



95Balance at December 31, 2009


11,442



2,288



54,355



(4,709
)


(39,997
)


(17,907
)


(5,970
)Components of comprehensive loss:Net loss


-



-



-



-



(4,644
)


-



(4,644
)Unrealized gains on marketable securities


-



-



-



-



-



679



679Increase in minimum pension liability


-



-



-



-



-



(1,457
)


(1,457
)Total comprehensive loss


























(5,422
)Stock-based compensation


-



-



30



-



-



-



30Balance at December 31, 2010


11,442


$
2,288


$
54,385


$
(4,709
)

$
(44,641
)

$
(18,685
)

$
(11,362
)




See notes to consolidated financial statements.




22




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


(In thousands)


Years Ended December 31,2010


2009Cash flows from operating activities:Net loss

$
(4,644
)

$
(7,850
)Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:Depreciation and amortization


1,150



1,462Provision for excess and obsolete inventory


1,777



1,446Other


525



484Changes in assets and liabilities:Decrease in restricted cash


435



65Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable


(2,345
)


1,209Decrease in inventories


1,867



465Increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net


(123
)


(2,579
)Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets


(639
)


(264
)Decrease in accounts payable


(150
)


(612
)Decrease in accrued liabilities


(538
)


(631
)Increase in accrued pension and retirement liabilities


1,202



1,517Decrease in customer deposits


(1,265
)


(688
)Net cash used in operations


(2,748
)


(5,976
)Cash flows from investing activities:Purchases of property, plant and equipment


(113
)


(396
)Proceeds from sale of marketable securities


1,232



688Net cash provided by investing activities


1,119



292Cash flows from financing activities:Net borrowings on line of credit agreement


190



310Principal payments on long-term debt


(137
)


(143
)Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt


-



2,360Net cash provided by financing activities


53



2,527Net change in cash and cash equivalents


(1,576
)


(3,157
)Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year


2,600



5,757Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$
1,024


$
2,600Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow InformationCash paid during the year for:Interest

$
569


$
275Income taxes


52



101




See notes to consolidated financial statements.




23




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





All dollar amounts are in thousands except share and per share information or unless otherwise indicated.




Note 1 - Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies




Nature of Operations




Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, referred to in these notes as “Evans & Sutherland,” “E&S,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company,” produces high-quality advanced visual display systems used primarily in full-dome video projection applications, dome projection screens, dome architectural treatments, and unique content for planetariums, schools, science centers, other educational institutions, and entertainment venues.  Our products include state of the art planetarium and dome theater systems consisting of proprietary hardware and software, and other unique visual display systems primarily used to project digital video on large curved surfaces.  We also produce unique show content both for our own library
which we license to customers and for specific customer requirements for planetarium and dome theaters.  Additionally we manufacture and install metal domes with customized optical coatings and acoustical properties that are used for planetarium and dome theaters as well as many other unique custom applications.  The Company operates as one segment, which is the visual simulation market.




Basis of Presentation




Evans & Sutherland’s fiscal year ends on December 31.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Evans & Sutherland and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.




Use of Estimates




The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include revenue recognition based on the percentage-of-completion method, inventory reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts, income tax valuation allowance, impairment of long-lived assets, pension and retirement obligations and useful lives of depreciable assets.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.




Cash and Cash Equivalents




The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three or fewer months to be cash equivalents.  The Company maintains cash balances in bank accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any losses in these accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risk with respect to cash.  As of December 31, 2010, cash deposits, including restricted cash, exceeded the federally insured limits by approximately $1,397.




Restricted Cash




Restricted cash that guarantees issued letters of credit that mature or expire within one year is reported as a current asset.  Restricted cash that guarantees issued letters of credit that mature or expire in more than one year are reported as long-term other assets.  There was $352 and $0 of restricted cash included in other assets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.




Marketable Securities




We classify our marketable debt and equity securities as available-for-sale.  Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss until realized.  Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.  Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities are included in results of operations and are determined on the specific identification basis.  A decline in the market value that is deemed other-than-temporary results in a charge to other income (expense) and the establishment of a new cost basis for the investment.




24




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





Trade Accounts Receivable




In the normal course of business, we provide unsecured credit terms to our customers.  Accordingly, we maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for possible losses on uncollectible accounts receivable.  We routinely analyze accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, and consider history, customer creditworthiness, facts and circumstances specific to outstanding balances, current economic trends, and payment term changes when evaluating adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Changes in these factors could result in material differences to bad debt expense.  Past due balances are determined based on contractual terms and are reviewed individually for collectability. Uncollectible accounts receivable are charged against the allowance
for doubtful accounts only after exhaustive efforts have been made to collect and with management’s approval.




The table below represents changes in our allowance for doubtful receivables during fiscal year:




2010


2009Beginning balance

$
965


$
420Provision for (reduction in) losses on accounts receivable


(286
)


545Ending balance

$
679


$
965





Inventories




Inventories include materials at standard costs, which approximate average costs, as well as inventoried costs on programs and long-term contracts.  Inventoried costs include material, direct engineering and production costs, and applicable overhead, not in excess of estimated realizable value.   Spare parts and general stock materials are stated at cost not in excess of realizable value.  We periodically review inventories for excess supply, obsolescence, and valuations above estimated realizable amounts, and provide a reserve we consider sufficient to cover these items.  Revisions of these estimates could result in the need for adjustments.




During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we recognized losses on inventory impairment of $1,777 and $1,446 for obsolete and excess quantities of inventory, primarily related to the Evans & Sutherland Laser Projector.




