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 May 2, 2009 OR [

                        ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the Transition Period From ___ to ___. Commission File Number: 0-23246 Daktronics, Inc. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)  South Dakota

                            (State or other jurisdiction of

                            incorporation or organization)

                        

                        46-0306862

                            (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)201 Daktronics Drive

                            Brookings SD

                        

                        57006(Address of principal executive offices)

                        

                        (Zip Code)
  (605) 692-0200 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)  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

                        

                        Name of Each Exchange on Which RegisteredCommon Stock, No Par Value

                        

                        Nasdaq Global Market
  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

                        Yes[

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

                        Yes [  ] No [ X ]
  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
            days.                                                                                                                                 
            Yes[ X ]No [   ]  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files)
            .                                                                                                                      
            Yes[  ]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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” ”accelerated filer” and ”smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):  Large accelerated filer

                        [  ]

                        Accelerated filer

                        [ X ]
 Non-accelerated filer

                        [  ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)

                        Smaller reporting company

                        [  ]
  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

                        Yes[ ]

                        No [ X ]
  The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of November 1, 2008 (which is the last business day at the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), computed by reference to the closing sales price of the registrant’s Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on such date, was approximately $398,441,503. For purposes of determining this
            number, individual stockholders holding more than 10% of the Registrant’s outstanding Common Stock are considered affiliates. This number is provided only for the purpose of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and does not represent an admission by either the Registrant or any such person as to the status of such person.  The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of June 15, 2009 was 40,776,594.  Documents Incorporated By Reference Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held August 26, 2009 are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.     DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 2, 2009   PageSPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

                        1PART IITEM 1.

                        BUSINESS

                        1ITEM 1A.

                        RISK FACTORS

                        10ITEM 1B.

                        UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

                        15ITEM 2.

                        PROPERTIES

                        15ITEM 3.

                        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

                        16ITEM 4.

                        SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

                        16PART IIITEM 5.

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

                        16ITEM 6.

                        SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                        17ITEM 7.

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

                        18ITEM 7A.

                        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

                        32ITEM 8.

                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

                        33ITEM 9.

                        CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING ANDFINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

                        59ITEM 9A.

                        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

                        59ITEM 9B.

                        OTHER INFORMATION

                        62PART IIIITEM 10.

                        DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

                        62ITEM 11.

                        EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

                        62ITEM 12.

                        SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATEDSTOCKHOLDER MATTERS

                        62ITEM 13.

                        CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

                        62ITEM 14.

                        PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

                        62PART IVITEM 15.

                        EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

                        62SIGNATURES

                        64
       **SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS**  This Annual Report on Form 10-K (including exhibits and information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
            21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future. These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: our financing plans; trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; our growth strategy
            and operating strategy; our competition; our business outside of the United States; our large contracts with significant customers; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; excess production capacity or capacity needs; our involvement in securities and other litigation; difficult conditions in the economy; and the declaration and payment of dividends. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “expect,”
            “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plans” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the
            forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including those discussed in the section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Business Risks and Uncertainties,” and those factors discussed in detail in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  PART I.  Item 1. BUSINESS  General Development of Business  Company Background and Overview.Daktronics, Inc. was founded by Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach and Dr. Duane Sander in 1968 while they were professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University (“SDSU”) in Brookings, South Dakota. Our long and close relationship with SDSU and other South Dakota colleges and universities is a key factor contributing to
            our leadership in the industry. We have been able to experience sustained long-term growth due in part to the capability of the local universities and colleges to provide an important source of highly educated full-time and student employees.  Over the years, our products have evolved significantly, from scoreboards and matrix displays and related software applications to complex, integrated visual display systems that include full color video, text and graphics displays located on a local or remote network and tied together through sophisticated control systems. In the mid-nineties, as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) became
            available in red, blue and green colors with outdoor brightness, we pioneered the development of full color LED video displays capable of replicating trillions of colors, thereby producing large format video systems with excellent color, brightness, energy efficiency and lifetime. Due to our foundation of developing scoring and graphics display systems, in which we were already a leader, we were able to add video capabilities so all of a customer’s large format display needs
            could be met in a complete, integrated system. This has proven to be a key factor in Daktronics becoming the dominant company worldwide in large electronic displays. Over the years, we have invested in product development to add complementary products and services, such as production services, sound systems, marketing services, maintenance and support and other products for our customers.  Business Developments.As a result of our line of LED display systems and software applications, we gained significant market share through designing and manufacturing quality products and providing technical expertise and services. Our products are in use throughout the world, as we are the world’s leader in all LED display product categories, according to
            independent research.  In the sports market, our integrated video and scoring systems have been installed at many professional, collegiate and high school facilities, particularly in North America, and at international sporting events such as the Olympic Games.  With commercial applications, our video, digital billboard and graphics displays can be seen in major destination sites, such as Las Vegas and Times Square, along roadsides at retail establishments and at many other locations.  In the transportation market, our Vanguard® displays are in use in numerous jurisdictions across North America, and our customers include many state departments of transportation.  One of our core growth strategies on a historical basis has been to enter geographic markets by developing a small sales and service presence that provides after-sale support to our entire product line and sales of our products. This network of offices, including home offices, has been an important part of our growth strategy. Although we expect to still continue to open offices where it is important
            to have a presence, in fiscal year 2009, we began closing offices where an office location was not critical, and allowed sales and service personnel to maintain home offices. We currently have approximately 60 corporate offices throughout the world.  1    We occasionally acquire businesses that provide access to new markets or complement our existing products. In the past five years, we have acquired a number of small companies. Although these acquisitions increased the scope of services and technology that we are able to provide, our primary growth objective is still the increase of sales and profitability through organic growth.  Financial Information About Segments  See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information pertaining to our business segments and geographic operations.  Narrative Description of Business  We are the world’s leading supplier of electronic scoreboards, large electronic display systems and related marketing services, digital messaging solutions, software and services for sports venues, commercial and transportation applications. Our continuing focus is on supporting customers with superior products, integration and services that provide dynamic, reliable and unique visual
            communication solutions. We offer a complete line of products, from small indoor and outdoor scoreboards and electronic displays to large multi-million dollar video display systems as well as related control, timing, sound and hoist systems and related professional services. We are recognized worldwide as a technical leader with the capabilities to design, market, manufacture, install and service complete integrated systems that display real-time data, graphics, animation and video.  We are engaged in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and design, manufacturing and professional services. Each of those activities is described below.  Marketing and Sales. Our products have been sold throughout the United States and other countries through a combination of direct sales personnel and resellers. In the United States and Canada, we use primarily a direct sales force for professional sports, colleges and universities, convention centers and smaller sports facilities, including high schools and transportation
            applications. In smaller commercial applications, we rely primarily on resellers. We also utilize resellers outside North America on large video system projects where we do not have a direct sales presence. Sales to resellers generally have terms equal to sales directly to end users.  The majority of the products sold by resellers are standard catalog products. These are typically moderately priced and relatively easy to install. A limited number of models are built to inventory and available for quick delivery. We support our resellers through direct mail advertising, trade journal advertising, trade show exhibitions and our sales force support in the field. We believe that we can
            expand sales and in some niches, market share, by expanding both our direct sales force and resellers.  Our direct sales force is comprised of a network of corporate and home offices located throughout the world supporting all customer types in both sales and service. In addition to supporting resellers as described above, the direct sales staff sells the entire range of our standard products and substantially all of the large video display systems. Our direct sales staff is structured in a way to
            maximize cross-selling opportunities across segments. We have organized our business into five business units which have a primary focus on particular markets and a secondary focus on opportunities in other markets. The business units consist of four domestic business units that include U.S. and Canada -- Commercial, Live Events, Schools and Theatres, and Transportation -- and a fifth business unit for International operations. We believe that customers in each of these areas are
            unique in a number of ways which are conducive to this structure. For example, Live Events customers usually have a large variety of products tied into a system in a single location that involves much more creative production services, design and event support. The Commercial business unit serves the needs created by large and remote networks of displays connected through various modes of communication. The Transportation business unit focuses on the unique needs of governmental
            contractors and ties into integrated systems that manage the flow of travelers and vehicles. Finally, the Schools and Theatre business unit focuses on the increasing level of support and service and limited resources along with all the statistics and related software and communication needs of athletic conferences and leagues.  When we target a potential customer for sales opportunities, the prospect is contacted either directly or through a reseller. Frequently, on larger sales opportunities, engineers, technicians and sales personnel jointly participate in site visits to assess site conditions, evaluate the customer’s requirements and assemble and present proposals. Proposals to prospective customers include business
            and technical presentations as well as product demonstrations and visits to existing installations. We also regularly host customers at our various manufacturing facilities to demonstrate product quality, manufacturing, and design capabilities.  International sales fluctuate from year to year based on the timing of large system projects. A typical term of sale for international projects includes a letter of credit or partial payment in advance. We believe that in addition to the growth we expect domestically, we will also achieve growth in the international markets. During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, approximately 12%, 13% and 10% of
            our net sales, respectively, were derived from international sales. Since 2000, we have acquired or opened international offices in Canada, China, France, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom. We also are a 49% owner of a joint venture in Malaysia. 2    Much of our marketing and sales success in the past was based on our ability to create new products and product enhancements for customers by understandingtheir needs and opportunities. We have developed and continue to develop this understanding through active participation in the sales cycle by engineers and other personnel and through attendance at trade shows, conventions and
            seminars and fostering a culture of teamwork throughout the organization.  Engineering and Product Development. The large screen electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product innovations and developments in technology and complementary services. To remain competitive, we must continue to anticipate and respond to changes and developments in the industry. We will continue our tradition of applying
            engineering resources throughout our business to help achieve more effective product development by investing approximately 4% of our net sales into product design and development.  We employ engineers and technicians in the areas of mechanical and electrical design, applications engineering, software design and customer and product support. We use primarily in-house engineering to anticipate and respond rapidly to the product development needs of customers and the marketplace. We assign product managers from our engineering staff to each product or
            product family to assist our sales staff in training, implement product improvements, and ensure that each product is designed for maximum reliability and serviceability. We also invest in new creative technologies and in companies developing new technologies.  Our engineering staff consists of four product development groups – Sports, Video, Commercial and Transportation. The sports product development group focus is aligned with the Schools and Theatre business unit, the video group is aligned with the Live Events and International business units, and the commercial and transportation groups are aligned with the Commercial and
            Transportation business units. During fiscal 2009, this alignment has started to evolve into various knowledge centers across the product development groups for the purpose of leveraging knowledge and concepts across product lines. It is expected that this alignment will drive improved product reliability, lower costs and better functionality for our customers. The development of these knowledge centers and various other practices within product development are modeled after best
            practices for lean product development.  Manufacturing.As a vertically integrated manufacturer of display systems, we perform most sub-assembly and substantially all final assembly of our products.  Our manufacturing operations include component manufacturing and system manufacturing (metal fabrication, electronic assembly, sub-assembly and final assembly). We augment our production capacity with the use of outside resources primarily due to capacity constraints, although we have also used outside providers when it was more cost effective.  We use a modular approach for manufacturing displays. Standard product modules are designed to be used in a variety of different products. This modular approach reduces parts inventory and improves manufacturing efficiency. We inventory a limited supply of standard products. Custom projects are built according to the customer’s specifications. Product modules are designed
            so that a custom product may include a significant percentage of standard components to maximize reliability and ease of service. A key strategy of ours is to reduce the need for customization of displays and increase standardization. For example, we are developing a more widespread use of a common module platform and are expanding use of standard formed cabinets for displays.  Our order entry, production, customer service and many other functions are also consolidated through an enterprise resource planning system to facilitate communication among employee teams throughout the entire sales, design, production and delivery process.  During fiscal 2006, we began significant expansion of our facilities and throughput to respond to the increasing level of sales. Prior to that time, substantially all of our products were manufactured in our main facility in Brookings, South Dakota. During fiscal 2007, we began manufacturing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Redwood Falls, Minnesota. We also deployed a limited
            amount of manufacturing in China, and we expect to expand manufacturing at that location at some time in the future. Locations outside of Brookings now produce a material amount of our products.  During fiscal 2007, we began reorganizing our plants to more closely align them with the five business units described above. In fiscal 2008 and 2009, we expanded this reorganization by allocating inventory and decentralizing various other functions to each plant. This resulted in significant investment in replicating processes which in prior years were centralized. This was
            extremely important given the rapid growth of the business and the resulting unique needs of our customers in each business unit. Our goal was to align sales, marketing, engineering and manufacturing into a cohesive business unit with a focus on customers while not giving up the synergies of shared resources. In addition, given the cyclical nature of some parts of our business, we need to maintain our ability to manufacture the same products across our plants so that we can smooth
            out the peaks and valleys of customer demand of the various business units. During the second half of fiscal 2009, as a result of the downturn in business, primarily in our commercial business, it became more important to share the plants across business units. We expect that emphasis on aligning manufacturing to a business unit as opposed to a shared resource will continue to change as our business changes.  3    Beginning in fiscal year 2007, we began implementing lean manufacturing techniques throughout our manufacturing facilities. Although there are direct costs associated with implementing lean manufacturing techniques, the goal of doing so is to eliminate waste and deliver products to a customer when the customer desires the products while maintaining minimal inventory and
            eliminating non-value added tasks.  Technical Contracting.We serve as a technical contractor for larger display system installations that require custom designs and innovative product solutions. The purchase of standard displays and other state-of-the-art display systems typically involves competitive proposals. As a part of our response to a proposal request, we may suggest
            additional products or features to assist the prospective customer in analyzing the optimal type of display system. We usually include, as a part of our proposal, site preparation and installation services related to the display system. In these cases, we serve as a contractor and may retain subcontractors. We are licensed in a number of domestic jurisdictions as a general contractor. Generally, we outsource all related electrical, steel and installation labor to qualified
            subcontractors with which we have developed relationships.  Professional Services.Our professional services are essential to continued market penetration and growth. We provide maintenance and support services and technical contracting in all of our offices throughout the world. We are continuing to evaluate our office network in the U.S. to ensure that the organization is functioning efficiently from a
            cost perspective. This includes reevaluating the need for offices in certain locations and our current approach to parts logistics. We supplement our offices with a network of authorized service companies for service and maintenance needs.  Professional services we provide in addition to technical contracting include event support, content creation, product maintenance, marketing assistance, training on hardware and software, and display rentals. Our creative production staff provides a variety of services to customers, including video content, event support, control room design, on-site training (hardware and
            software), and continuing technical support for operators of complicated display systems.  Our sports marketing division provides customers with marketing and ad sales for facilities to fund display system purchases. These marketing services extend beyond the marketing potential of the equipment in the facility to other facility-related components. Typically, we render these services to facilities that do not have in-house marketing programs and staff.  Customer Service and Support. Our customer service distinguishes us from our competitors. This service includes limited warranties for most of our products against failure due to defective parts or workmanship for periods generally ranging from one to five years after the first sale or installation, depending on the product or type of customer, and
            extended service agreements. We also provide help-desk access, parts repair and replacement and programming support for video, animation and other displays. We staff our help desk with experienced technicians who are available on-call 24 hours a day to support events and sites.  Our repair center is staffed with trained technicians who repair and return components that require service, and we offer a component exchange program for same-day shipment of replacement parts.  Beginning in fiscal 2009, we reorganized our North American field service personnel so that we could better focus on the commonality of the products across units rather than the unique customer needs, which was the prior focus. We believe that we can drive significant cost savings and synergies by doing this that will be realized over time.  General Description of Our Products and Technologies  Our display technologies have changed significantly since the mid-1990s, when incandescent lamps were the primary display element. Presently, LED and liquid crystal display (“LCD”) technologies are the primary display elements. The invention and availability of the blue and green LED in the mid-1990s, along with the already available red LED, allowed the
            introduction of full-color video displays using LEDs as the primary colors to form all other colors in the video display. The decreasing costs of LCD components along with the drive for more numerous smaller displays have led to the addition of LCD displays. Driven by customer demand, we have enhanced our video display technology into mobile and modular technologies and high definition capabilities for various applications.  The cost, performance and availability of LEDs have made them the preferred display element for large displays as compared to alternatives such as incandescent and reflective technologies, most of which are obsolete or unproven. The cost effectiveness, life and performance of LCDs have made them the preferred small display solution. The vast majority of displays we sell today
            utilize LED technology.  The two principal components of many of our systems are the display and the controller. The controller uses computer hardware and software to process the information provided by the operator and other integrated sources and then compiles the information, graphics or animation to be presented on the display. Data can be transferred between the controller and local or remote
            displays. Local connections may use wire cables, fiber optic cables, infrared links or radio links. Standard and cellular telephone connections and satellite transmissions are used to connect to remote displays. The controller controls each of the pixels (which are the dots or picture elements that make up the image) on the display to present the message or image.  4    Most of our display technologies rely on one or more of our software products to manage and provide content for the display. These software products range in complexity from scoring consoles, to the Venus® 1500 control software that allows the creation, display and scheduling of dynamic text and basic graphics content on electronic displays, to the Venus® 7000 display
            control system that controls multi-color displays and video displays, providing the ability to create graphics and animation as well as interfacing with third-party software for content. Additionally, our VisiconnSM control software is used to display targeted messages to specific audiences and to control large networks of digital displays. Complementary software, such as our DakStats® and interfacing software, is also available and can be fully integrated into the
            control software.  Our display systems range from small scoreboards and digit displays priced at under $1,000 to large complex display systems priced in excess of $40 million. Generally, our product sales are either custom products or standard catalog scoreboards or displays. Historically, these standard catalog sales have accounted for less than 25% of our total annual revenues. Our custom
            products are customized in terms of size, configuration and installation type but are generally built using standard technology platforms. In 2008, we initiated various programs to reduce custom components in favor of much more standardized components that could be assembled to form products that are customized to the needs of the end users.  Within each product family, we produce displays that vary in complexity, size and resolution. The physical dimensions of a display depend on the size of the viewing area, the distance from the viewer to the display, and the amount and type of information to be displayed. Generally, the light sources, or pixels, are larger and spaced farther apart for longer distance viewing.
            The type of the display may also depend on the location of the viewing audience. For example, arena scoreboards may have a viewing angle nearly as wide as 180 degrees, compared with roadside displays, which typically are viewed from a passing vehicle only within a narrow angle from the display. We customize our products according to the design specifications of the customer and the conditions of the environment.  Product Families and Technologies  Our products are comprised of the following five major product families:  1.

                        Sports products, primarily All Sport®, Tuff Sport® and OmniSport® scoreboards, Sportsound® sound systems and related controllers and products;
 2.

                        Automated rigging and hoist products, primarily our Vortek® line of hoists and related control systems;
 3.

                        Video products, primarily HD-X, PS-X and PST display technologies and associated control systems;
 4.

                        Commercial products, primarily Galaxy®, Galaxy Pro® and ValoTM displays and Venus® 1500 control

                            systems; and
 5.

