EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 915779
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 915779_10-K_2021_0001437749-21-014600.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. BUSINESS
Business Overview
Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “Daktronics”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) are the world's industry leader in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays for sporting, commercial and transportation applications. We serve our customers by providing the highest quality standard display products as well as custom-designed and integrated systems. We offer a complete line of products, from small scoreboards and electronic displays to large multimillion-dollar video display systems as well as related control, timing, and sound systems. We are recognized as a technical leader with the capabilities to design, market, manufacture, install and service complete integrated systems displaying real-time data, graphics, animation and video. We engage in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support.
We were founded in 1968 by Drs. Aelred Kurtenbach and Duane Sander, professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. The Company began with the design and manufacture of electronic voting systems for state legislatures. In 1971, Daktronics developed the patented Matside® wrestling scoreboard, the first product in the Company's growing and evolving line. In 1994, Daktronics became a publicly traded company and invested in display technologies and new markets. We have continued these investments and have supported our long-term customer relationships to grow from a small company operating out of a garage to the world leader in the display industry. We currently employ 2,117 people globally. We are headquartered at 201 Daktronics Dr., Brookings, SD 57006 telephone 605-692-4200. Our Internet address is https://www.daktronics.com.
Our annual, quarterly and current reports and any amendments to those reports are freely available in the "Investor Relations" section of our website. We post each of these documents on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after it is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These reports and other reports, proxy, and electronic filings are also found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Report or filed with the SEC.
We focus our sales and marketing efforts on markets, geographical regions and products. Our five business segments consist of four domestic business units and the International business unit. The four domestic business units consist of Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, all of which include the geographic territories of the United States and Canada. Financial information concerning these segments is set forth in this Form 10-K in "Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Industry Background
Over the years, our products have evolved significantly from scoreboards and matrix displays with related software applications to complex, integrated visual display systems which include full color video with text and graphics displays located on a local or remote network that are tied together through sophisticated control systems. In the mid-1990's, 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, we were able to add video capabilities so we could meet all our customers' large format display needs in a complete, integrated system. This has proven to be a key factor in Daktronics becoming a leader in large electronic displays. LED technologies continue to evolve and advance, creating new high-resolution and micro-LED display options of all shapes and sizes. Today, the industry continues development in both the construct of the micro-LED and production methods of micro-LED display panels using mass-transfer technology.
Integrated visual display systems are increasingly used across a variety of vertical markets including: media/advertising, stadiums/venues, hospitality/leisure, transportation, broadcast, control room, corporate and education, and retail. Generally, these vertical markets use systems to collaboratively communicate, inform, entertain, and advertise to various sized audiences. Advances in technologies and the decrease in costs of systems have opened up and increased the market's size.
Description of Business
We are engaged in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support. Each of those activities is described below:
Marketing and Sales. Our sales force is comprised of direct sales staff and resellers located throughout the world supporting all customer types in both sales and service. We primarily use a direct sales force for large integrated display system sales in professional sports, colleges and universities, and commercial spectacular projects. We also use our direct sales force to sell third-party advertising and transportation applications. We utilize resellers outside North America for large integrated system sales where we do not have a direct sales presence. The majority of our products sold by resellers in North America are standard catalog products. We support our resellers through direct mail/email advertising, social media campaigns, trade journal advertising, product and installation training, trade show exhibitions and accessibility to our regional sales or service teams and demonstration equipment.
Engineering and Product Design and Development. The large format electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product innovations and developments in technology and complementary services. To remain competitive, we have a tradition of applying engineering resources throughout our business to anticipate and respond rapidly to the system needs in the marketplace. We employ and contract with engineers and technicians in the areas of mechanical and electrical design; applications engineering; software design; quality design; and customer and product support. Product managers assigned to each product family assist our sales staff in training and implementing product improvements which ensures each product is designed for maximum reliability and serviceability. We employ and contract with process engineers to assist in quality and reliability processing in our product design testing and manufacturing areas. We also make selected investments in and contract with affiliated companies to support and advance technologies and capabilities for our product lines and solutions.
Manufacturing. The majority of our products are manufactured in the United States, specifically in South Dakota and Minnesota. We also have manufacturing facilities in China and Ireland. We perform component manufacturing, system manufacturing (metal fabrication, electronic assembly, sub-assembly and final assembly) and testing in-house for most of our products to control quality, improve response time and maximize cost-effectiveness. Given the cyclical nature of some parts of our business and dispersed sales geography, we balance and maintain our ability to manufacture the same products across our plants so we can efficiently utilize our capacity and reduce costs. A key strategy of ours is to increase standardization and commonality of parts and manufacturing processes across product lines through use of product platforms to increase efficiencies. Other strategies include supplier management programs and lean manufacturing techniques. For more details on our facilities, see "Part II, Item 2. Properties".
Technical Contracting. We serve as a technical contractor for larger display system installations requiring custom designs and innovative product solutions. The purchase of display systems typically involves competitive proposals. As 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 site preparation and installation services related to the display system in our proposal. In these cases, we serve as a contractor and may retain subcontractors for electrical, steel and installation labor. We have developed relationships with many subcontractors throughout the United States and the world, which is an advantage for us in bidding and delivering on these projects. We are licensed as a general contractor in many jurisdictions.
Professional Services. To assist our clients' ability to engage, inform and entertain their audiences, we provide professional services including event support, content creation, product maintenance, marketing assistance, training on hardware and software, control room design, and continuing technical support training for operators.
Customer Service and Support. We offer limited warranties on our products, ranging from one to 10 years, against failure due to defective parts or workmanship. In addition, we offer service agreements of various scopes. To serve our customers, we provide help-desk access, parts repair and replacement, display monitoring and on-site support. Our technical help desk has experienced technicians who are on-call 24 hours a day to support events and sites. Our field service personnel and third-party service partners are trained to provide on-site support. We use third-party service partners to allow us to respond to changes in volume of service during our seasonal peaks.
Products and Technologies
The two principal components of our systems are the display and the controller, which manages the operation of the display. We produce displays varying 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. The controller is comprised of computer hardware and software products designed to compile information provided by the operator and other integrated sources to display information, graphics or animation on the displays. We customize our products according to the design specifications of the customer and the conditions of the environment in which our products function.
Our products are comprised of the following product families, all of which include software and controller options:
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Video displays
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Scoreboards and timing systems
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Message displays
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ITS (intelligent transportation systems) dynamic message signs
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Mass Transit displays
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Sound systems
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Out-of-Home advertising displays
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Digit and price displays
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Indoor dynamic messaging systems
• Venus® Control Suite
Each of these product families is described below:
Video Displays. These displays are comprised of a large number of full-color pixels capable of showing various levels of video, graphics and animation. These displays include red, green and blue LEDs arranged in various combinations to form pixels. 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. Variables in video displays include the spacing of the pixels (pixel pitch), the resolution of the displays (number of pixels), the brightness of the displays (nits), the number of discrete colors the display is able to produce (color depth), the viewing angles, and the LED technology.
We offer a broad range of indoor and outdoor LED video displays with these varying features. Examples of indoor offerings include centerhung displays, landmark displays, video walls, ribbon board displays, hanging banners, corporate office entrance displays, conference room displays, and video displays designed for retail stores, restaurants, malls, transportation hubs and other similar indoor facilities.
Video displays provide content to serve as a revenue generation source through advertising or as an information and communication medium (e.g. scoring, statistics, wayfinding, advertising, control center information), or to provide interior design elements to create luxurious space to feature digital art.
Our mobile and modular display systems are transportable and are comprised of lightweight individual LED video panels less than a square meter in size and are assembled together to form a display in a customizable size. These displays are used for both indoor and outdoor touring shows and for other live events.
Our display technology may be integrated with architectural mesh to deliver a dynamic communication medium that provides a semi-transparent viewing experience within a building. These displays can be mounted over a solid facade or in front of windows, resulting in a finished solution that is free from visible cabling and delivers a clean, semi-transparent view. These displays are less than one inch in depth and provide an elegant, refined structural appearance.
Our line of freeform LED displays is architectural lighting and display products. The ProPixel® freeform products use mountable LED elements to transform ordinary structures into stunning visual landmarks. A flexible mounting platform allows designers to transform any structure into a full-motion video display.
The control components for video displays in live event applications include our Show Control Software Suite, proprietary digital media players and video processors. These control components provide advanced capabilities for the display of live video and real-time content on our displays. The Show Control Software Suite can operate an entire network of displays within a venue from a single, intuitive control interface. Its features allow users to instantly deliver media clips, camera feeds, and streaming information to any display in a network.
Scoreboards and Timing Systems. Our line of scoreboards and timing products include indoor and outdoor scoreboards for many different sports, digit displays, scoring and timing controllers, statistics software and other related products. Indoor and outdoor systems range in complexity from small scoreboards to larger systems incorporating scoring, timing, video, message centers, advertising panels and control software.
We offer a variety of controllers complementing our scoreboards and displays. These controllers vary in complexity from the All Sport® 100, a handheld controller for portable scoreboards, to the All Sport® Pro, designed for more sophisticated scoring systems and allowing for more user-defined options.
We also offer timing systems for sports events, primarily aquatics and track competitions. A component of these systems is our OmniSport® timing console. The system has the capability to time and rank the competitors and to interface with event management software to facilitate the sporting event. Other timing system components include swimming touchpads, race start systems, and relay take-off platforms.
As a key component of an integrated system, we market sports statistics and results software under the DakStats® trademark. The software allows the entry and display of sports statistics and other information. It is one of the leading applications of its type in collegiate and high school sports.
Message Displays. The Galaxy® product line is a family of full-matrix displays, available in both indoor and outdoor models and controlled with the Venus® Control Suite. Galaxy® displays are full color or monochrome with varying pixel spacing depending on color, size and viewing distance. Galaxy® displays can display text, graphics and animation, as well as prerecorded video clips. They are used primarily to convey information and On-Premises advertising to consumers.
The Venus® Control Suite software is used to control the creation of messages and graphic sequences for uploading to the Galaxy® displays. This software is designed to be user friendly and applicable to all general advertising or message applications. It can be used to control a single message display or can scale up to provide a secure, cloud-based control center for large networks of message displays.
ITS Dynamic Message Signs ("DMS"). DMS products include a wide range of LED displays for road management applications. The Vanguard® family of dynamic message displays is typically used to direct traffic and inform motorists. These displays are used over freeways, on arterial roads, near bridges, at toll booths and in other locations. We have also developed a Vanguard® control system for these displays to help transportation agencies manage large networks of displays.
Mass Transit Displays. Our Mass Transit products include a wide range of LCD and LED display solutions for public transportation applications. Installations often involve a network of displays located on railway platforms, at bus stations, or concourses within a transportation hub to guide travelers to their intended destination.
Sound Systems. Our sound systems include both standard and custom options. Standard systems are designed to meet the needs of a variety of indoor and outdoor sports venues based on the size and configuration of the facility. Custom indoor and outdoor systems are tailored for larger venues and venues with unique seating configurations and are often integrated into an overall venue solution for scoring, timing, message display and/or video capability. Our audio systems also complement our video display systems used in mall applications.