Inventories net of reserves at fiscal year-end were as follows:




2010


2009Raw materials

$
2,147


$
4,886Work-in-process


316



1,653Finished goods


1,052



620Total inventories, net

$
3,515


$
7,159




Property, Plant and Equipment




Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets.  Expenditures that materially increase values or capacities or extend useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized.  Leasehold improvements are assigned useful lives the shorter of their useful life or the term of the related lease, including renewal options likely to be exercised.  Routine maintenance, repairs and renewal costs are expensed as incurred.  When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the book value of the property is removed from the fixed assets and the related accumulated depreciation accounts.  Depreciation is included in cost of sales, research and
development or selling, general and administrative expenses depending on the nature of the asset.  The cost and estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and the total accumulated depreciation and amortization were as follows at December 31:




Estimateduseful lives


2010


2009Land

n/a


$
2,250


$
2,250Buildings and improvements

5 - 40 years



11,638



11,638Manufacturing machinery and equipment

3 - 8 years



5,717



6,328Office furniture and equipment

3 - 8 years



789



789Total






20,394



21,005Less accumulated depreciation and amortization






(10,802
)


(10,397
)Total property, plant and equipment, net





$
9,592


$
10,608




25




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





Goodwill




The Company tests its recorded goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or more often if indicators of potential impairment exist, by determining if the carrying value of each reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Factors that could trigger impairment include, but are not limited to, underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the Company’s overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends. Future impairment reviews may require write-downs in the Company’s goodwill and could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results for the periods in which such write-downs occur.





Intangible Assets





We amortize the cost of intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed at least annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.





Software Development Costs





Software development costs, if material, are capitalized from the date technological feasibility is achieved until the product is available for general release to customers.  Such costs have not been material during the periods presented.





Impairment of Long- Lived Assets





Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the book value of an asset may not be fully recoverable. When this occurs, we review the value assigned to long-lived assets by analyzing the anticipated, undiscounted cash flows they generate.  When the expected future undiscounted cash flows from these assets do not exceed their carrying balances, the Company determines the estimated fair value of such assets. Impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value.  Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.




Warranty Reserve




We provide a warranty reserve for estimated future costs of servicing products under warranty agreements extending for periods from 90 days to one year.  Anticipated costs for product warranties are based upon estimates derived from experience factors and are recorded at the time of sale or over the period revenues are recognized for long-term contracts.  Warranty reserves are classified as accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.




Revenue Recognition




Our sales include revenue from system hardware, software, database products and service contracts.  The following table provides information on revenue by recognition method applied during fiscal years:




2010


2009Percentage-of-completion

$
13,542


$
15,949Completed contract


12,197



7,692Other


1,742



1,427Total sales

$
27,481


$
25,068




The following methods are used to compute revenue recognition:




Percentage-of-Completion. In arrangements that are longer in term and require significant production, modification or customization, revenue is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method.  In applying this method, we utilize cost-to-cost methodology whereby we estimate the percent complete by calculating the ratio of costs incurred (consisting of material, labor and subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs) to management’s estimate of total anticipated costs.   This ratio is then utilized to determine the amount of gross profit earned based on management’s estimate of total estimated gross profit at completion.  We routinely review estimates related to percentage-of-completion
contracts and adjust for changes in the period revisions are made.  Billings on uncompleted percentage-of-completion contracts may be greater than or less than incurred costs and estimated earnings and are recorded as an asset or liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.




26




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Completed Contract. Contract arrangements which typically require a relatively short period of time to complete the production, modification, and customization of our products are accounted for using the completed contract method.  Accordingly, revenue is recognized upon delivery of the completed product, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss has transferred, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.




Other.  Other revenue consists primarily of amounts earned under maintenance contracts that are generally sold as a single element to our customers.  Revenue from product maintenance contracts, including separately priced extended warranty contracts, is deferred and recognized over the period of performance under the contract.




Anticipated Losses.  For contracts with anticipated losses at completion, a provision is recorded when the loss becomes known.  After an anticipated loss is recorded, subsequent revenue and cost of sales are recognized in equal, offsetting amounts as contract costs are incurred and do not generate further gross profits (losses).




Multiple Element Arrangements.  Some of our contracts include multiple elements.  Revenue earned on elements such as products, services and maintenance contracts are allocated to each element based on the relative fair values of the elements.




Net Income (Loss) per Common Share




Net income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and, as appropriate, dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.  Stock options are potentially common stock equivalents.




Basic income or loss per common share is based upon the average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. There were no dilutive shares in 2010 or 2009. Potentially dilutive securities from stock options are discussed in Note 10.




Income Taxes




We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under the asset and liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases and operating loss and income tax credit carry-forwards.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.




Other Comprehensive Loss




On a net basis for 2010 and 2009, there was a deferred income tax asset as a result of the items reflected in comprehensive loss.  However, we have determined that it is more likely than not that we will not realize such net deferred income tax assets and have therefore established a valuation allowance against the full amount of the net deferred income tax asset.  Accordingly, the net income tax effect of the items included in other comprehensive loss is zero.  Therefore, we have included no income tax expense or benefit in relation to items reflected in other comprehensive loss.




The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows as of December 31:




2010


2009Additional minimum pension liability

$
(18,704
)

$
(17,247
)Net unrealized holding gain (losses) on investments


19



(660
)Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

$
(18,685
)

$
(17,907
)




27






NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Leases




We recognize scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, which may include optional lease renewal terms, and deferred rent income and expense are recognized to reflect the difference between the rent paid or received in the current period and the calculated straight-line amount.




Recent Accounting Pronouncements




In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (ASC Topic 605) - Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.  This guidance modifies the fair value requirements of ASC subtopic 605-25, “Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements” by allowing the use of the “best estimate of selling price” in addition to vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) (now referred to as “TPE” standing for third-party evidence) for determining the selling price of a deliverable. A vendor is now required to use its best estimate of the selling price when VSOE or TPE of the selling price cannot be determined. In addition, the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration is no longer
permitted.