                        Transportation products, primarily Vanguard® displays.
  Each of these product families is described below.  Sports Products.The sports products family includes a full line of indoor and outdoor scoreboards, timing systems, digit displays, sound systems, statistics software and other related products. The indoor products range in complexity from two-digit shot clocks and small scoreboards to large, center-hung scoreboards incorporating message centers,
            advertising panels and hoist systems. Outdoor scoreboards range in complexity from two-digit game timers and small scoreboards to large scoring systems incorporating message centers and advertising panels.  We expect that sports products sales in the future will continue to focus on the use of LED technology due to its lower power consumption, longer life and resulting lower maintenance costs as compared to other technologies. Because most of the products within the sports products group have significant standardization, we have been able to make progress on our goal of delivering
            the highest quality products.  We offer a variety of internally developed controllers complementing our scoreboards and displays. These controllers vary in price and complexity from the All Sport® 100, which is a controller for portable scoreboards, to the All Sport® 5500, which is designed for more sophisticated scoring systems, allowing for more user-defined options. These controllers can be
            interfaced with the scoreboards through radio frequencies, fiber optic connections or other means.  We also offer timing systems for sports events, primarily aquatics and track competitions. These timing systems include our OmniSport® 2000 timing system. The system has the capability to not only time and rank the competitors but also to interface with event management software created by third parties to facilitate the administration of the sporting event.  As a key component of an integrated system, we market sports statistics and results software under the DakStats® trademark. The software allows entry and display of sports statistics and other information displays. It is one of the leading applications of its type in professional, collegiate and high school sports.  Automated Rigging and Hoist Products.The automated rigging and hoist product family includes our Vortek® automated rigging systems which complement our arena center-hung scoreboard/display systems for both small  5   and large sporting facilities.  Additionally, the Vortek® hoist provides automated rigging for theatre applications, primarily smaller theatres such as in high schools and similar venues. The strengths of the Vortek® automated rigging systems include safety and ease of operation.  The Vortek® Automation Center includes intuitive touch screens and menus to control the integrated hoist systems in a central control system to provide for added safety and enhanced operation of a theatre production, making changes in scenery, lighting and sound preprogrammed, timed and easy to control.  We also offer custom hoists, primarily in the sports arena business, for all sizes of center-hung video and scoring solutions.  These custom hoists, which are designed to the specifications of the center-hung structure and the load and design features of its attachment points within a facility, provide the most capable and proven systems in the industry.  Video Products.The video products family consists primarily of displays, which are comprised of a large number of pixels capable of creating various levels of video, graphics and animation, and controllers, which manage the operation of the display. Video display products are based on red, green and blue LEDs arranged in various combinations to
                form pixels or picture elements. The electronic circuitry which controls the pixels allows for variances in the relative brightness of each LED to provide a full color spectrum, thereby displaying video images in striking, vibrant colors.  We offer a wide range of video display products for different applications and budgets. Variables in typical video displays include the spacing of the pixels (pixel pitch), the brightness of the displays, the number of discrete colors that the display is able to produce (color resolution) and the viewing angle. In addition, modular design allows the product to be readily configured in custom sizes
                to meet each customer’s specific requirements, with no maximum to the size of display that can be built.  Our PS-X and HD-X video display systems offer specifications second to none in the industry. At the high end, the product is capable of producing 4.4 trillion colors and is available with pixel spacing as close as three millimeters. Currently, we offer a wide range of pixel spacing, ranging from three millimeter to 23 millimeter. The three-millimeter application provides the user with the greatest
                pixel density and shortest viewing distance, and the 23 millimeter is the most cost effective for physically large displays with maximum viewing distances. In addition, the uniformity of colors across the display is important to the quality of the video image. Our unique display control circuitry, along with our proprietary manufacturing and calibration procedures, provide uniform colors across the display.  We have adapted our PS-X technology into our ribbon board displays, the PST modular display system, the ProRail® display systems and our freeform display systems. Our ribbon board display systems use the same technology as our PS-X video displays configured in different height-to-width ratios to give arena and stadium facilities the ability to install long, narrower bands of displays in
                various locations in the facility. This application generally serves as a revenue generation source for facilities through advertising as well as a location to display information such as scoring and statistics.  PST display systems are comprised of lightweight individual modules or panels less than a square meter in size that are assembled together to form a display in a customizable height and width. These panels are used in what we refer to as mobile and modular applications, such as touring shows and the events market. ProRail® display systems incorporate our PS-X displays into a patented cabinet
                designed to serve as a replacement for the fascia of an upper deck in a stadium or arena, which in some cases improves the sight lines of the fans. Freeform displays serve as architectural accents and channel lettering.  Our main controller for these video displays is our Venus® 7000 controller, which is built on the Windows® operating system. This high-end controller provides advanced capability for controlling large video displays. The V-Play® event management software provides facilities with integrated and sophisticated event program management capabilities with integration to video equipment. It
                provides instant replays, live action and overlays of information, and it allows for the organization and playback of digital video and audio clips. Other video products controllers include the VisiconnSM and V-Tour® controllers. Each of these controllers is designed with unique features and functionality for unique market niches.  Our V-Tour® design interfaces between our display systems and other systems allowing, for example, scoreboard and video systems to receive and display information from computers used for statistics, timing or scoring. These interfaces allow the display controller to send information back to a statistics system or customer computer and can automatically report continually updated sports scores
                and information from national wire services.  Commercial Products.The key product lines in the Commercial Products family are our ValoTM, Galaxy® and GalaxyProTM product lines, which include various indoor and outdoor applications intended primarily as graphics and text-based displays.  Galaxy® displays, available in both indoor and outdoor models, are our leading product line for commercial applications and are expected to be a key product line for growth in the future. Galaxy® displays are red, amber or full color, with pixel spacing ranging from 6 millimeter to 46 millimeter depending on color, size and viewing distance. They are used primarily as message centers to
                convey information and advertising to the consumers and the public. The modular design of the product allows us to configure a display to readily meet the size requirements of each customer. Within the Galaxy® line, we offer various price points for similar sized displays of the same pixel spacing.  6   GalaxyProTM displays are full-matrix outdoor displays capable of displaying pre-recorded video, text, graphics and animation. GalaxyProTM displays are offered in full color with pixel spacing from 20 millimeter to 34 millimeter. GalaxyProTM displays are capable of producing 68 billion colors, have excellent color uniformity across the display and are fully compatible with our
                    Venus® 1500 display control software. The modular design of the product allows us to configure a display to readily meet the size requirements of each customer.  Our ValoTM displays, used primarily in the digital billboard marketplace, utilize the foundation of our PS-X technology to create a unique digital display product for outdoor advertisers. The product, which is used primarily to display static images that change at regular intervals, include many features and functionality that are unique to the outdoor advertising business, such as our
                    patented mounting system, self adjusting brightness, improved energy consumption, and network security.  Other product lines within the Commercial Products group include our DataTime®, DataMaster®, DataTracTM and DakTicker® displays. The DataTime® product line consists of outdoor time and temperature displays in various character sizes. The DataTime® displays feature a programmable time and temperature display and use a remote sensor for temperature data input. The
                    DataMaster® product line consists of outdoor rate, gas price, generic counting/timing and lottery displays in various character sizes. The DataTime® products are offered in red or amber, while the DataMaster® products are offered in red, amber and green. The DataMaster® product line has growth potential in the petroleum market niche.  The DataTracTM product lines consist of indoor LED displays comprised of discrete characters. Each character is spaced evenly horizontally and vertically from the adjacent character. This provides the least expensive display per character for the display of text messages only. DakTicker® displays are used primarily in financial institutions for ticker displays and to display other
                    financial information. DataTracTM and DakTicker® products have a controller in the display that is capable of receiving a downloaded display program and then operating independently to display that program until a new program is downloaded to it.  The majority of our Commercial Products group’s products utilize our proprietary Venus® 1500 display control software to control the creation of messages and graphic sequences for downloading to the display. This software is designed to be useable without any special training, and it is applicable to all general advertising or message presentation applications. We also provide
                    software that allows system integrators to write their own software using the Venus® 1500 software developer’s kit to communicate to displays supplied by us. Several system integrators have implemented the Venus® 1500 protocol into their specific applications, resulting in additional display sales. Our ValoTM display line utilizes the ValoTM Play control system to manage the operation and content of displays on a networked basis.  Transportation Products.The Transportation Products family includes a wide range of LED-based products for road management, parking, mass transit and aviation applications. The Vanguard® family of electronic displays, which lead transportation product sales, are typically used to direct traffic and inform motorists. We have also developed a software control
                    system for these displays to help transportation agencies manage large networks of displays.  Our digit and directional displays are primarily marketed under the DataMaster® name and sold for use in parking facilities. Several of the transportation products are also routinely sold into our commercial and sports markets.  Most of the transportation products are designed and tested to rigorous transportation industry standards. Our personnel routinely work with standards development organizations to assist in writing standards that benefit the public and take advantage of the latest display technologies.  Sources of Raw Materials  We source some of our raw materials, including LEDs, from a limited number of suppliers, primarily due to quality control or the customized nature of the materials.  The loss of one of these key suppliers could have an adverse impact on our business and operations.  For additional information, refer to Item 1A – Risk Factors.  From time to time, we enter into pricing
                    agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year.  Intellectual Property  We develop technology on a continuing basis that we consider for patent application. We apply for the majority of our patents to establish the creation of the technology so that other parties cannot later claim ownership. We generally do not pursue infringement claims on these patents when others infringe on them. The remainder of our patents are designed to prevent infringement, and we
                    aggressively pursue infringement claims for protection due to patent violations.  7    We apply for patents in the U.S. and a limited number of foreign jurisdictions. These patents generally pertain to our display technologies and product features and have various terms of duration. The patents we hold which are designed to protect and prevent competitors from infringing include, for example, patents on mechanical designs, such as our ProRail® system and ValoTM Mount,
                        formed cabinet design and latching system for modules. They also include patents for product features and capabilities which we believe are superior in the marketplace and that give us a competitive position, such as our touchpad products for aquatics. There are a limited number of patents that apply to our electronics due to the rapid rate of change in the industry. However, we hold patents on such things as calibration methods and pixel arrangements. Due to the general
                        nature of our business and the rapid rate of change in technology, we do not incur significant expenditures in defending or prosecuting patent claims.  We rely on trademarks, in addition to patents, to help establish and preserve limited proprietary protection for our products. Our trademarks are registered in the United States and other countries. We also have numerous trademark applications pending. These trademarks are used to establish brand recognition and distinction in our various markets.  Product drawings, software, training and product manuals and other works of authorship are also subject to applicable copyright law protections. We provide software to our customers in object code to help preserve our intellectual property rights. We also rely on nondisclosure and license agreements with our employees. Despite these intellectual property protections, there can be no
                        assurance that a competitor will not copy the functions or features of our products.  Seasonal Nature of the Business  Our sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of large product orders, such as display systems for facilities where professional and major college sports events take place and large commercial systems and networks. The seasonality of the sports market has also played a part in our sales and profit fluctuations. As a result, net sales and net income in the first
                        and second quarters of a fiscal year tend to be higher than in the third quarter of a fiscal year, followed by higher levels in the fourth quarter leading into the first quarter of the following year.  The seasonality of the sports business is caused by sales related to facilities for football in the summer and early fall, followed by sales generally related to facilities for basketball and hockey in the fall, and finally facilities for baseball in the early to late spring. This seasonal effect is generally compounded by large product orders in the sports markets and by the effects of
                        holidays during our third fiscal quarter. The effects of seasonality unrelated to holidays are generally not found in our Commercial, International and Transportation business units, although the impact of large orders in those markets can cause significant fluctuations in net sales and profits. Approximately 57.7 percent of our net sales are in the Schools and Theatres and Live Events business units, 26.8 percent are in the Commercial business unit, 9.6 percent are in
                        the International business unit, and the remaining approximately 5.9 percent are in the Transportation business unit.  Gross margins on large orders tend to fluctuate more than the gross margins on smaller orders. Large product orders that involve competitive bidding and substantial subcontract work for product installation generally have lower gross margins with greater variability in margins. Although we follow the percentage of completion method of recognizing revenues on the majority of these larger
                        orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect that our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.  Working Capital Items  On large product orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to and exceed 18 months depending on the amount of custom work and the customer’s delivery needs. We often receive down payments or progress payments on these orders. To the extent that these payments are not sufficient to fund the costs and expenses associated with these orders, we use
                        working capital and bank borrowings to finance these cash requirements.  Customers  The primary markets we serve, along with types of customers, are as follows:  Markets

                                    Types of CustomersLive Events

                                    Large colleges and universities, professional sports teams and facilities, Olympic games, national and international sports federations, civic arenas and convention centers, staging and rental, and motor racing.Schools and Theatres

                                    Elementary and secondary schools, small colleges and universities, local recreation centers and theatres.Commercial

                                    Retailers, outdoor advertisers, hospitality providers, quick-serve restaurants, financial institutions, casinos, pari-mutuel racing and other similar businesses.Transportation

                                    State and local departments of transportation, airlines, airports and related industries, parking facilities and transit authorities.
  8    We have a large and diverse customer base. The nature of our business generally is not repetitive business from one or a few significant customers. As a result, the loss of a major customer generally would not have a material adverse impact on us.  Backlog  Our backlog consists of customer sales agreements or purchase orders that we expect to fill within the next 24 months and was approximately $120 million as of May 2, 2009 and $175 million as of April 26, 2008. Because sales agreements and purchase orders are typically subject to cancellation or delay by customers with a limited or no penalty, our backlog is not
                        necessarily indicative of future net sales or net income. Although orders for many of our products may be shipped within 90 days, other orders may take longer depending on the customer’s project schedule or other factors. Contracts related to new construction projects generally tend to have the longest lead times.  Government and Other Regulation  In the United States and other countries, various laws and regulations, including zoning ordinances, restrict the installation of outdoor signs and displays, particularly in the commercial market. These laws and regulations include those that impose greater restrictions on electronic displays than on non-electronic displays such as traditional billboards due to
                        alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety if a display is located near a road or highway. These factors may prevent or inhibit us from selling products to some prospective customers.  Some of our products are tested to safety standards developed by Underwriters Laboratories in the United States, as well as similar standards in other countries. We design and produce our products in accordance with these standards.  Our manufacturing operations use certain chemical products and chemical processes that are subject to various environmental rules and regulations. Our manufacturing operations must also meet various safety related rules and regulations. We believe we are in material compliance with applicable governmental laws and regulations.  In some countries in which we operate, including China, there are various laws and regulations that may inhibit our operations and financial condition. These include restrictions or limitations on our ability to withdraw our capital investment, undeveloped legal frameworks to enforce our rights, and different levels of enforcement and consistency of laws.  Competition  The large electronic display industry is highly fragmented and characterized by intense competition from a variety of sources. There are a number of established suppliers of competing products which may have greater market penetration in certain of our market niches or greater financial, marketing and other resources. Competitors also attempt to copy our products or
                        product features. Because a customer’s budget for the purchase of a large screen electronic display is often part of that customer’s advertising budget, we may also compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media or fixed display signs.  There are generally more competitors in product categories and applications that require less complicated display systems, such as the high school scoreboard market and the text and graphics display markets. As the needs of customers increase and the display systems become more complex, there are generally fewer competitors. However, due to the high profile nature
                        of larger complex display systems, the competition is generally more intense.  Within our standard product business, which includes our Galaxy® and ValoTM display lines and scoreboard products, there are a large number of competitors, none of which we consider to be dominant. In addition, in the Galaxy® display business, there are a significant number of Asian competitors that attempt to sell in our marketplace. We generally
                        compete based on our depth of service and the wide range of our product offerings.  Within our large video system business, across all segments, there are various competitors that have different levels of strength in individual niches, but none that have a dominant position overall. For example, a single competitor may have strength in the mobile video business but very little in the fixed installation business. Another competitor may have strength
                        in the billboard display business but very little strength in any other video system applications. In addition, our large display business has competitors in a narrow niche that were significant at one time in that niche and then substantially decreased their presence in that niche. These changes seem to happen as a result of the complexities of the marketplace and the failures that are experienced on installations that receive a great deal of visibility. Our video
                        systems are highly complex and visible, requiring a high standard of performance that is difficult for other industry participants to maintain over the long-term.  9    Our competitors are not generally aligned by business unit.  The focus of competitors tends to be more of a product focus.  For example, our Galaxy® line of displays has competitors that are also concentrated in the Commercial business unit, although, like us, they also compete with these same products in our other business units.  Competitors with a focus on video
                            displays compete generally across all our business units.  Overall, we compete based on our broad range of products and features, complementary services, advanced technology, prompt delivery, and reliable and readily available customer service and support. We also strive to provide cost-effective products and solutions for our customers. Contrary to our focus on technologically advanced products and customer support, some of our competitors
                            compete in some markets by providing lower-cost display systems, which are of a lesser quality with lower product performance or less customer support. If a customer focuses principally on price, we are less likely to obtain the sale. To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance our existing products, introduce new products and product features, and provide customers with cost-effective solutions to their display needs.  Research and Development  We believe our engineering capability and experience are unparalleled among our competitors and that our product development capability will continue to be a very important factor in our markets.  Product development expenses for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 were approximately $21.6 million, $20.8 million and $15.6 million, respectively.  Environmental Concerns  Our products and production processes require the storage, use and disposal of a variety of chemicals that are considered hazardous under applicable federal and state laws. Accordingly, we are subject to a variety of regulatory requirements for the handling and disposal of such materials. We do not anticipate any material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive
                            position due to compliance with government regulations involving environmental matters.  Employees  As of May 2, 2009, we employed approximately 2,500 full-time employees and approximately 1,000 part-time and temporary employees. Of these employees, approximately 1,200 were in manufacturing, 1,500 were in sales, marketing and customer service, 500 were in engineering and 300 were in administration. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe
                            employee relations are good.  Financial Information About Geographic Areas  See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for financial data pertaining to our geographic operations.  Available Information  We make available, free of charge, on or through our website (http://investor.daktronics.com), our annual, quarterly and current reports and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The reports are also available through a link to the SEC’s website at
                            http://www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website or linked through it is not part of this report.  Item 1A. RISK FACTORS  A number of risks and uncertainties exist which could impact our future operating results. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, competition, our success in developing new products and technologies, market acceptance of new products and other factors, including those set forth below.  Competition could result in lower net sales and decreased margins.We operate in highly competitive markets, some of which are highly fragmented. In addition, because a customer’s budget for the purchase of an electronic display is often part of that customer’s advertising budget, our products often compete with other forms of advertising, such
                            as television, print media or fixed display signs. Competition could result in not only a reduction in net sales but also in the prices charged by us for our products. To remain competitive, we must be able to not only anticipate and respond quickly to our customers’ needs and enhance and upgrade our existing products and services to meet those needs but also continue to price our products competitively. Our competitors may develop cheaper, more efficient
                            products, or they may be willing to charge lower prices for strategic marketing or to increase market share. Some competitors have more capital and other resources than we do and may be better able to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements.  10    *Our business may suffer if we are not successful in our efforts to keep up with a rapidly changing product market.* The electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product improvement, innovations and developments in display and controllertechnology. Competitors could develop new or superior products to increase their share of the markets.
                                Our future success in addressing the needs of our customers will depend in part on our ability to continue to make timely and cost-effective product improvements, innovations and developments.  We enter into fixed-priced contracts on a regular basis. Almost all of the contracts we enter into to sell our products are on a fixed-price basis. If our actual costs exceed original estimates on fixed-price contracts, our profits will be reduced.Although we benefit from cost savings, we have a limited ability to recover cost overruns. Because of the
                                large scale and long duration of some contracts, unanticipated cost increases may occur as a result of several factors including, but not limited to, increases in the cost or shortages of components, materials or labor; unanticipated technical problems; required project modifications not initiated by the customer; and suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform or a delay in performing their obligations. These factors could delay delivery of
                                products, and contracts may provide for liquidated damages for late delivery. Unanticipated costs that cannot be passed on to customers or the payment of liquidated damages under fixed contracts would negatively impact our profits.  Backlog may not be indicative of future revenue.Customers may cancel or delay projects for reasons beyond our control. Orders normally contain cancellation provisions that permit the recovery of costs expended and a portion of the anticipated profit if a customer cancels an order. If a customer elects to cancel, we may not realize the full amount of
                                revenues included in our backlog. If projects are delayed, the timing of revenues could be affected, and projects may remain in the backlog for extended periods of time. Revenue recognition occurs over longer periods of time and is subject to unanticipated delays. If we receive relatively large orders in any given quarter, fluctuations in the levels of the quarterly backlog can result because the backlog in that quarter may reach levels that may not be sustained
                                in subsequent quarters. For these reasons, backlog may not be indicative of future revenues.  Our ability to conduct business outside the United States may be adversely affected by factors outside of our control, which could adversely affect net sales and profits from international sales.For fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, revenue outside the United States represented approximately 12%, 13% and 10% of our consolidated net sales, respectively.
                                Our operations and earnings throughout the world have been and may in the future be adversely affected from time to time in varying degrees by war, political developments, foreign laws and regulations, regional economic uncertainty, political instability, restrictions, customs and tariffs, changing regulatory environments, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and adverse tax consequences. The likelihood of such occurrences and their overall effect on
                                us vary greatly from country to country and are not predictable. These factors may result in a decline in net sales or profitability and could adversely affect our ability to expand our business outside of the United States.  Our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, making it difficult to estimate future revenue and earnings.Our quarterly revenues and earnings have varied in the past and are likely to vary in the future. Contracts we enter into generally stipulate customer-specific delivery terms and may have contract cycles of a year or more,
                                which subjects them to many factors beyond our control. Furthermore, because significant portions of our operating costs are fixed, an unanticipated delay or cancellation of orders in backlog may have a significant negative impact on our quarterly operating results. Factors that could cause our operating results to vary also include new product introductions, variations in product and project mix, and delivery due date changes. Therefore, quarterly operating
                                results may be subject to significant variations, and operating results in one quarter may not be indicative of future operating results.  Our products are covered by warranties, and fulfilling these warranties could adversely affect our financial results. Unanticipated warranty and other costs for defective products could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and reputation.We provide warranties on our
                                products generally for terms of five years or less in the case of standard products and one year or less in the case of custom orders. In addition, in response to customer needs, we regularly offer extended warranties. These warranties require us to repair or replace faulty products and meet certain performance standards, among other customary warranty provisions. Although we continually monitor our warranty claims and provide a reserve for estimated warranty
                                issues on an on-going basis, an unanticipated claim could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. In some cases, we may be able to subrogate a claim back to a subcontractor or supplier if the subcontractor or supplier supplied the defective product or performed the service, but this may not always be possible. The need to repair or replace products with design or manufacturing defects could temporarily delay the sale of new products, reduce
                                profits and adversely affect our reputation.  Product liability claims not covered by insurance could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.We may be subject to product liability claims involving claims of personal injury or property damage. Although we maintain product liability insurance coverage to protect us in the event of such a claim, our coverage may not be
                                adequate to cover the cost of defense and the potential award. Also, a well-publicized actual or perceived problem could adversely affect our reputation and reduce the demand for our products.  Large contracts with significant customers represent a significant portion of our accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings.We closely monitor the credit worthiness of our customers and have not, to date, experienced significant credit losses. Significant portions of our sales are to customers who place large orders for
                                custom products. We mitigate our exposure to credit risk, to some extent, by requiring deposits, payments prior to shipment, progress payments and letters of credit. However, because some of the exposure is outside of our control, unanticipated events could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.  11    The amounts of our orders and net sales and our financial results will be substantially affected by whether we are awarded large contracts and the size and timing of large contracts. The amounts of our orders and net sales and our financial results will be substantially affected by whether we are awarded large contracts, primarily
                                in the professional and major college facilities market and the outdoor advertising niche, and the amounts and timing of these contracts. Whether we are awarded large contracts and their timing and amount could also cause material fluctuations in our net sales and earnings. Awards of large contracts and their timing and amount are difficult to predict and are outside of our control.  The terms and conditions of our credit facility impose restrictions on our operations, and if we default on our credit facility, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.The terms and conditions of our $45 million revolving credit facility with a bank impose restrictions that
                                limit, among other things, our ability to incur debt, merge, sell assets, make distributions and create or incur liens. The availability of the credit facility is also subject to certain covenants as explained later in “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our ability to comply with the covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure that we will
                                achieve operating results and maintain a financial position meeting the requirements of the credit facility. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the credit facility. In the event of a default, the bank could elect to declare any outstanding principal amount of the credit facility and term debt, any and all accrued interest thereon and any and all other amounts payable under the credit facility to be immediately due and payable,
                                which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. As of May 2, 2009, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants of our credit facility.  We must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.We are required to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits United States companies from engaging in bribery or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Foreign companies,
                                including some of our competitors, are not subject to these prohibitions. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time to time in many jurisdictions, including the Middle East and China. If our competitors engage in these practices, they may receive preferential treatment from the personnel of some companies, giving our competitors an advantage in securing business from these companies or from government officials
                                who might give them priority in obtaining new licenses, which would put us at a disadvantage. In addition, although we inform our personnel that such practices are illegal, we cannot assure that our employees or other agents will not engage in such conduct for which we might be held responsible. If our employees or other agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties.  Our operations in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) subject us to risks and uncertainties relating to the laws and regulations of the PRC.We have offices and make sales to customers in the PRC. Under its current leadership, the government of the PRC has been pursuing economic reform policies, including
                                the encouragement of foreign trade and investment and greater economic decentralization. However, the government of the PRC may not continue to pursue such policies. Despite progress in developing its legal system, the PRC does not have a comprehensive and highly developed system of laws, particularly with respect to foreign investment activities and foreign trade. Enforcement of existing and future laws and contracts is uncertain, and implementation and
                                interpretation thereof may be inconsistent. As the Chinese legal system develops, the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws and the preemption of local regulations by national laws may adversely affect foreign investors. For example, the PRC recently passed a unified enterprise income tax law, which changes and increases the income tax on foreign-owned facilities. The PRC also recently enacted new labor laws that became effective January 1, 2008
                                that make it more difficult and expensive for companies to make changes in their workforce. In addition, some government policies and rules are not published or communicated in local districts in a timely manner, if they are published at all, or, if they are published, they may not be followed consistently by local districts. As a result, we may inadvertently operate our business in violation of new rules and policies without having any knowledge of their
                                existence. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us. Any litigation in the PRC may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.  Our ability to satisfy any debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. It is anticipated that borrowings from our existing credit facility and cash provided by operating
                                activities should provide sufficient funds to finance our capital expenditures, working capital and otherwise meet operating expenses and debt service requirements as they become due. However, if additional capital is required, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms, if at all.  We may make future acquisitions, which may be difficult to integrate, divert management resources, result in unanticipated costs or dilute our shareholders. Part of our business strategy is to make acquisitions of or investments in companies, products or technologies that complement our current products, enhance our market
                                coverage or technical capabilities, or offer growth opportunities. We currently do not have any definitive agreements to acquire any company or business, and we may not be able to identify or complete any acquisition in the future. Additional risks associated with acquisitions include the following:  •

                                            it may be difficult to integrate the purchased company, products or technologies into our own business;
 •

                                            we may incur substantial unanticipated integration costs;
  12    •

                                                it may be difficult, time-consuming and costly to integrate management information and accounting systems of an acquired business into our current systems;
 •

                                                assimilating the acquired businesses may divert significant management attention and financial resources from our other operations and could disrupt our ongoing business;
 •

                                                we may enter markets in which we have limited prior experience;
 •

                                                acquisitions could result in the loss of key employees, particularly those of the acquired operations;
 •

                                                we may have difficulty retaining or developing the acquired businesses’ customers;
 •

                                                acquisitions could adversely affect our existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;
 •

                                                we may fail to realize the potential cost savings or other financial benefits and/or the anticipated strategic benefits of the acquisitions; and
 •

                                                we may incur liabilities from the acquired businesses for infringement of intellectual property rights or other claims, and we may not be successful in seeking indemnification for such liabilities or claims.
  In connection with these acquisitions or investments, we could incur debt, amortization expenses related to intangible assets, large and immediate write-offs, assume liabilities, or issue stock that would dilute our current shareholders’ percentage of ownership. We may not be able to complete acquisitions or integrate the operations, products or personnel gained through
                                    any such acquisition without a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Our business is partially subject to risks of terrorist acts and, to a lesser degree, acts of war.Terrorist acts and, to a lesser degree, acts of war, may disrupt our operations as well as the operations of our customers. Such acts have created an interruption of orders and delays in orders already booked, primarily in sports facilities and
                                    destination sites. Any future terrorist activities and, to a lesser degree, acts of war, could create additional uncertainties, forcing customers to further reduce or delay their spending or cancel or delay already planned projects, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.  Our common stock has at times been thinly traded, which may result in low liquidity and price volatility.The daily trading volume of our common stock has at times been relatively low. If this were to occur in the future, the liquidity and appreciation of our common stock may not meet shareholders’ expectations, and the prices at which our
                                    stock trades may be volatile. The market price of our common stock could be adversely impacted as a result of sales by existing shareholders of a large number of shares of common stock in the market or by the perception that such sales could occur.  We may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain key management and other key employees, which could negatively impact our operating results.We depend on the performance of our senior management team and other key employees. The loss of certain members of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, could negatively impact
                                    our operating results and ability to execute our business strategy. Our future success will also depend in part upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel. We do not have employment agreements with the executive officers or other employees, but we do maintain key person life insurance on the lives of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer.  We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights.We rely on a variety of intellectual property rights that we use in our products and services. We may not be able to successfully preserve our intellectual property rights in the future, and these rights could be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. In addition, the laws of some
                                    foreign countries in which our products and services have been or may be sold do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. A failure to protect proprietary information and any successful intellectual property challenges or infringement proceedings against us could materially and adversely affect our competitive position. In addition, even if we are successful in protecting our intellectual property rights or
                                    defending ourselves against a claim of infringement, any related dispute or litigation could be costly and time-consuming and divert management’s attention from business.  We maintain inventory that is subject to obsolescence and write downs to the extent it is replaced through product enhancements or advances in technology.As a result of our products being subject to continuous enhancements and design changes, inventory held by us is subject to the risk of obsolescence and excess levels that may not be saleable.
                                    Losses incurred as a result could have an adverse impact on our future profits.  We may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our operating results.We increase our production capacity and the overhead that supports production based on anticipated market demand. Market demand, however, has not always developed as expected or remained at a
                                    consistent level. The underutilization that can result decreases our profitability. For example, in 2007 and 2008, market demand for our products was increasing rapidly resulting in expanding our capacity. In the second half of fiscal 2009, net sales were below our expectations primarily due to a decline of orders in our Commercial and International business units. This resulted in underutilization of our manufacturing capacity. As a result, our profitability
                                    also was below our expectations. 13   The following factors complicate accurate capacity planning for market demand:  •