Out-of-Home Advertising Displays. Our line of out-of-home advertising displays includes billboards and street furniture displays. Our line of digital billboards offers a unique display solution for the Out-of-Home (“OOH”) advertising industry. The products are used to display images which change at regular intervals. These systems include many features unique to the outdoor advertising market, such as our patented mounting system, self-adjusting brightness, improved energy consumption, and enhanced network security.
Our line of digital street furniture engages people with advertising content at eye level as they walk through campuses, cityscapes, and outlet malls. This design enhances the message and complements surrounding architecture. These street furniture displays are our most flexible solution for digital OOH campaigns.
Digit and Price Displays. This product line includes our DataTime® and Fuelight™ displays. The DataTime® product line consists of outdoor time and temperature displays which use a remote sensor for temperature data. Fuelight™ digit displays are specifically designed for the petroleum industry, offering high visibility and quick fuel price updates using the Fuelink™ control software.
Indoor Dynamic Messaging Systems. Our ADFLOW DMS™ systems include indoor networked solutions for retailers, convenience stores and other businesses. These solutions allow customers to broadcast advertising campaigns and other information through the software, media players and visual hardware.
Venus® Control Suite. The Venus® Control Suite is our platform for scheduled control capability. It can be used in any application where the intended message is created in advance and scheduled to play at a predetermined time. It is available in a on-premises or hosted cloud-based configuration and is capable of supporting a single display or scaling to support many displays. For applications that require both scheduled content and live video or real time content, a control solution can combine the capabilities of Venus@ Control Suite with the capabilities of the Show Control Software Suite to create a powerful solution that enables customers to easily manage content on their displays. Content includes media, scoring, timing, statistics, advertising, way-finding information, playback loops and entertainment type visualizations.
Raw Materials
Materials used in the production of our video display systems are sourced from around the world. Examples of the materials we use in production include light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, power supplies, plastics, aluminum, and steel. We source some of our materials from a single-source or a limited number of suppliers due to the proprietary nature of the materials. The loss of a key supplier, part unavailability, tariff changes, price changes or defects in the supplied material or component could have an adverse impact on our business and operations. Our sourcing group works to implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Periodically, 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.
During late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"), shipping container shortages, winter weather, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight availability. We are unable to predict the supply chain recovery or the impact to our business.
Intellectual Property
We own or hold licenses to use numerous patents, copyrights, and trademarks on a global basis. Our policy is to protect our competitive position by filing U.S. and international patent applications to protect technology and improvements that we consider important to the development of our business. This will allow us to pursue infringement claims against competitors for protection due to patent violations. Although we own a number of patents and possess rights under others to which we attach importance, we do not believe that our business as a whole is materially dependent upon any such patents or rights. We also own a number of trademarks that we believe are important in connection with the identification of our products and associated goodwill with customers, but no part of our business materially depends on such trademarks. We also rely on nondisclosure agreements with our employees and agents to protect our intellectual property. Despite these intellectual property protections, there can be no assurance a competitor will not copy the functions or features of our products.
Seasonality
Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of uniquely configured orders, such as display systems for professional sports facilities, colleges and universities, and spectacular projects in the commercial area, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Uniquely configured orders can include several displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds, each of which can occur on varied schedules per the customer's needs. Our third fiscal quarter sales and profit levels are lighter than other quarters due to the seasonality of our sports business, construction cycles, and the reduced number of production days due to holidays in the quarter.
Our gross margins tend to fluctuate more on uniquely configured orders than on limited configured orders. Uniquely configured orders involving competitive bidding and substantial subcontracting work for product installation generally have lower gross margins. Although we follow the over time method of recognizing revenues for uniquely configured orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.
Because of the seasonality and volatility in business demand and variety of product types, we may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results.
Working Capital
For information regarding working capital items, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Form 10-K.
Customers
We have a large and diverse worldwide customer base, ranging from local main street business owners and out-of-home companies to the owners and operators of premier professional sports arenas. Our customers are important to us, and we strive to serve them over the long-term to earn their future business. The loss of one or more customers could have an adverse effect on us. See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for our primary markets and customers of each business unit.
Backlog
Backlog represents the dollar value of orders for integrated electronic display systems and related products and services which are expected to be recognized in net sales in the future. Orders are contractually binding purchase commitments from customers. Orders are included in backlog when we are in receipt of an executed contract and any required deposits or security and have not yet been recognized into net sales. Certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be included in backlog until all required contractual documents and deposits are received. Orders and backlog are not measures defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts.
Order and backlog levels provide management and investors additional details surrounding the results of our business activities in the marketplace and highlight fluctuations caused by seasonality and our large project business. Management uses orders to evaluate market share and performance in the competitive environment. Management uses backlog information for capacity and resource planning. We believe order information is useful to investors because it provides an indication of our market share. We believe backlog information is useful to investors to provide an indication of future revenues.
Our backlog as of May 1, 2021 was $304 million as compared to $268 million as of May 2, 2020. We expect to fulfill the backlog as of May 1, 2021 within the next 24 months. The timing of backlog may be impacted by project delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government and Other Regulation
In the United States and other countries, various laws, regulations and ordinances related to our products and controllers restrict the installation of outdoor signs and displays, particularly in the commercial and transportation markets. These laws and regulations impose greater restrictions on electronic displays versus non-electronic displays due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety. Globally, our products are also subject to various regulations and standards including electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic compatibility, electrical safety, and flammability standards. We design and have our products tested for these regulations; however, these factors may prevent or inhibit us from selling products to some prospective customers in certain geographies.
Our manufacturing facilities and products comply with industry specific requirements, including environmental rules and regulations and safety standards. These requirements include quality, manufacturing process controls, manufacturing documentation, supplier certification of raw materials, and various safety tests. Our products and production processes require the storage, use and disposal of a variety of hazardous chemicals under applicable laws.
Our global supply chain and sales distribution channels subject us to various trade compliance regulations. These requirements can include certification of country of origin, classification within the various tariff codes and trade agreements, compliance with other specific product or country import/export regulations, and payment of certain import or export tariffs, duties, or taxes.
Our global operations subject us to various laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to tax compliance, anti-corruption, and data privacy. These requirements vary and can involve matters and processes such as records management, policy creation and maintenance, data protection programs, compliance filings, and continued training of employees.
We are subject to regulations restricting the movement and interaction of people and business operations. During unprecedented times, such as during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and the U.S. states and/or its localities can issue lock down orders impacting availability of employees, third parties, suppliers, customers, and other services we need to operate our business.
We believe we are in material compliance with these requirements.
Competition
We encounter a wide variety of competitors that vary by product, geographic area, and business unit. Our competitors include both United States and foreign companies and range in size and product offerings. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or include different service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital, governmental funding, supply change access, and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media and fixed display signs.
We believe that our ability to compete depends upon customer centric product and service quality and features, technical expertise, service breadth, and cost-effective solutions.
Research and Development
Our experience in engineering, process design, and product and service design and development capabilities, and investments made in affiliates are very important factors in continuing to develop, produce, and offer the most up-to-date digital displays and control system solutions desired by the market.
Over the past years, we have invested in our development and our affiliates to increase our differentiated product platforms, advance our software architecture and offerings, support customer requirements, and advance new competitive narrow pixel and micro-electronic technologies.
Product design and development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points.
Employees and Human Capital Resource Management
Our core values of Honest, Helpful and Humble support our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which leads to our vision of every person at Daktronics being able to contribute their best every day. We seek to recruit, retain, and develop our existing and future workforce for decades-long engagements to build long-term mutual prosperity. We facilitate company-wide groups and teamwork to inspire a more inclusive culture. We encourage each employee to proactively and continuously build self-awareness, understanding of aspects of diversity, and openness to others’ experiences and perspectives.
The safety and well-being of our team members is a top priority, and we believe each and every team member plays an essential role in creating a safe and healthy workplace. We provide training for safety measures on the job site and in our facilities. We provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of health programs, including benefits that support their physical and mental health. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented changes that we consider to be in the best interest of our employees. We implemented additional safety measures for employees continuing critical on-site work and allowed employees to work from home when able. We believe we have been able to preserve our business continuity without sacrificing our commitment to keeping our employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of May 1, 2021, we employed approximately 1,981 full-time employees and 136 part-time and temporary employees. Of these employees, approximately 695 were in manufacturing, 426 were in sales and marketing, 473 were in customer service, 331 were in engineering and 192 were in general and administrative. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe employee relations are good.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The factors that are discussed below, as well as the matters that are generally set forth in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, financial condition, and financial results.
A serious global pandemic, including the current COVID-19 pandemic and variants of COVID-19, can adversely impact, shock and weaken the global economy. These impacts can amplify other risk factors and could have a material impact on our operations, liquidity, financial conditions, and financial results.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic-related risks impacting our business may include increased exposure to: global regulatory, geopolitical, and societal changes; rapid degradation of global economic conditions, creating an increase in the volatility and the timing and level of orders; supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and increases in the costs of components; changes in labor force availability, which could reduce our ability to operate across our business in development, sales and marketing, production, installation, and ongoing service and support; an increased risk of being subject to contract performance claims if we are unable to deliver according to the terms of our contracts or commitments and cannot claim force majeure to mitigate or eliminate our exposure to such claims; increased geographic work restrictions that could impact our ability to market, sell, manufacture and/or install our products; an increase in our exposure to claims or litigation relating to the pandemic; limitations on our ability to meet the terms of our bank credit agreements that cause restrictions on our ability to access the liquidity under such agreements; reduced access to and an increase in the cost of capital; reduced access to surety bonds or bank guarantees to secure customer orders; volatility and changes in foreign currency rates; delayed timing of collections and/or decreased collectability of receivables and contract assets; and a material reduction to the values of our assets including, but not limited to, inventory, investments in affiliates, deferred tax assets, goodwill, intangibles, and property and equipment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, an unfavorable impact on certain areas of our business. The broader implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations remain uncertain and will depend on certain developments, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; the availability, distribution, and effectiveness of vaccines to address the COVID-19 virus; and any change in trends on how people gather. The impact on our customers and suppliers and the range of governmental and community reactions to the pandemic are uncertain. To the extent that our customers and suppliers are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, this could reduce the availability, or result in delays in the delivery, of materials or supplies, or delays in customer payments and orders, which in turn could materially interrupt our business operations and/or impact our liquidity. Site closures or project delays have occurred and have required increased social distancing and health-related precautions in our factories and many work sites, which may cause additional project delays and additional costs to be incurred. COVID-19 could disrupt our operations due to absenteeism by infected or ill employees or other employees who elect not to come to work due to the illness or due to quarantines.
Risks Related to Our Business
We operate in highly competitive markets and face significant competition and pricing pressure. If we are unable to keep up with of the rapidly changing product developments and new technologies or cannot compete effectively, we could lose market share and orders, which would negatively impact our results of operations.
The electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product improvement, innovations and development. We compete against products produced in foreign countries and the United States. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or market new and unique product, service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media and fixed display signs. To remain competitive, we must anticipate and respond quickly to provide products and services our customers’ needs, enhance our existing products, introduce new products and features, and continue to price our products competitively.
Our results of operations on a quarterly and annual basis have and are likely to continue to fluctuate and be substantially affected by the size and timing of large contract order awards.
Customer demand and the timing and size of large contracts create volatility in supply chain planning and capacity requirements to fulfill orders. Awards of large contracts and their timing and amounts are difficult to predict, may not be repeatable, and are outside of our control. Market demand has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. Adjusting supply chain material planning and production and services capacity to meet this varied demand can increase costs. Large contracts or customer awards include projects for college and professional sports facilities markets, the OOH niche, the transportation market, and the large spectacular niche. These projects can have short delivery time frames. Some factors that may cause our operating results to vary due to timing and size of the awards include:
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the timing of orders and related deliveries, including delays or cancellations of orders;
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our ability to obtain raw materials and components timely and at reasonable prices;
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our ability to adjust and utilize production and services capacity;
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our ability to engage third parties to support production and fulfillment;
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new product introductions;
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variations in product mix; and
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customer financial wherewithal and the related economic conditions impacting their business.
Operating results in one or more quarters or a fiscal year may not be indicative of future operating results.
If we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of raw materials and components from our suppliers or to send shipments of our manufactured product to our customers, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
We cannot control all the various factors that might affect our suppliers' timely and effective delivery of raw materials and components to our manufacturing facilities or the availability of freight capacity for us to deliver products to our customers.
Our utilization of a complex supply chain for raw material and component imports and the global distribution of our products makes us vulnerable to many risks, including, among other things, risks of damage, destruction or confiscation of products while in transit to and from our manufacturing facilities; organized labor strikes and work stoppages, such as labor disputes or related employee worker unavailability, that could disrupt operations at ports-of-entry; transportation and other delays in shipments as a result of heightened security screening and inspection processes or other port-of-entry limitations or restrictions; unexpected or significant port congestion; lack of freight availability; and freight cost increases. In addition, we may be required to arrange for products to be delivered through airfreight, which is significantly more expensive than standard shipping by sea. We may not be able to obtain sufficient freight capacity on a timely basis or at favorable shipping rates and, therefore, may not be able to timely receive shipments of raw materials and components or deliver products to customers.
Price fluctuations in, and shortages of, raw materials, components, and related transportation costs and tariffs can have a significant impact on our price competitiveness and/or ability to produce our products, which could cause harm to our sales, financial condition and results of operations.
Price fluctuations and shortages of any raw materials and components used to manufacture our products can occur due to various factors (such as worldwide demand, natural disasters, logistic disruptions, and trade regulations). Electronic components used in our products are sometimes in short supply, which may impact our ability to meet customer demand. Transportation costs and availability can fluctuate due to fluctuations in oil prices and other social and economic factors. If we experience shortages or increases in the price of raw materials and components and are unable to pass on those increases to our customers or are unable to manufacture our products at all or on a timely basis, it could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages that could negatively impact our profits.
During late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of COVID-19, shipping container shortages, winter weather, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight availability. We are unable to predict the supply chain recovery or the impact to our business.
As a result of U.S. Administrative trade actions in 2019, we experienced volatility in supply and increases in the prices of aluminum, electrical, and other components we use in our production. Further trade disputes could make us subject to additional regulatory costs and challenges, affect global economic and market conditions, and contribute to volatility in foreign exchange markets, which we may be unable to effectively manage through our foreign exchange risk management program. We continue to monitor the situation and evaluate ways to minimize these impacts through vendor negotiations, alternative sources, and potential price adjustments. We estimate our financial results were adversely impacted by approximately $2.9 million, $4.9 million, and $2.5 million of additional costs for tariffs in fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally in 2019, we incurred $3.8 million in costs due to extended lead-times and price volatility.
Our actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions we make to prepare our financial statements, which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, including the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, our management is required under GAAP to make estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Form 10-K.
These estimates and assumptions affect the timing of net sales, costs, and profits or losses in applying the principles to contracts with customers under the cost incurred input method; credit losses for accounts receivables and contract assets, the valuation of inventory, estimated amounts for warranty costs; the calculation and valuation of our investments and deferred tax assets; fair value estimates used in goodwill and long-term assets testing; and estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances, they are subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If management's estimates and assumptions change or are not correct, our financial condition or results of operation could be adversely affected.
Unanticipated warranty and other costs for defective products could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
We provide warranties on our products with terms varying from one to 10 years. In addition, we 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 accrue a liability for estimated warranty costs, unanticipated claims 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. In addition, the need to repair or replace products with design and manufacturing defects could adversely affect our reputation. Remediation of a claim may take time and could result in lost or deferred revenue, lead to costly warranty expenses, and have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
We enter into fixed-price contracts, which could reduce our profits if actual costs exceed estimated costs.
Because of the complexity of many of our client contracts, accurately estimating the cost, scope and duration of a particular contract can be a difficult task. Unanticipated costs that exceed our original estimates may not be recoverable under fixed price contracts. Unanticipated cost increases may occur as a result of several factors including, but not limited to: increases in the cost, shortages or non-availability of materials or labor; unanticipated technical problems; required project modifications not initiated by the customer; suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform or delay in performing their obligations; logistics disruptions or delays; and capacity constraints. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages which would negatively impact our profits.
Backlog may not be indicative of future revenue or profitability.
Many of our products have long sales, delivery and acceptance cycles. In addition, our backlog is subject to order cancellations and delays. Orders normally contain cancellation provisions to permit our recovery of costs expended as well as a pro-rata portion of the profit. If projects are delayed, revenue recognition can occur over longer periods of time, and projects may remain in backlog for extended periods of time. If we receive relatively large orders in any given quarter, fluctuations in the levels of the quarterly backlog can result because the backlog may reach levels which may not be sustained in subsequent quarters.
We depend on a single-source or a limited number of suppliers for our raw materials and components from countries around the world. The loss, an interruption, or a material change in our business relationships with our suppliers could cause a disruption in supply and a substantial increase in the costs of such materials. Such changes could cause harm to our sales, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our suppliers are subject to the fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may impact their ability to operate their businesses. The performance and financial condition of a supplier may cause us to alter our business terms, cease doing business with a particular supplier, or change our sourcing practices.
An interruption from our suppliers of raw materials or components could affect 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 or results of operations. Although we believe our supply of raw materials and components generally is adequate for the needs of our business, we cannot assure that new sources of supply will be available if needed.
We may depend on third parties to complete our contracts.
Depending on a contract's scope of work, we may hire third-party subcontractors to perform on-site installation and service-related activities, hire manufacturers of structures or elements of structures related to on-site installation, hire contract manufacturers for certain product lines, or purchase specialty non-display related system elements from other companies. If we are unable to hire qualified subcontractors, find qualified manufacturers for on-site elements, find qualified contract manufacturers, or purchase specialty non-display system elements, our ability to successfully complete a project could be impaired. If we are not able to locate qualified third-party subcontractors or manufacturers, the amount we are required to pay may exceed what we have estimated, and we may suffer losses on these contracts. If the subcontractor or manufacturer fails to perform, we may be required to source these services to other third parties on a delayed basis or on less favorable terms, which could impact contract profitability. There is a risk that we may have disputes with our subcontractors relating to, among other things, the quality and timeliness of work performed, customer concerns about the subcontractor, or faulty workmanship resulting in claims against us for failure to meet required project specifications and negatively impacting our financial condition and results of operations.
These third parties are subject to fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may adversely impact their ability to operate their businesses. The performance and financial condition of the third parties may cause us to alter our business terms or to cease doing business with a particular third party or change our sourcing practices.
Unanticipated events resulting in credit losses to us could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
Significant portions of our sales are to customers who place large orders for custom products. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of our customers and have not, to date, experienced significant credit losses. 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 our exposure to credit losses is outside of our control, unanticipated events resulting in credit losses could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.
We may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results.
We increase our production and services capacity and the overhead supporting order fulfillment based on anticipated market demand. Market demand, however, has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. This underutilization risk can potentially decrease our profitability and result in the impairment of certain assets.
The following factors are among those that could complicate capacity planning for market demand:
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changes in the demand for and mix of products that our customers buy;
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our ability to add and train our manufacturing staff in advance of demand;
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the market’s pace of technological change;
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variability in our manufacturing or services productivity;
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long lead times for and availability of raw materials and components used in production;
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our ability to engage third parties;
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geography of the order and related shipping methods; and
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long lead times for our plant and equipment expenditures.
The terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions on our operations, and if we default on our credit facilities, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and make us vulnerable to adverse economic or industry conditions and cause liquidity issues.
The terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions limiting our ability to incur debt, contingent liabilities, lease obligations or liens; make a substantial change of ownership; or acquire or purchase a business or its assets. Our credit facilities also impose certain financial covenants on us which restrict the level of cash dividends and capital expenditures. A breach of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under our credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lender could elect to declare any and all amounts outstanding under such facility to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. For additional information on financing agreements, see "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
For the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that our cash on hand, marketable securities, cash provided by operating activities, and borrowings under our existing credit facilities should provide sufficient funds to finance our capital expenditures and working capital needs and otherwise meet operating expenses and debt service requirements. However, if additional capital is required or we are unable to renew our existing credit facilities at all or on a timely basis, there can be no assurance we will be able to obtain such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms. Also, market conditions can negatively impact our customers' ability to fund their projects and can impact our vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors and may not allow them to meet their obligations to us.
If we became unable to obtain adequate surety bonding or letters of credit, it could adversely affect our ability to bid on new work, which could have a material adverse effect on our future revenue and business prospects.
In line with industry practice, we are often required to provide performance and surety bonds to customers and may be required to provide letters of credit. These bonds and letters of credit provide credit support for the client if we fail to perform our obligations under the contract. If security is required for a project and we are unable to obtain a bond or letter of credit on terms acceptable to us and our client, we may not be able to pursue that project. In addition, bonding may be more difficult to obtain in the future or may be available only at significant additional cost as a result of general conditions that affect the insurance and bonding markets.
We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights effectively, or we may infringe upon the intellectual property of others, either of which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
We rely on a variety of intellectual property rights 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 particular, the laws of certain countries in which our products are sold do not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If litigation is necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources even if we ultimately prevail.
In addition, intellectual property of others also has an impact on our ability to offer some of our products and services for specific uses or at competitive prices. Competitors' patents or other intellectual property may limit our ability to offer products or services to our customers. Any infringement or claimed infringement by us of the intellectual property rights of others could result in litigation and adversely affect our ability to continue to provide, or could increase the cost of providing, products and services.
Weakened global economic conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.
Our overall performance depends in part on worldwide economic conditions. The United States and other key international economies have experienced downturns, including the COVID-19 related downturn, from time to time during which economic activity was impacted by falling demand for a variety of goods and services; restricted credit; poor liquidity; reduced corporate profitability; volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets; increased unemployment; bankruptcies; and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. These conditions affect consumer spending and could adversely affect our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase our products, delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions, reduce the value of their contracts, or affect attrition rates, all of which could adversely affect our operating results.