In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-14, Software (ASC Topic 985) - Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This guidance modifies the scope of ASC subtopic 965-605, “Software-Revenue Recognition” to exclude from its requirements (a) non-software components of tangible products and (b) software components of tangible products that are sold, licensed, or leased with tangible products when the software components and non-software components of the tangible product function together to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality.




ASC Topic 605 and 985 require expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures and are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. However, companies may elect to adopt as early as interim periods ended September 30, 2009. These updates may be applied either prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year for new or materially modified arrangements or retrospectively. We believe that the future impact of adopting these updates on our consolidated financial statements will not be significant.




In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which updates the guidance in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, related to disclosures about fair value measurements. New disclosures will require entities to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers; and to present separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements in Level 3 information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis rather than as one net amount. The ASU also amends ASC subtopic 820-10 to clarify certain existing disclosures regarding the level of disaggregation at which fair value measurements are provided for each class of assets and liabilities; and disclosures about inputs
and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, which become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance has not had, and is not expected to have, a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.




In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, which updates the guidance in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill & Other. The amendments in ASU subtopic 2010-28 affect all entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test is zero or negative. The amendments in ASU subtopic 2010-28 modify Step 1 so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are
consistent with existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance will become effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.




28


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Reclassifications




Certain amounts in the prior year’s consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.




Liquidity




Recurring losses have produced negative cash flows from operations and losses in the value of investments in late 2008 have increased our unfunded pension obligation. As a result we have accumulated a stockholders’ deficit of $11,362 as of December 31, 2010 which has negatively affected our liquidity and capital resources.  This pressure on liquidity and capital resources continues but has lessened in 2010 with some recovery in pension investment values and cost reduction efforts that have improved the results of operations. After reductions in R&D activities and overheard costs, improved results have significantly reduced our absorption of cash from operations. Also the actions to make the previously restricted marketable securities now available for working capital have provided a new liquid
resource that is available if needed. We believe existing sources of liquidity and results of operations will adequately fund our obligations through 2011 and into 2012. This will continue to depend on a sufficient stream of new orders with adequate customer progress payments in 2011. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts.  The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.





Note 2  – Marketable Securities





As of July 2, 2010, the Company amended the terms of the trust used to fund the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP” - see Note 6 - Employee Retirement Benefit Plans).  As a result, the marketable securities previously held in the trust are in a custodial account with the former trustee from which it continues to pay the SERP benefits and are available for other working capital requirements if necessary.  As such, the Company has reclassified these investments as marketable securities. Prior to the July 2, 2010 amendment, the investments were presented as long term restricted marketable securities.  The Company has accounted for its marketable securities as available for sale.





Realized gain (loss) for marketable securities was $319 and $(229) for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. The following tables summarize the Company’s marketable securities’ adjusted cost, gross unrealized gain (loss) and fair value:




December 31, 2010Adjusted


Unrealized


Unrealized


FairCost


Gains


Losses


ValueMutual funds - equity securities

$
1,858


$
144


$
(139
)

$
1,863Mutual funds - debt securities


443



16



(1
)


458Money market mutual funds


55



-



-



55Total

$
2,356


$
160


$
(140
)

$
2,376




December 31, 2009Adjusted


Unrealized


Unrealized


FairCost


Gains


Losses


ValueMutual funds - equity securities

$
3,240


$
1


$
(667
)

$
2,574Mutual funds - debt securities


610



17



(11
)


616Money market mutual funds


58



-



-



58Total

$
3,908


$
18


$
(678
)

$
3,248




29


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The Company considers the declines in market value of its marketable securities to be temporary in nature.  The investments consist of mutual funds selected according to an asset allocation policy of diversification and long-term growth.   When evaluating the investments for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, and the Company’s intent to sell the investment before recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment charges on outstanding securities. As of December 31, 2010, the Company does not consider
any of its investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.





Fair Value Measurements





Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs according to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:





Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


Level 2—Observable inputs (other than Level 1) that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.


Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.





Our marketable securities are classified within Level 1 because the underlying investments have readily available market prices, with the exception of one equity security held in 2009 that was classified within level 2 for which current market prices were not readily available.





Marketable securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:




Description

December 31,

2010


Level 1


Level 2


Level 3Assets:Mutual funds - equity securities

$
1,863


$
1,863


$
-


$
-Mutual funds - debt securities


458



458Money market mutual funds


55



55



-



-Total

$
2,376


$
2,376


$
-


$
-Description

December 31,

2009


Level 1


Level 2


Level 3Assets:Mutual funds - equity securities

$
2,574


$
2,275


$
299


$
-Mutual funds - debt securities


616



616



-



-Money market mutual funds


58



58



-



-Total

$
3,248


$
2,949


$
299


$
-




30


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Note 3  – Intangible Assets and Goodwill





Intangible assets and goodwill consisted of the following as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:





December 31,2010


2010


2009Weighted Avg.

Amortization

Period in Years


Gross

Carrying

Amount


Accumulated

Amortization


Gross

Carrying

Amount


Accumulated

AmortizationClassMaintenance and legacy customers


10


$
350


$
(185
)

$
350


$
(149
)Planetarium shows


10



280



(161
)


280



(131
)Intellectual property rights


5



350



(291
)


350



(221
)Total


8.7


$
980


$
(637
)

$
980


$
(501
)




Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $136 and $142, respectively.





Maintenance and legacy customers and planetarium shows represent the value of definite-lived intangibles that were identified in the acquisition of Spitz, Inc. (“Spitz”) in 2006.  Also in 2006, the Company acquired certain intellectual property rights to protect the application of certain processes in the use of its products for cash payments totaling $350.





Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:





December 31,Class

2011


2012


2013


2014


2015


ThereafterMaintenance and legacy customers

$
35


$
30


$
30


$
28


$
28


$
14Planetarium shows


25



25



22



20



14



13Intellectual property rights


59



-



-



-



-



-Total

$
119


$
55


$
52


$
48


$
42


$
27





Goodwill of $635 resulted from the acquisition of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Spitz, and was measured as the excess of the $2,884 purchase consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company has made its annual assessment of impairment of goodwill and has concluded that goodwill is not impaired as of December 31, 2010.





Note 4 - Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts




Comparative information with respect to uncompleted contracts at fiscal year-end:




2010


2009Total accumulated costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

$
24,436


$
31,346Less total billings on uncompleted contracts


(25,907
)


(32,940
)$
(1,471
)

$
(1,594
)The above amounts are reported in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:2010



2009Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

$
2,094


$
2,073Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts


(3,565
)


(3,667
)$
(1,471
)

$
(1,594
)




31


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Note 5 - Leases




We occupy real property and use certain equipment under lease arrangements that are accounted for as operating leases.  Our real property leases contain escalation clauses.  Rental expense for all operating leases for 2010 and 2009 was $171 and $213, respectively.




Future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:




Fiscal year2011

$
1262012


1262013


1412014


1462015


146Thereafter


2,786Total

$
3,471




Note 6 - Employee Retirement Benefit Plans




Pension Plan




The Pension Plan is a qualified defined benefit pension plan funded by Company contributions.  Our funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to satisfy regulatory funding standards, based upon independent actuarial valuations. The Pension Plan was frozen in 2002.  Benefits at normal retirement age (65) are based upon the employee’s years of service as of the date of the curtailment for employees not yet retired, and the employee’s compensation prior to the curtailment.




Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan




We maintain an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”).  The SERP provides eligible executives defined pension benefits, outside our pension plan, based on average salary, years of service and age at retirement.  The SERP was amended in 2002 to discontinue further SERP gains from future salary increases and close the SERP to new participants.




401(k) Deferred Savings Plan




We have a deferred savings plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The 401(k) plan covers all employees of the Company who have at least one year of service and who are age 18 or older.  We make matching contributions on employee contributions after the employee has achieved one year of service.  We may also make extra matching contributions based on our profitability and other financial and operational considerations.  No extra matching contributions have been made to date.  Our contributions to the 401(k) plan for 2010 and 2009 were $172 and $201, respectively.




Executive Savings Plan




The Executive Savings Plan (“ESP”) is an unfunded deferred compensation plan that allows tax-deferred retirement savings beyond the amount that can be contributed to the 401(k) plan.  The ESP, a nonqualified plan that does not have the same protections as a qualified 401(k) plan, covers a portion of the management employees.  Participants earn matching amounts on their contributions with the same percentage limit as the qualified 401(k) plan.  Consistent with the curtailment of the SERP, the ESP was amended in 2002 to permit the Board of Directors to grant additional discretionary contributions.




We purchase Company-owned life insurance policies insuring the lives of participants in the ESP.  The policies accumulate asset values and exist to cover the cost of employee supplemental retirement benefit liabilities.  At December 31, 2010 and 2009, prepaid expenses and deposits included our investments in the policies of $843 and $860, respectively.




32


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Obligations and Funded Status




E&S uses a December 31 measurement date for both the Pension Plan and SERP.




Information concerning the obligations, plan assets and funded status of employee retirement defined benefit plans are provided below:




Pension Plan


SERP2010


2009


2010


2009Changes in benefit obligationProjected benefit obligation at beginning of year

$
42,303


$
41,497


$
5,563


$
5,743Service cost


-



-



-



-Interest cost


2,299



2,308



294



311Actuarial loss


2,850



823



314



150Benefits paid


(317
)


(290
)


(627
)


(642
)Settlement payments


(2,332
)


(2,035
)


-



-Projected benefit obligation at end of year

$
44,803


$
42,303


$
5,544


$
5,562Changes in plan assetsFair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$
26,700


$
24,450


$
-


$
-Actual return on plan assets


2,472



4,575



-



-Contributions


-



-



627



642Benefits paid


(317
)


(290
)


(627
)


(642
)Settlements payments


(2,332
)


(2,035
)


-



-Fair value of plan assets at end of year

$
26,523


$
26,700


$
-


$
-Net Amount RecognizedUnfunded status

$
(18,280
)

$
(15,603
)

$
(5,544
)

$
(5,562
)Unrecognized net actuarial loss


17,648



16,532



1,309



1,018Unrecognized prior service cost


-



-



(253
)


(303
)Net amount recognized

$
(632
)

$
929


$
(4,488
)

$
(4,847
)




Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:




Pension Plan


SERP2010


2009


2010


2009Accrued liability

$
(18,280
)

$
(15,603
)

$
(5,544
)

$
(5,562
)Accumulated other comprehensive loss


17,648



16,532



1,056



716Net amount recognized

$
(632
)

$
929


$
(4,488
)

$
(4,846
)




Components of net periodic benefit cost




Pension Plan


SERP2010


2009


2010


2009Service cost

$
-


$
-


$
-


$
-Interest cost


2,299



2,308



294



311Expected return on assets


(2,053
)


(1,848
)


-



-Amortization of actuarial loss


397



1,384



21



54Amortization of prior year service cost


-



-



(49
)


(49
)Settlement charge


918



-



-



-Net periodic benefit cost


1,561


$
1,844


$
266


$
316




33


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Additional information




The increase (decrease) to our unrecognized net actuarial loss recorded in other comprehensive loss for the Pension Plan of $1,116 and $(3,289) during 2010 and 2009, respectively, arose from the difference between the funded status and the accrued pension expense at the end of each year. During 2011, we expect to recognize $431 of accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of our 2011 net periodic benefit cost.




The increase to our minimum liability recorded in other comprehensive income for the SERP of $340 and $146 during 2010 and 2009, respectively, arose from the difference between the funded status and the accrued pension expense at the end of each year.