                                                    

                                                    changes in the demand for and mix of products our customers buy;•

                                                    

                                                    our ability to add and train our manufacturing staff in advance of demand;•

                                                    

                                                    the market’s pace of technological change;•

                                                    

                                                    variability in our manufacturing productivity; and•

                                                    

                                                    long lead times for most of our plant and equipment expenditures, requiring major financial commitments well in advance of actual production requirements.
  A further deterioration of our business could result in further underutilization of our manufacturing capacity, and we may need to impair certain assets in the future. Our inability to plan our capacity requirements accurately and efficiently utilize our production capacity, or our failure to put in place the technologies and capacity necessary to meet market demand, could
                                        adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  We depend on single-source suppliers for some of the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products. We obtain some of our raw materials, including LEDs, from a limited number of suppliers. If we cannot obtain some key raw materials from our suppliers, we cannot assure that the raw materials will be readily available from other suppliers,
                                        that other suppliers will agree to supply the materials to us on terms that are as favorable as the terms we currently receive, or that the raw materials from any other suppliers will be of adequate and consistent quality. Although we believe our supply of raw materials currently is adequate for the needs of our business, we cannot assure you that new sources of supply will be available when needed. Any interruption in our supply of raw materials could
                                        have a material adverse effect on our ability to manufacture our products until a new source of supply is located and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  If our internal control over financial reporting is found to be inadequate, our financial results may not be accurate, raising concerns for investors and potentially adversely affecting our stock price.Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal
                                        controls over financial reporting. We have dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to ensure compliance with this legislation for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 and will continue to do so for future periods. We may encounter problems or delays in completing the review and evaluation, the implementation of improvements, and the receipt of a positive attestation, or any attestation at all, from our
                                        independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, our assessment of our internal controls may identify deficiencies that need to be addressed in our internal controls over financial reporting or other matters that may raise concerns for investors and therefore adversely affect our stock price.  Our manufacturing would be interrupted if we were unable to use one of our manufacturing facilities. We manufacture most of our products in two locations in South Dakota and one in Minnesota.  If any of these facilities were to be destroyed, shut down or unable to be used for its intended purposes, we would be limited in our capacity to
                                        meet customer demands until a replacement facility and equipment, if necessary, was found. The replacement of the manufacturing facility could take an extended amount of time before manufacturing operations could restart. The delay engendered by, and the potential cost incurred in, these steps could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  The protections we have adopted may cause takeover offers to be decided by the Board rather than our shareholders. Of the 120,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized in our articles of incorporation, 5,000,000 shares are undesignated. Our Board of Directors may issue the undesignated shares on terms and with the rights, preferences and
                                        designations determined by the Board without shareholder action, which could be used to discourage takeover attempts. Our articles of incorporation provide for a classified board consisting of three classes of directors.  A classified board generally makes it more difficult to replace directors and to acquire our company.  In addition, we have adopted a shareholder rights plan that provides for the exercise of preferred share purchase rights
                                        when a person becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of our outstanding common stock (subject to certain exceptions). In addition, we are governed by the anti-takeover provisions of the current South Dakota Business Corporation Act (“SD Act”), which may deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their common stock, which in turn have a depressive effect on the market price of the common stock. In general, shares of a corporation
                                        acquired in a “control share acquisition,” as defined in the SD Act, have no rights unless voting rights are approved in a prescribed manner.  There are also provisions that prohibit a public South Dakota corporation from engaging in a “business combination,” as defined in the SD Act, with an “interested shareholder,” as defined in the SD Act, for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which
                                        the person became an interested shareholder unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.  The SD Act also limits the voting rights of shares acquired in specified types of acquisitions and restricts specified types of business combinations. The existence or issuance of "blank check" stock, the classified board, the existence of our shareholder rights plan and the effect of the anti-takeover provisions of the SD Act,
                                        individually or in the aggregate, may discourage potential takeover attempts and delay, deter or prevent a change in control. They also may make the removal of management more difficult, which could deprive our shareholders of opportunities to sell their shares at prices higher than prevailing market prices.  Significant changes in the market price of our common stock could result in securities litigation claims against us.Significant price and value fluctuations have occurred with respect to the publicly-traded securities of technology companies generally. The price of our common stock recently has changed significantly and is  14    likely to continue to experience significant changes in the future. In the past, securities litigation claims have been filed against certain companies following a period of decline in the market price of their publicly-traded securities. We may be the target of similar securities litigation claims in the future. Risks associated with litigation often are difficult to
                                            assess or quantify, and their existence and magnitude can remain unknown for significant periods of time. Although we maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance, the amount of insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover a claim, and the continued availability of this insurance cannot be assured. Future litigation, if any, may result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources, which could materially
                                            adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.  Unfavorable results of legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on us.As described in Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our company has been named as a defendant in two complaints filed by three plaintiffs in November 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. The complaints purport to be
                                            brought on behalf of the classes described in the complaints; allege that the defendants, including the company, materially misled the investing public as described in the complaints; and allege claims under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Related additional claims may arise in the future. Results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Regardless of the merit of any claims, defending them can be time-consuming and
                                            disruptive to our operations and cause significant expense and diversion of management attention and resources, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our cash flow. Should we fail to prevail in these matters, or should any of these matters be resolved against us, we may be faced with significant monetary damages, which also could materially adversely affect our business,
                                            financial condition and results of operations, including our cash flow.  Difficult and volatile conditions in the capital, credit and commodities markets and in the overall economy could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flow, and we do not know ifthese conditions will improve in the near future.Our
                                            financial position, results of operations and cash flow could be materially adversely affected by the current and continuing difficult conditions and significant volatility in the capital, credit and commodities markets and in the overall worldwide economy. These factors, combined with declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated a worldwide economic slowdown and recession in the United States and other
                                            parts of the world. The impact, if any, that these factors might have on us and our business, is uncertain and cannot be estimated at this time.  Current economic conditions have accentuated each of the risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and magnified their potential effect on us and our business. The difficult conditions in these markets and the overall economy affect our business in a number of ways. For example:  •

                                                        Although we believe we have sufficient liquidity under our credit agreement with a bank to run our business, under extreme market conditions, there can be no assurance that such funds would be available or sufficient and, in such a case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional
                                                            financing on favorable terms, or at all.
  •

                                                        Recent market volatility has exerted downward pressure on our stock price, which may make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital in the future.
  •

                                                        Economic conditions could result in our customers experiencing financial difficulties or electing to limit spending because of the declining economy, which may result in decreased net sales and earnings for us.
  We do not know if market conditions or the state of the overall economy will improve in the near future or when improvement will occur.  Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS  None.  Item 2. PROPERTIES  Our principal real estate properties are located in areas we deem necessary to meet sales, service and operating requirements. We consider all of the properties to be both suitable and adequate to meet current and near-term operating requirements.  As of May 2, 2009, we leased approximately 52 facilities throughout the United States and eight facilities outside the United States used for sales and service offices. We also lease two facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, comprising approximately 120,000 square feet.  One of the leases contains an option to purchase the building from May 31, 2009 through May 31, 2011.  Our
                                            China subsidiary leases approximately 17,000 square feet in a building in Shanghai for sales, service and manufacturing.  The majority of the remaining sales and service offices located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and China are small offices, generally consisting of less than 10,000 square feet leased under operating leases. These lease obligations expire on various dates with the longest commitment extending to fiscal year 2016.
                                            We believe all of our leases will be renewable at market terms in our discretion as they become due or that suitable alternative space will be available to lease under similar terms and conditions.  We own various buildings in Brookings, South Dakota, totaling approximately 1,000,000 square feet and a building in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, totaling approximately 100,000 square feet. 15    In fiscal year 2007, we committed to purchase a building in Brookings, South Dakota, on or before June 15, 2009 for approximately $3 million.  The building is intended to be rented out initially and in future years to be used by us for both manufacturing and office expansion. The building is located adjacent to our existing facilities and has approximately 48,000
                                                square feet.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, we entered into a lease agreement for approximately 90,000 square feet for a new building in Shanghai, China. This includes space for more significant manufacturing, and we expect to occupy the building in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010.  Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  Our company and two of our executive officers are named as defendants in a consolidated class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota in November 2008 on behalf of a class of investors who purchased our stock in the open market between November 15, 2006 and April 5, 2007. In an Amended Consolidated Complaint filed on April 13, 2009
                                                (the “Complaint”), the Complaint alleges that the defendants made false and misleading statements of material facts about our business and financial performance in the company’s press releases, its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and conference calls, thereby inflating the price of the company’s common stock.  The Complaint alleges claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange
                                                Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). The Complaint seeks compensatory damages on behalf of the alleged class in an unspecified amount, reasonable fees and costs of litigation, and such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper. On June 5, 2009, we filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint. Briefing on the motion is currently underway.  We believe that we, and the other defendants, have meritorious defenses to the claims made in the Complaint, and we intend to contest these actions vigorously. We are not able to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation, but regardless of the merits of the claims, it may be costly and disruptive. The total costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
                                                Securities class action litigation can result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our cash flow.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, our Board of Directors received letters from lawyers acting on behalf of three of our shareholders. The letters demanded that our company pursue claims against our officers, directors, and unspecified others for allegedly wrongful conduct based upon the same general events as are alleged in the Complaint. The Board referred the
                                                demands to a special committee of independent directors for investigation and action. The special committee concluded its investigation and determined that it would not be in the best interests of the company to take any action on the allegations contained in the demands at this time and that it will continue to monitor the matter and revisit the demands if more information becomes available to it.  We are involved in a variety of other legal actions relating to various matters that arise in the normal course of business. Although we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements taken as a
                                                whole.  Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS  No matters were submitted to a vote of shareholders through a solicitation of proxies or otherwise during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  PART II  Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  Our common stock currently is quoted on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “DAKT.” As of June 9, 2009, we had 507 shareholders of record. Following are the high and low sales prices for our common stock for each quarter within the last two fiscal years.  Fiscal Year 2009

                                                            

                                                            Fiscal Year 2008High

                                                            

                                                            Low

                                                            

                                                            High

                                                            

                                                            Low1st Quarter

                                                            $

                                                            21.32

                                                            

                                                            $

                                                            14.62

                                                            

                                                            $

                                                            27.30

                                                            

                                                            $

                                                            20.372nd Quarter

                                                            

                                                            21.15

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            9.02

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            32.37

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            20.873rd Quarter

                                                            

                                                            10.69

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            5.69

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            30.08

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            18.204th Quarter

                                                            

                                                            9.46

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            5.89

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            21.00

                                                            

                                                            

                                                            13.88
  16    On May 28, 2009, our Board of Directors declared an annual dividend payment of $0.095 per share on our common stock for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2009.  On May 29, 2008, our Board of Directors declared an annual dividend payment of $0.09 per share on our common stock for the fiscal year ended April 26, 2008.  Although we expect to continue to pay annual dividends for the foreseeable future, any and all subsequent dividends will be reviewed annually and determined and declared by the Board in its discretion. In addition, our credit facility imposes limitations on our ability to pay dividends as further described in “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion
                                                    and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”  Performance Graph  The following graph shows changes during the period from May 1, 2004 to May 2, 2009 in the value of $100 invested in: (1) our common stock; (2) The NASDAQ Stock Market Index for U.S. companies; and (3) the Standard and Poor's 600 Index for Electronic Equipment Manufacturers. The values of each investment as of the dates indicated are based on share prices
                                                    plus any dividends in cash, with the dividends reinvested on the date they were paid. The calculations exclude trading commissions and taxes.        Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (in thousands, except per share data)  The table below provides selected historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to the financial statements and “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which are included elsewhere in this report. The statement of income
                                                    data for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 and the balance sheet data at May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The statement of income data for the fiscal years ended April 26, 2006 and April 30, 2005 and the balance sheet data at April 28, 2007, April 29, 2006 and April 30, 2005 are derived from
                                                    audited financial statements not included in this report.  17      2009

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                2008

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                2007

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                2006

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                2005Income Statement Data:Net sales

                                                                $

                                                                581,931

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                499,677

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                433,201

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                309,370

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                230,346Operating income

                                                                

                                                                42,617

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                38,243

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                36,915

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                31,815

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                19,436Net income

                                                                

                                                                26,428

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                26,213

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                24,427

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                20,961

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                15,660Diluted earnings per share*

                                                                

                                                                0.64

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                0.63

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                0.59

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                0.52

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                0.39Weighted average dilutedshares outstanding*

                                                                

                                                                41,152

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                41,337

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                41,311

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                40,506

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                40,274Balance Sheet Data:Working capital

                                                                $

                                                                104,543

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                62,545

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                44,904

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                74,930

                                                                

                                                                $

                                                                62,287Total assets

                                                                

                                                                324,876

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                294,479

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                265,850

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                199,231

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                151,462Long-term liabilities

                                                                

                                                                10,535

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                8,074

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                9,060

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                6,253

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                5,556Shareholders' equity

                                                                

                                                                211,911

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                183,253

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                153,708

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                125,345

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                103,910Cash dividend per share*

                                                                

                                                                0.09

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                0.07

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                0.06

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                0.05

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                -
 ___________________________ *Amounts have been adjusted for the two-for-one stock split approved on May 25, 2006.  Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  The following discussion highlights the principal factors affecting changes in our financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  OVERVIEW  We design, manufacture and sell a wide range of display systems to customers in a variety of markets throughout the world. We focus our sales and marketing efforts on business units, geographical regions and products. The primary business units consist of Live Events, Commercial, Schools and Theatres, International and
                                                    Transportation.  Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of large product orders, such as display systems for professional sport facilities and colleges and universities, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Net sales and gross profit percentages also have fluctuated due to other seasonality factors,
                                                    including the impact of holidays, which primarily impact our third quarter. Our gross margins on large product orders tend to fluctuate more than those for smaller orders. Large product orders that involve competitive bidding and substantial subcontract work for product installation generally have lower gross margins. Although we follow the percentage of completion method of recognizing revenues for large custom orders, we nevertheless have
                                                    experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect that our future results of operations may be subject to similar fluctuations.  Orders are booked only upon receipt of a firm contract and after receipt of any required deposits. As a result, certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be booked until all required contractual documents and deposits are received. In addition, order bookings can vary significantly as a
                                                    result of the timing of large orders.  We operate on a 52 to 53 week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13 week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53 week year, each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period, and an
                                                    additional week is added to the first quarter of that fiscal year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Fiscal year 2009 contained 53 weeks, and fiscal years 2008 and 2007 each contained 52 weeks.  For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects of those pronouncements on our financial results, refer to Note 1 of the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements which are included elsewhere in this report or the section of this Item 7 entitled “Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”  Beginning in fiscal year 2008, we implemented the business unit structure as described previously, which caused the creation of segments.  Before fiscal 2008, we focused on three main markets for sales (sports, commercial and transportation), which were similar to the corresponding business unit.  The main changes implemented in
                                                    the beginning of fiscal year 2008 were:  1.

                                                                    The inclusion of International operations as a unique business unit as opposed to being included in the individual markets.
 2.

                                                                    The inclusion of mobile and modular sales in Live Events as opposed to Commercial.
 3.

                                                                    The separation of the Schools and Theatres business and Large Sports Venue business into different business units rather than being combined in the sports market.
  18    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES  The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect
                                                        the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to estimated total costs on long-term construction-type contracts, estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties and extended maintenance contracts, bad debts, excess and obsolete inventory, income taxes, stock-based compensation and
                                                        contingencies. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  We believe the following critical accounting policies require significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements:  Revenue recognition on long-term construction-type contracts. Earnings on construction-type contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the
                                                        period in which such losses are capable of being estimated. Generally, construction-type contracts we enter into have fixed prices established, and to the extent the actual costs to complete construction-type contracts are higher than the amounts estimated as of the date of the financial statements, the resulting gross margin would be negatively affected in future quarters when we revise our estimates. Our practice is to revise estimates
                                                        as soon as such changes in estimates are known. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in future estimates or assumptions we use to determine these estimates.  Allowance for doubtful accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be
                                                        required. To identify impairment in customers’ ability to pay, we review aging reports, contact customers in connection with collection efforts and review other available information. Although we consider our allowance for doubtful accounts adequate, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate and impair their ability to make payments to us, additional allowances may be required in future periods. We do not
                                                        believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to determine the allowance for doubtful accounts. As of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, we had an allowance for doubtful accounts balance of $2.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  Warranties. We have recognized a reserve for warranties on our products equal to our estimate of the actual costs to be incurred in connection with our performance under the warranties. Generally, estimates are based on historical experience taking into account known or expected changes. If we would become aware of an increase in
                                                        our estimated warranty costs, additional reserves may become necessary, resulting in an increase in costs of goods sold. Other than as described in Note 14 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to determine our reserve for warranties. As of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, we had $19.8
                                                        million and $12.4 million reserved for warranty costs, respectively.  Extended warranty and product maintenance.We recognize deferred revenue related to separately priced extended warranty and product maintenance agreements. The deferred revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual term. If we would become aware of an increase in our estimated costs under these agreements in excess of our
                                                        deferred revenue, additional reserves may be necessary, resulting in an increase in costs of goods sold. In determining if additional reserves are necessary, we examine cost trends on the contracts and other information and compare that to the deferred revenue. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to determine estimated costs under these
                                                        agreements. As of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, we had $9.5 million and $7.0 million of deferred revenue related to extended warranty and product maintenance, respectively.  Inventory. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market refers to the current replacement cost, except that market may not exceed the net realizable value (that is, estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal), and market is not less than
                                                        the net realizable value reduced by an allowance for normal profit margins. In valuing inventory, we estimate market value where it is believed to be the lower of cost or market, and any necessary charges are charged to costs of goods sold in the period in which they occur. In determining market value, we review various factors such as current inventory levels, forecasted demand and technological obsolescence. We do not believe there is a
                                                        reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate the estimated market value of inventory. However, if market conditions change, including changes in technology, product components used in our products or in expected sales, we may be exposed to unforeseen losses that could be material.  19   Income taxes.As part of the process of preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating the actual current tax expense, as well as assessing temporary differences in the treatment of items for tax
                                                            and accounting purposes. These timing differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income in each jurisdiction, and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. We review deferred tax assets, including net operating
                                                            losses, and for those not expecting to be realized, we have recognized a valuation allowance. If our estimates of future taxable income are not met, a valuation allowance for some of these deferred tax assets would be required.  We operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions, both domestic and international, and are subject to audits in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, including challenges regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income amounts to various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject
                                                            to audit by various tax authorities.  We record our income tax provision based on our knowledge of all relevant facts and circumstances, including the existing tax laws, the status of current examinations and our understanding of how the tax authorities view certain relevant industry and commercial matters. In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we
                                                            record reserves for probable exposures, consistent with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109”. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established a reserve is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our income tax provision in the period in which actual results of a
                                                            settlement with tax authorities differs from our established reserve, when the statue of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. Our tax contingencies reserve contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate the exposure associated with our various filing positions. We believe that any
                                                            potential tax assessments from various tax authorities that are not covered by our income tax provision will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.  Some of the countries we are located in allow tax holidays or provide other tax incentives to attract and retain business. We have obtained holidays or other incentives where available and practicable. Our taxes could increase if certain tax holidays or incentives are retracted (which in some cases could occur if we fail to satisfy the conditions on
                                                            which such holidays or incentives are based), they are not renewed upon expiration, or tax rates applicable to us in such jurisdictions are otherwise increased. It is anticipated that tax incentives with respect to certain operations will expire within the next four years. However, due to the possibility of changes in existing tax law and our operations, we are unable to predict how these expirations will impact us in the future. In
                                                            addition, any acquisitions may cause our effective tax rate to increase, depending on the jurisdictions in which the acquired operations are located.  Stock-based compensation: Effective April 30, 2006, we adopted the provisions of, and account for stock-based compensation in accordance with, Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), using the modified prospective transition method. Under that transition method, we recognized
                                                            compensation expense for share-based payments that vested during the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 using the following valuation methods: (a) for share-based payments granted prior to but not yet vested as of April 30, 2006, the grant date fair value was estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 and (b) for share-based payments granted on or after April 30,
                                                            2006, the grant date fair value was estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 107, “Share-Based Payment,” which provides supplemental implementation guidance for SFAS No. 123(R). We have applied the provisions of SAB No. 107 in our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). See Note 9
                                                            of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our stock-based compensation programs and the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value of share-based compensation.  We believe that stock-based compensation aligns the interests of managers and non-employee directors with the interests of shareholders. As a result, we do not currently expect to significantly change our stock-based compensation program.  We use the Black-Scholes standard option pricing model (Black-Scholes model) to determine the fair value of stock options and stock purchase rights. The determination of the fair value of the awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding other variables, including projected
                                                            employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of our stock price in future periods and expected dividend yield.  We analyze historical employee exercise and termination data to estimate the expected life assumption. We believe that historical data currently represents the best estimate of the expected life of a new employee option.  The risk-free interest rate we use is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a maturity similar
                                                            to the expected life of the options. We estimate the expected volatility of our stock price in future  20    periods by using the implied volatility in market traded options. Our decision to use implied volatility was based on the availability of actively traded options for our common stock and our assessment that implied volatility is more representative of future stock price trends than the historical volatility of our common stock. We use an
                                                                expected dividend yield consistent with our dividend yield over the period of time we have paid dividends in the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The amount of stock-based compensation expense we recognize during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. We estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revise those estimates in
                                                                subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  If factors change and we employ different assumptions for estimating stock-based compensation expense in future periods or if we decide to use a different valuation model, the expense in future periods may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period and could materially affect our net earnings and net earnings per share of a
                                                                future period.  Results of Operations  The following table sets forth the percentage of net sales represented by items included in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007:  Year EndedMay 2,

                                                                            

                                                                            April 26,

                                                                            

                                                                            April 28,2009

                                                                            

                                                                            2008

                                                                            

                                                                            2007Net sales

                                                                            100.0

                                                                            %

                                                                            

                                                                            100.0

                                                                            %

                                                                            

                                                                            100.0

                                                                            %Cost of goods sold

                                                                            73.3

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            70.5

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            70.8Gross profit

                                                                            26.7

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            29.5

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            29.2Operating expenses

                                                                            19.4

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            21.9

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            20.7Operating income

                                                                            7.3

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            7.6

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            8.5Interest income (expense), net

                                                                            0.3

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            0.1

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            0.3Other income (expense), net

                                                                            (0.5)

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            0.2

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            (0.3)Income before income taxes

                                                                            7.1

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            7.9

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            8.5Income tax expense

                                                                            2.6

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            2.7

                                                                            

                                                                            

                                                                            2.9Net income

                                                                            4.5

                                                                            %

                                                                            

                                                                            5.2

                                                                            %

                                                                            