Unexpected events, including natural disasters and pandemics, may increase our cost of doing business or disrupt our operations.
The occurrence of one or more unexpected events, including war, terrorist acts, pandemics, fires, tornadoes, floods, severe weather and natural disasters in the United States or in other countries in which we operate may disrupt our operations as well as the operations of our customers. Such events could create additional uncertainties, forcing customers to reduce, delay, or cancel already planned projects. These events could result in damage to, and a complete or partial closure of, one or more of our manufacturing facilities, which could make it difficult to supply our customers with product and provide our employees with work, thereby adversely affecting our business, operating results or financial condition.
Our global operations expose us to global regulatory, geopolitical, economic and social changes and add additional risks and uncertainties which can harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our United States and foreign operations, sales, earnings, and strategies for profitable growth can be adversely affected by global conditions and compliance with global regulations and governmental orders. Global conditions include political developments; economic changes; unfavorable trading policies; difficulties in staffing and managing global operations; changes in foreign and domestic governmental regulations or requirements, treaty and trade relationships; the imposition of government orders that differ among jurisdictions, including mandatory closures, work-from-home and lock-down orders and social distancing protocols, or other restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in monetary and fiscal policies; changes in laws and regulations; or other activities of the United States and other foreign governments, agencies, and similar organizations. These conditions include, but are not limited to, changes in a country's or region's economic or political conditions; pricing and marketing of products; local labor conditions and regulations; reduced protection of intellectual property rights; changes in the regulatory or legal environment; lack of well-developed legal systems; restrictions and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; and burdensome taxes and tariffs and other trade regulations or barriers. Other exposures and uncertainties exist include changing social conditions and attitudes, terrorism, or political hostilities and war. Other difficulties of global operations include staffing and managing our various locations, including logistical and communication challenges. The likelihood of such occurrences and their overall effect on us vary greatly from country to country and are not predictable.
Our future results may be affected by compliance risks related to United States and other countries' anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, trade controls, economic sanctions, and similar laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to civil, criminal and administrative proceedings or penalties and harm our reputation.
Doing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of the United States government and various foreign jurisdictions. These laws and regulations place restrictions on our operations, trade practices, partners, and investments.
In particular, we and our operations are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption and trade control laws and regulations, such as the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”); the United Kingdom Bribery Act (the “Bribery Act”); and export controls and economic sanctions programs, including those administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (the “DDTC”), and the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
As part of our business, we deal with state-owned business enterprises, the employees of which are considered to be foreign officials for purposes of the FCPA's prohibition on United States companies from engaging in bribery, providing anything of value, or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and other similar regulations in other areas of the world. In addition, the provisions of the Bribery Act apply to the bribery of foreign officials and to transactions with individuals that a government does not employ. The FCPA also requires us to maintain specific record-keeping standards and adequate internal accounting controls. In addition, we are subject to similar requirements in other countries. Some of the international locations in which we do business lack a developed legal system and have higher than normal levels of corruption. Our expansion outside of the United States, and our development of new partnerships and joint venture relations worldwide, could increase the risk of violation of the FCPA, OFAC, the Bribery Act or similar laws and regulations.
As an exporter, we must comply with various laws and regulations relating to the export of products and technology from the U.S. and other countries having jurisdiction over our operations and trade sanctions against embargoed countries and destinations administered by OFAC. Before shipping certain items, we must obtain an export license or verify that license exemptions are available. Any failures to comply with these laws and regulations could result in fines, adverse publicity, and restrictions on our ability to export our products. Repeat failures could carry more significant penalties.
Bribery, corruption, and trade laws and regulations, and the enforcement thereof, are increasing in frequency, complexity and severity on a global basis. Violations of anti-corruption, anti-bribery and trade control laws and sanctions regulations are punishable by civil penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, asset seizures, debarment from government contracts and revocations or restrictions of licenses, as well as criminal fines and imprisonment, and could harm our reputation, create negative shareholder sentiment and affect our share value. We have established policies and procedures with the intention of providing reasonable assurance of compliance with these laws and regulations and trained our employees to comply with these laws and regulations. However, our employees, contractors, agents and licensees involved in our international operations may take actions in violations of such policies. If our employees, agents, distributors, suppliers and other third parties with whom we do business violate anti-bribery, anti-corruption or similar laws and regulations, we may incur severe fines, penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our policies and procedures will effectively prevent us from violating these regulations in every transaction in which we may engage or provide a defense to any alleged violation. In particular, we may be held liable for the actions that our joint venture partners take inside or outside of the United States even though our partners may not be subject to these laws. Such a violation, even if our policies prohibit it, could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors maintain prohibitions or restrictions on investments in companies that do business with sanctioned countries, persons and entities, which could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Global tax law changes may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States and its various state and local governments as well as several foreign tax jurisdictions. Our future income taxes could be materially adversely affected by changes in the amount or mix of earnings amongst countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax rates or the interpretation of tax rules and regulations in jurisdictions in which we do business, changes in tax laws, or the outcome of income tax audits and any related litigation. The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is one such example of legislation that impacts our effective tax rate.
Further changes in the tax laws of the United States and foreign jurisdictions could arise, including additional tax reform in the United States and the base erosion and profit shifting project undertaken by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”). Both the United States tax reform and the OECD proposed recommendations, that, in some cases, would make substantial changes to numerous long-standing tax positions and principles. These contemplated changes could increase tax uncertainty and may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Acquisitions, partial investments, and divestitures pose financial, management and other risks and challenges.
We routinely explore investing in or acquiring other businesses and related assets to complement or enhance our business strategies. These investments are often made to increase customer relations and market base, expand geographically, or obtain technological advances to support our solution portfolio. Periodically, we may also consider disposing of these businesses, partial investments, assets, or other lines of business.
The financial, management and other risks and challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:
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diversion of management attention;
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difficulty with integrating acquired businesses;
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adverse impact on overall profitability if the expanded operations do not achieve the strategic benefits forecasted;
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potential loss or adverse relationship change of key employees, customers, or suppliers of the acquired business;
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inability to effectively manage our expanded operations;
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difficulty with the integration of different corporate cultures;
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personnel issues;
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increased expenses;
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assumption of unknown liabilities and indemnification obligations;
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potential disputes with the buyers or sellers;
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the time involved in evaluating or modifying the financial systems of an acquired business and the establishment of appropriate internal controls; and
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incorrect estimates made in the accounting for the transaction that cause misstatement of acquisition assets and liabilities.
There can be no assurance that we will engage in any acquisitions or divestitures or that we will be able to do so on terms that will result in any expected benefits.
Any reduction or impairment of the value of an investment and related acquired assets, goodwill, or investments in affiliates would result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.
If goodwill or other intangible assets in connection with our acquisitions become impaired, we could take significant non-cash charges against earnings.
We have pursued and will continue to seek potential acquisitions to complement and expand our existing businesses, increase our revenues and profitability, and expand our markets. As a result of prior acquisitions, we have goodwill and intangible assets recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as described in "Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Goodwill represents the purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized and remains in our consolidated balance sheets indefinitely unless there is an impairment or a sale of a portion of the business. Under current accounting guidelines, we must assess, at least annually, whether the value of goodwill and other intangible assets has been impaired. Any reduction or impairment of the value of goodwill or other intangible assets will result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.
We had no impairments in fiscal 2019, 2020, or 2021.
Our data systems could fail, or their security could be compromised, causing a material adverse effect on our business.
We rely heavily on digital technologies for the successful operation of our business, for the support of our controller offerings, and for the collection and retention of business data. Any failure of our digital systems, or any breach of our systems’ security measures, could adversely affect our operations, at least until our data can be restored and/or the breaches remediated. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming issues, and/or human errors or other similar events. Any misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information, whether by us or by our third-party service providers, could adversely affect our business and operations. We could face significant fines and penalties under various global laws revolving around data loss, lack of adequate date protection or lack of required reporting. Any disruption in our digital technologies could affect our business and operations, causing potentially significant expenses to recover and modify the data systems, to reimburse customers' losses, and to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities, which could severely damage our reputation with customers, suppliers, employees and investors and expose us to risk of litigation and liability.
Regulation in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security could increase our costs and affect or limit our business opportunities and how we collect or use personal information.
As privacy, data protection and information security laws, including data localization laws, are interpreted and applied, compliance costs may increase, particularly in the context of ensuring that adequate data protection and data transfer mechanisms are in place. In recent years, there have been increasing regulatory enforcement and litigation activities in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security in the U.S. and in various countries in which we operate.
In addition, state and federal legislators and/or regulators in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, data protection and information security laws that potentially could have significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices; our collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer and/or employee information; and some of our current or planned business activities. New legislation or regulation could increase our costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce revenues from certain business initiatives. Moreover, the application of existing or new laws to existing technology and practices can be uncertain and may lead to additional compliance risk and cost.
Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws relating to consumer and/or employee data could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Our failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in potentially significant regulatory and/or governmental investigations and/or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions, ongoing regulatory monitoring, customer attrition, customer indemnity claims, decreases in the use or acceptance of our products and services, and damage to our reputation and our brand.
We may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain key management personnel, which could negatively impact our operating results.
We depend on the performance of our senior executives and key employees, including experienced and skilled technical personnel. The loss of any of our senior executives could negatively impact our operating results and ability to execute our business strategy. Our future success will also depend upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel.
Although we intend to continue to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain key personnel, some of our competitors for these employees have greater resources and more experience, making it difficult for us to compete successfully for key personnel. If we cannot attract and retain sufficiently qualified technical employees for our research and development and manufacturing operations, we may be unable to achieve the synergies expected from mergers and acquisitions or to develop and commercialize new products or new applications for existing products. Furthermore, possible shortages of key personnel, including engineers, could require us to pay more to hire and retain key personnel, thereby increasing our costs.
The outcome of pending and future claims, investigations or litigation can have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are involved from time to time in a variety of litigation, investigations, inquires or similar matters arising in our business. Litigation, investigations and regulatory proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings and outcomes can and do occur. Pending or future claims against us could result in professional liability, product liability, criminal liability, warranty obligations, indemnity claims, or other liabilities to the extent we are not insured against a loss or our insurance fails to provide adequate coverage. Also, a well-publicized actual or perceived threat of litigation could adversely affect our reputation and reduce the demand for our products. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on litigation obligations.
Our business involves the use of hazardous materials, and we must comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, which can be expensive and restrict how we do business.
Our business involves the blending, controlled storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials. We and our suppliers are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. Although we believe the safety procedures we utilize for handling and disposing of these materials comply with the standards prescribed by these laws and regulations, we cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of an accident, local, state, federal or foreign authorities may curtail the use of these materials and interrupt our business operations. If we are subject to any liability as a result of activities involving hazardous materials, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected, and our reputation may be harmed.