Assumptions




The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic cost at December 31, 2010 and 2009, included a discount rate of 4.9% and 5.6%, respectively, in each period for the Pension Plan and SERP.  The weighted average assumption used to determine an expected long-term rate of return on Pension Plan assets was 8.0%.




The long-term rate of return on plan assets was estimated as the weighted average of expected return of each of the asset classes in the target allocation of plan assets.  The expected return of each asset class is based on historical market returns.




Pension Plan Assets




The Pension Plan’s weighted-average asset allocations and weighted-average targeted asset allocations for each of the years presented are as follows:




2010


2010


2009Asset allocation category of plan assets

Target %


Actual %


Actual %Mutual funds - equity securities


60



61



60Mutual funds - debt securities


25



23



28Real estate investment trust


5



5



4Hedge funds


10



11



8





The asset allocation policy, consistent with the long-term growth objectives of the Pension Plan, is to invest on a diversified basis among various asset classes as determined by the Pension Plan Administrative Committee.  Assets will be invested in a manner that will provide for long-term growth with a goal to achieve returns equal to or greater than applicable benchmarks.  Investments will be managed by registered investment advisors.





No securities of the Company were part of the Pension Plan assets as of December 31, 2010 or 2009.





Fair Value Measurements





The pension plan assets include a significant amount of mutual funds invested in equity and debt securities that are classified within Level 1 because the underlying investments have readily available market prices.Fair values of real estate investments within the real estate investment trust are valued using real estate valuation techniques and other methods that include reference to third-party sources and sales comparables where available.  Hedge fund investments are classified in Level 2 and the fair values are generally calculated from pricing models with market input parameters from third-party sources.  The pension plan assets fair value measurements are summarized below:




34




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





Description

December 31,

2010


Level 1


Level 2


Level 3Pension Plan Assets:Mutual funds - equity securities

$
16,058


$
16,058


$
-


$
-Mutual funds - debt securities


6,010



6,010



-



-Real estate investment trust


1,442



-



-



1,442Hedge fund


2,725



-



2,725



-Money market mutual funds


288



288



-



-Total

$
26,523


$
22,356


$
2,725


$
1,442




Description

December 31,

2009


Level 1


Level 2


Level 3Pension Plan Assets:Mutual funds - equity securities

$
15,943


$
15,943


$
-


$
-Mutual funds - debt securities


7,410



7,410



-



-Real estate investment trust


1,142



-



-



1,142Hedge fund


1,885



-



1,885



-Money market mutual funds


320



320



-



-Total

$
26,700


$
23,673


$
1,885


$
1,142





The following table provides further details of the Level 3 fair value measurements.


Fair Value Measurements Using Significant

Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

December 31,Pension Plan Assets – Real estate investment trust

2010


2009Beginning Balance

$
1,142


$
1,827Actual return on plan assets – gain (loss)


(100)



(750)Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (net)


400



65Ending balance

$
1,442



1,142
 
 Cash Flow




Employer contributions




Our funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to satisfy regulatory funding standards, based upon independent actuarial valuations.  We expect to make contributions of approximately $950 to the Pension Plan in 2011.




We are not currently required to fund the SERP.  All benefit payments are made by us directly to those who receive benefits from the SERP.  As such, these payments are treated as both contributions and benefits paid for reporting purposes.




The Company previously had marketable securities invested in a trust intended to fund the SERP obligations.  As of July 2, 2010, the Company amended the terms of the trust used to fund the SERP.  As a result, the marketable securities previously held in the trust are in a custodial account with the former trustee from which it continues to pay the SERP benefits and are available for other working capital requirements if necessary. As such, the Company has reclassified these investments as marketable securities.  Prior to the July 2, 2010 amendment, the investments were presented as restricted marketable securities.




The Company expects to contribute and pay benefits of approximately $604 related to the SERP in 2011.  This contribution is expected to be made by liquidating marketable securities.




35




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Estimated future benefit payments




The following benefit payments are expected to be paid based on actuarial estimates and prior experience:




PensionFiscal years

Plan


SERP2011

$
3,530


$
6042012


2,290



4682013


2,534



4382014


3,610



4372015


3,139



4682016-2020


18,730



1,883





Note 7 –Debt




Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31:




2010


2009First mortgage note payable due in monthly installments of $23 including interest at 5.75% through January 1, 2024; payment and rate subject to adjustment every 3 years, next adjustment January 14, 2013

$
2,529


$
2,652Second mortgage note payable due in monthly installments of $4 including interest at 5.75% through October 1, 2028; payment and rate subject to adjustment every 5 years, next adjustment October 1, 2013


470



484Revolving credit note payable, interest at Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of 3.25%


500



310Sale leaseback financing


2,451



2,338Total debt


5,950



5,784Less current portion of long-term debt


(648
)


(452
)Long-term debt, less current portion

$
5,302


$
5,332




Principal maturities on total debt are scheduled to occur in the following years:




2011

$
6482012


1562013


1662014


1762015


2,638Thereafter


2,166Total debt

$
5,950




36


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





Mortgage Notes





The first mortgage note payable represents the balance on a $3,200 note (“First Mortgage Note”) issued on January 14, 2004 by Spitz. The First Mortgage Note requires repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest over twenty years.  On each third anniversary of the First Mortgage Note, the interest rate is adjusted to the greater of 5.75% or 3% over the Three-Year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate published by the United States Federal Reserve (“3YCMT”).  The monthly installment is recalculated on the first month following a change in the interest rate. The recalculated monthly installment is equal to the monthly installment sufficient to repay the principal balance as of the date of the change in the interest rate over the remaining portion of the original
twenty-year term.  On January 14, 2010, the 3YCMT was 1.49% and the interest rate on the First Mortgage Note adjusted to 5.75% per annum. As a result of the interest rate adjustment, the monthly installment amount was changed from $26 to $23.