                                                                            5.6

                                                                            %
  Net Sales  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Net sales increased 16.5% to $581.9 million for fiscal year 2009 as compared to $499.7 million for fiscal year 2008.  Commercial Business Unit. Net sales in the Commercial business unit decreased approximately 14% during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 from $180.9 million to $155.9 million. Within this business unit, net sales in the outdoor advertising niche (digital billboards) decreased by approximately $15.9 million or 19% as
                                                                compared to fiscal 2008. Net sales in our reseller niche, which includes primarily our Galaxy® displays and large custom contracts for commercial facilities, decreased approximately $9.4 million or 14%.  In the early part of the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we were notified that our largest customer in our outdoor advertising niche was decreasing its spending on digital billboards from approximately $100 million annually to approximately $15 million annually, effective for calendar year 2009. We were one of two primary vendors of digital billboards
                                                                for this customer. This corresponded to a decline in orders overall in the outdoor advertising niche, which started to become evident late in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. It is our belief that the current economic conditions and limited credit availability have caused this decline. Although we believe that this niche still remains a long-term growth opportunity, we do not expect to see it rebound until sometime in calendar
                                                                2011, based on industry reports. It is also important to note that the outdoor advertising business has a number of constraints in addition to the current economic conditions, primarily the challenges of achieving adequate returns on investments on digital displays, which limit locations suitable for digital displays, and regulatory constraints, which we expect to be a long-term factor that limits deployment of digital displays.  The decline in the reseller niche was due to a lower level of large contract business and sales of Galaxy® displays. We attribute the decline in both areas to the worsening economic conditions and to internal execution issues related to meeting delivery commitments in the first half of fiscal 2009. We have seen sales decline sequentially each
                                                                quarter during fiscal year 2009 and are uncertain when net sales will stabilize and start to increase. For the long-term, we believe that this niche will be a growth area for the company.  Subject to the foregoing, our Commercial business unit generally benefits from increasing product acceptance, lower cost of displays, our expanding distribution network and a better understanding by our customers of the product as a revenue generation tool.  In the past, the seasonality of the outdoor advertising niche was a factor in the fluctuation of our net sales over the course of a fiscal year because the deployment of digital displays slows in the winter months in the colder  21   climate regions of the U.S. Generally, seasonality is not a material factor in the rest of the Commercial business. Our estimates for net sales and orders in the Commercial business unit could vary significantly depending on the economic and credit factors and our ability to capture business in our national account niche.  Order bookings in the Commercial business unit were down approximately 26.3% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The decline was caused by declines in both the reseller and outdoor advertising niches for the same reasons as described in net sales.  Live Events Business Unit. Net sales in the Live Events business unit increased by approximately 60% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 from $168.6 million to $269.7 million. Orders increased approximately 23% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The increase in orders for fiscal 2009 as compared to
                                                                    fiscal 2008 reflects a $45 million contract related to the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey. We also booked two other large contracts for major league baseball facilities totaling approximately $16 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2009. This compares to a number of transactions booked in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 each of which exceeded $10 million, primarily in professional baseball facilities.  As we began fiscal 2009, we had expected to see significant order growth in the Live Events business unit as a result of the number of large projects in our pipeline and taking into account our market share. Through the year, we achieved our share of these projects which, along with growth in the number of smaller projects have allowed us to
                                                                    achieve higher than expected net sales growth, partially offsetting the decline in Commercial business unit sales. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we began to see more significant competitive pressure, primarily aggressive pricing by multiple competitors, in the Live Events marketplace, that we believe are not sustainable for the long-term but are likely to adversely affect our ability to book orders and our gross
                                                                    profit margins. As a result of these competitive factors, it is difficult to forecast net sales for fiscal 2010; however, we realize that given the unusually high level of net sales related to large new construction projects over the past 12 months, it is likely that net sales will decline significantly in fiscal 2010. This decline is more likely given the natural volatility of the business where it is not practical to sustain
                                                                    net sales growth rates similar to fiscal 2009 over consecutive years. In addition, although our Live Events business is typically resistant to economic conditions, the severity of the current economic environment causes us to be less optimistic about how the economy may impact this business. There have been transactions which have been delayed due to economic conditions, but the impact to date has not been material. This could
                                                                    change in the future; however, over the long-term we expect to see growth assuming that the economy improves and we are successful at counteracting competitive pressures.  Our expectations regarding growth over the long-term in large sports venues is due to a number of factors, including the expanding market, with facilities historically spending more on larger display systems; our product and services offering, which remains the most integrated and comprehensive offering in the industry; and our network of field
                                                                    sales and service offices, which is important to support our customers. In addition, we benefit from the competitive nature of sports teams who strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems. This impact has and is expected to continue to be a driving force in increasing transaction sizes in new construction and major renovations. Growth in the large sports venues is also driven by the desire for high definition
                                                                    video displays, which typically drive larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which increase the average transaction size. We believe that the effects of the economy have a lesser impact on the sports market as compared to our other markets because our products are generally revenue-generation tools (through advertising) for facilities, and the sports business is generally considered to be a recession-resistant
                                                                    business, although the severity of the current economic conditions are somewhat unprecedented. Net sales in our sports marketing and mobile and modular portion of this business unit were less than 2% of total net sales and thus were not significant in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008.  Schools and Theatres Business Unit. Net sales in the Schools and Theatres business unit increased approximately 9% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, from $60.9 million to $66.4 million. Orders for the business unit are relatively flat for fiscal 2009 as compared fiscal 2008. Underlying the lack of order
                                                                    growth overall is an increase of approximately 5% in orders of display systems to smaller colleges and K-12 facilities and a decline of approximately 33% in orders of hoist systems. We had expected orders to increase by more than 15% for the entire fiscal year for this business unit, but achievement of this growth has been adversely affected by shipping delays earlier in fiscal 2009. Economic conditions have also impacted
                                                                    this business unit.  We expect orders and net sales for the business unit for fiscal 2010 to be more or less flat; however, that will depend on economic conditions.  Transportation Business Unit. Net sales in the Transportation business unit decreased approximately 8% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, from $37.4 million to $34.3 million. Orders for fiscal year 2009 are up approximately 30%. The decline in net sales and the increase in orders were due to the timing of
                                                                    deliveries according to customer schedules. We believe that the increases in orders in this business unit are due, in part, to federal government stimulus money and prior federal legislation that provided for increased spending on transportation projects, including large increases associated with intelligent transportation systems, and to us gaining market share. We expect that net sales and orders in the Transportation
                                                                    business unit could grow significantly in fiscal 2010.  International Business Unit. Net sales in the International business unit increased by approximately 8% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, from $51.8 million to $55.7 million. Orders decreased approximately 40% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The increase in net sales in fiscal 2009 as compared to
                                                                    fiscal 2008 was attributable, in part, to large orders booked in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 for a rail station in Beijing and a network of displays in the U.K. that converted to net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Due to the focus on  22   large contracts in this business unit and the small number of contracts actually booked, volatility is not unusual. Overall, we are making considerable investments in growing our business internationally, where we do not have the same market share as we do domestically. We also believe that in the second half of fiscal 2009 we began to see
                                                                        competitive pressures similar to the competitive pressures described above in the Live Events business unit because the competitors tend to overlap. We believe that this had an adverse impact on order bookings in the second half of fiscal 2009, and we expect it to carry over in fiscal 2010. In addition, although we see a number of opportunities for growth in fiscal 2010, we retain some pessimism due to these competitive
                                                                        factors. If we are awarded a higher level of business in fiscal 2010, we expect that it will be at lower gross profit margins.  Advertising Revenues. We occasionally sell products in exchange for the advertising revenues generated from the use of our display products. These sales represented less than 2% of net sales for fiscal years 2009 and 2008. The gross profit percent on these transactions have typically been higher than the gross
                                                                        profit percent on other transactions of similar size, although the selling expenses associated with these transactions are typically higher.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 Net sales increased 15.3% to $499.7 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to $433.2 million for fiscal 2007.  The level of net sales generated in fiscal 2007 in all five business units was limited as a result of capacity constraints within our manufacturing facilities, both in terms of space and personnel. This trend began in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and diminished to a large degree in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 as a result of the
                                                                        ramping-up of our facilities in Brookings and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Redwood Falls, Minnesota. These capacity constraints did not exist in fiscal year 2008.  Commercial Business Unit.Net sales in the Commercial Business unit increased approximately 31% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 from $137.6 million to $180.9 million. The largest growth in terms of dollars and as a percentage is attributable to increases in our outdoor advertising niche followed by a
                                                                        smaller increase in sales of our standard Galaxy® product line. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we experienced a lengthening of lead times in our Galaxy® product line caused by issues related to supply chain challenges and plant execution. We addressed these issues in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, but this negatively impacted net sales and orders during fiscal 2008. Addressing these issues allowed us
                                                                        to catch up on delayed orders of Galaxy® products and reduce lead times to acceptable levels in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. We also believe that adverse economic conditions in the fourth quarter had an adverse impact on the overall level of business within this product category.  The most significant factor for increasing net sales in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 was the order volume of digital displays for outdoor advertising companies. This occurred primarily due to an increase in our customer base and the increasing number of displays purchased by existing customers. We also believe that our ValoTM
                                                                        digital billboard product line helped us maintain and potentially grow our market share due to its features and functions.  Live Events Business Unit. Net sales in the Live Events business unit decreased by approximately 5% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 from $177.2 million to $168.6 million. During fiscal 2007, orders for live events, primarily large sports venues, were unusually high. As a result, we had expected that
                                                                        sales for fiscal 2008 generally would be limited in growth potential aside from the impact of some exceptionally large potential project orders and their conversion to net sales, which occurred as anticipated in fiscal 2008. We believe that this volatility is inherent in the large contract business. Orders increased approximately 1% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. Included in these orders were a greater than
                                                                        historical level of dollars that have longer lead times to start manufacturing. This generally happens when a greater percentage of the business is new construction as opposed to major upgrades.  Schools and Theatres Business Unit. Net sales in the Schools and Theatres business unit increased approximately 20% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, from $50.8 million to $60.9 million. The increase in net sales was impacted by the acquisition of the hoist business late in the second quarter of fiscal
                                                                        year 2007 and more orders being booked as we further penetrated the market. Orders within this business unit increased at a much higher rate than net sales and were up approximately 38% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.  Transportation Business Unit. Net sales in the Transportation business unit increased approximately 23% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, from $30.4 million to $37.4 million. Orders for fiscal 2008 were up approximately 4%. We believe that the increases in net sales and orders in this business were due,
                                                                        in part, to legislation passed during calendar year 2005 by the United States Congress that provided for increased spending on transportation projects, including large increases associated with intelligent transportation systems, and to us gaining market share.  International Business Unit.Net sales in the International business unit increased by approximately 40% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, from $37.1 million to $51.8 million. The increase was attributable to the success we experienced in both Europe and Asia, which was our primary geographic areas of
                                                                        focus outside of the U.S. Orders increased approximately 93% in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. This growth was primarily due to a limited number of large orders which drove the increased net sales. These orders included sales of digital billboards in Europe and large displays systems in commercial settings in Asia and were the result of the investments we had made previously to develop a local presence in these
                                                                        areas.  23   *Backlog* Our backlog at the end of fiscal 2009 was $120 million as compared to $175 million at the end of fiscal 2008. Overall, the decline in backlog is the result of the lower than expected order bookings resulting from the factors described above. Much of the decline is attributable to large projects related to new sports stadiums that were
                                                                            converted to net sales in fiscal 2009 in the Live Events business unit, decreases in orders for digital billboard displays in our Commercial business unit, and decreases in orders in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period of fiscal 2008. Backlog decreased over fiscal 2008 in Schools and Theatres business unit but increased in the Transportation business unit. Backlog varies significantly quarter
                                                                            to quarter due to the effects of large orders, and significant variations can be expected, as explained previously. In addition, our backlog is not necessarily indicative of future sales or net income, also as explained previously.  Gross Profit  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Gross profit increased approximately 5% to $155.4 million in fiscal 2009 from $147.6 million in fiscal 2008. As a percent of net sales, gross profit decreased to 26.7% in fiscal 2009 from 29.5% in fiscal 2008. The increase in gross margin dollars was due to higher net sales. Gross margin percents on large contracts increased during
                                                                            fiscal 2009 by approximately two percentage points over fiscal 2008 as a result of better margins on PS-X display technology orders primarily on the large new construction projects. This increase was more than offset by the costs of excess capacity in the second half of fiscal 2009, higher warranty costs and inventory write-downs, and the reorganization of our field services infrastructure (which offsets an equal
                                                                            decline in selling expense). These decreases have been partially offset by a gain of approximately $1 million on the sale of our building in Tampa, Florida in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Warranty costs caused gross profit percentages to decline by more than two percentage points in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. This decline is due primarily to issues with new product designs and quality. We are and have been over the past year investing significant resources into standardizing our display product line, which we
                                                                            believe contained excessive custom design, increasing our risk of warranty costs. In addition, to reduce the level of warranty exposure, we have invested in more sophisticated product reliability test equipment and personnel to implement more rigorous product testing procedures and to continue to enhance our quality processes in manufacturing. We believe that we have made progress in gaining control over our warranty
                                                                            costs but cannot be certain that new issues will not arise, including those described in note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Increased inventory write-downs are resulting from write-downs in Canada related to the plant closure and the write-off of excess inventory. We also incurred costs during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 to close down
                                                                            our manufacturing operation in Canada. The reorganization of our field services department adversely impacted gross profit percentages by approximately 0.6 points. Finally, the higher costs of excess manufacturing capacity resulted from the sharp decline in net sales in the second half of fiscal 2009 on a sequential basis, making it difficult to adjust costs adequately. The higher costs of manufacturing infrastructure
                                                                            include additional personnel in quality, manufacturing engineering and inventory management. These factors, excluding warranty costs, impacted all business units. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as described in note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we discovered a warranty issue caused by our finishing process for certain products which causes the paint on aluminum surfaces to peel in certain conditions. We have accrued a reserve at the low end of the range of
                                                                            estimates since no single amount within the range is a better estimate. Therefore it is possible that we could incur additional losses in fiscal 2010 of up to approximately $1.6 million, which would be at the high end of the estimated range. Within the Commercial business unit, gross profit percent decreased approximately seven percentage points in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of a decline in margin in all niches. The decline resulted from greater costs of excess capacity and lower margins in our Galaxy® display business, which is being impacted by
                                                                            the economic conditions and delivery execution, increased competition in the outdoor advertising niche and the factors described above.  Gross profit percentages in our Live Events business unit increased approximately four percentage points in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The increase was primarily the result of higher margins on product sales as mentioned above and was partially offset by higher than expected warranty costs.  Gross profit percentages in our Schools and Theatres business unit decreased seven percent in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. This decline resulted from greater variances in manufacturing, the reclassification of our field services infrastructure to cost of goods sold, and lower overall margins on standard products.  Gross profit percentages in our Transportation business unit declined approximately seven percent in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease was the result of the lower sales level in the last half of the year, which adversely impacted utilization.  Gross profit in our International business unit declined 11 margin points in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, which we attribute primarily to the impact of warranty costs. 24   We expect that the gross profit percentage may decline in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009, primarily as a result of the costs of excess capacity and the competitive factors previously described.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 Gross profit increased 16.6% to $147.6 million in fiscal 2008 from $126.6 million in fiscal 2007. As a percent of net sales, gross profit increased to 29.5% in fiscal 2008 from 29.2% in fiscal 2007. The increase in gross margin dollars was due to the higher level of net sales described above and an increase in the gross profit
                                                                                percentage. Gross profits had been positively impacted by higher gross margins on contract orders, which rose during the first half of fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 and then declined in the second half of the year. The positive factors influencing gross profit margin in fiscal 2008 included new products offered, which are able to earn a higher average margin in the marketplace; declines in raw materials
                                                                                pricing; greater absorption of facilities costs as net sales increase, and the competitive landscape.   Our new products were the main driver of the increase, which have added in excess of 0.5 margin points, while the effects of the raw materials pricing and the increased absorption have been slightly less than that.  Offsetting these positive implications were the lower margins associated with the
                                                                                large orders for professional sports facilities, which traditionally carry smaller margins. We also incurred significantly higher costs of warranties as a percent of net sales in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. As a percent of net sales, warranty costs were approximately 3% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 2% in fiscal 2007. These higher warranty costs tend to drive much higher indirect labor costs as well,
                                                                                which rose significantly in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The impact of these indirect labor costs associated with services adversely impacted the gross margin percentage, decreasing it by 1.5 margin points and affecting all business units.  Within the Commercial business unit, gross margin percents increased approximately 1.5 percentage points in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 as a result of the higher margins in the outdoor advertising portion of that business as compared to the prior year. This increase began to dissipate in the second half of fiscal 2008 as we
                                                                                renegotiated pricing with our customers for our new ValoTM digital billboard product. We were also negatively impacted by higher costs and manufacturing variances associated with our Galaxy® product line due to the various manufacturing issues described above.  Gross profit percentages in the Live Events business unit declined approximately one percentage point in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. This decline resulted from the impact of warranty costs, higher indirect labor costs associated with services and higher manufacturing variances during the fiscal year. This was offset by
                                                                                better performance on contracts, as we were able to decrease costs on certain video products without having to reduce pricing.  Gross profit declined in the International business unit approximately three margin points in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, which we attribute to the impact of warranty costs and the impact of some of the larger transactions booked during fiscal 2008 that generally carry a higher than expected gross profit margin.  The gross profit margin percents for the Schools and Theatres business unit and the Transportation business unit did not change materially in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.  Operating Expenses  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Operating expenses, which are comprised of selling, general and administrative expenses and product design and development costs, increased by 3.1% to $112.7 million in fiscal 2009 from $109.3 million in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses declined to 19.4% in fiscal 2009 as compared to 21.9% in fiscal 2008.
                                                                                The changes in the various components of operating expenses are explained below. As a result of the downturn in orders and net sales that arose during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we began a process to decrease all types of operating expenses to partially keep pace with the declining net sales on a sequential basis. We expect these efforts to continue well into fiscal 2010. The ultimate level of decreased
                                                                                spending is difficult to estimate as it involves continuous and evolving efforts. Our most significant cost factor within operating expense is personnel related costs, and to date, our approach has been focused on allowing attrition drive a significant portion of the decrease when coupled with a general hiring freeze. In addition, we have implemented wage freezes for salaried employees beginning in fiscal 2010 and
                                                                                have implemented various other cost reduction initiatives. We have limited the amount of decreases in spending so that we do not adversely impact our business when the economy and the market for our products improve, as our intention is to emerge from the downturn stronger than when we entered it.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007Operating expenses increased by 21.9% to $109.3 million in fiscal 2008 from $89.7 million in fiscal 2007. The changes in the various components of operating expenses are explained below. All areas within operating expenses were impacted by higher personnel costs to support our growth and higher benefit costs, consisting primarily of the cost of medical insurance. As a percentage of net
                                                                                sales, the increase was attributable in general to the investment we made to position us for the anticipated market opportunities in the future.  25   Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows,
                                                                                product demos and supplies.  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Selling expenses decreased 0.3% to $62.3 million for fiscal 2009 as compared to $62.5 million in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 10.7% and 12.5% in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively  As described in previous filings, we reorganized our field services organization at the beginning of fiscal 2009 and, as a result, approximately $2.5 million of expenses, primarily personnel costs, incurred in fiscal 2008 that were classified as selling expense were classified in cost of goods sold in fiscal
                                                                                2009.  Had this change not been made, selling expense as a percentage of net sales would have still declined.  Selling expenses for fiscal 2009 were lower than selling expenses in fiscal 2008 principally because of a decrease in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits of approximately $0.2 million, and a decline of $1.7 million in travel and entertainment costs. Offsetting these decreases were
                                                                                increases in bad debt expense, which increased approximately $1.9 million; an increase in commissions to third parties, which increased by approximately $0.4 million; and an increase in credit card fees of approximately $0.5 million. The increase in bad debt expense was the result of a number of isolated product issues and customer issues, although a small portion of the increase could be resulting from the adverse
                                                                                economic conditions. The increase in commissions is due to the nature of the specific underlying transactions. Typically commissions are not a significant factor in our business.  As described above we are focused on reducing selling expense. However, we remain committed to generating orders, and our focus is not to reduce infrastructure to match the decline in net sales, as we believe that would hurt the company once the economy begins to recover. The cost reductions include
                                                                                reallocating resources, such as redeploying sales staff to areas where there are more opportunities for near and long-term growth, and closing company offices where staff members can work out of their home offices and other initiatives.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 Selling expenses increased 15.6% to $62.5 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to $54.0 million in fiscal 2007. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 12.5% in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007. The increase in selling expenses was attributable to higher levels of personnel costs, which comprised over 30%
                                                                                of the increase, and international expansion, which comprised more than 50% of the increase. The remaining increase was caused by the increased facilities and infrastructure costs incurred with the facilities expansion, primarily in Brookings, South Dakota. The increase in the number of employees was planned to cover growth expectations across all markets and included the impact of hiring additional personnel to
                                                                                support various other investments made into growing areas, such as our services business and commercial sales. The increase in the international costs included increased costs of personnel and related items.  General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional fees, shareholder relations costs, facilities and equipment related costs for administrative departments, training costs, amortization of intangibles and the costs of
                                                                                supplies.  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 General and administrative costs increased 10.8% to $28.8 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $26.0 million for fiscal 2008. As a percent of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 4.9% and 5.2% for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. The increase in general and administrative costs was the
                                                                                result of an increase of approximately $2.0 million in personnel costs, including benefits and taxes to support our planned international and other growth; higher costs related to the hardware and software infrastructure, including depreciation, which increased $1.2 million; and higher professional fees, which consisted primarily of higher legal fees resulting from the higher costs of contract negotiations and
                                                                                litigation, which increased by approximately $0.3 million. These increases were offset by declines in recruiting costs and other expenses. We expect that for fiscal 2010, general and administrative expenses will decline further in dollars but will increase as a percent of net sales.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 General and administrative costs increased 30.0% to $26.0 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $20.0 million for fiscal 2007. As a percent of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 5.2% and 4.6% for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. The increase in general and administrative costs was the
                                                                                result of higher costs of personnel and related infrastructure to support our growth, including international growth, which comprised more than 55% of the increase; and higher costs related to the investments in infrastructure made in fiscal 2007, which comprised approximately 20% of the increased spending and included higher computer hardware and software maintenance costs from prior fiscal years’ commitments
                                                                                and greater depreciation costs. The remaining increases are from various items such as increased amortization expense related to fiscal 2007 acquisitions, higher employee benefit costs due to expanded benefits and increased health insurance costs, and higher bank fees related to higher credit card fees and international expansion.  *Product design and development expenses* consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs and facilities and equipment-related costs and supplies.  26   Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Product development expenses increased approximately 3.8% to $21.6 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $20.8 million in fiscal 2008. As a percent of net sales, product development expenses were 3.7% and 4.2% for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. Investments in our common module platforms and various other initiatives to
                                                                                    standardize display components, in our line of PS-X, HD-X and PST® video displays and in other display technologies and related items, including control systems for both single site displays and networked displays, continued to drive increases in product development. We also invested in other product lines, including our Galaxy® display technology, Sportsound® systems and control systems. We
                                                                                    developed new products and enhanced products, including our ValoTM digital billboards and a wider range of PST® products with more pixel density options. We also invested heavily in initiatives designed to improve manufacturing processes and decrease the cost of our products. We expect that product development will decrease in dollars in fiscal 2010 but will likely exceed our long-term target of 4% of
                                                                                    net sales.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 Product development expenses increased approximately 33.3% to $20.8 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $15.6 million in fiscal 2007. As a percent of net sales, product development expenses were 4.2% and 3.6% for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. Investments in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 were similar to the investments
                                                                                    made in fiscal 2009. Increases in spending in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 were primarily the result of increase personnel and payroll costs corresponding with our desire to invest more based on the higher level of net sales and the opportunities to improve product margins and offerings.  Operating Income by Segment  The following table sets forth operating income (loss) by segment:  Year EndedMay 2,

                                                                                                

                                                                                                April 26,

                                                                                                

                                                                                                April 28,Operating Income (Loss)

                                                                                                2009

                                                                                                

                                                                                                2008

                                                                                                

                                                                                                2007Commercial

                                                                                                $

                                                                                                6,610

                                                                                                

                                                                                                $

                                                                                                28,124

                                                                                                

                                                                                                $

                                                                                                15,027Live Events

                                                                                                

                                                                                                43,844

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                4,944

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                14,031Schools & Theatres

                                                                                                

                                                                                                (4,320)

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                (1,929)

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                (1,996)Transportation

                                                                                                

                                                                                                (639)

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                2,363

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                3,352International

                                                                                                

                                                                                                (2,878)

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                4,741

                                                                                                

                                                                                                

                                                                                                6,501Segment Operating Income

                                                                                                $

                                                                                                42,617

                                                                                                

                                                                                                $

                                                                                                38,243

                                                                                                