If our internal control over financial reporting is found to be ineffective, our financial statements may not be fairly stated, 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 made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a public company. We may encounter problems or delays in completing the review and evaluation, implementing improvements, or receiving a positive attestation from our independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, our assessment of internal controls may identify deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting or other matters which may raise concerns for investors, which may adversely affect our stock price.
Insurance coverage can be difficult or expensive to obtain, and our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We maintain insurance both as a corporate risk management strategy and to satisfy the requirements of many of our contracts with customers. As the costs and availability of insurance change, we may decide not to be covered against certain losses where, in the judgment of management, the insurance is not warranted due to the cost or availability of coverage or the remoteness of the perceived risk. We cannot provide assurance that all necessary or appropriate insurances will be available, cover every type of loss incurred, or be able to be economically secured. For example, some insurers limit coverages, increase premium costs or increase deductibles when global catastrophic events occur. As part of our corporate risk management strategy, we monitor and place our coverages with financially strong insurers, layer our risk with multiple insurers, and seek advice on the amount, breadth and type of insurance coverages to protect our interests. We also contractually require subcontractors and others working on our behalf to carry common insurance coverages for the types of work they perform to mitigate any risk of our loss. Our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We have been required to conduct a good faith reasonable country of origin analysis on our use of “conflict minerals”, which has imposed and may impose additional costs on us and could raise reputational challenges and other risks.
The SEC has promulgated rules in connection with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act regarding disclosure of the use of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries. As required, we have filed annual Forms SD since 2014 reporting our work performed to gain information on the source of conflict minerals we use. We incur costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements. As we continue our due diligence, we may face reputational challenges if we continue to be unable to verify the origins of all conflict minerals used in our products. We may also encounter challenges in our efforts to satisfy customers that may require all of the components of products purchased to be certified as conflict free. If we are not able to meet customer requirements, customers may choose to disqualify us as a supplier.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock
The protections we have adopted and to which we are subject may discourage takeover offers favored by our shareholders.
Our articles of incorporation, by-laws and other corporate governance documents and the South Dakota Business Corporation Act ("SD Act") contain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and discourage, delay or prevent a change in control or an acquisition that many shareholders may find attractive. These provisions make it more difficult for our shareholders to take some corporate actions and include provisions relating to:
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the ability of our Board of Directors, without shareholder approval, to authorize and issue shares of stock with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights and preferences that are superior to our common stock;
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the classification of our Board of Directors, which effectively prevents shareholders from electing a majority of the directors at any one meeting of shareholders;
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the adoption of a shareholder rights agreement providing for the exercise of junior participating preferred stock purchase rights when a person becomes the beneficial owner of 20 percent or more of our outstanding common stock and upon the occurrence of certain similar events (subject to certain exceptions);
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under the SD Act, limitations on the voting rights of shares acquired in specified types of acquisitions and restrictions on specified types of business combinations; and
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under the SD Act, prohibitions against engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested shareholder” 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.
These provisions may deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their common stock, which in turn may have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock.
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 our shareholders’ expectations, and the price 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 such sales could cause.
Significant changes in the market price of our common stock could result in securities litigation claims against us.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated and will likely continue to fluctuate. In the past, companies that have experienced significant changes in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities litigation claims. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could harm our business.
Additionally, if we fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, or if one or more of the securities analysts who cover us adversely change their recommendation regarding our stock, the market price of our common stock could decline. Moreover, our stock price may be based on expectations, estimates and forecasts of our future performance that may be unrealistic or that may not be met. Further, our stock price may fluctuate based on reporting by the financial media, including television, radio, press reports and blogs.
There can be no assurance that we will pay dividends on our common stock.
Our Board of Directors approved regular dividends from fiscal 2006 until March 2020. The declaration, amount and timing of such dividends are determined by our Board of Directors at their discretion. Such determinations are subject to capital availability, compliance with all respective laws and our agreements applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends, strategic investment cash needs, business outlook and other factors balancing our long-term needs of our business and the interests of our shareholders.
Our ability to pay dividends will depend upon, among other factors, our cash balances and potential future capital requirements for strategic transactions, including acquisitions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. A reduction in or elimination of our dividend payments and/or our dividend program could have a material negative effect on our stock price.
On April 1, 2020, our Board of Directors announced the suspension of dividends for the foreseeable future. We believe these measures are necessary to help preserve our ability to borrow for liquidity needs and help us to be well positioned when the COVID-19 pandemic passes and economies recover.
Our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders have the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval.
Co-founder Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach served as our Chairman of the Board until September 3, 2014. Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach's family members serve as executive officers of the Company. His son, Mr. Reece Kurtenbach, serves as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and two other children serve as our Vice President of Human Resources and as our Vice President of Manufacturing. Together, these individuals, in the aggregate, beneficially owned 9.4 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June 3, 2021, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options that were currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 3, 2021. Our other executive officers and directors, in the aggregate, beneficially owned an additional 4.3 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June 3, 2021, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 3, 2021. Although this does not represent a majority of our outstanding common stock, if these shareholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, could significantly influence the election of directors and the approval of any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination or reorganization requiring shareholder approval. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other shareholders may desire. The interests of this group of shareholders may not always coincide with the interests of other shareholders, and they may act in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of other shareholders, including seeking a premium value for their common stock, that might affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal properties include space for manufacturing products, designing and testing new developments or processes, and employee collaboration space. Our properties are somewhat aligned with our business segments; however, we manufacture the same products across our manufacturing facilities to efficiently utilize capacity and reduce costs. We consider all our properties to be both suitable and adequate to meet our requirements for the foreseeable future.
Our principal properties consist of the following:
Facilities
Owned or Leased
Square Footage
Facility Activities
Brookings, SD, USA
Owned
765,000
Corporate Office, Manufacturing, Sales, Service
Redwood Falls, MN, USA
Owned
151,000
Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office
Ennistymon, Ireland
Owned
62,000
Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Leased
277,000
Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office
Shanghai, China
Leased
137,000
Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office
We also utilize sales and service offices located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific regions. These spaces are generally small leased offices used for sales related activities. See "Note 9. Leases" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on lease obligations.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in a variety of legal actions relating to various matters during 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, taken as a whole, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on any legal proceedings and claims.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Stock Performance
Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol DAKT. Daily market activity, along with quoted prices and other trading information, are readily available for our common stock on numerous websites including www.nasdaq.com. As of June 3, 2021, we had 968 shareholders of record.
The following graph shows changes during the period from April 30, 2016 to May 1, 2021 in the value of $100 invested in: (1) our common stock; (2) The Nasdaq Composite; 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 cash dividends, with the dividends reinvested on the date they were paid. The calculations exclude trading commissions and taxes.
Share Repurchases
On June 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which Daktronics may purchase up to $40 million of its outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. In fiscal 2019 we had no repurchases, in fiscal 2020, we repurchased 1.0 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $5.6 million and the program has been suspended since April 1, 2020 as part of the Company's COVID response. As of May 1, 2021, we had $32.5 million of remaining capacity under our current share repurchase program.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion provides our highlights and commentary related to factors impacting our financial conditions and further describes the results of operations. The most significant risks and uncertainties are discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors."
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Management's Discussion and Analysis - Fiscal 2020 compared to Fiscal 2019
The comparison of fiscal 2020 with fiscal 2019, including the results of operations and liquidity, can be found in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section of our 2020 Form 10-K, which comparison is incorporated by reference herein.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Our mission is to be the world leader at informing and entertaining audiences through dynamic audio-visual communication systems. We organize into business units to focus on customer loyalty over time and earn new and replacement business as our products have a finite lifetime. See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information. Our strategies include the creation of a comprehensive line of innovative solutions and systems and our ability to create and leverage platform designs and technologies. These strategies align us to effectively deliver value to our varied customers and their market needs, while serving our stakeholders over the long-term. We focus on creating local capabilities for sales, service, and manufacturing in geographies with expected digital market opportunities. We believe consistently generating profitable growth will provide value to our stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, and communities).
We measure our success using a variety of measures including:
•
our percentage of market share by comparing our estimated revenue to the total estimated global digital display revenue;
•
our order growth compared to the overall digital market order change;
•
financial metrics such as annual order volume and profit change as compared to our previous financial results;
•
customer retention and expansion rates; and
•
our ability to generate profits over the long-term to provide a shareholder return.
Certain factors impact our ability to succeed in these strategies and impact our business units to varying degrees. For example, the overall manufacturing cost and the selling prices of our products have decreased over the years and are expected to continue to decrease in the future. Our competitors outside the U.S. are impacted differently by the global trade environment allowing them to avoid tariff costs or reduce prices. As a result, additional competitors have entered the market, and each year we must sell more product to generate the same or greater level of net sales as in previous fiscal years. However, the decline of digital solution pricing over the years and increased user adoption and applications have increased the size of the global market.
Competitor offerings, actions and reactions also can vary and change over time or in certain customer situations. Projects with multimillion-dollar revenue potential attracts competition, and competitors can use marketing or other tactics to win business.
Each business unit's long-term performance can be impacted by economic conditions in different ways and to different degrees. The effects of an adverse economy are generally less severe on our sports related business as compared to our other businesses, although in severe economic downturns with social changes causing decreases in sporting event revenues, the sports business can also be seriously impacted.
Outlook: The COVID-19 pandemic has created global disruptions since its initial outbreak and our reaction to it continue to evolve. The future extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business will depend on future developments that are uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. Developments include the ultimate severity, spread, and containment of the disease, the duration of the pandemic or any strain reemergence, the global availability and effectiveness of vaccines, global travel restrictions and social distancing requirements, the pace and extent of the economic recovery, and any change in trends and practices in how people gather. Our customer reduced their spend on audiovisual systems and related services in fiscal 2021 as they worked through the economic and business implications of COVID-19. As economies and restrictions ease, we believe our markets will recover and we will be poised to grow over the long-term.
During fiscal 2021, we lowered overall staffing and benefit levels and temporarily furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. These reductions vary in permanency and some will not be sustainable through fiscal 2022 as our order and sales volumes begin to recover towards pre-pandemic levels.
Late in our fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge as a result of the pandemic, shipping container shortages, winter weather, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight availability. We expect headwinds in material, labor, freight availability and inflation as the world economies recover, which may cause volatility in our revenue cycles and production costs. While we cannot predict the length or severity of these conditions, it is reasonably possible they will have some impact on our operations during fiscal 2022.
During late fiscal 2021, order and quoting activities have increased creating a strong backlog and positive outlook; however, there is no assurance that this trend will continue in future quarters.
In addition to the COVID-19 and supply chain impacts described above, the outlook and unique key growth drivers and challenges by our business units include:
Commercial Business Unit: Our customers who rely on advertising revenues for Out-of-Home ("OOH") advertising or who are reliant on customer foot-traffic to drive sales are beginning to increase their capital spending through the COVID-19 economic recovery. Businesses using our displays for self-promotion or on-premise advertising may have reduced budgets for the foreseeable future or choose to utilize displays as part of their recovery, both actions creating an impact to the Commercial near-term outlook.
Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Commercial business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•
Standard display product market growth due to market adoption and lower product costs, which drive marketplace expansion. Standard display products are used to attract or communicate with customers and potential customers of retail, commercial, and other establishments. Pricing and economic conditions are the principal factors that impact our success in this business unit. We utilize a reseller network to distribute our standard products.
•
National accounts standard display market opportunities due to customers' desire to communicate their message, advertising and content consistently across the country. Increased demand is possible from national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, petroleum retailers, and other nationwide organizations.
•
Additional standard display offerings using micro-LED designs.
•
Increasing use of LED technologies replacing signage previously using liquid crystal display ("LCD") technology by existing and new customers.
•
Increasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment venues such as casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships and Times Square type locations.
•
Dynamic messaging systems demand growth due to market adoption and expanded use of this technology.
•
The use of architectural lighting products for commercial buildings, which real estate owners use to add accents or effects to an entire side or circumference of a building to communicate messages or to decorate the building.
•
The continued deployment of digital billboards as OOH advertising companies continue developing new sites and replacing digital billboards reaching end of life. This is dependent on no adverse changes occurring in the digital billboard regulatory environment restricting future billboard deployments, as well as maintaining our current market share in a business that is concentrated in a few large OOH companies.
•
Replacement cycles within each of these areas.
Live Events Business Unit: Our customers have been adversely impacted by governmental limitations on the number of people allowed to gather in certain spaces as part of COVID-19 safety measures since March 2020 with varied or no published expiration. In the near-term, our customers who rely on advertising and event revenues are expected to delay spending on projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to the ways and willingness of how people gather may change the demand for our systems. As the restrictions of gathering start to decrease, we believe more customers may choose to begin to invest in their locations.
Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Live Events business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•
Facilities spending more on larger display systems to enhance the game-day and event experience for attendees.
•
Lower product costs, driving an expansion of the marketplace.
•
Our product and service offerings, including additional micro-LED offerings which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry.
•
The competitive nature of sports teams, which strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems.
•
The desire for high-definition video displays, which typically drive larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which increase the average transaction size.
•
Dynamic messaging system needs throughout a sports facility.
•
Increasing use of LED technologies replacing signage previously using LCD technology in and surrounding live events facilities.
•
Replacement cycles within each of these areas.
High School Park and Recreation Business Unit: In the near-term, our customers who rely on advertising revenue for sports installations or who may be impacted by governmental tax revenue availability may choose to delay spending on projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the long-term, we believe growth in the High School Park and Recreation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•
Increased demand for video systems in high schools as school districts realize the revenue generating potential of these displays compared to traditional scoreboards and these systems' ability to provide or enhance academic curriculum offerings for students.
•
Increased demand for different types of displays and dynamic messaging systems, such as message centers at schools to communicate to students, parents and the broader community.
•
Lower system costs driving the use of more sophisticated displays in school athletic facilities, such as large integrated video systems.
•
Expanding control system options tailored for the markets' needs.
Transportation Business Unit: In the near term, customers in the mass-transit and airport part of the market are expected to delay spending as a result of the limited use of this infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the long-term, roadway projects may be impacted due to reduced tax revenues. That impact will increase as the duration of the reduction in infrastructure usage continues.
Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Transportation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•
Increasing applications and acceptance of electronic displays to manage transportation systems, including roadway, airport, parking, transit and other applications.
•
Effective use of the United States transportation infrastructure requires intelligent transportation systems. This growth is highly dependent on government spending, primarily by state and federal governments, along with the continuing acceptance of private/public partnerships as an alternative funding source.
•
Expanded use of dynamic messaging systems for advertising and wayfinding use in public transport and airport terminals due to expanded market usage and displays, with LED technology replacing prior LCD installations and additional display offerings using micro-LEDs.
International Business Unit: In the near-term, our customers who rely on advertising, retail, event revenues and governmental tax revenue availability are expected to delay spending on projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to the ways and willingness of how people gather may change the demand for our systems. As the restrictions of gathering start to decrease, we believe more customers may choose to begin to invest in their locations. Customers who rely on advertising revenues for OOH advertising or who are reliant on customer foot-traffic to drive sales are beginning to increase their capital spending.
Over the long-term, we believe growth in the International business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•
Achieving greater penetration in various geographies and building products more suited to individual markets. We continue to broaden our product offerings into the transportation segment in Europe and the Middle East.
•
Continued focus on sports facility, spectacular-type, OOH advertising products, and architectural lighting market opportunities and the factors listed in each of the other business units to the extent they apply out of the United States and Canada.
•
Additional opportunities exist with expanded market usage of LED technology due to price considerations, usage of LED technology replacing prior LCD installations and additional display offerings using micro-LEDs.
• Our product and service offerings, including additional micro-LED offerings which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Although our significant accounting policies are described in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", the following discussion is intended to highlight and describe those accounting policies that are especially critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
A critical accounting policy is defined as a policy that is both very important to the portrayal of a company's financial condition and results and requires management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. We regularly review our critical accounting policies and evaluate them based on these factors. We believe the estimation process for uniquely configured contracts and warranties are most material and critical. These areas contain estimates with a reasonable likelihood to change, and those changes could have a material impact on our financial condition and reported results of operations. The estimation processes for these areas are also difficult, subjective and use complex judgments. Our critical accounting estimates are based on historical experience; on our interpretation of GAAP, current laws and regulations; and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue recognition on uniquely configured contracts. Revenue for uniquely configured (custom) or integrated systems is recognized over time using the cost incurred input method. Over time revenue recognition is appropriate because we have no alternative use for the uniquely configured system and have an enforceable right to payment for work performed. The cost incurred input method measures cost incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. This method is the most faithful depiction of our performance because it measures the value of the contract transferred to the customer. Costs to perform the contract include direct and indirect costs for contract design, production, integration, installation, and assurance-type warranty reserve. Direct costs include material and components; manufacturing, project management and engineering labor; and subcontracting expenses. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities and equipment depreciation and general overhead. Provisions of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period when such losses are capable of being estimated.
We may have multiple performance obligations in these types of contracts; however, a majority are treated as a combined single performance obligation. In our judgment, this accounting treatment is most appropriate because the substantial part of our promise to our customer is to provide significant integration services and incorporate individual goods and services into a combined output or system. Often times the system is customized or significantly modified to the customer's desired configurations and location, and the interrelated goods and services provide utility to the customer as a package. See "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on our revenue recognition policies.
Warranties. We have recognized an accrued liability for warranty obligations equal to our estimate of the actual costs to be incurred in connection with our performance under contractual warranties. Warranty estimates include the cost of direct material and labor estimates to repair products over their warranty coverage period. Generally, estimates are based on historical experience considering known or expected changes. If we would become aware of an increase in our estimated warranty costs, additional accruals may become necessary, resulting in an increase in cost of sales. Although prior estimates have been materially correct, estimates for warranty liabilities can change based on actual versus estimated defect rates over the lifetime of the warranty coverage, a difference in actual to estimated costs to conduct repairs for the components and related labor needed, and other site related actual to estimated cost changes.
As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, we had approximately $26.0 million and $25.6 million accrued for these warranty obligations, respectively. Due to the difficulty in estimating probable costs related to certain warranty obligations, there is a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate remaining costs to remediate the warranty claims could differ materially from the recorded accrued liabilities. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on warranties.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects those pronouncements have on our financial results, refer to "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Daktronics, Inc. operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The fiscal year ended May 1, 2021 contained operating results for 52 weeks, while the fiscal year ended May 2, 2020 contained operating results for 53 weeks.
Net Sales
The following table shows information regarding net sales for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020:
Year Ended
(in thousands)
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
Dollar Change
Percent Change
Net Sales:
Commercial
$ 127,300
$ 152,627
$ (25,327 )
(16.6 )%
Live Events
143,049
196,591
(53,542 )
(27.2 )
High School Park and Recreation
91,557
96,414
(4,857 )
(5.0 )
Transportation
58,284
70,139
(11,855 )
(16.9 )
International
61,843
93,161
(31,318 )
(33.6 )
$ 482,033
$ 608,932
$ (126,899 )
(20.8 )%
Orders:
Commercial
$ 138,878
$ 146,182
$ (7,304 )
(5.0 )%
Live Events
157,177
203,834
(46,657 )
(22.9 )
High School Park and Recreation
94,292
100,088
(5,796 )
(5.8 )
Transportation
49,696
83,473
(33,777 )
(40.5 )
International
75,841
87,201
(11,360 )
(13.0 )
$ 515,884
$ 620,778
$ (104,894 )
(16.9 )%
Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020
Sales and orders in all business units were impacted as a result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as fiscal 2020 including 53 weeks compared to the more common 52 weeks. Fiscal 2021 contained 52 weeks.
For net sales, during fiscal 2021, we achieved a $9.3 million per week average run rate as compared to a $11.5 million per week run rate during fiscal 2020, or an approximate 19.1% decrease. The change in sales was also related to fluctuations in the timing of order bookings and related conversion to sales and caused by delays in project sites caused by COVID-19 restrictions. ﻿
For orders, during fiscal 2021, we achieved a $9.9 million per week average run rate as compared to a $11.7 million per week run rate during fiscal 2020, or an approximate 15.4% decrease. The change in orders was caused by the economic impacts of COVID-19 on our customers and the fluctuations caused by the timing of large contract orders, which causes lumpiness.
Commercial: The decrease in net sales for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to overall low market activity in the spectacular and OOH niches, which was partly offset by an increase in net sales in the on-premise niche.
The decrease in orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to overall low market activity in the spectacular niche, which was partly offset by an increase in orders in the on-premise niche.
We continue to see increased adoption of video solutions in our Commercial business unit marketplace. Depending on the duration of the current economic conditions, we see opportunities for orders and sales over the coming years in our OOH, on-premise, and spectacular focused niches due to replacement cycles, expansion of dynamic messaging systems usage, our releases of new solutions, additional distribution methods, and increased market size due to the decline of digital pricing over the years as well as the desire for higher resolution technology. Due to a number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers committing to a system, economic dependencies, regulatory environments, competitive factors, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to predict orders and net sales for fiscal 2022. We expect growth in the Commercial business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and our success in counteracting competitive pressures.
Live Events: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to low demand for upgraded or new solutions for arenas, university venues, and sports stadiums. This decline was due to economic concerns and various other factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic causing customers to delay large expenditures.
Overall, we believe that these orders are not lost but only delayed.
We continue to see ongoing interest from venues at all levels in increasing the size and capabilities of their display systems and in the usage of dynamic messaging systems throughout their facilities in our Live Events business unit marketplace. A number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers committing to upgrade systems, long replacement cycles, the limited number of large custom projects, competitive factors, and the uncertainty of when venues will be allowed to seat at full capacity and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, make forecasting fiscal 2022 orders and net sales difficult. We expect continued growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and success in counteracting competitive pressures.