The second mortgage note payable represents the balance on a $500 note (“Second Mortgage Note”) issued on September 11, 2008 by Spitz. The Second Mortgage Note requires repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest over twenty years.  On each fifth anniversary of the Second Mortgage Note, the interest rate is adjusted to the greater of 5.75% or 3% over 3YCMT.  The monthly installment is recalculated on the first month following a change in the interest rate. The recalculated monthly installment is equal to the monthly installment sufficient to repay the principal balance, as of the date of the change in the interest rate, over the remaining portion of the original twenty-year term.  The monthly installment for the first five years is $4 and includes interest at
5.75% per annum.





The Mortgage Notes are secured by the real property occupied by Spitz pursuant to a Mortgage and Security Agreement; the real property had a carrying value of $4,715 as of December 31, 2010. The Mortgage Notes are guaranteed by E&S.





Line of Credit





The Company is a party to a Credit Agreement with a commercial bank which permits borrowings of up to $1,100 to fund Spitz working capital requirements.  Interest is charged on amounts borrowed at the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by Spitz real and personal property and all of the outstanding shares of Spitz common stock. The Credit Agreement and Mortgage Notes contain cross default provisions whereby the default of either agreement will result in the default of both agreements. As of December 31, 2010 there was $500 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has no fixed term or maturity date but can be terminated by the bank at any time whereby any borrowings under the Credit Agreement are payable upon demand
by the bank. The weighted average balance for borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement was $342 and $26 for 2010 and 2009, respectively. The weighted average interest rate charged on borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement was 3.25% for 2010 and 2009.





Sale-Leaseback Financing





In November 2009, the Company completed a purchase agreement with a buyer to sell its corporate office buildings and its interest in the lease for the land occupied by the buildings in Utah for $2,500.  Under the agreement, we transferred legal title of the buildings including improvements and assigned the related land lease to the buyer. We also entered into a sublease agreement to lease back the land and building for rent of $501 per year, of which $126 represents the land lease and $375 represents the building lease.   The sublease agreement has a term of 5 years with an option for two subsequent 5 year renewal periods.  The agreement provided the Company with a 5 year option to repurchase the buildings and the interest in the land. The remaining term of the repurchase option is
as follows:




DateFrom:

To:

Repurchase price:November 1, 2010

October 31, 2011

$
2,625November 1, 2011

October 31, 2012

$
2,732November 1, 2012

October 31, 2013

$
3,005November 1, 2013

October 31, 2014

$
3,305




37


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The arrangement was accounted for as a financing and no sale was recorded because the Company has the right to repurchase the property.  Therefore, the assets representing the building and improvements remain in property, plant and equipment and the Company recorded the net proceeds of the sale as long-term debt. The $126 portion of the sublease payment attributable to the land lease is equivalent to the payment under the assigned land lease and therefore is subject to the same rent escalations the Company was bound to before the assignment. The land lease portion of the sublease payment is recorded as rent expense consistent with the treatment of the prior land lease payment before the assignment of the lease. The $375 portion of the sublease agreement attributable to the building lease is accounted for
as debt service under the financing transaction.  The net proceeds of the financing amounted to $2,329 consisting of the $2,500 sales price less a security deposit of $125, prorated building rent of $15 and the first monthly payment of $31. We record interest expense at a rate of approximately 20% imputed from the estimated cash flows assuming we exercise the option to repurchase the property at the end of the five year term. In the event that we exercise the option to repurchase the property sooner than the end of the five year term, the difference between the book balance of the debt and the repurchase cost would be recorded as a prepayment premium or discount on the payoff of the debt balance. The cash payment required to repurchase the property on December 31, 2010 was $2,500 consisting of the $2,625 repurchase price under the agreement less a credit for the $125 security deposit. Accordingly, if we had exercised our option to repurchase the property on December 31, 2010,
we would have recorded a prepayment premium of approximately 2% in the amount of $49 over the $2,451 book balance of the debt.





Note 8 - Income Taxes




The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  The Company is subject to audit by the IRS and various states for tax years dating back to 1995.




Income tax expense for 2010 and 2009 consisted of $73 and $44, respectively, of state income taxes. The actual expense differs from the expected tax (expense) benefit as computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34 percent, during fiscal year:




2010


2009Tax (expense) benefit at U.S. federal statutory rate

$
1,551


$
2,656State taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)


155



347Research and development tax credits


-



(38
)Change in valuation allowance attributable to operations


(1,272
)


(2,763
)Other, net


(507
)


(246
)Tax expense

$
(73
)

$
(44
)




38





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of fiscal year-end:




2010


2009Deferred income tax assets:Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation

$
630


$
564Inventory reserves and other inventory related temporary basis differences


1,481



1,285Warranty, vacation, deferred rent and other liabilities


1,631



1,651Retirement liabilities


1,750



2,170Net operating loss carryforwards


62,903



61,392Credit carryforwards


1,428



1,428Other


999



1,088Total deferred income tax assets


70,822



69,578Less valuation allowance


(70,822
)


(69,550
)Net deferred income tax assets


-



28Deferred income tax liabilities:Intangible assets


-



(28
)Total deferred income tax liabilities


-



(28
)Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities

$
-


$
-




Worldwide income (loss) before income taxes consisted of the following:




2010


2009United States

$
(4,561
)

$
(7,811
)Foreign


(10
)


5Total

$
(4,571
)

$
(7,806
)





Income tax (expense) benefit consisted of the following:




2010


2009CurrentU.S. federal

$
-


$
-State


(73
)


(44
)Foreign


-



-Total

$
(73
)

$
(44
)DeferredU.S. federal

$
1,069


$
2,409State


203



392Foreign


-



(38
)Total


1,272



2,763Valuation allowance increase


(1,272
)


(2,763
)Total

$
-


$
-




We have total federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $163,900 which expire from 2011 through 2030.  Approximately $1,412 of federal net operating loss carryforwards expired in 2010.  We have various federal tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1,400, a portion of which expire between 2011 and 2016.  We also have state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $142,800 that expire depending on the rules of the various states to which the loss or credit is allocated.