                                                                                                $

                                                                                                36,915
   Operating income (loss) by segment is based on the direct costs associated with each segment plus allocations of various expenses on a discretionary basis that may not be indicative of the segment’s operating income on a stand-alone basis. Certain items are allocated based on management’s judgment as to the best
                                                                                    methods to achieve company-wide goals. Therefore, we caution making conclusions as to performance based on these disclosures, which are required under generally accepted accounting principles.  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Within the Commercial business unit, operating income decreased in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of lower gross profit margins caused by the excess capacity in the second half of fiscal 2009, an increase in selling expense, and higher costs of product development and general and administrative costs that
                                                                                    correspond to the overall increases for the company.  Operating income increased in the Live Events business unit in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of the increase in net sales described above and the increase in gross profit margins of four percentage points described above. In addition, selling expenses decreased by approximately $1.9 million in fiscal 2009 as
                                                                                    compared to fiscal 2008 in part due to a reassignment of costs to the Schools and Theaters business unit relating to sports marketing activities to reflect the greater emphasis being placed on sports marketing in high schools.  The operating income in Schools and Theatres business unit decreased in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of lower gross profit margins caused by higher costs of manufacturing variances offset by lower selling costs as we reallocated personnel at the beginning of fiscal 2009 into costs of goods sold as described
                                                                                    above.  Within the Transportation business unit, operating income decreased in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of a decrease in net sales and a decline in gross profit percentages due to lower contract margins and higher manufacturing variances. Other components of operating margin did not change materially.  Operating income for the International business unit decreased in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease was a result of increased warranty costs and increased operating expenses in an effort to expand the International business unit.  27   Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 Within the Commercial business unit, operating income increased in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 as a result of the increase in net sales for the unit, with an increase of approximately two percentage points in gross profit percents and increased leverage of selling expense as a percent of net sales.  Operating margin decreased in the Live Events business unit as a result of a decline in net sales as described above, along with a point decrease in gross profit margin. In addition, selling expenses increased by approximately $1 million.  The operating margin in the Schools and Theatres business unit increased in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 as a result of higher net sales at similar gross profit margins offset by higher selling and allocations of product development expenses and general and administrative expenses.  Within the Transportation business unit, operating income remained flat in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 as a result of a growth in net sales being offset by higher operating expenses.  Interest Income and Expense  We occasionally generate interest income through product sales on an installment basis, under lease arrangements or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which result in long-term receivables. We also invest excess cash in short-term temporary cash investments and marketable
                                                                                        securities that generate interest income. Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest on our notes payable and long-term debt.  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Interest income increased 23.5% to $2.1 million for fiscal 2009 as compared to $1.7 million for fiscal 2008. The increase was the result of higher levels of temporary cash investments. We expect that the amount of interest income will increase in fiscal 2010 over fiscal 2009 due to higher average levels of temporary cash
                                                                                        investments.  Interest expense decreased 85.7% to $0.2 million in fiscal 2009 as compared $1.4 million for fiscal 2008. The decrease is due to lower average borrowings outstanding during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. We do not expect the levels of debt to change materially in fiscal 2010 from fiscal 2009; therefore, interest
                                                                                        expense is expected to be insignificant in fiscal 2010.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 Interest income decreased 5.6% to $1.7 million for fiscal 2008 as compared to $1.8 million for fiscal 2007. The decrease was the result of lower levels of interest-bearing marketable securities. This was offset partially by higher levels of interest-bearing long-term receivables.  Interest expense increased 100.0% to $1.4 million in fiscal 2008 as compared $0.7 million for fiscal 2007. The increase was due to higher levels of debt outstanding and higher average interest rates on that debt during fiscal 2008.  Income Taxes  Fiscal Year 2009 as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 Income taxes increased 12.7% to $15.1 million in fiscal 2009 as compared to $13.4 million in fiscal 2008. The increase was attributable primarily to the increase in income before income taxes and an increase in the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate increased from 33.8% in fiscal 2008 to 36.4% in fiscal 2009. The
                                                                                        increase in the effective tax rate is attributable to a higher state income tax rate in fiscal 2009 as a result of our business in high–tax rate states, a decline in research and development tax credits as a percentage of net income in fiscal 2009, the benefit of favorable adjustments in our current liabilities in fiscal 2008, and the lower level of income earned in foreign jurisdictions in fiscal 2009
                                                                                        where effective rates are lower than the United States. We expect that the effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 will approximate fiscal 2009 rates, but that could vary depending on the mix of income in foreign jurisdictions and other factors. During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, Congress passed and the President signed into law a bill that reinstated the research and development tax credit, which had
                                                                                        expired as of December 31, 2007. The reinstatement caused a decline in our domestic effective tax rate. On a quarterly basis, our effective rate is impacted by the mix of business in each foreign jurisdiction.  Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to Fiscal Year 2007 Income taxes increased 8.1% to $13.4 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to $12.4 million in fiscal 2007. The increase was attributable primarily to the increase in income before income taxes. In addition, we also realized benefits from amending federal tax returns to take advantage of foreign tax credits related to business
                                                                                        outside the United States and a lower effective state income tax rate related to fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, which were realized in fiscal 2008. The effective rate increased from 33.6% in fiscal 2007 to 33.8% in fiscal 2008. We benefit from lower tax rates overall in China, where we were able to generate taxable income that is subject to a tax holiday for a fixed period of time after we began generating a
                                                                                        profit. Furthermore, there are lower rates in the other foreign markets in which we operate. Finally, we were eligible for research and development tax credits for only seven months of fiscal 2008 as compared to all of fiscal 2007.  28   Fiscal Year 2009 Fourth Quarter Summary  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, net sales decreased 5.7% to $121.8 million as compared to $129.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The decrease was primarily due to decreased net sales in the International and Commercial business units as explained previously in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Gross margin percentage declined from 28.1% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 to 23.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The decline in gross profit levels was primarily due to higher warranty costs in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and the impact of lower than expected net sales, which resulted in less overhead
                                                                                            absorption or excess capacity.  Selling and general and administrative costs declined by 3.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to $21.9 million as compared to $22.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The decline results from lower payroll and benefits costs due to the classification of certain sales and services staff into costs of goods
                                                                                            sold as described above, lower costs of travel and entertainment as described above, offset by an increase in bad debt expense as described above.  Product development costs declined by 22.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to $4.6 million as compared to $5.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The decrease was due to in part to a change in estimated accruals for patent fees of approximately $0.4 million and a greater emphasis on product development as
                                                                                            opposed to contract costs in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.  Net interest income increased to $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 from a net interest expense of $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase was due primarily to lower levels of interest expense resulting from less debt outstanding and lower interest rates.  The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 increased to 67.6% from 23.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase was due to the higher losses in foreign jurisdictions in the quarter as compared to one year ago and the impact of an adjustment to the current liabilities in fiscal 2008 as
                                                                                            described above. The unusually high effective tax rate in the fourth quarter resulted from the adjustment of the estimated annual rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to the estimated effective tax rate used in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  Liquidity and Capital Resources  Working capital was $104.5 million at May 2, 2009 compared to $62.5 million at April 26, 2008. We have historically financed working capital needs through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings under bank credit agreements.  Cash provided by operations for fiscal 2009 was $48.7 million. Net income of $26.4 million plus depreciation and amortization of $24.4 million, the add back of $2.4 million equity in net losses of equity investments and $3.2 million of stock-based compensation, less $2.9 million in changes in net operating assets and $4.3
                                                                                            million in the changes of deferred income taxes, generated the cash provided by operations.  The most significant driver of the changes in net operating assets was the increase in accrued expenses and warranty obligations. This increase was partially offset by increases in inventories, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, deferred income taxes, and accounts receivable and a decrease in billings in
                                                                                            excess of costs and estimated earnings. The decrease in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings is the result of deposits we receive on orders primarily with outdoor advertising customers, which declined significantly. The increase in accrued expenses and warranties is the result of higher warranty reserves established in fiscal 2009 as a percentage of net sales as compared to fiscal 2008.
                                                                                            With regard to operating assets, there was an increase in the levels of inventory and accounts receivable in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, which decreased cash provided by operations. Days sales outstanding for accounts receivables improved from 42 days as of April 26, 2008 to 38 days as of May 2, 2009. In addition, days of inventory outstanding also improved by six days. Days outstanding for
                                                                                            costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings improved by two days as of the end of fiscal 2009 as compared to the end of fiscal 2008. Overall, changes in operating assets and liabilities can be impacted by the timing of cash flows on large orders as described above that can cause significant fluctuations in the short term. As a result of various initiatives underway, including changes in
                                                                                            manufacturing, purchasing, collections and payment processes, we expect to continue improving our cash flow relative to net sales and costs of goods.  Cash used by investing activities in fiscal 2009 included $22.9 million used to purchase property and equipment. During fiscal year 2009, we invested approximately $2.9 million in facilities; approximately $6.4 million in manufacturing equipment; approximately $7.4 million on information systems hardware and software;
                                                                                            approximately $3.1 million in demonstration equipment; approximately $2.6 million in rental equipment; and approximately $0.5 in office equipment. These investments supported our continued growth and replaced obsolete equipment. For fiscal 2009, capital expenditures were 3.9% of net sales. We expect total capital expenditure dollars to decrease in fiscal 2010. 29   Other cash provided by investing activities included $4.7 million from the sale of property and equipment. Cash used in financing activities of approximately $3.2 million in fiscal 2009 included $0.5 million of payments of long-term debt and $3.6 million paid to shareholders in the form of a dividend, offset by $0.6
                                                                                                million received for option exercises and $0.3 million in tax benefit from stock-based compensation.  Included in receivables as of May 2, 2009 was approximately $7.0 million of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected in one year.  We have used and expect to continue to use cash reserves and, to a lesser extent, bank borrowings to meet our short-term working capital requirements. On large product orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to and exceed 24 months depending on the amount of custom work and the
                                                                                                customer’s delivery needs. We often receive down payments or progress payments on these product orders. To the extent that these payments are not sufficient to fund the costs and other expenses associated with these orders, we use working capital and bank borrowings to finance these cash requirements.  Our product development activities include the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products from existing technologies. Product development expenses for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $21.6 million, $20.8 million and $15.6 million, respectively. We intend to continue to incur these
                                                                                                expenditures to develop new display products and solutions using various technologies to offer higher resolution and more cost-effective and energy-efficient displays, as well as to complement the services and solutions that are provided with the displays. We also intend to continue developing software applications related to our display systems to enable these products to continue to meet the needs
                                                                                                and expectations of the marketplace. 
                                                                                                We have a credit agreement with a bank which provides for a $45.0 million line of credit and includes up to $15.0 million for standby letters of credit. The line of credit is due on November 15, 2009. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 75 basis points to LIBOR plus 125 basis points depending on certain ratios. The effective interest rate was 1.2% at May 2, 2009. Starting January 23, 2007, we
                                                                                                are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.1% per annum of any unused portion of the loan. As of May 2, 2009, no advances under the line of credit were outstanding. The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to comply with certain covenants, including the maintenance of tangible net worth of at least $75 million, a minimum liquidity ratio, a limit on dividends and distributions and a minimum adjusted
                                                                                                fixed charge coverage ratio. 
                                                                                                Daktronics Canada, Inc. has a credit agreement with a bank which provides for a $0.3 million line of credit. The line of credit is due on February 1, 2010. The interest rate on the line of credit is equal to 1.5% above the prime rate of interest and was 3.8% at April 26, 2008. As of May 2, 2009, no advances under the line of credit were outstanding. The line of credit is secured primarily by accounts
                                                                                                receivables, inventory and other assets of the subsidiary. 
                                                                                                Daktronics Shanghai, Ltd., has established a line of credit for $1.5 million to facilitate the issuance of bank guarantees in connection with orders it receives. The fees on the line are equal to 0.5% of the outstanding bank guarantees, and the line of credit is secured by a letter of credit issued by us. The line expires on March 31, 2010. As of May 2, 2009, no advances under the letter of credit or
                                                                                                bank guarantees were outstanding. We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations. We currently have a bonding line available through a surety company that provides for an aggregate of $100 million in bonded work outstanding. At May 2, 2009, we had approximately $37.6 million of bonded work outstanding against this
                                                                                                line.  We believe that if our growth extends beyond current expectations or if we make any strategic investments, we may need to increase the amount of our credit facility or seek other means of financing our growth. We anticipate that we will be able to obtain any needed funds under commercially reasonable terms from our
                                                                                                current lender or other sources. We believe that our working capital available from all sources will be adequate to meet the cash requirements of our operations in the foreseeable future.  Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations  We enter into various debt, lease, purchase and marketing obligations that require payments in future periods. Debt obligations represent primarily bank loans. Operating lease obligations relate primarily to leased office space and furniture. Long-term marketing obligations relate to amounts due in future periods for
                                                                                                payments on net sales where we sold and installed our equipment in exchange for future advertising revenue. When certain advertising revenue thresholds are met, all or a portion of excess cash is owed back to the customer. Unconditional purchase obligations represent future payments for inventory and advertising rights purchase commitments.  Guarantees include a transaction in connection with the sale of equipment to a financial institution. Under this transaction, we entered into a contractual arrangement whereby we agreed to repurchase equipment at the end of the lease term at a fixed price of approximately $1.1 million. We have recognized a guarantee in
                                                                                                the amount of $0.2 million under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” Revenue related to this transaction of $4.8 million was recognized during fiscal year 2007.  30   In connection with our investment in Outcast Media International, Inc. (“Outcast”), formerly named FuelCast Media International, LLC, we have guaranteed outstanding debt of Outcast of approximately $3.9 million. This debt matures at various times through calendar year 2012, at which time our guarantee
                                                                                                    will expire if the debt is repaid by Outcast. We would be obligated to perform under the terms of the guarantee should Outcast default under the leases. Our guarantee obligation is generally limited to 50% of the amounts outstanding, and we would have recourse back to Outcast under a reimbursement agreement. The guarantee was undertaken to support the rollout of LCD displays in connection with
                                                                                                    the core business of Outcast. The amounts accrued relating to the guarantee liability under the provisions of FIN No. 45 is $0.1 million at May 2, 2009.  As of May 2, 2009, our debt, lease and purchase obligations were as follows (in thousands):  Contractual Obligations

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                Total

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                Less than 1 year

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                1-3 Years

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                4-5 Years

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                After 5 YearsCash Commitments:Long-term debt and accrued interest

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                46

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                23

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                23

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                -

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                -Long-term marketing obligationsand accrued interest

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                1,102

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                344

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                632

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                122

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                4Operating leases

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                12,762

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                3,517

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                6,390

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                1,783

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                1,072Unconditional purchase obligations

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                19,922

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                19,150

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                771

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                -

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                -Total

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                33,832

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                23,034

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                7,816

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                1,905

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                1,076Other commercial commitments:Standby letters of credit

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                3,238

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                3,188

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                50

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                -

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                -Guarantees

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                4,500

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                3,400

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                -

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                -

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                $

                                                                                                                1,100
  Inflation  We believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our operations or our financial condition, although it could in the future.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
  In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157,Fair Value Measurements.  SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value, clarifies
                                                                                                    the definition of fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements that are already required or permitted by other accounting standards (except for measurements of share-based payments) and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements.  SFAS No. 157, as issued, is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  In February
                                                                                                    2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS No. 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, that deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.  Accordingly, we adopted certain parts of SFAS No. 157 at the beginning of fiscal year 2009, and the remaining parts of
                                                                                                    SFAS No. 157 will be adopted by us at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.  We have not yet determined the impact, if any, that the implementation of SFAS No. 157 will have on our results of operations and financial condition.  In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities(“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The
                                                                                                    objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with FASB’s long-term measurement objectives for
                                                                                                    accounting for financial instruments. We adopted SFAS No. 159 on April 27, 2008 and did not elect the fair value option for eligible items that existed at the date of adoption.  In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) amends SFAS No. 141,Business Combinations,and
                                                                                                    provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. Some of the revised guidance of SFAS No. 141(R) includes initial capitalization of acquired in-process research and development, expensing transaction and acquired restructuring costs and recording contingent consideration
                                                                                                    payments at fair value, with subsequent adjustments recorded to net earnings. It also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. We adopted SFAS No. 141(R) on May 3, 2009, and any acquisitions we make in fiscal 2010 and future periods will be subject to this new accounting
                                                                                                    guidance.  31     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes new standards that will govern the accounting for and reporting of
                                                                                                        noncontrolling interests in partially owned subsidiaries. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. All other requirements shall be applied prospectively. We adopted SFAS No. 160 on May 3, 2009. As of that date, we did not have any
                                                                                                        partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and, therefore, the adoption of this accounting standard had no effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161,Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, which changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No.
                                                                                                        161 requires companies to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  We
                                                                                                        adopted SFAS No. 161 on May 3, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 had no effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets(“FSP No. 142-3”). FSP No. 142-3 amends the factors
                                                                                                        that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. FSP No. 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of FSP No. 142-3 had no effect on our
                                                                                                        Consolidated Financial Statements.  In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162,The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This standard is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be
                                                                                                        used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP for non-governmental entities. We adopted SFAS No. 162 on its effective date, November 15, 2008, and it did not have a material impact on the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities” (FSP EITF No. 03-6-1). FSP EITF No. 03-6-1 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain
                                                                                                        nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF No. 03-6-1 is effective the beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. Upon adoption, all prior-period EPS data is required to be adjusted
                                                                                                        retrospectively (including interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform to the provisions of FSP EITF No. 03-6-1. We adopted EITF No. 03-6-1 on May 3, 2009. Since we do not have any share-based payments that would be considered to be participating securities under these provisions, the implementation will not have any impact on our computation
                                                                                                        of EPS unless we issue such securities in the future.
                                                                                                        In November 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-6, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations” (EITF No. 08-6). EITF No. 08-6 applies to all investments accounted for under the equity method and clarifies the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments. EITF No. 08-6 is effective for us beginning in the first
                                                                                                        quarter of fiscal 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact that EITF No. 08-6 will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
                                                                                                        In November 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-7, “Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets” (EITF No. 08-7). EITF No. 08-7 applies to defensive intangible assets, which are acquired intangible assets that an entity does not intend to actively use but does intend to prevent others from obtaining access to the asset. EITF No. 08-7 requires an entity to account for
                                                                                                        defensive intangible assets as a separate unit of accounting. Defensive intangible assets should not be included as part of the cost of an entity’s existing intangible assets because the defensive intangible assets are separately identifiable. Defensive intangible assets must be recognized at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 141(R) and SFAS No. 157. EITF No. 08-7 is effective for
                                                                                                        intangible assets acquired by us on or after May 2, 2009. We adopted EITF Issue No. 08-7 on May 3, 2009, and any intangible asset acquired after that date will be subject to this new accounting guidance.  In May 2008, the FASB issued Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 14-1,Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement). APB14-1 clarifies that convertible debt
                                                                                                        instruments that may be settled in cash upon either mandatory or optional conversion (including partial cash settlement) are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB Opinion No. 14,Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt issued with Stock Purchase Warrants. Additionally, FSP APB 14-1 specifies that issuers of such instruments
                                                                                                        should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not believe that our
                                                                                                        adoption of FSP APB 14-1 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 will have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK  32   Foreign Currency Exchange Rates  Through May 2, 2009, most of our net sales were denominated in United States dollars, and our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes on net sales has not been significant. Net sales originating outside the United States for fiscal 2009 were approximately 8.9% of net sales, of which a portion was
                                                                                                            denominated in Canadian Dollars, Euros, Chinese Renminbi, British Pounds or other currencies. If we believed that currency risk in any foreign location was significant, we would utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations. Over the long-term, net sales to international markets could increase as a percentage of net sales and, consequently,
                                                                                                            a greater portion of this business could be denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, we fund operating cash to foreign subsidiaries in the form of loans denominated in United States dollars.  As a result, operating results may become subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the United States dollar. To the extent
                                                                                                            that we engage in international sales denominated in United States dollars, an increase in the value of the United States dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by the sources of raw materials from international sources. We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency
                                                                                                            fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques, including foreign currency forward contracts and options, to minimize the effect of these fluctuations. However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, differing tax structures and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our financial results in the
                                                                                                            future.  During fiscal year 2009, the United States dollar has been generally weaker throughout the year relative to the currencies of the foreign countries in which we operate, although the fluctuations have not been significant. The overall weakness of the United States dollar had a positive impact on our
                                                                                                            International business unit’s revenue and net earnings because the foreign denominations translated into more United States dollars. This has also translated to net gains on advances made by us to our foreign subsidiaries. It is not possible to determine the exact impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on net sales. However, if there were to be a 1% additional weakening of
                                                                                                            the United States dollar as compared to all other currencies, we would gain an additional $0.1 million.  Interest Rate Risks  Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our debt and long-term accounts receivable. We maintain a blend of both fixed and floating rate debt instruments. As of May 2, 2009, our outstanding debt was less than $1.2 million, substantially all of which was in fixed
                                                                                                            rate obligations. Each 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have an insignificant annual effect on variable rate debt based on the balances of such debt as of May 2, 2009. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect our fair market value but do not impact earnings or cash flows.  In connection with the sale of certain display systems, we have entered into various types of financing orders with customers. The aggregate amounts due from customers include an imputed interest element. The majority of these financings carry fixed rates of interest. As of May 2, 2009, our outstanding
                                                                                                            long-term receivables were $23.8 million. Each 25 basis point increase in interest rates would have an associated annual opportunity cost of approximately $0.1 million.  The following table provides maturities and weighted average interest rates on our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including debt obligations. Weighted average variable interest rates are based on implied forward rates in the yield curve at the reporting
                                                                                                            date.  Fiscal Years (dollars in thousands)

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        There-2010

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        2011

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        2012

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        2013

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        2014

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        afterAssets:Long-term receivables,including current portionFixed-rate

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        7,103

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        3,294

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        3,005

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        2,735

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        1,502

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        5,345Average interest rate

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        6.7%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.5%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.6%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.6%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        9.3%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        9.5%Liabilities:Long- and short-term debtFixed-rate

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        23

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        23

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        -

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        -

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        -

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        -Average interest rate

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        0.0%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        0.0%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        0.0%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        0.0%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        0.0%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        0.0%Long-term marketing obligations,including current portionFixed-rate

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        344

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        297

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        210

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        125

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        122

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                        4Average interest rate

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        9.1%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.8%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.8%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.7%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.9%

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        8.0%
  The carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet for long-term receivables and long and short-term debt approximate their fair values.  Approximately $33.6 million of our cash balances are denominated in United States dollars. Cash balances in foreign currencies are operating balances maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries. A portion of the cash held in foreign accounts is used to collateralize outstanding bank guarantees
                                                                                                                issued by the foreign subsidiary.  Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA  33   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  To the Board of Directors and Shareholders Daktronics, Inc.  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 2, 2009. These
                                                                                                                    financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
                                                                                                                    includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
                                                                                                                    three years in the period ended May 2, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of May 2, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
                                                                                                                    Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 17, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota June 17, 2009  34    DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share data)  May 2,

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    April 26,ASSETS

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    2009

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    2008Current Assets:Cash and cash equivalents

                                                                                                                                    $

                                                                                                                                    36,501

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    $

                                                                                                                                    9,325Restricted cash

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    1,083

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    457Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    61,412

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    56,516Inventories

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    51,400

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    50,525Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    27,541

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    27,126Current maturities of long-term receivables

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    7,962

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    7,435Prepaid expenses and other assets

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    5,587

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    4,796Deferred income taxes

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    15,017

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    9,517Property and equipment available for sale

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    470

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    -Total current assets

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    206,973

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    165,697Property and equipment, net

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    89,427

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    97,523Advertising rights, net

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    2,392

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    3,457Long-term receivables, less current maturities

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    15,879

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    16,837Investments in affiliates

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    2,541

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    2,998Goodwill

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    4,549

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    4,722Intangible and other assets

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    2,804

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    3,102Deferred income taxes

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    311

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    143$

                                                                                                                                    324,876

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    $

                                                                                                                                    294,479LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITYCurrent Liabilities:Accounts payable

                                                                                                                                    $

                                                                                                                                    30,273

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    $

                                                                                                                                    31,540Accrued expenses and warranty obligations

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    35,548

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    26,100Current maturities of long-term debt and marketing obligations

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    367

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    910Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    13,769

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    24,560Customer deposits

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    10,007

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    12,113Deferred revenue

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    9,531

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    6,980Income taxes payable

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    2,935

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    949Total current liabilities

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    102,430

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    103,152Long-term debt, less current maturities

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    23

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    55Long-term marketing obligations, less current maturities

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    759

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    646Long-term warranty obligations and other payables

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    4,805

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    3,766Deferred income taxes

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    4,948

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    3,607Total long-term liabilities

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    10,535

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    8,074SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:Common stock, no par value, authorized120,000,000 shares; 40,657,552 and 40,316,000 sharesissued at May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    27,872

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    25,638Additional paid-in capital

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    13,898

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    10,398Retained earnings

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    170,705

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    147,912Treasury stock, at cost, 19,680 shares

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    (9)

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    (9)Accumulated other comprehensive loss

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    (555)

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    (686)211,911

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    183,253$

                                                                                                                                    324,876

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    $

                                                                                                                                    294,479See notes to consolidated financial statements.
  35   DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands, except per share data)  Year EndedMay 2,

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        April 26,

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        April 28,2009

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        2008

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        2007Net sales

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        581,931

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        499,677

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        433,201Cost of goods sold

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        426,573

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        352,087

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        306,604Gross profit

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        155,358

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        147,590

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        126,597Operating expenses:Selling

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        62,335

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        62,479

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        54,047General and administrative

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        28,787

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        26,040

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        20,008Product design and development

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        21,619

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        20,828

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        15,627112,741

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        109,347

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        89,682Operating income

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        42,617

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        38,243

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        36,915Nonoperating income (expense):Interest income

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        2,068

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        1,757

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        1,811Interest expense

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        (244)

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        (1,423)

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        (725)Other income (expense), net

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        (2,888)

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        1,049

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        (1,219)Income before income taxes

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        41,553

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        39,626

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        36,782Income tax expense

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        15,125

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        13,413

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        12,355Net income

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        26,428

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        26,213

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        24,427Earnings per share:Basic

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.65

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.66

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.62Diluted

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.64

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.63

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.59Cash dividend paid per share