High School Park and Recreation: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to slightly lower market activity as schools held back spend during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We expect larger video systems and our classic scoring and message centers to remain in demand in fiscal 2022, primarily in high school facilities, which benefit from our sports marketing services that generate advertising revenue to fund the display systems and because of schools' desires to communicate with students and parents using these systems. Several factors, such as the potential reduction in the availability of advertising revenues, the discretionary nature of customers committing to upgrade systems, replacement cycles, competitive factors, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, make forecasting fiscal 2022 orders and net sales difficult. We expect growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions.
Transportation: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to low demand for mass-transit and airport information displays projects due to the low level of use of these facilities during COVID-19 and the general slow-down of business activity for agencies working remotely.
Several factors, such as transportation funding, the competitive environment, customer delivery changes, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, make forecasting orders and net sales difficult for fiscal 2022. However, the stability of long-term federal transportation funding and the number of capital projects for highways and public transit that include dynamic message signs and for advertising and wayfinding use in public transport and airport terminals continue to rise. We expect continued growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and continued transportation funding.
International: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily the result of low demand of large spectacular, OOH, and sport stadium projects because of reduced advertising spending and limited events held during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We expect demand for larger video systems for commercial and sports applications, indoor and outdoor OOH applications, and transportation applications to remain strong over the long-term. Macroeconomic factors, the discretionary nature of customers committing to new systems or replacements, the pace of market growth, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact order bookings and timing, making it difficult to predict order and sales levels for fiscal 2022. For the long-term, we believe the International business unit has the potential for sales growth as we penetrate markets with our established sales networks to increase our International market share, continue to enhance our tailored portfolio of product and control solution offerings, and increase the use and adoption of our technology globally.
Gross Profit and Contribution Margin
Year Ended
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
(in thousands)
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Gross Profit:
Commercial
$ 33,072
26.0 %
$ 29,246
19.2 %
Live Events
24,397
17.1
39,518
20.1
High School Park and Recreation
31,472
34.4
28,874
29.9
Transportation
20,329
34.9
23,910
34.1
International
11,313
18.3
17,152
18.4
$ 120,583
25.0 %
$ 138,700
22.8 %
Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020
Gross profit is net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of inventory, logistics related costs including tariffs and duties, consumables, personnel related costs, facilities-related costs for manufacturing locations, machinery and equipment maintenance and depreciation, site sub-contractors, warranty costs, and other service delivery expenses.
The increase in our gross profit percentage for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was the result of a $2.1 million litigation claim reversal in High School Park and Recreation and in all business units, a change of mix between service agreements and product sales and a reduction in capacity through temporary furloughs and reductions in force. In all business units, we lowered overall staffing and benefit levels and temporarily furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition we received $1.8 million of COVID-19 relief governmental subsidies partially offsetting the $2.8 million of severance costs incurred to reduce our workforce. Even with the cost cutting measures, we maintained more capacity aligned to Live Events at levels that exceeded the revenue changes causing gross profit to decline in this business unit. During fiscal 2020, we experienced additional expenses of approximately $3.3 million for project delivery costs and $2.0 million in tariff related expenses, decreasing the gross profit rate for that year.
We earned a higher rate of gross profit on our service agreements due to reduced stand ready services conducted during the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021. This was due to lower on-site demand as events were not being held. We believe this higher gross profit level will not be sustained in future fiscal years. Total warranty as a percent of sales decreased to 1.4 percent for fiscal 2021 as compared to 1.9 percent during fiscal 2020.
It is difficult to project gross profit levels for fiscal 2022 because of the uncertainty regarding the level of sales, the sales mix, price strategy and timing of sales generation, the COVID-19 impact, potential inflation and availability of materials, labor, and freight, and the competitive factors in our business. We are focused on improving our gross profit margins as we execute our strategies for improved profitability, which include releasing new product designs to lower overall costs of the product; improving reliability to reduce warranty expenses; expanding our global capacity and planning; meeting customer solution expectations; and continued improvements in operational effectiveness in manufacturing, installation, and service delivery areas. Cost reductions made during the pandemic vary in permanency and may not be sustainable in future periods as orders and sales volumes recover.
Year Ended
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
(in thousands)
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Dollar Change
Percent Change
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Contribution Margin:
Commercial
$ 18,976
14.9 %
$ 9,079
91.7 %
$ 9,897
6.5 %
Live Events
15,198
10.6
(10,876 )
(41.7 )
26,074
13.3
High School Park and Recreation
21,409
23.4
6,068
39.6
15,341
15.9
Transportation
17,248
29.6
(2,318 )
(11.8 )
19,566
27.9
International
(897 )
(1.5 )
(2,817 )
(146.7 )
1,920
2.1
$ 71,934
14.9 %
$ (864 )
(1.2 )%
$ 72,798
12.0 %
Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020
Contribution margin is a non-GAAP measure and consists of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of personnel related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facility-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demonstrations, customer relationship management systems, and supplies.
Contribution margin is impacted by the previously discussed sales and gross margin for each business unit. Each business unit's contribution margin was impacted as a result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as fiscal 2020 including 53 weeks compared to the more common 52 weeks. Fiscal 2021 contained 52 weeks. In addition, each business unit's contribution margin had a decrease in personnel related expenses offset by severance costs for reductions in force, as well as reductions in travel and entertainment, marketing, and convention related expenses. This was partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in bad debt expenses. We have reduced overall staffing and furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. These reductions made during the pandemic vary in permanency and may change in future periods in future periods as orders and sales volumes recover.
Reconciliation from non-GAAP contribution margin to operating income (loss) GAAP measure is as follows:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
(in thousands)
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Dollar Change
Percent Change
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Contribution margin
$ 71,934
14.9 %
$ (864 )
(1.2 )%
$ 72,798
12.0 %
General and administrative
27,980
5.8
(7,213 )
(20.5 )
35,193
5.8
Product design and development
26,846
5.6
(10,926 )
(28.9 )
37,772
6.2
Operating income (loss)
$ 17,108
3.5 %
$ 17,275
*
$ (167 )
(0.0 )%
* Percentage is not meaningful due to prior year operating loss.
Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional fees, shareholder relations costs, facilities and equipment-related costs for administrative departments, training costs, and the cost of supplies.
General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2021 decreased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to decreases in personnel related expenses and professional fees. We have reduced overall staffing and furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We expect general and administrative expenses to increase for fiscal 2022 as compared to fiscal 2021 as the cost reductions made during the pandemic vary in permanency and may change in future periods in future periods as orders and sales volumes recover.
Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional services, facilities costs and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product design and development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points.
Our costs for product design and development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, professional services, material costs and the overhead of our engineering departments. Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product design and development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in cost of sales.
Product design and development expenses in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 decreased primarily due to decreased labor costs and professional services assigned to product design and development projects offset by severance costs for the reduction in force. We have reduced overall staffing and furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect an increase in expenditures for product design and development for fiscal 2022 as compared to fiscal 2021 due to an anticipated gradual return to pre-pandemic levels. During fiscal 2022, we plan to make continued investments in our software and controller options and narrow pixel pitch LED displays throughout our various product offerings.
Other Income and Expenses
Year Ended
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
(in thousands)
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Dollar Change
Percent Change
Amount
As a Percent of Net Sales
Interest (expense) income, net
$ (65 )
(0.0 )%
$ (764 )
(109.3 )%
$
0.1 %
Other (expense) income, net
$ (2,983 )
(0.6 )%
$ (2,442 )
451.4 %
$ (541 )
(0.1 )%
Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020
Interest (expense) income, net: We generate interest income through short-term cash investments, marketable securities, and product sales on an installment basis or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which result in long-term receivables. Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest costs on long-term obligations.
The change in interest (expense) income, net for fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020, was primarily due to the change in investment levels caused by the volatility of working capital needs and interest expense for our drawings on the line of credit.
Other (expense) income, net: The change in other income and expense, net for fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020, was primarily due to foreign currency volatility and the increases in the losses recorded for equity method affiliates. During fiscal 2021, we recorded equity method affiliate losses of $2.4 million as compared to $0.7 million during fiscal 2020.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was approximately 22.3 percent for fiscal year 2021. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2021 was impacted due to tax benefits from permanent tax credits and prior year provision to return adjustments offset by and valuation allowances as well as other various permanent tax adjustments and state taxes.
Our fiscal 2020 income tax benefit was the result of permanent tax credits reduced by valuation allowances and minor pre-tax book loss creating a meaningless effective tax rate.
Our consolidated effective tax rate is impacted by the statutory income tax rates applicable to each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Due to various factors, and because we operate in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions, our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation. See "Note 12. Income Taxes" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Year Ended
(in thousands)
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
Percent Change
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$ 66,212
$ 10,808
512.6 %
Investing activities
(10,221 )
(4,271 )
139.3
Financing activities
(15,585 )
(1,978 )
687.9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(416 )
(474.8 )
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$ 39,990
$ 4,670
756.3 %
Cash increased by $40.0 million in fiscal 2021 as compared to an increase of $4.7 million in fiscal 2020, which is primarily due to cash generated by operations, a decrease in capital expenditures, and suspending our dividends and share repurchase program, offset by a $15 million outflow for financing activities which resulted from repayment of borrowings under our line of credit.﻿
Net cash provided by operating activities: Cash generated by operating activities is primarily derived from cash received from customers, offset by cash payments for inventories, subcontractors, employee related costs, and operating expense outflows. Operating cash flows consist primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, and the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities. Overall, changes in net operating assets and liabilities can be impacted by the timing of cash flows on large orders, which can cause significant short-term and seasonal fluctuations in inventory, accounts receivables, accounts payable, contract assets and liabilities, and various other operating assets and liabilities. Variability in contract assets and liabilities relates to the timing of billings on construction-type contracts and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms and build and installation schedules. Balances are also impacted by the seasonality of the sports market. For specific quantitative changes in operating assets and liabilities, see "Note 13. Cash Flow Information" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $66.2 million for fiscal 2021 compared to $10.8 million in fiscal 2020. The $55.4 million increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of changes in net operating assets and liabilities and an of increase of $10.4 million in net income.
Net cash used in investing activities: Net cash used in investing activities totaled $10.2 million for fiscal 2021 compared to $4.3 million in fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2021, we had $1.2 million of proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities compared to $25.2 million in fiscal 2020. Net proceeds of marketable securities in fiscal 2020 were utilized to cover working capital needs for changes in operating assets and liabilities. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $7.9 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $18.1 million in fiscal 2020. Proceeds from the sales of property and equipment totaled $3.2 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $0.3 million in fiscal 2020. Purchases of and loans to equity investments totaled $6.7 million in fiscal 2021 as compared to $11.7 million in fiscal 2020.
Net cash used in financing activities: Net cash used in financing activities was $15.6 million for fiscal 2021 compared to $2.0 million in fiscal 2020. Principal payments on long-term obligations for fiscal 2021 was $0.5 million compared to $2.1 million in fiscal 2020, which was mostly related to contingent liability payments. During fiscal 2021, we paid $15.0 million on notes payable compared to borrowing on notes payable of $15.0 million in fiscal 2020. Dividends of $9.0 million, or $0.20 per share, were paid to Daktronics shareholders during fiscal 2020, while there were no dividends paid during fiscal 2021. During fiscal 2021, there were no share repurchases compared to $5.6 million of share repurchases in fiscal 2020. As part of our COVID-19 response, as announced on April 1, 2020, our Board of Directors suspended dividends and stock repurchases for the foreseeable future.