39


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets increased by $1,272 and $2,763, respectively.  Valuation allowances were established according to our belief that it is more likely than not that these net deferred income tax assets will not be realized.




Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies




Letters of Credit




The Company has finance arrangements which facilitate the issuance of letters of credit and bank guarantees. Underthe terms of the arrangements, we are required to maintain a balance in a specific cash account equal to or greater than the outstanding value of all letters of credit or bank guarantees issued, plus other amounts necessary to adequately secure our obligations with the financial institution.  As of December 31, 2010, we had outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees of $1,514, which are scheduled to expire between 2010 and 2014.





Note 10 - Stock Option and Stock Purchase Plan





Stock Option Plan





In 2004, shareholders approved the adoption of the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation (“2004 Plan”), which expires in 2014.  The 2004 Plan is a stock incentive plan that provides for the grant of options and restricted stock awards to employees and for the grant of options to non-employee directors.  Under the 2004 Plan non-employee directors may receive an annual option grant for no more than 10,000 shares.  New non-employee directors may receive an option grant for no more than 10,000 shares upon their appointment or election.  In addition, with the adoption of this plan no additional options can be issued under any of the prior stock-based plans.  The 2004 Plan establishes a minimum exercise price for options of
110% of fair market value on the date of grant.  Restricted stock awards may be qualified as a performance-based award that conditions a participant’s award upon achievement by the Company or its subsidiaries of performance goals established by our Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee.





The number of shares, terms, and exercise period of option grants are determined by the Board of Directors on an option-by-option basis. Options generally vest ratably over three years and expire ten years from the date of grant.  As of December 31, 2010, options to purchase 1,635,763 shares of common stock were authorized and reserved for future grant.


A summary of activity follows (shares in thousands):





2010


2009Weighted-





Weighted-Average





AverageNumber


Exercise


Number


Exerciseof shares


Price


of shares


PriceOutstanding at beginning of year


1,355


$
4.80



1,235


$
6.05Granted


-



-



191



0.27Exercised


-



-



-



-Cancelled


(217
)


7.46



(71
)


14.43Outstanding at end of year


1,138



4.29



1,355



4.80Exercisable at year end


961



4.98



994



6.16Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year

$
-






$
0.244





As of December 31, 2010, options exercisable and options outstanding had a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.4 and 4.9 years, respectively, and an aggregate intrinsic value $44 and $131, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, options exercisable and options outstanding had a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.2 and 5.3 years, respectively, and no aggregate intrinsic value.




40





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for the grants made in 2009:





Expected life (in years)


2.6Risk free interest rate


3.24Expected volatility


221
%Dividend yield


-





Expected option lives and volatilities are based on historical data of the Company.  Our risk free interest rate is calculated as the average US Treasury bill rate that corresponds with the option life.  Historically, the Company has not declared dividends and there are no future plans to do so.





As of December 31, 2010, there was approximately $15 of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to grants under our plans that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of one year.





Share-based compensation expense, from awards under the 2004 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 amounted to $30 and $95, respectively and was recorded as general and administrative expense.





Note 11 - Preferred Stock





Class A Preferred Stock





We have 5,000,000 authorized shares of Class A Preferred Stock.  As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no Class A Preferred shares of stock outstanding.





Class B Preferred Stock





We have 5,000,000 authorized shares of Class B Preferred Stock.  As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no Class B Preferred shares of stock outstanding.




Note 12 - Geographic Information




The table below presents sales by geographic location:




2010


2009United States

$
12,092


$
13,725International


15,389



11,343Total sales

$
27,481


$
25,068




Note 13 - Significant Customers




For the year ended December 31, 2010, Customers A, B and C represented 13%, 12% and 10% of total sales, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, no individual customer represented 10% or more of total sales.  As of December 31, 2010, accounts receivable from customers A and C represented 35% and 22%, respectively, of total accounts receivable.  As of December 31, 2009, accounts receivable from Customers B and D represented 28% and 23% of total accounts receivable, respectively.  As of December 31, 2010, Customers A and E represented 13% and 10% of total costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings.  As of December 31, 2009, Customer F represented 29% of total costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings.




41




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM





To the Board of Directors and


Stockholders of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation





We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit and comprehensive loss, and cash flows for the years then ended.   These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.





We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such
opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.





In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.





/s/ Tanner LLC





Salt Lake City, Utah


March 4, 2011




42





ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE




None.




ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES




Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.




Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were effective at the reasonable assurance level such that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls system cannot provide absolute assurance, however, that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.




Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.




Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Further, because of changes in
conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.




Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework.  Based on this evaluation, our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.




This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.




Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.




During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Our process for evaluating controls and procedures is continuous and encompasses constant improvement of the design and effectiveness of established controls and procedures and the remediation of any deficiencies which may be identified during this process.




ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION




None




43




PART III





ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE




Certain information required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K will be included under the caption “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is incorporated herein by reference.  Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K will be included under the caption “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is incorporated herein by reference.  Certain information required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is included in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.” The information required by Item 407(c)((3), 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K
will be included under the caption “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is herein incorporated by reference.




Code of Ethics




Evans & Sutherland maintains a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which is applicable to all employees, including all officers, and including our independent non-employee directors with regard to Evans & Sutherland related activities.  The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct incorporates our guidelines designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It also incorporates our expectations of our employees that enable us to provide accurate and timely disclosure in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other public communications.  In addition, they incorporate our expectations of our employees concerning prompt internal reporting of violations of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.