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.09

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.07

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        $

                                                                                                                                        0.06Weighted average shares outstanding:Basic

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        40,537

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        39,918

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        39,223Diluted

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        41,152

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        41,337

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                        41,311See notes to consolidated financial statements.
   36   DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (in thousands)  Common Stock

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            Additional Paid-In Capital

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            Retained Earnings

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            Treasury Stock

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            TotalBalance, April 29, 2006

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            19,551

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            3,480

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            102,381

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            (9)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            (58)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            125,345Net income

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            24,427

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            24,427Foreign currency translationadjustment

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (66)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (66)Net losses onderivative instruments

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (13)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (13)Comprehensive income

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            24,348Tax benefits related toexercise of stock options

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,856

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,856Share-based compensation

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            2,095

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            2,095Exercise of stock optionsand warrants

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,565

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,565Employee savings planactivity

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            838

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            838Dividends paid

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (2,339)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (2,339)Balance, April 28, 2007

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            21,954

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            7,431

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            124,469

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (9)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (137)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            153,708Net income

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            26,213

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            26,213Foreign currency translationadjustment

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (549)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (549)Comprehensive income

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            25,664Tax benefits related toexercise of stock options

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            339

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            339Share-based compensation

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            2,628

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            2,628Exercise of stock options

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            2,335

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            2,335Employee savings planactivity

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,349

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,349Dividends paid

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (2,770)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (2,770)Balance, April 26, 2008

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            25,638

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            10,398

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            147,912

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (9)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (686)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            183,253Net income

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            26,428

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            26,428Foreign currency translationadjustment

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            131

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            131Comprehensive income

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            26,559Tax benefits related toexercise of stock options

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            346

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            346Share-based compensation

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            3,154

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            3,154Exercise of stock options

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            630

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            630Employee savings planactivity

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,604

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            1,604Dividends paid

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (3,635)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            -

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            (3,635)Balance, May 2, 2009

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            27,872

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            13,898

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            170,705

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            (9)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            (555)

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            $

                                                                                                                                            211,911See notes to consolidated financial statements


37







---



DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)  Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:Net Income

                        

                        $

                        26,428

                        

                        $

                        26,213

                        

                        $

                        24,427Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash providedby operating activities:Depreciation

                        

                        24,133

                        

                        

                        20,806

                        

                        

                        13,298Amortization

                        

                        315

                        

                        

                        315

                        

                        

                        503Gain on sale of equity investments

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (2,878)

                        

                        

                        -Gain on sale of property and equipment

                        

                        (862)

                        

                        

                        (7)

                        

                        

                        (148)Stock-based compensation

                        

                        3,154

                        

                        

                        2,628

                        

                        

                        2,095Equity in losses of affiliates

                        

                        2,404

                        

                        

                        2,402

                        

                        

                        2,027Provision for doubtful accounts

                        

                        419

                        

                        

                        145

                        

                        

                        239Deferred income taxes, net

                        

                        (4,326)

                        

                        

                        (785)

                        

                        

                        (422)Change in operating assets and liabilities

                        

                        (2,934)

                        

                        

                        10,994

                        

                        

                        (27,413)Net cash provided by operating activities

                        

                        48,731

                        

                        

                        59,833

                        

                        

                        14,606CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:Purchase of property and equipment

                        

                        (22,888)

                        

                        

                        (33,916)

                        

                        

                        (58,743)Cash consideration paid for equity method investments

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (750)

                        

                        

                        (13,779)Loans to equity investees

                        

                        (665)

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -Sales of marketable securities

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        8,309Proceeds from sale of equity method investments

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        7,000

                        

                        

                        -Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

                        

                        4,667

                        

                        

                        523

                        

                        

                        215Net cash used in investing activities

                        

                        (18,886)

                        

                        

                        (27,143)

                        

                        

                        (63,998)CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:Net borrowings (payments) on notes payable

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (24,615)

                        

                        

                        24,615Proceeds from exercise of stock options

                        

                        630

                        

                        

                        2,335

                        

                        

                        1,565Principal payments on long-term debt

                        

                        (546)

                        

                        

                        (563)

                        

                        

                        (102)Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

                        

                        345

                        

                        

                        339

                        

                        

                        1,411Dividend paid

                        

                        (3,635)

                        

                        

                        (2,770)

                        

                        

                        (2,339)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

                        

                        (3,206)

                        

                        

                        (25,274)

                        

                        

                        25,150EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH ANDCASH EQUIVALENTS

                        

                        537

                        

                        

                        (681)

                        

                        

                        (89)INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

                        

                        27,176

                        

                        

                        6,735

                        

                        

                        (24,331)CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:Beginning

                        

                        

                        9,325

                        

                        

                        2,590

                        

                        

                        26,921Ending

                        

                        $

                        36,501

                        

                        $

                        9,325

                        

                        $

                        2,590See notes to consolidated financial statements.
    38 
 DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except per share data)  Note 1.

                        Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
  Nature of business: Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged principally in the design, manufacture and sale of a wide range of electronic display systems and related products which are sold in a variety of markets throughout the world and the rendering of related maintenance and professional services. Our products are designed primarily to inform and entertain
            people through the communication of content.  Fiscal year: We operate on a 52 to 53 week fiscal year end, with fiscal years ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13 week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year, except in the case of a 53 week year, in which case an additional week is added to the first quarter of that fiscal year.
            When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. The year ended May 2, 2009 consisted of 53 weeks. The years ended April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 consisted of 52 weeks.  Principles of consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries – Daktronics France SARL, Daktronics Shanghai, Ltd., Daktronics GmbH; Star Circuits, Inc.; Daktronics Media Holdings, Inc.; MSC Technologies, Inc.; Daktronics UK, Ltd.; Daktronics Hong Kong, Ltd.; Daktronics Canada, Inc.;
            Daktronics Hoist, Inc.; Daktronics Beijing; Daktronics Australia Pty Ltd; and Daktronics FZE. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Investments in affiliates are accounted for by the equity method. We have evaluated our relationships with affiliates and have determined that these entities are either not variable interest entities or, in the case of variable interest entities, we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore they are not required to be consolidated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accordingly, our
            proportional share of the respective affiliate’s earnings or losses is included in other income (expense) in our consolidated statement of income.  We have a variable interest in OutCast Media International, Inc. (“OutCast”). The results of the variable interest analysis we completed indicated that we are not the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity and, as a result, we are not required to consolidate it. Our interest in OutCast consists of a 37% equity interest, interest debt owed by OutCast in the amount of $1.5
            million, and a guarantee of debt in as described in Note 14. OutCast operates the largest pumptop display network in the United States. Our maximum exposure to loss related to OutCast is approximately $4,898.  Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
            and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the estimated total costs on construction-type contracts, estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties, excess and obsolete inventory, and the reserve for doubtful accounts.  Cash and cash equivalents: All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents consisting primarily ofgovernment repurchase agreements, savings accounts and money market accounts, and they are carried at cost that approximates market. We maintain our cash in bank deposit accounts, the balances
            of which at times may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.  Restricted Cash: Restricted cash consists of deposits to secure bank guarantees issued by our Chinese subsidiary.
  Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Market is determined on the basis of estimated net realizable values.  Revenue recognition: Net sales are reported net of estimated sales returns and exclude sales taxes. We estimate our sales returns reserve based on historical return rates and analysis of specific accounts. Our sales returns reserve was $16 and $245 at May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively.  Multiple-element arrangements:We generate revenue from the sale of equipment and related services, including customization, installation and maintenance services. In some instances, we provide some or all of the above to our customers under the terms of a single multiple-element sales arrangement. These arrangements typically involve the sale of equipment bundled with
            some or all of these services, but may also involve instances in which we have contracted to deliver multiple pieces of equipment over time, rather than at a single point in time.  39   When a sales arrangement involves multiple elements, the items included in the arrangement (deliverables) are evaluated pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting. We perform this evaluation at the inception of an arrangement and as we deliver each item in the
                arrangement. Generally, we account for a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) separately if the delivered item(s) has standalone value to the customer, there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items included in the arrangement, and, if, we have given the customer a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) or service(s) is probable and substantially in our control.
  When items included in a multiple-element arrangement represent separate units of accounting and there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for all items included in the arrangement, we allocate the arrangement consideration to the individual items based on their relative fair values. If there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value(s) of the undelivered item(s) in an
            arrangement, but no such evidence for the delivered item(s), we use the residual method to allocate the arrangement consideration. In either case, the amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the delivered item(s) is limited to the amount that is not contingent on us delivering additional products or services. Once we have determined the amount, if any, of arrangement consideration allocable to the delivered item(s), we apply the applicable revenue recognition policy, as
            described elsewhere herein, to determine when such amount may be recognized as revenue.  We generally determine if objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the items included in a multiple-element arrangement exists based on whether we have vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of the price for which we sell an item on a standalone basis. If we do not have VSOE for the item, we will use the price charged by a competitor selling a comparable product or service on a standalone
            basis to similarly situated customers, if available.  If we cannot account for the items included in a multiple-element arrangement as separate units of accounting, they are combined and accounted for as a single unit of accounting, generally resulting in a delay in the recognition of revenue for the delivered item(s) until we have provided the undelivered item(s) or service(s) to the customer.  Construction-type contracts: Earnings on construction-type contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract. Operating expenses are charged to operations as incurred and are not allocated to contract costs. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts
            are made in the period in which such losses are estimable.  Equipment other than construction-type contracts:We recognize revenue on equipment sales, other than construction-type contracts, when title passes, which is usually upon shipment and then only if the revenue is fixed and determinable. We record estimated sales returns and discounts as a reduction of net sales in the same period revenue is recognized.  Long-term receivables and advertising rights: We occasionally sell and install our products at facilities in exchange for the rights to sell and retain future advertising revenues. For these transactions, we recognize revenue for the amount of the present value of the future advertising payments if enough advertising is sold to obtain normal margins on the contract and we
            record the related receivable in long-term receivables. On those transactions where we have not sold the advertising for the full value of the equipment at normal margins, we record the related cost of equipment as advertising rights. Revenue to the extent of the present value of the advertising payments is recognized in long-term receivables when it becomes fixed and determinable under the provisions of applicable advertising contracts. At the time the revenue is recognized, costs
            of the equipment are recognized based on an estimate of overall margin expected.  In cases where we receive the advertising rights as opposed to only cash payments in exchange for the equipment, revenue is recognized as it becomes earned and the related costs of the equipment are amortized over the term of the advertising rights, which were owned by us. On these transactions, advance collections of advertising revenues are recorded as deferred income.  The cost of advertising rights and deferred costs, net of amortization, was $2,392 as of May 2, 2009 and $3,457 as of April 26, 2008.  Product maintenance: In connection with the sale of our products, we also occasionally sell separately priced extended warranties and product maintenance contracts. The revenue related to such contracts is deferred and recognized as net sales over the term of the agreement, which varies from two to 10 years.  Software: We typically sell our proprietary software bundled with our video displays and certain other products, but we also sell our software separately. Pursuant to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” as amended by SOP 98-4, “Deferral of
            the Effective Date of a Provision of SOP 97-2,” and SOP 98-9, “Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition with Respect to Certain Transactions,” revenues from software license fees on sales, other than construction-type contracts, are recognized when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. For sales of software included in construction-type contracts,
            the revenue is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method for construction-type contracts starting when all of the above-mentioned criteria have been met.  40
  Services:Revenues generated by us for services, such as event support, control room design, on-site training, equipment service and technical support of our equipment, are recognized as net sales when the services are performed. Net sales from services which are not included in construction-type contracts approximated 5.8%, 5.5% and 5.6% of net sales for the fiscal years
            ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 27, 2007, respectively.  Rentals:We rent display equipment to our customers under short-term rental agreements, generally for periods no longer than 12 months. Revenues generated by us for equipment rentals are recognized over the period of the rental agreement.  Derivatives: We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions that are denominated in a currency other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar. We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
            (“SFAS”) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS No. 137 and No. 138,” requires us to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in the fair value of the hedged assets,
            liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  To protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from export sales over the next year, we have instituted a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. We hedge portions of our forecasted revenue denominated in foreign currencies with forward contracts. When the dollar strengthens significantly against the foreign currencies, the decline in value of future
            foreign currency revenue is offset by gains in the value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, the increase in the value of future foreign currency cash flows is offset by losses in the value of the forward contracts.  There were no derivatives outstanding as of May 2, 2009.  Property and equipment:Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:  YearsBuildings

                        7 - 40Machinery and equipment

                        5 - 7Office furniture and equipment

                        3 - 5Equipment held for rental

                        2 - 7Purchased and internally developed software

                        3 - 5Demonstration equipment

                        3 - 5Transportation equipment

                        5 - 7
  Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Our depreciation expense was $24,133, $20,806 and $13,298 for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007, respectively.  Software Costs: We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in Property and Equipment on our consolidated balance sheets. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed immediately.  Goodwill and other intangible assets:We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and we complete an impairment analysis on an annual basis and more frequently if circumstances warrant.  Goodwill was $4,549 at May 2, 2009 and $4,722 at April 26, 2008. We performed an analysis of goodwill as of November 1, 2008 and October 27, 2007 as required under SFAS No. 142. In addition, due to the then current economic conditions, the effects of the recession on our markets and the decline in our stock price, we believed that an additional goodwill impairment test was required as of May 2, 2009.
            The results of the analysis at each time indicated that no goodwill impairment existed as of these dates.  As required by SFAS No. 142, intangibles with finite lives are amortized. Included in intangible assets are non-compete agreements and various patents and trademarks. Amortization expense for the fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $315, $315 and $503, respectively. The net value of intangible assets is included as a component of Intangible and Other Assets in our consolidated
            balance sheets. Estimated amortization expense based on intangibles as of May 2, 2009 is $315, $288, $245, $228, $228 for the fiscal years ending 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and $552 thereafter. The following table sets forth the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by major intangible class as of May 2, 2009:   41
 Gross Carrying Amount

                        

                        Accumulated Amoritization

                        

                        Net ValuePatents

                        $

                        2,282

                        

                        $

                        590

                        

                        $

                        1,692Non-compete agreements

                        

                        348

                        

                        

                        210

                        

                        

                        138Registered trademarks

                        

                        401

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        401Other

                        

                        87

                        

                        

                        61

                        

                        

                        26$

                        3,118

                        

                        $

                        861

                        

                        $

                        2,257
  Insurance: We are self-insured for certain losses related to health and liability claims and workers’ compensation, although we obtain third-party insurance to limit our exposure to these claims. We estimate our self-insured liabilities using a number of factors, including historical claims experience. Our self-insurance liability was $2,506 and $1,792 at May 2, 2009
            and April 26, 2008, respectively, and is included in Accrued Expenses and Warranty Obligations in our consolidated balance sheets.  Foreign currency translation: Our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are generally translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The operating results of foreign operations are translated at weighted average exchange rates. The
            related translation gains or losses are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.  Income taxes: We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on
            the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. SFAS No. 109 requires the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Tax rate changes are reflected in income during the period such changes
            are enacted.  We have a tax holiday in China that will expire in fiscal year 2012.  The tax holiday had no impact in fiscal year 2006 and 2007.  In fiscal year 2008 and 2009, we realized a benefit of approximately $200 or approximately $.005 per share and $97 or approximately $0.002 per share, respectively, due to the tax holiday.  We are unable to predict how the expiration of the tax holiday will impact us in the future.  Comprehensive income: We follow the provisions of SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner
            sources. For us, comprehensive income represents net income adjusted for foreign currency translation adjustments and net gains and losses on derivative instruments. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in comprehensive income has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent. In accordance with SFAS No. 130, we have chosen to disclose comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of shareholders’
            equity.  The following sets forth the accumulated balances for each item included in the accumulated other comprehensive income:  Foreign currency

                        

                        Net gains (losses)

                        

                        Accumulated otherTranslation

                        

                        on derivative

                        

                        comprehensiveadjustment

                            adjustment

                        

                        instrument

                        

                        incomeBalance April 29, 2006

                        $

                        (71)

                        

                        $

                        13

                        

                        $

                        (58)Net change

                        

                        (66)

                        

                        

                        (13)

                        

                        

                        (79)Balance April 28, 2007

                        

                        (137)

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (137)Net change

                        

                        (549)

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (549)Balance April 26, 2008

                        

                        (686)

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (686)Net change

                        

                        131

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        131Balance May 2, 2009

                        $

                        (555)

                        

                        $

                        -

                        

                        $

                        (555)
  Product design and development: All expenses related to product design and development are charged to operations as incurred. Our product development activities include the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products. Product development expenses for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $21,619, $20,828 and $15,627, respectively.  42   Advertising costs: We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 were $1,626 and $1,402 for fiscal year 2007.
  Shipping and handling costs:Shipping and handling costs that are collected from our customers in connection with our sales are recorded as revenue. We record shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.  Earnings per share (EPS): Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of
            common stock that then shared in our earnings.  The following is a reconciliation of the income and common stock share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007:  Net Income

                        

                        Shares

                        

                        Per Share AmountFor the year ended May 2, 2009:Basic EPS

                        

                        $

                        26,428

                        

                        

                        40,537

                        

                        $

                        0.65Effect of dilutive securities:Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        615

                        

                        

                        (0.01)Diluted EPS

                        $

                        26,428

                        

                        

                        41,152

                        

                        $

                        0.64For the year ended April 26, 2008:Basic EPS

                        

                        $

                        26,213

                        

                        

                        39,918

                        

                        $

                        0.66Effect of dilutive securities:Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        1,419

                        

                        

                        (0.03)Diluted EPS

                        $

                        26,213

                        

                        

                        41,337

                        

                        $

                        0.63For the year ended April 28, 2007:Basic EPS

                        

                        $

                        24,427

                        

                        

                        39,223

                        

                        $

                        0.62Effect of dilutive securities:Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        2,088

                        

                        

                        (0.03)Diluted EPS

                        $

                        24,427

                        

                        

                        41,311

                        

                        $

                        0.59
  Options outstanding to purchase 1,460 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $20.26 during the fiscal year ended May 2, 2009 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the weighted average exercise price of those instruments exceeded the average market price of the common shares during the year.  Options outstanding to purchase 738 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $26.46 during the fiscal year ended April 26, 2008 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the weighted average exercise price of those instruments exceeded the average market price of the common shares during the year.  Options outstanding to purchase 332 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $34.07 during the fiscal year ended April 28, 2007 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of those instruments exceeded the average market price of the common shares during the year.  Stock-based compensation: Effective April 30, 2006, we adopted the provisions of, and account for stock-based compensation in accordance with, SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”). We elected the modified-prospective method of adopting SFAS No. 123(R), under which prior periods
            are not retroactively revised. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), we measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. The valuation provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) apply to awards granted after the April 30, 2006 effective date. Stock-based compensation expense for awards granted prior to the effective date but
            that remained unvested on the effective date is being recognized over the remaining service period using the compensation cost estimated for the SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation pro forma disclosures. See Note 9 for additional information and the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value of share-based employee compensation.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements.  SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value, clarifies the definition of fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements that are already required or permitted  43
 by other accounting standards (except for measurements of share-based payments) and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements.  SFAS No. 157, as issued, is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS No. 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157
            that deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.  Accordingly, we adopted certain parts of SFAS No. 157 at the beginning of fiscal year 2009, and the remaining parts of SFAS No. 157, which allowed for adoption one year later, will be adopted by us at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.  We have not yet determined the impact, if any, that the implementation of the remaining aspects of
            SFAS No. 157 will have on our results of operations and financial condition.  In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported
            earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with FASB’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. We elected not to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 159 on April 27, 2008.  In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) amends SFAS No. 141,Business Combinations,and provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any
            noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. Some of the revised guidance of SFAS No. 141(R) includes initial capitalization of acquired in-process research and development, expensing transaction and acquired restructuring costs and recording contingent consideration payments at fair value, with subsequent adjustments recorded to net earnings. It also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business
            combination. We adopted SFAS No. 141(R) on May 3, 2009, and any acquisitions we make in fiscal 2010 and future periods will be subject to this new accounting guidance.  In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. SFAS No. 160 establishes new standards that will govern the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests in partially owned subsidiaries. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
            December 15, 2008 and requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. All other requirements shall be applied prospectively. We adopted SFAS No. 160 on May 3, 2009. As of that date we did not have any partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and, therefore, the adoption of this accounting standard had no effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161,Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, which changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 requires companies to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses
            derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  We adopted SFAS No. 161 on May 3, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 had no effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets. FSP No. 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. FSP No. 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of FSP No. 142-3 had no effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162,The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This standard is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP for
            non-governmental entities. We adopted SFAS No. 162 on its effective date, November 15, 2008, and it did not have a material impact on the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 03-6-1,Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities. EITF No. 03-6-1 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether
            paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. EITF No. 03-6-1 is effective the beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. Upon adoption, all prior-period EPS data is required to be adjusted retrospectively (including interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform to the provisions of EITF No. 03-6-1. We adopted EITF No. 03-6-1 on May 3, 2009. Since
            we do not have any share-based payments that would be considered to be participating securities under these provisions, the implementation will not have any impact on our computation of EPS unless we issue such securities in the future.  In November 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-6,Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations (EITF No. 08-6). EITF No. 08-6 applies to all investments accounted for under the equity method and clarifies the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments. EITF No. 08-6 is effective
            for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact that EITF No. 08-6 will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.  44   In November 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-7, Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets . EITF No. 08-7 applies to defensive intangible assets, which are acquired intangible assets that an entity does not intend to actively use but does intend to prevent others from obtaining access to the asset. EITF No. 08-7 requires an entity to account for defensive intangible assets as a separate unit of
                accounting. Defensive intangible assets should not be included as part of the cost of an entity’s existing intangible assets because the defensive intangible assets are separately identifiable. Defensive intangible assets must be recognized at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 141(R) and SFAS No. 157. EITF No. 08-7 is effective for intangible assets acquired by us on or after May 2, 2009. We adopted EITF Issue No. 08-7 on May 3, 2009, and any intangible asset acquired
                after that date will be subject to this new accounting guidance.
  Note 2. Segment Reporting  At the beginning of fiscal year 2008, we reorganized our business into five business units and implemented limited discrete financial reporting about these business units to the chief operating decision maker, which required us to change our segment disclosures under SFAS No. 131,Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. We
            have five business units which meet the definition of reportable segments under SFAS No. 131: the Commercial segment, the Live Events segment, the Schools and Theatres segment, the Transportation segment, and the International segment. The comparable prior period segment information has been retrospectively adjusted to comply with our new reportable segments.  Our Commercial segment consists of primarily sales of our PS-X®, HD-X, Galaxy® and ValoTM product lines to resellers, principally sign companies, outdoor advertisers, national retailers and quick-serve restaurants, casinos and petroleum retailers. Our Live Events segment consists primarily of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports
            facilities and mobile PST displays to video rental organizations and other live events type venues. Our Schools and Theatres segment primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy® and PS-X display systems to primary and secondary education facilities and sales of our Vortek® automated rigging systems for theatre applications. Our Transportation segment primarily consists of sales of our Vanguard® and Galaxy product lines to governmental transportation
            departments, airlines and other transportation related customers. Finally, our International segment primarily consists of sales of all product lines to geographies outside the United States and Canada.  Business unit reports present results through operating income, which is comprised of gross profit less selling, general and administrative and product development costs. Segment profit excludes interest income and expense, non-operating income and income tax expense. Assets are not allocated to the segments. Depreciation and amortization are allocated to each segment based on various financial
            measures. In general, segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note 1. General and administrative costs are allocated based on levels of personnel or revenues or on a fixed basis to each business unit. Product development cost is allocated to all business units based on fixed allocations depending on the type of product development. Costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the
            Commercial, Live Events and Schools and Theatres business units based on cost of sales. Shared manufacturing, building and utilities and procurement costs are allocated based on direct hours, square footage and other various financial measures. Beginning in fiscal 2009, we changed our method of allocating various items, primarily general and administrative and product development expenses. Fiscal 2008 and 2007 segment results have been retrospectively adjusted to conform to these
            changes.  We do not maintain information on sales by products and, therefore, disclosure of such information is not practical.  The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five functional operating segments for fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007:   45
 Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Net SalesCommercial

                        

                        $

                        155,851

                        

                        $

                        180,938

                        

                        $

                        137,619Live Events

                        

                        

                        269,650

                        

                        

                        168,640

                        

                        

                        177,195Schools & Theatres

                        

                        

                        66,444

                        

                        

                        60,919

                        

                        

                        50,846Transportation

                        

                        

                        34,289

                        

                        

                        37,355

                        

                        

                        30,414International

                        

                        

                        55,697

                        

                        

                        51,825

                        

                        

                        37,127Net Sales

                        

                        $

                        581,931

                        