The full text of the Evans & Sutherland Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is published on our Investors Relations website at www.es.com.  We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct or waivers of such provisions granted to executive officers and directors, on this website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.




ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION




The information required by this item will be included under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is herein incorporated by reference.




44




ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS




The information required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K will be included under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is herein incorporated by reference.




Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans as of December 31, 2010




Number of securitiesNumber of securities





remaining available forto be issued upon


Weighted average


future issuanceexercise of


exercise price of


under equity compensationoutstanding options,


outstanding options,


plans (excluding securitieswarrants and rights


warrants and rights


reflected in column (a))(a)


(b)


(c)Equity compensation plans approved by security holders


1,137,918


$
4.29



1,635,763Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders


-



-



-Total


1,137,918


$
4.29



1,635,763




ITEM 13.       CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE





The information required by Item 404 of Regulation S-K will be included under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is herein incorporated by reference.  The information required by Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K will be included under the caption “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is herein incorporated by reference





ITEM 14.        PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES




The information required by this item will be included under the caption “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that information is herein incorporated by reference.




45





PART IV





ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES




(a)
List of documents filed as part of this report




1.
Financial Statements




The following consolidated financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.




·
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009




·
Consolidated Statement of Operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009




·
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009




·
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009




·
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




2.
Financial Statement Schedules




There are no schedules filed because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.




3.
Exhibits




Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws




3.1.1
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 000-08771, for the fiscal year ended December 25, 1987, and incorporated herein by this reference.




3.1.2
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation filed as Exhibit 3.1.1 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 000-08771, for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1988, and incorporated herein by this reference.




3.1.3
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Other Rights of the Class B-1 Preferred Stock of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q, SEC File No. 000-08771, for the quarter ended September 25, 1998, and incorporated herein by this reference.




3.2.1
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, and incorporated herein by this reference.




3.2.2
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, and incorporated herein by this reference.




Material contracts




Management contracts and compensatory plans




10.1
Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Annex A to Evans & Sutherland’s Form 14A, SEC File No. 001-14667, filed on April 19, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.




10.2
Amended and restated Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), dated May 16, 2002, filed as Exhibit 10.38 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.




46




10.3
Amended and restated Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Executive Savings Plan, dated May 16, 2002, filed as Exhibit 10.39 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.4
Employment agreement between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Kirk Johnson, dated August 26, 2002, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.5
Employment Agreement, dated February 8, 2006, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Jonathan Shaw, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.6
Employment Agreement dated February 8, 2006, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Paul Dailey, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.7
Employment Agreement, dated August 26, 2002, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and David H. Bateman, filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




Other material contracts




10.8
Line of Credit Agreement, dated April 28, 2006, between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.9
Line of Credit Note, dated April 28, 2006, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed here with filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.10
Guaranty, dated April 28, 2006, by Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.11
Pledge Agreement, dated April 28, 2006, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.12
Security Agreement, dated April 28, 2006, by and between Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed here with filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.13
Open-end Mortgage and Security Agreement, dated April 28, 2006, by and between Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.14
First Modification Agreement to Line of Credit Agreements, dated July 28, 2006, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




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10.15
Credit Agreement between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association effective December 1, 2006, filed as Exhibit 10.24 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.16
Mortgage Note dated January 14, 2004, of Transnational Industries, Inc. and Spitz, Inc. to First Keystone Bank filed as Exhibit 10.25 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.17
Open-End Mortgage and Security Agreement dated January 14, 2004, between Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank filed as Exhibit 10.26 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.18
Loan Agreement dated as January 14, 2004, between First Keystone Bank, Transnational Industries, Inc. and Spitz, Inc filed as Exhibit 10.27 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.19
First Modification Agreement to Mortgage Loan Agreements, dated March 30 2007, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.28 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.20
Second Modification Agreement to Line of Credit Agreements, dated March 30 2007, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.29 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.21
Guaranty, dated March 30, 2007 by Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation, filed as Exhibit 10.30 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.22
Third Modification Agreement to Line of Credit Agreements, dated August 24 2007, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Spitz, Inc. and First Keystone Bank, filed as Exhibit 10.31 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.23
Sublease Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 8-K dated November 17, 2009, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Wasatch Research Park I, LLC, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.24
Purchase Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 8-K dated November 17, 2009, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Wasatch Research Park I, LLC, and incorporated herein by reference.




10.25
Marketing Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 8-K dated November 17, 2009, by and between Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Wasatch Research Park I, LLC, and incorporated herein by reference.




Subsidiaries of the registrant




21.1
Subsidiaries of Registrant, filed as Exhibit 21.1 to Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.




Consent of experts and counsel




23.1
Consent of Current Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herein.




Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications




31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, filed herein.




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31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, filed herein.




Section 1350 Certifications




32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herein.




TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS FORM 10-K




E&S, ESLP, and Digistar are trademarks or registered trademarks of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation.  All other product, service, or trade names or marks are the properties of their respective owners.




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SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





EVANS & SUTHERLAND COMPUTER CORPORATIONBy
/s/DAVID H. BATEMANDavid H. BatemanChief Executive Officer and Director





March 4, 2011





Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.





Signature

Title

DateChief Executive Officer/s/David H. Bateman

and Director

March 4, 2011David H. Bateman

(Principal Executive Officer)Chief Financial Officer/s/Paul L. Dailey

(Principal Financial Officer and

March 4, 2011Paul L. Dailey

Principal Accounting Officer)/s/David J. Coghlan

Chairman of the Board

March 4, 2011David J. Coghlan/s/William Schneider, Jr.

Director

March 4, 2011William Schneider, Jr./s/James P. McCarthy

Director

March 4, 2011James P. McCarthy/s/E. Michael Campbell

Director

March 4, 2011E. Michael Campbell




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