                        $

                        499,677

                        

                        $

                        433,201Operating IncomeCommercial

                        

                        $

                        6,610

                        

                        $

                        28,124

                        

                        

                        15,027Live Events

                        

                        

                        43,844

                        

                        

                        4,944

                        

                        

                        14,031Schools & Theatres

                        

                        

                        (4,320)

                        

                        

                        (1,929)

                        

                        

                        (1,996)Transportation

                        

                        

                        (639)

                        

                        

                        2,363

                        

                        

                        3,352International

                        

                        

                        (2,878)

                        

                        

                        4,741

                        

                        

                        6,501Segment Operating Income

                        

                        

                        42,617

                        

                        

                        38,243

                        

                        

                        36,915Nonoperating income (expense):Interest income

                        

                        

                        2,068

                        

                        

                        1,757

                        

                        

                        1,811Interest expense

                        

                        

                        (244)

                        

                        

                        (1,423)

                        

                        

                        (725)Other income (expense), net

                        

                        

                        (2,888)

                        

                        

                        1,049

                        

                        

                        (1,219)Income before income taxes

                        

                        

                        41,553

                        

                        

                        39,626

                        

                        

                        36,782Income tax expense

                        

                        

                        15,125

                        

                        

                        13,413

                        

                        

                        12,355Net income

                        

                        $

                        26,428

                        

                        $

                        26,213

                        

                        $

                        24,427Depreciation and AmortizationCommercial

                        

                        $

                        8,297

                        

                        $

                        6,521

                        

                        $

                        3,291Live Events

                        

                        

                        9,040

                        

                        

                        8,319

                        

                        

                        4,777Schools & Theatres

                        

                        

                        4,295

                        

                        

                        3,425

                        

                        

                        4,488Transportation

                        

                        

                        2,025

                        

                        

                        1,975

                        

                        

                        957International

                        

                        

                        791

                        

                        

                        881

                        

                        

                        288Total

                        

                        $

                        24,448

                        

                        $

                        21,121

                        

                        $

                        13,801
  No single geographic area comprises a material amount of net sales or long-lived assets other than the United States. The following table presents information about net sales and long-lived assets in the United States and elsewhere:  United States

                        

                        Other areas

                        

                        TotalNet sales for the fiscal year ended:May 2, 2009

                        $

                        512,528

                        

                        $

                        69,403

                        

                        $

                        581,931April 26, 2008

                        

                        435,697

                        

                        

                        63,980

                        

                        

                        499,677April 28, 2007

                        

                        389,210

                        

                        

                        43,991

                        

                        

                        433,201Long-lived assets as of:May 2, 2009

                        $

                        88,302

                        

                        $

                        1,125

                        

                        $

                        89,427April 26, 2008

                        

                        95,463

                        

                        

                        2,060

                        

                        

                        97,523April 28, 2007

                        

                        84,746

                        

                        

                        1,380

                        

                        

                        86,126
  We are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services because we have numerous customers world-wide.  We are not economically dependent on a limited number of suppliers for our inventory items because we have numerous suppliers world-wide. 46   Note 3. Acquisitions
  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, we acquired a 50% equity interest in Arena Media Networks LLC (“AMN”), a company that owns and operates the nation’s largest network of digital flat-panel displays in stadiums and arenas across the U.S. We paid approximately $6,000 for the investment. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, we sold 90% of our interest for cash and
            recognized a gain of $2,878. We retain a 5% equity interest in the company. From the date of acquisition through the date of sale, we accounted for our share of the net losses of the company under the equity method of accounting. Since the date of the sale, we account for our interest on a cost basis.  During the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, we acquired a 50% interest in OutCast Media International LLC (formerly known as FuelCast Media International, Inc.), the largest pump-top display network in the nation. We paid approximately $4,000 for the investment in fiscal year 2007. During fiscal year 2009, we converted approximately $1.9 million of receivables into equity and invested an additional
            $500 in convertible debt. We account for this transaction under the equity method of accounting.  During the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, we acquired certain operating assets and liabilities of Hoffend & Sons, Inc. through a wholly-owned subsidiary. Results of operations of this operation have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of acquisition. We have not made pro forma disclosures, as the results of operations are not material to our Consolidated
            Financial Statements. Hoffend was the world’s leading supplier of patented hoist systems for theatre and sporting facilities and had been a supplier of ours in connection with center-hung arena systems. The aggregate purchase price, excluding contingent consideration, was approximately $4,270 and includes $500 due one year from the closing date. The agreement provided for the payment of contingent consideration of $1,500 over the three calendar years following the closing date
            to the extent that gross profit on net sales of hoist products exceeded predefined thresholds. In addition, contingent payments are due at the end of the fifth calendar year following closing to the extent gross profit on net sales of hoist products exceeds $50,000. As a result of certain indemnification clauses in the agreement, no payments are expected to be made, as they are offset by claims. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price along with the
            related amortization periods, if any:  Amount Allocated

                        

                        Amortization PeriodIntangible assets subject amortization:Patents

                        $

                        2,282

                        

                        10 yearsOrder backlog

                        

                        300

                        

                        Based on order ship datesNon-compete agreements

                        

                        200

                        

                        5 yearsIntangible assets not subject amortization:Registered trademarks

                        

                        401Goodwill

                        

                        1,514Net assets (liabilities)

                        

                        (427)Total purchase price

                        $

                        4,270
  The goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Note 4. Equipment Held for Sale  In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we review long-lived assets to be held and used and long-lived assets to be disposed of, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and
            used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Recoverability of assets held for sale is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to their estimated fair market value. If any assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value.  Impairment of long-lived assets: We recorded a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $203 and $157 for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively. The impairment charges related to technology changes in our demonstration equipment and tooling equipment. Impairment charges are included in selling expenses and cost of goods sold.  As of May 2, 2009, $470, consisting primarily of vehicles, was classified as equipment held for sale and was recognized on the balance sheet at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. We expect to sell this equipment in fiscal year 2010.  47   Note 5. Selected Financial Statement Data
  Inventories consist of the following:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        2008Raw materials

                        $

                        20,644

                        

                        $

                        23,221Work-in-process

                        

                        7,561

                        

                        

                        18,740Finished goods

                        

                        23,195

                        

                        

                        8,564$

                        51,400

                        

                        $

                        50,525Inventories are reported net of the allowance for excess and obsolete inventory of $4,654 and $2,920 as of May 2,2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively.Property and equipment consist of the following:May 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        2008Land

                        $

                        1,204

                        

                        $

                        3,190Buildings

                        

                        50,810

                        

                        

                        49,464Machinery and equipment

                        

                        50,013

                        

                        

                        44,743Office furniture and equipment

                        

                        52,369

                        

                        

                        45,482Equipment held for rent

                        

                        2,423

                        

                        

                        2,658Demonstration equipment

                        

                        8,021

                        

                        

                        7,516Transportation equipment

                        

                        5,115

                        

                        

                        6,106169,955

                        

                        

                        159,159Less accumulated depreciation

                        

                        80,528

                        

                        

                        61,636$

                        89,427

                        

                        $

                        97,523Accrued expenses consist of the following:May 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        2008Product warranties

                        $

                        16,239

                        

                        $

                        9,683Compensation

                        

                        11,615

                        

                        

                        8,936Taxes, other than income taxes

                        

                        2,566

                        

                        

                        2,267Other

                        

                        5,128

                        

                        

                        5,214$

                        35,548

                        

                        $

                        26,100Other income (expense), net consists of the following:May 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Foreign currency transaction income (losses)

                        $

                        (421)

                        

                        $

                        715

                        

                        $

                        398Equity in losses of affiliates

                        

                        (2,502)

                        

                        

                        (2,402)

                        

                        

                        (2,027)Gain on sale of equity investments

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        2,878

                        

                        

                        -Gain on sale of property and equipment

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        148Other

                        

                        35

                        

                        

                        (142)

                        

                        

                        262$

                        (2,888)

                        

                        $

                        1,049

                        

                        $

                        (1,219)
  48     Note 6. Uncompleted Contracts  Uncompleted contracts consist of the following:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        2008Costs incurred

                        $

                        264,387

                        

                        $

                        225,622Estimated earnings

                        

                        107,216

                        

                        

                        82,438371,603

                        

                        

                        308,060Less billings to date

                        

                        357,831

                        

                        

                        305,494$

                        13,772

                        

                        $

                        2,566
  Uncompleted contracts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        2008Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

                        $

                        27,541

                        

                        $

                        27,126Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

                        

                        (13,769)

                        

                        

                        (24,560)$

                        13,772

                        

                        $

                        2,566
  Note 7. Receivables  We sell our products throughout the United States and certain foreign countries on credit terms that we establish for each customer. On the sale of certain products, we have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral. Foreign sales are at times secured by irrevocable letters of credit or bank guarantees.  Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,164 and $1,746 at May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively.  We make estimates regarding the collectability of our accounts receivable, long-term receivables, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and other receivables. In evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, we analyze specific balances, customer creditworthiness, changes in customer payment cycles, and current economic trends. If the financial condition of any customer
            was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We charge off receivables at such time as it is determined that collection will not occur.  In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and sales type leases. The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable upon the installation and acceptance of the equipment, and profit is recognized to the extent that the present value is in excess of cost. We generally retain a security
            interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid. Long-term contract and lease receivables, including accrued interest and current maturities, were $23,841 and $24,272 as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively. Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 5.0% to 13.5% are due in varying annual installments through April 2017. The face amount of long-term receivables was $29,151 as of May 2, 2009 and
            $29,859 as of April 26, 2008. Included in accounts receivable as of May 2, 2009 was $7,006 of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected in one year.  Note 8. Financing Agreements  Long-term debt: Long-term debt consists of the following:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        20080% mortgage, due in annual installments of $538,including interest through November 2008, secured by land

                        $

                        -

                        

                        $

                        512Other

                        

                        46

                        

                        

                        8246

                        

                        

                        594Less current maturities

                        

                        23

                        

                        

                        539Total long-term debt

                        $

                        23

                        

                        $

                        55
  49    The future maturities on long-term debt consist of the following:  Fiscal years ending:2010

                        

                        $

                        232011

                        

                        

                        23$

                        46
  Credit agreements: We have a credit agreement with a bank which provides for a $45,000 line of credit and includes up to $15,000 for standby letters of credit. The interest rate on the line of credit ranges from LIBOR plus 75 basis points to LIBOR plus 125 basis points depending on certain ratios. The effective interest rate was 1.2% at May 2, 2009. The credit agreement
            contains a facility fee equal to 0.1% per annum of any non-used portion of the loan. The line of credit is due on November 15, 2009. As of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, no advances under the line of credit were outstanding. The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to comply with certain covenants, including the maintenance of tangible net worth of at least $75,000, a minimum liquidity ratio, a limit on dividends and distributions and a minimum
            adjusted fixed charge coverage ratio.  Daktronics Canada, Inc. has a credit agreement with a bank that provides for a $350 line of credit. The line of credit is due on February 1, 2010. The interest rate on the line of credit is equal to 1.5% above the prime rate of interest and was 3.8% at May 2, 2009. As of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, no advances under the line of credit were outstanding. The line of credit is secured primarily by
            accounts receivables, inventory and other assets of the subsidiary.  Daktronics Shanghai, Ltd., has established a line of credit for $1.5 million to facilitate the issuance of bank guarantees in connection with orders it receives. The fees on the line are equal to .5% of the outstanding bank guarantees, and the line of credit is secured by a letter of credit issued by us. The line expires on March 31, 2010. As of May 2, 2009, no advances under the letter of credit or
            bank guarantees were outstanding  Note 9. Shareholders’ Equity and Share-Based Compensation  Common stock: Our authorized shares of 120,000 consist of 115,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 shares of “undesignated stock.” Our Board of Directors has the power to issue any or all of the shares of undesignated stock, including the authority to establish the rights and preferences of the undesignated stock, without shareholder approval.  During fiscal year 2009, we declared a dividend of one common share purchase right for each outstanding share of our common stock. The dividend was issued on November 19, 2008 to the stockholders of record on such date. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one one-tenth of one share of common stock at a price of $100 per common share, subject to adjustment and the terms of the
            shareholder rights agreement under which the dividend was declared and paid. The rights become exercisable immediately after the earlier of (i) 10 business days following a public announcement that a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our outstanding common shares (subject to certain exclusions) or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummation of which would
            result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of our outstanding common shares. The rights expire on November 19, 2018, which date may be extended by our Board subject to certain additional conditions.  Common stock warrants: In connection with the acquisition of a business in fiscal 2000, we issued warrants to purchase up to 88 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.32 per share. The warrants were exercisable at any time through December 29, 2006. During fiscal year 2007, warrants to purchase 13 shares of common stock were exercised and, as of April 28, 2007,
            all of these warrants had been exercised and none were outstanding.  Stock incentive plans: During fiscal year 2008, we established the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”) and ceased granting options under the 2001 Incentive Stock Option Plan, the 2001 Outside Directors Option Plan (“2001 Plans”), and the 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended, and the 1993 Outside Directors Option Plan, as amended
            (“1993 Plans”). The 2007 Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock, to employees, directors and consultants. Stock options issued to employees under the plans generally have a ten-year life, an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date and a five-year vesting period. Stock options granted to outside directors have a seven-year life, an exercise price
            equal to the fair market value on the date of grant and, a three-year vesting period. The restricted stock granted to the Board of Directors vests in one year, provided that they remain on the board. As with stock options, restricted stock ownership cannot be transferred during the vesting period.  The total number of shares of stock reserved and available for distribution under the 2007 Plan is 4,000. At May 2, 2009, there were 3,117 shares available for grants under the 2007 Plan. As of their date of termination, the total number of shares reserved under the 2001 Plans and 1993 Plans were 3,200 and 6,080 shares, respectively. Although the 2001 Plans and 1993 Plans remain in effect for options
            outstanding, no new options can be granted under these plans. 50
 A summary of the status of the plans at the end of fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 and changes during the fiscal years then ended follows:  Year EndedMay 2, 2009

                        

                        April 26, 2008

                        

                        April 28, 2007Stock Options

                        

                        Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share

                        

                        Stock Options

                        

                        Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share

                        

                        Stock Options

                        

                        Weighted Average Exercise Price per ShareOutstanding at beginning of year

                        2,753

                        

                        $

                        13.42

                        

                        3,090

                        

                        $

                        10.13

                        

                        3,292

                        

                        $

                        6.31Granted

                        471

                        

                        

                        9.08

                        

                        410

                        

                        

                        20.41

                        

                        381

                        

                        

                        32.65Cancelled or forfeited

                        (28)

                        

                        

                        17.76

                        

                        (31)

                        

                        

                        14.19

                        

                        (22)

                        

                        

                        12.32Exercised

                        (177)

                        

                        

                        3.57

                        

                        (716)

                        

                        

                        3.26

                        

                        (561)

                        

                        

                        2.79Outstanding at end of year

                        3,019

                        

                        

                        13.28

                        

                        2,753

                        

                        

                        13.42

                        

                        3,090

                        

                        

                        10.13
  Options for 1,825, 1,633 and 1,973 shares were exercisable at May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted were $3.27, $7.55 and $11.12 for the years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007, respectively.  Restricted stock: Under the 2007 Plan, we awarded 1.6 and 4.5 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors elected at the 2007 and 2008 Annual Shareholders Meeting, respectively. We assumed an average annual forfeiture rate of 0% when calculating the number of shares expected to vest based on the relatively short vesting period and the term of the director.
            Unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock grants was approximately $13 at May 2, 2009, which is expected to be recognized over the four month period ending August 31, 2009.  A summary of nonvested restricted shares for the year ended May 2, 2008 is as follows:  Year EndedMay 2, 2009

                        

                        April 26, 2008Weighted-

                        

                        

                        

                        Weighted-Number of

                        

                        Average Grant

                        

                        Number of

                        

                        Average GrantNonvested

                        

                        Date Fair

                        

                        Nonvested

                        

                        Date FairShares

                        

                        Value

                        

                        Shares

                        

                        ValueOutstanding at beginning of year

                        1.6

                        

                        $

                        25.13

                        

                        -

                        

                        $

                        -Granted

                        4.5

                        

                        

                        17.82

                        

                        1.6

                        

                        

                        25.13Vested

                        (1.6)

                        

                        

                        23.13

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -Forfeited

                        -

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -Outstanding at end of year

                        4.5

                        

                        

                        17.82

                        

                        1.6

                        

                        

                        25.13
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan: We also have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), which enables employees to contribute up to 10% of their compensation toward the purchase of our common stock at the end of the participation period at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of the
            participation period. Common stock reserved for future employee purchases under the ESPP totaled 509 shares at May 2, 2009. The total number of shares reserved under this plan is 1,000. The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Common stock issued under the ESPP totaled approximately 160 shares in fiscal year 2009, 70 shares in fiscal year 2008 and 68 shares in fiscal year 2007.  51
 Share-based Compensation Expense: A summary of the share-based compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock and our ESPP that we recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008 is as follows:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        2008Cost of sales

                        $

                        422

                        

                        $

                        277Selling

                        

                        1,045

                        

                        

                        1,103General and administrative

                        

                        1,126

                        

                        

                        799Product development and design

                        

                        561

                        

                        

                        473$

                        3,154

                        

                        $

                        2,652Decrease of net income per share tocommon stockholders

                        $

                        0.08

                        

                        $

                        0.07
  Valuation and Amortization Method.We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We amortize the fair value of the stock options on a straight-line basis. All options are amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods.  Expected Term. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. We estimate the expected term of options granted based on historical exercise patterns, which we believe are representative of future behavior. Our estimate of the expected life of new options granted to our employees is five years, consistent with
            prior periods. We have examined our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there were any discernable patterns of activity based on certain demographic characteristics. Demographic characteristics tested included age, salary level, job level and geographic location. We have determined that there were no meaningful differences in option exercise activity based on the demographic characteristics tested.  Expected Volatility. We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on historical volatility consistent with SFAS No. 123(R) and SAB No. 107. Our decision to use historical volatility instead of implied volatility was based upon analyzing historical data along with the lack of availability of history of actively traded options on our
            common stock.  Risk-Free Interest Rate.We base the risk-free interest rate that we use in the Black-Scholes option valuation model on the implied yield in effect at the time of option grant on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with equivalent remaining terms.  Dividends.We use an expected dividend yield consistent with our dividend yield over the period of time we have paid dividends in the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  Forfeitures.SFAS No. 123(R) requires us to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.  We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of options granted:  Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Dividend yield

                        0.31% - 0.36%

                        

                        0.25%

                        

                        0.20% - 0.25%Expected volatility

                        42% - 46%

                        

                        40%

                        

                        36% - 39%Risk-free interest rate

                        1.5% - 3.0%

                        

                        3.7% - 4.4%

                        

                        4.7% - 4.8%Expected life of option

                        5 - 5.5 yr.

                        

                        5 yr.

                        

                        5 yr.
   52   The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in our opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide
                a reliable single value of our options and may not be representative of the future effects on reported net income or the future stock price of our company.
  Share-Based Compensation Expense and Stock Option Activity. We recorded $3,154 in share-based compensation expense, which consists of $2,639 for stock options, $475 for our ESPP and $40 for our restricted stock for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2009. As of May 2, 2009, there was $6,536 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation
            arrangements granted under all equity compensation plans. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. We expect to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of five years.  During the fiscal year ended May 2, 2009, we granted options to purchase 39 shares of our common stock to non-employee directors under the 2007 Plan, which had a fair value of $270, granted options to purchase 433 shares of our common stock to employees under the 2007 Plan, which had a fair value of $1,407, and granted 9 shares of restricted stock to outside directors under the 2007 Plan, which had a
            fair value of $80.  A summary of stock option activity under all stock option plans during the fiscal year ended May 2, 2009 is as follows:  Stock Options

                        

                        Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share

                        

                        WeightedAverage Remaining ContractualLife (Years)

                        

                        Aggregate Intrinsic ValueOutstanding at April 26, 2008

                        2,753

                        

                        $

                        13.42

                        

                        5.93

                        

                        $

                        12,760Granted

                        471

                        

                        

                        9.08

                        

                        9.60

                        

                        

                        -Cancelled or forfeited

                        (28)

                        

                        

                        17.76

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -Exercised

                        (177)

                        

                        

                        3.57

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (3,581)Outstanding at May 2, 2009

                        3,019

                        

                        

                        13.28

                        

                        5.81

                        

                        

                        3,581Shares vested and expected to vest

                        2,718

                        

                        

                        13.28

                        

                        5.81

                        

                        

                        3,223Exercisable at May 2, 2009

                        1,825

                        

                        $

                        10.84

                        

                        4.20

                        

                        $

                        3,296
  We define in-the-money options at May 2, 2009 as options that had exercise prices that were lower than the $8.96 per share market price of our common stock at that date. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at May 2, 2009 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common stock for the shares that were in-the-money at
            that date. There were in-the-money options to purchase 1,037 shares exercisable at May 2, 2009.  We received $630 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2009. The actual tax benefits that we realized related to tax deductions for non-qualified option exercises and disqualifying dispositions under all share-based payment arrangements totaled $346 for the same period.  Note 10. Employee Benefit Plans  We have an employee savings plan, which provides for voluntary contributions by eligible employees into designated investment funds with a matching contribution by us equal to 50% of the employee’s qualifying contribution up to 6% of such employee’s compensation plus other discretionary contributions as authorized by our Board of Directors. Employees are eligible to participate upon
            completion of one year of service if they have attained the age of 21 and have worked more than 1,000 hours during such plan year. We contributed $1,787, $1,877 and $1,532 to the plan for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  We have unfunded deferred compensation agreements with certain officers and a founding director wherein each year interest is credited to each participant’s account in an amount equal to the five-year Treasury note rate as of January 1 of each plan year. Total amounts accrued for these plans as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008 were $641 and $625, respectively. Contributions for each of the
            fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $23, $6 and $21, respectively. The amounts accrued under the plans are not funded and are subject to the claims of creditors. Participants may elect various forms of withdrawals upon retirement, including a lump sum distribution or annual payments over five or 10 years.  Note 11. Income Taxes  We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of SFAS No.109 (“FIN 48”) on April 29, 2007.  FIN 48 creates a single model to address uncertainty in tax positions
            and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. At the adoption date, April 29, 2007, there was not a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements or
            retained earnings as a result of the implementation of FIN 48 and we did not have a material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits or related effect to our effective tax rate.  As of May 2, 2009 we did not have any material unrecognized tax benefits.  To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. We recorded $69 in interest and penalties during the year ended May 2, 2009 and had $44 accrued interest and penalties as of that date.  We are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as the income taxes
            of multiple state jurisdictions. As a result of the completion of IRS exams on prior years, fiscal years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are the only years remaining open under statutes of limitations. Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2003.  53   Income tax expense consists of the following:  Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007CurrentFederal

                        $

                        16,787

                        

                        $

                        13,169

                        

                        $

                        11,543State

                        

                        2,461

                        

                        

                        944

                        

                        

                        1,896Foreign

                        

                        211

                        

                        

                        18

                        

                        

                        -Deferred taxes (credits)

                        

                        (4,334)

                        

                        

                        (718)

                        

                        

                        (1,084)$

                        15,125

                        

                        $

                        13,413

                        

                        $

                        12,355
  The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Deferred taxes assets:Warranty reserves

                        $

                        11,099

                        

                        $

                        7,331

                        

                        $

                        5,713Vacation accrual

                        

                        1,683

                        

                        

                        1,394

                        

                        

                        1,117Net losses on equity investments

                        

                        2,056

                        

                        

                        1,202

                        

                        

                        -Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory

                        

                        1,843

                        

                        

                        1,145

                        

                        

                        1,012Allowance for doubtful accounts

                        

                        623

                        

                        

                        560

                        

                        

                        574Inventory capitalization

                        

                        485

                        

                        

                        480

                        

                        

                        344Accrued compensation

                        

                        536

                        

                        

                        245

                        

                        

                        246Amortization of intangible assets

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        247Net operating loss carry forwards

                        

                        308

                        

                        

                        73

                        

                        

                        90Other

                        

                        167

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -18,800

                        

                        

                        12,430

                        

                        

                        9,343Deferred tax liabilities:Property and equipment

                        

                        8,391

                        

                        

                        5,947

                        

                        

                        3,880Amortization of intangible assets

                        

                        29

                        

                        

                        118

                        

                        

                        -Other

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        312

                        

                        

                        195$

                        10,380

                        

                        $

                        6,053

                        

                        $

                        5,268
  We have not recorded any valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets as of May 2, 2009 or April 26, 2008, as we believe that our deferred tax assets will be fully realized based upon our estimates of future taxable income.  The following presents the classification of the net deferred tax asset on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Current assets

                        $

                        15,017

                        

                        $

                        9,517

                        

                        $

                        7,761Noncurrent assets

                        

                        311

                        

                        

                        143

                        

                        

                        136Noncurrent liabilities

                        

                        4,948

                        

                        

                        3,607

                        

                        

                        2,629$

                        10,380

                        

                        $

                        6,053

                        

                        $

                        5,268
  54    A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate to income before income tax expense is as follows:   Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Computed income tax expense atfederal statutory rate

                        $

                        14,553

                        

                        $

                        13,325

                        

                        $

                        12,757State taxes, net federal benefit

                        

                        1,292

                        

                        

                        1,091

                        

                        

                        1,267Research and development tax credit

                        

                        (1,289)

                        

                        

                        (776)

                        

                        

                        (1,778)Meals and entertainment

                        

                        357

                        

                        

                        386

                        

                        

                        447Stock compensation

                        

                        977

                        

                        

                        928

                        

                        

                        -Extraterritorial income exclusion

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        (211)Domestic production activities deduction

                        

                        (901)

                        

                        

                        (890)

                        

                        

                        (357)Other, net

                        

                        136

                        

                        

                        (651)

                        

                        

                        230$

                        15,125

                        

                        $

                        13,413

                        

                        $

                        12,355
  At May 2, 2009, we had foreign net operating loss carry-forwards totaling $1,112, of which $327 have an unlimited carry-forward period and $785 have a 20-year carry-forward period and expire between 2028 and 2029. Our Canadian subsidiary had research and development tax credit carry-forwards totaling $81, net of the applicable tax liability related to their use, which have a 20-year carry-forward and
            expire between 2026 and 2028 and approximately $632 of future tax deductions related to research and development expenditures which have not been deducted for federal tax purposes and which have an unlimited carry-forward period.  The income (loss) attributable to domestic and foreign operations is as follows:  May 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Domestic

                        $

                        26,580

                        

                        $

                        24,544

                        

                        $

                        23,634Foreign

                        

                        (152)

                        

                        

                        1,669

                        

                        

                        793$

                        26,428

                        

                        $

                        26,213

                        

                        $

                        24,427
  Note 12. Cash Flow Information  The changes in operating assets and liabilities consist of the following:  Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007(Increase) decrease:Restricted cash

                        $

                        (626)

                        

                        $

                        (457)

                        

                        $

                        -Account receivable

                        

                        (5,314)

                        

                        

                        31

                        

                        

                        (9,232)Long-term receivables

                        

                        1,095

                        

                        

                        (6,230)

                        

                        

                        (4,810)Inventories

                        

                        

                        (41)

                        

                        

                        (3,267)

                        

                        

                        (11,335)Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

                        

                        (416)

                        

                        

                        (4,812)

                        

                        

                        (4,939)Prepaid expenses and other

                        

                        (791)

                        

                        

                        248

                        

                        

                        (2,462)Income taxes receivable

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        731

                        

                        

                        (634)Advertising rights

                        

                        1,066

                        

                        

                        372

                        

                        

                        (718)Other assets

                        

                        (457)

                        

                        

                        (246)

                        

                        

                        (213)Increase (decrease):Accounts payable and accrued expenses

                        

                        12,335

                        

                        

                        12,693

                        

                        

                        10,014Customer deposits

                        

                        (2,107)

                        

                        

                        6,256

                        

                        

                        (2,077)Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

                        

                        (10,790)

                        

                        

                        6,267

                        

                        

                        (1,467)Long-term warranty obligations and other payables

                        

                        1,039

                        

                        

                        (1,600)

                        

                        

                        577Income taxes payable

                        

                        1,987

                        

                        

                        910

                        

                        

                        (85)Marketing obligations

                        

                        86

                        

                        

                        98

                        

                        

                        (32)$

                        (2,934)

                        

                        $

                        10,994

                        

                        $

                        (27,413)
  55   Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consist of the following:  Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Cash payments for:Interest

                        

                        $

                        392

                        

                        $

                        1,430

                        

                        $

                        507Income taxes, net of refunds

                        

                        17,110

                        

                        

                        12,090

                        

                        

                        11,846
  Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consist of the following:  Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,

                        

                        April 28,2009

                        

                        2008

                        

                        2007Demonstration equipment transferred to inventories

                        $

                        2,555

                        

                        $

                        1,422

                        

                        $

                        2,729Tax benefits related to exercise of stock options

                        

                        346

                        

                        

                        339

                        

                        

                        1,411Contributions of common stock under the employeestock purchase plan

                        

                        1,603

                        

                        

                        1,349

                        

                        

                        837Purchase of plant and equipment included in accountspayable and notes payable

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        -

                        

                        

                        2,716Transfer of equipment or conversion of accounts receivableto affiliates

                        

                        

                        1,947

                        

                        

                        10

                        

                        

                        225
  Note 13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments  The carrying amounts reported on the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values due to the highly liquid nature of the instruments. The fair values for fixed-rate contracts receivable are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on interest rates currently being offered for contracts with similar terms to customers with similar credit quality. The carrying
            amounts reported on the balance sheets for contracts receivable approximate fair value. The notes payable, bank, are variable rate notes that reprice frequently. The fair value on these notes approximates their carrying values. The carrying amounts reported for variable rate long-term debt and marketing obligations approximate fair value. Fair values for fixed-rate long-term debt are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being
            offered for debt with similar terms and underlying collateral. The total carrying value of long-term debt and marketing obligations reported on the balance sheets approximates fair value.  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and establishes a hierarchy that categorizes and prioritizes the sources to be used to estimate fair value. SFAS No. 157 also expands disclosures about fair-value measurements. We adopted SFAS No. 157
            effective April 27, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. Although the adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, SFAS No. 157 requires us to provide additional disclosures within our Consolidated Financial Statements.  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer the liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy
            within SFAS No. 157 distinguishes between three levels of inputs that may be utilized when measuring fair value, including level 1 inputs (using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities), level 2 inputs (using inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability), and level 3 inputs (unobservable inputs supported by little or no market
            activity based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities). A financial asset or liability’s classification within the above hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Our financial assets as of May 2, 2009 measured at fair value on a recurring basis were $29,811, which consisted of money market funds. We used level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of these financial assets. We have no assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that used level 2 or level 3 inputs.  56   Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies  Securities Litigation:Our Company and two of our executive officers are named as defendants in a consolidated class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota in November 2008 on behalf of a class of investors who purchased our common shares in the open market between November 15, 2006 and April 5, 2007.  In an Amended Consolidated
            Complaint filed on April 13, 2009, (the “Complaint”), the plaintiffs allege that the defendants made false and misleading statements of material facts about our business and expected financial performance in the Company’s press releases, its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and conference calls, thereby inflating the price of the Company’s common stock.  The Complaints alleges claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities
            Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).  The Complaint seeks compensatory damages on behalf of the alleged class in an unspecified amount, reasonable fees and costs of litigation, and such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper. On June 5, 2009, we filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint. Briefing on the motion is underway.  We believe that we, and the other defendants, have meritorious defenses to the claims made in the complaints, and we intend to contest these actions vigorously. We are not able to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation, but regardless of the merits of the claims, it may be costly and disruptive. The total costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Securities class action litigation
            can result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our cash flow.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, our Board of Directors received letters from lawyers acting on behalf of three of our shareholders.  The letters demanded that our company pursue claims against our officers, directors, and unspecified others for allegedly wrongful conduct based upon the same general events as are alleged in the Complaint.  The Board referred the demands to a special
            committee of independent directors for investigation and action.  The special committee concluded its investigation and determined that it would not be in the best interests of the company to take any action on the allegations contained in the demands at this time and that it will continue to monitor the matter and revisit the demands if more information becomes available to it.  Other Litigation:We are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based upon consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.  Guarantees:In connection with the sale of equipment to a financial institution, we entered into a contractual arrangement whereby we agreed to repurchase equipment at the end of the lease term at a fixed price of approximately $1,100. We have recognized a guarantee in the amount of $200 under the provisions of FIN No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure
            Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” Revenue related to this transaction of $4,774 was recognized during fiscal year 2007.  In connection with our investment in Outcast Media International, Inc. (“Outcast”), formerly FuelCast Media International, Inc., we have guaranteed outstanding debt of Outcast of approximately $3,894. This debt matures at various times through calendar year 2012, at which time our guarantee will expire if the debt is repaid by Outcast. We would be obligated to perform under the terms of
            the guarantee should Outcast default under the leases. Our guarantee obligation is generally limited to 50% of the amounts outstanding, and we would have recourse back to Outcast under a reimbursement agreement. The guarantee was undertaken to support the rollout of LCD displays in connection with the core business of Outcast. The amounts accrued relating to the guarantee liability under the provisions of FIN No. 45 is $98 at May 2, 2009.  Warranties:We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from one to five years for all of our products. We also offer additional types of warranties that include on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support. In addition, the length of warranty on some installations can vary from one to 10 years. The specific terms and conditions of these
            warranties vary primarily depending on the type of the product sold. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under the warranty and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product order is received. Factors that affect our warranty liability include historical and anticipated claims costs. We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities and adjust the amounts as necessary.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we discovered a warranty issue caused by our finishing process for certain products which causes the paint on aluminum surfaces to peel under certain conditions.  It appears that this issue relates to some products painted during the period beginning in January 2008 and extending through December 2008.  In January 2008, as a result of changes in
            environmental laws and regulations, we changed our painting process and the products used to clean and prime aluminum, which is the key component used in displays.  The products and processes we implemented were based on representations from certain suppliers and testing that we performed.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we discovered an unusually high level of displays built from January 2008 through December 2008 on which the paint was peeling.  At this
            time, we have reserved approximately $2,199 for related warranty claims, which is the low end of a range of estimates since no single amount within the range is a better estimate. As a result, it is possible that the ultimate loss related to this issue may increase approximately $1,614 if the high end of the range becomes more probable and may be partially offset by recourse available to us from suppliers. 57    Changes in our product warranties during the years ended May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008 consisted of the following:  Year EndedMay 2,

                        

                        April 26,2009

                        

                        2008Balance at beginning of year

                        $

                        12,429

                        

                        $

                        10,515Warranties issued during the period

                        

                        12,277

                        

                        

                        7,870Settlements made during the period

                        

                        (20,006)

                        

                        

                        (13,210)Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties duringthe period, including expirations

                        

                        15,146

                        

                        

                        7,254Balance at end of year

                        $

                        19,846

                        

                        $

                        12,429
  Performance Guarantees:In connection with certain international transactions and construction-type contracts, we have entered into various performance guarantees. As of May 2, 2009, we had outstanding $3,238 in standby letters of credit and $37,592 in outstanding surety bonds. Performance guarantees provided by standby letters of credit and performance bonds are issued to
            certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and to guarantee our ability to complete a contract. These performances guarantees have various terms, which are generally less than one year.  Leases:We lease office space for various sales and service locations throughout the world, manufacturing space in the United States and China, and various equipment, primarily office equipment. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, SD, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The lease in Sioux Falls, SD can be
            exteded for an additional one year past its current term which ends May 31, 2011 and can be purchased on or before May 31, 2011 for $8,400.  Rental expense for operating leases was $3,297, $2,454 and $1,549 at May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007, respectively. Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at
            May 2, 2009:  Fiscal years ending

                        

                        

                        Amount2010

                        

                        

                        $

                        3,5172011

                        

                        

                        

                        2,9832012

                        

                        

                        

                        2,0002013

                        

                        

                        

                        1,4072014

                        

                        

                        

                        1,018Thereafter

                        

                        

                        

                        1,837$

                        12,762
  Purchase Commitments:From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory and advertising rights over periods that extend over a year. As of May 2, 2009,we were obligated to purchase inventory and advertising rights through fiscal year 2012 as follows:  Fiscal years ending

                        

                        

                        Amount2009

                        

                        

                        $

                        4062010

                        

                        

                        

                        2762011

                        

                        

                        

                        2762012

                        

                        

                        

                        219$

                        1,177
  In fiscal year 2007 we committed to purchase a building in Brookings, South Dakota, in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 for approximately $3,000.  The building is intended to be rented out initially and used by us in future years for both manufacturing and office expansion and is located adjacent to our existing facilities.  Note 15. Exit or Disposal Costs  During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we closed our Canadian manufacturing facilities. This plant was engaged primarily in the manufacture of our portable Vanguard displays for roadside traffic management. We have also discontinued these Vanguard products. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded the costs associated with this closure of approximately $1,100, on a pre-tax basis. This
            included approximately $700 related to inventory reserves, approximately $200 in severance costs and approximately $100 in lease termination costs, all of which has been included in cost of goods sold within our Transportation business unit. All costs related to the closure were settled in fiscal year 2009. We expect to save costs in the future as a result of this closure.  Note 16. Investments in Affiliatesand Related Party Transactions  We own a 37.5% interest in OutCast and a 5% interest in AMN. Prior to September 2008, our interest in Outcast was 50% and prior to November 2007 our interest in AMN was 50%. OutCast operates a network of digital advertising displays at petroleum retailers.  AMN operates a national network of digital advertising displays at professional sports stadiums and arenas.  We also own a 49% interest
            in Ledtronics SDN BHD (“Ledtronics”), which operates a display manufacturing and sales business utilizing our technology in Malaysia.  Our equity investment balance in these investments was $2,541 and $3,070 as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively.  58   Equity in earnings (losses) in these joint ventures was ($2,502) and ($2,402) as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, respectively.  At May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, we had receivables from these affiliates in the amount of $75 and $3,031, respectively.  The receivables result from transactions in the normal course of business and are included within accounts receivable.  We also
            had $1,500 included in long-term receivables as of May 2, 2009.  During the years ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007, we recorded revenues associated with equipment and service deliveries of $852, $3,532 and $4,293, respectively, relating to these related parties. We have no payables due to these affiliates. However, at times we purchase inventory items from Ledtronics in the normal course of business. During the fiscal years ended May 2, 2009, April 26,
            2008 and April 28, 2007, we purchased inventory items in the amounts of $371, $311 and $648, respectively, from Ledtronics.  Note 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On May 28, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.095 per share payable on June 24, 2009 to holders of record of its common stock on June 10, 2009.  Note 18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)  The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data:  Fiscal Year 2009 (53 week year)

                        1st Quarter

                        

                        2nd Quarter

                        

                        3rd Quarter

                        

                        4th QuarterNet sales

                        $

                        161,229

                        

                        $

                        169,697

                        

                        $

                        129,182

                        

                        $

                        121,823Gross profit

                        

                        45,348

                        

                        

                        48,211

                        

                        

                        34,139

                        

                        

                        27,660Net income

                        

                        9,727

                        

                        

                        12,197

                        

                        

                        4,162

                        

                        

                        344Basic earnings per share

                        

                        0.24

                        

                        

                        0.30

                        

                        

                        0.10

                        

                        

                        0.01Diluted earnings per share

                        

                        0.24

                        

                        

                        0.30

                        

                        

                        0.10

                        

                        

                        0.01
  Fiscal Year 2008:

                        1st Quarter

                        

                        2nd Quarter

                        

                        3rd Quarter

                        

                        4th QuarterNet sales

                        $

                        120,923

                        

                        $

                        131,436

                        

                        $

                        118,201

                        

                        $

                        129,117Gross profit

                        

                        36,879

                        

                        

                        39,200

                        

                        

                        35,182

                        

                        

                        36,329Net income

                        

                        7,111

                        

                        

                        8,009

                        

                        

                        5,383

                        

                        

                        5,7101Basic earnings per share

                        

                        0.18

                        

                        

                        0.20

                        

                        

                        0.13

                        

                        

                        0.14Diluted earnings per share

                        

                        0.17

                        

                        

                        0.19

                        

                        

                        0.13

                        

                        

                        0.14
  1 Includes an adjustment to reduce income tax expense in the amount of $500 to correct an error arising in prior periods which was deemed immaterial to the prior periods presented. Absent this adjustment, net income and basic and diluted earnings per share would have been $5,210, $0.13 and $0.13, respectively.  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  Management of our company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of May 2, 2009, an evaluation was performed, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the
            effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of May 2, 2009, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period required by the Securities and
            Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  59     Changes in Internal Control Over Financial ReportingDuring the quarter ended May 2, 2009 and thereafter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
            All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our
            evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 2, 2009.  Our internal control over financial reporting as of May 2, 2009 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report that follows.    /s/ James B. Morgan

                        /s/ William R. RetterathJames B. Morgan

                        William R. Retterath
 Chief Executive Officer

                        Chief Financial Officer
 June 17, 2009

                        June 17, 2009
  60
   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Daktronics, Inc.  We have audited Daktronics, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 2, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria.) Daktronics, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for
            its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
            reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1)
            pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
            company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  In our opinion, Daktronics, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 2, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.  We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Daktronics, Inc. as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 2, 2009 of Daktronics, Inc. and our report
            dated June 17, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota June 17, 2009  61   Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
  None  PART III.  Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT  The information required by this Item 10 will be included under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Information Concerning Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers” in our Proxy Statement for our 2009 annual meeting of shareholders (“Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days after our most recent fiscal year-end. Information concerning the
            compliance of our officers, directors and 10% shareholders with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated by reference to the information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”  The information regarding Audit Committee members and “Audit Committee Financial Experts” is incorporated by reference to the information to be contained in the Proxy
            Statement under the caption “Corporate Governance – Committees of the Board of Directors.”  The information regarding our Code of Conduct is incorporated by reference to the information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Corporate Governance – Code of Conduct.”  Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  Information regarding compensation of directors and officers for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2009 is in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Proposal One -Election of Directors” and “Executive Compensation” and is incorporated herein by reference.  We maintain a Code of Conduct which applies to all of our employees, officers and Directors. Included in the Code of Conduct are ethics provisions that apply to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and all other financial and accounting management employees. A copy of our Code of Conduct can be obtained from our Internet website at www.daktronics.com on the Investor Relations page and
            will be made available free of charge to any shareholder upon request. Information on or available through our website is not part of this report. We intend to disclose any waivers from, or amendments to, the Code of Conduct by posting a description of such waiver or amendment on our Internet website. However, to date, we have not granted a waiver from the Code of Conduct.  Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS  The security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Securities Authorized Under Equity Compensation Plans” and is incorporated herein by reference.  Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE  Information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections entitled “Proposal One – Election of Directors – Independent Directors” and “Corporate Governance Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” contained in our Proxy Statement. There were no related party transactions in fiscal 2009.  Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES  Information regarding our principal accountant is under the heading “Relationship with Independent Auditors” in our Proxy Statement.  PART IV.  Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES  (a)(1) Financial Statements Our financial statements, a description of which follows, are contained in Part II, Item 8:  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 2, 2009 and April 26, 2008 Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007  62
   Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  (2)

                        Schedules
  The following financial statement schedules are submitted herewith:
  SCHEDULE II – Valuation Accounts  Other schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable or because the required information is included in the financial statements listed above.  (3)

                        Exhibits
  Certain of the following exhibits are incorporated by reference from prior filings. The form with which each exhibit was filed and the date of filing are as indicated below.  3.1

                        Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (1)
 3.2

                        Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (2)
 3.3

                        Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation. (11)
 3.4

                        Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company. (3)
 4.1

                        Form of Stock Certificate evidencing Common Stock, without par value, of the Company. (4)
 4.2

                        Shareholders Rights Agreement. (5)
 4.3

                        2001 Incentive Stock Option Plan. (6)*
 4.4

                        2001 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan. (6)*
 4.5

                        Daktronics Inc. 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (7)*
 4.6

                        Daktronics, Inc. 2007 Incentive Stock Plan (9)*
 10.1

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Aelred Kurtenbach. (8)*
 10.2

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Frank Kurtenbach. (8)*
 10.3

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and James Morgan. (8)*
 10.4

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Duane Sander. (8)*
 21.1

                        Subsidiaries of the Company. (10)
 23.1

                        Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. (10)
 24.

                        Power of Attorney. (10)
 31.1

                        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (10)
 31.2

                        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (10)
 32.1

                        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350.) (10)
 32.2

                        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350.) (10)
 _____________ (1)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Registration Statement on Form S-1 on December 3, 1993.
 (2)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K on July 28, 1999.
 (3)

                        Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K on August 18, 2005.
 (4)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 on January 12,
 1994 as Commission File No. 33-72466. (5)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K on November 20, 1998 as Commission File No. 0-23246.
 (6)

                        Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 8, 2001 as Commission File No. 333-72990.
 (7)

                        Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on October 20, 2002 as Commission File No. 333-100842.
 (8)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K on June 28, 2004 as Commission File No. 0-23246.
 (9)

                        Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on August 20, 2007 as Commission File No. 0-23246.
  63
   (10)

                        Filed herewith electronically.
 (11)

                        Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement filed on July 6, 2006.*

                        Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
  All Sport®, Daktronics®, DakStats®, DakTicker®, DataTime®, DataTracTM, Galaxy®, GalaxyProTM, Keyframe®, OmniSport®, ProAd®, ProPixel®, ProRail®, ProStar®, ProTour®, Sportsound®, SportStarTM, SportsLink®, Vanguard®, V-Play®, Venus®, V-Net®, VisiconnSM, V-Tour®, V-Link® and Vortek® are
            trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. Windows® and all other trademarks referenced are the intellectual property of their respective companies.  SIGNATURES  Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on June 17, 2009.  DAKTRONICS, INC.
  By:

                        /s/ James B. Morgan
 Chief Executive Officer and President
 (Principal Executive Officer)
  By:

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

                        Date
  By /s/ Byron J. Anderson

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 Byron J. Anderson
  By /s/ Robert G. Dutcher

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 Robert G. Dutcher
  By /s/ Nancy D. Frame

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 Nancy D. Frame
  By /s/ Aelred J. Kurtenbach

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 Aelred J. Kurtenbach
  By /s/ Frank J. Kurtenbach

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 Frank J. Kurtenbach
  By /s/ James B. Morgan

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 James B. Morgan
  By /s/ John L. Mulligan

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 John L. Mulligan
  By /s/ Duane E. Sander

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 Duane E. Sander
  By /s/ James A. Vellenga

                        Director

                        June 17, 2009
 James A. Vellenga  64
   DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Years Ended May 2, 2009, April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 (in thousands)  Allowance

                        

                        Balance at

                        

                        (Charged

                        

                        Additions/

                        

                        Balancefor Doubtful

                        

                        Beginning

                        

                        to

                        

                        Deductions

                        

                        at EndAccounts

                        

                        of Year

                        

                        Expense)

                        

                        (1)

                        

                        of Year2009

                        

                        $

                        1,746

                        

                        $

                        1,620

                        

                        $

                        (1,202)

                        

                        $

                        2,1642008

                        

                        

                        1,591

                        

                        

                        244

                        

                        

                        (89)

                        

                        

                        1,7462007

                        

                        

                        1,241

                        

                        

                        476

                        

                        

                        (126)

                        

                        

                        1,591
   (1) Write-off of uncollected accounts, net of collections  1      Index of Exhibits  Certain of the following exhibits are incorporated by reference from prior filings. The form with which each exhibit was filed and the date of filing are as indicated below.  3.1

                        Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (1)
 3.2

                        Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation. (2)
 3.3

                        Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation. (11)
 3.4

                        Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company. (3)
 4.1

                        Form of Stock Certificate evidencing Common Stock, without par value, of the Company. (4)
 4.2

                        Shareholders Rights Agreement. (5)
 4.3

                        2001 Incentive Stock Option Plan. (6)*
 4.4

                        2001 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan. (6)*
 4.5

                        Daktronics Inc. 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (7)*4.6

                        Daktronics, Inc. 2007 Incentive Stock Plan (9)*
 10.1

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Aelred Kurtenbach. (8)*
 10.2

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Frank Kurtenbach. (8)*
 10.3

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and James Morgan. (8)*
 10.4

                        Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Duane Sander. (8)*
 21.1

                        Subsidiaries of the Company. (10)
 23.1

                        Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. (10)
 25.

                        Power of Attorney. (10)
 31.1

                        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (10)
 31.2

                        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (10)
 32.1

                        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350). (10)
 32.2

                        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350). (10)
 _____________ (1)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Registration Statement on Form S-1 on December 3, 1993.
 (2)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K on July 28, 1999.
 (3)

                        Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K on August 18, 2005
 (4)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 on January 12, 1994 as Commission File No. 33-72466.
 (5)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K on November 20, 1998 as Commission File No. 0-23246.
 (6)

                        Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 8, 2001 as Commission File No. 333-72990.
 (7)

                        Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on October 20, 2002 as Commission File No. 333-100842.
 (8)

                        Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same exhibit number filed with
 our Annual report on Form 10-K on June 28, 2004 as Commission File No.
 0-23246.
 (9)

                        Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on August 20, 2007 as Commission File No. 0-23246.(10)

                        Filed herewith electronically.(11)

                        Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement filed on July 6, 2006.
 *Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.  2