Other Liquidity and Capital Resources Discussion: The timing and amounts of working capital changes, dividend payments, repurchases of stock in our stock repurchase program, and capital spending impact our liquidity.
Working capital was $118.4 million at May 1, 2021 and $106.0 million at May 2, 2020. The changes in working capital, particularly changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and contract assets and liabilities, and the sports market seasonality, can have a significant impact on the amount of net cash provided by operating activities largely due to the timing of payments and receipts. On multimillion-dollar orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to or exceed 12 months or more depending on the amount of custom work and a customer’s delivery needs. We often receive down payments or progress payments on these orders. We expect fluctuations in working capital to continue during the pandemic recovery.
We had $5.6 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and contract assets as of May 1, 2021, which has an impact on our liquidity. We expect to collect these amounts within one year. When working capital is needed, we have historically financed our cash needs through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings under bank credit agreements. As of May 1, 2021, we were in compliance with all applicable bank loan covenants. For additional information on financing agreements, see "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
As part of our COVID-19 response, our Board of Directors suspended dividends and share repurchases for the foreseeable future. The future reinstatement of dividends and share repurchases cannot be predicted and is at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Future dividends are also impacted by the limitations imposed in our credit facility as further described in "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have a bonding line available through a surety company for an aggregate of $150.0 million in bonded work outstanding. If we were unable to complete the work, and our customer would call upon the bond for payment, the surety company would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. At May 1, 2021, we had $59.2 million of bonded work outstanding against this line.
Our business growth and profitability improvement strategies depend on investments in capital expenditures and strategic investments. We are projecting capital expenditures to be approximately $25 million for fiscal 2022. Projected capital expenditures include manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production, expanded capacity, investments in quality and reliability equipment, and continued information infrastructure investments. During fiscal 2022, we may choose to invest additional capital in our investments in affiliates to support further development in microLED and other technologies. We also evaluate and may invest in new technologies or acquire companies aligned with our business strategy.
We believe the audiovisual industry fundamentals will drive long-term growth for our business; however, for the near-term outlook, we expect our customers may continue to have disruptions and may continue to reduce or increase their spend on audiovisual systems and related services as they work through the economic and business implications of COVID-19. While it is difficult to estimate the longevity and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic impact to the economy and to our financial position, operating results, and cash flows, we believe our working capital available from all sources will be adequate to meet the cash requirements of our operations and strategies in the foreseeable future. If the pandemic impact or long-term growth extends beyond current expectations, or if we make significant strategic investments, we may need to utilize and possibly increase our credit facilities or seek other means of financing.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Our results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. We derive net sales in U.S. dollars and other currencies including Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, British pounds, Australian dollars, or other currencies. For fiscal 2021, 14.3 percent of net sales were derived in currencies other than U.S. dollars. We incur expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars relating to specific contracts with customers and for our operations outside the U.S.
If we believe currency risk in any foreign location or specific sales or purchase transaction is significant, we utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations. The notional amount of the foreign currency agreements as of May 1, 2021 was $2.8 million, and all contracts mature within eight months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges. See "Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further details. We estimate that a 10 percent change in all foreign exchange rates would impact our reported income before taxes by approximately $1.0 million. This sensitivity analysis disregards the possibilities that rates can move in opposite directions and that losses from one geographic area may be offset by gains from another geographic area.
Over the long term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of total net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of our business could be denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, operating results may become more subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. To the extent we engage in international sales denominated in U.S. dollars, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by sources of raw materials from international sources and costs of our sales, service, and manufacturing locations outside the U.S.
We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques to minimize the effect of these fluctuations. However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our ability to effectively hedge exchange rate fluctuations in the future.
We have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Of our $77.6 million in cash balances at May 1, 2021, $60.8 million were denominated in U.S. dollars, of which $1.9 million were held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of May 1, 2021, we had an additional $16.8 million in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies, of which $14.2 million were maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.
Interest Rate Risks
Our exposure to market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates on cash and marketable securities. We do not expect our income or cash flows to be significantly impacted by interest rates.
Commodity Risk
We are dependent on basic raw materials, sub-assemblies, components, and other supplies used in our production operations. Our financial results could be affected by changes in the availability, prices, and global tariff regulation of these materials. Some of these materials are sourced from one or a limited number of suppliers in countries around the world. Some of these materials are also key source materials for our competitors and for other technology companies. Some of these materials are sourced outside of the countries in which we manufacture our products and are subject to transportation delays. Any of these factors may cause a sudden increase in costs and/or limited or unavailable supplies. As a result, we may not be able to acquire key production materials on a timely basis, which could adversely impact our ability to produce products and satisfy incoming sales orders on a timely basis. Our sourcing and material groups work to implement strategies to monitor and mitigate these risks. Periodically, 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. Over the years, we have been impacted by the factors noted; however, we believe that we have adequate sources of supply for most of our key materials in the near-term. During late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping container shortages, winter weather, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight availability. We are unable to predict the supply chain recovery or the impact to our business.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Daktronics, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended May 1, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 1, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, 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 these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
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.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue Recognition - Uniquely Configured Contracts - Refer to Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company recognizes revenue as its contractual performance obligations are satisfied, which may be at a point in time or over time. Certain of the Company’s contracts are for the delivery, installation, and integration of uniquely configured audio-visual communication systems. Revenue for these uniquely configured systems is recognized over time using the cost incurred input method. This input method requires management to make estimates of the costs that will ultimately be incurred at the completion of each contract. Revenue is recognized based on the transaction price and the percentage of cost incurred as of the balance sheet date in relation to the total estimated inputs at completion.
We identified revenue associated with uniquely configured contracts as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments necessary for management to estimate total costs to be incurred to recognize revenue under these contracts. Changes in estimated costs could have a significant impact on the timing and amount of revenue recognized. This required an increased level of auditor judgment due to the complexity of uniquely configured contracts and extent of effort when performing audit procedures to audit management’s estimate of total costs and evaluating the reasonableness of the underlying estimates.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to estimates of total cost used to recognize revenue for uniquely configured contracts included the following, among others:
●
We tested the effectiveness of controls over uniquely configured contracts, including management’s controls over the estimates of total costs.
●
We selected a sample of uniquely configured contracts and performed the following:
●
Compared costs incurred to date to the costs management estimated to be incurred to date.
●
Evaluated management’s ability to achieve the estimates of total cost by performing corroborating inquiries with the Company’s project managers and engineers, and compared the estimates to management’s work plans, engineering specifications, and supplier contracts.
●
Confirmed contractual terms with third parties.
●
Tested the mathematical accuracy of management’s estimate of total costs.
●
We evaluated management’s ability to accurately estimate total costs by comparing actual costs to management’s historical estimates for uniquely configured contracts that have been fulfilled.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 11, 2021
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 77,590 $ 40,398
Restricted cash
2,812 14
Marketable securities
- 1,230
Accounts receivable, net
67,808 72,577
Inventories
74,356 86,803
Contract assets
32,799 35,467
Current maturities of long-term receivables
1,462 3,519
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
7,445 9,629
Income tax receivables
731 548
Property and equipment and other assets available for sale
- 1,817
Total current assets
265,003 252,002
Property and equipment, net
58,682 67,484
Long-term receivables, less current maturities
1,635 1,114
Goodwill
8,414 7,743
Intangibles, net
2,083 3,354
Investment in affiliates and other assets
27,403 27,683
Deferred income taxes
11,944 13,271
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 375,164 $ 372,651
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
40,251 47,834
Contract liabilities
64,495 50,897
Accrued expenses
30,672 36,626
Warranty obligations
10,464 9,764
Income taxes payable
738 844
Total current liabilities
146,620 145,965
Long-term warranty obligations
15,496 15,860
Long-term contract liabilities
10,720 10,707
Other long-term obligations
7,816 22,105
Long-term income tax payable
548 582
Deferred income taxes
410 452
Total long-term liabilities
34,990 49,706
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value, authorized 115,000,000 shares; 46,264,576 and 45,913,209 shares issued at May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively
60,575 60,010
Additional paid-in capital
46,595 44,627
Retained earnings
96,016 85,090
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,297,409 and 1,343,281 shares at May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively
(7,297 ) (7,470 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,335 ) (5,277 )
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
193,554 176,980
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$ 375,164 $ 372,651
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Net sales
$ 482,033 $ 608,932 $ 569,704
Cost of sales
361,450 470,232 439,410
Gross profit
120,583 138,700 130,294
Operating expenses:
Selling
48,649 65,902 64,648
General and administrative
27,980 35,193 34,817
Product design and development
26,846 37,772 35,557
103,475 138,867 135,022
Operating income (loss)
17,108 (167 ) (4,728 )
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income
230 805 1,031
Interest expense
(295 ) (106 ) (160 )
Other (expense) income, net
(2,983 ) (541 ) (1,087 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
14,060 (9 ) (4,944 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
3,134 (500 ) (3,986 )
Net income (loss)
$ 10,926 $ 491 $ (958 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
44,989 45,031 44,926
Diluted
45,202 45,316 44,926
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
$ 0.24 $ 0.01 $ (0.02 )
Diluted
$ 0.24 $ 0.01 $ (0.02 )
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Net income (loss)
$ 10,926 $ 491 $ (958 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cumulative translation adjustments
2,942 (965 ) (1,749 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
- 44 107
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
2,942 (921 ) (1,642 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
$ 13,868 $ (430 ) $ (2,600 )
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Total
Balance as of April 28, 2018:
$ 54,731 $ 40,328 $ 107,105 $ (1,834 ) $ (2,714 ) $ 197,616
Net loss
- - (958 ) - - (958 )
Cumulative translation adjustments
- - - - (1,749 ) (1,749 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
- - - - 107 107
Share-based compensation
- 2,479 - - - 2,479
Exercise of stock options
1,318 - - - - 1,318
Tax payments related to RSU issuances
- (246 ) - - - (246 )
Employee savings plan activity
1,650 - - - - 1,650
Dividends paid ($0.28 per share)
- - (12,554 ) - - (12,554 )
Balance as of April 27, 2019:
57,699 42,561 93,593 (1,834 ) (4,356 ) 187,663
Net income
- - 491 - - 491
Cumulative translation adjustments
- - - - (965 ) (965 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
- - - - 44 44
Share-based compensation
- 2,265 - - - 2,265
Tax payments related to RSU issuances
- (199 ) - - - (199 )
Employee savings plan activity
2,311 - - - - 2,311
Dividends paid ($0.20 per share)
- - (8,994 ) - - (8,994 )
Treasury stock purchase
- - - (5,636 ) - (5,636 )
Balance as of May 2, 2020:
60,010 44,627 85,090 (7,470 ) (5,277 ) 176,980
Net income
- - 10,926 - - 10,926
Cumulative translation adjustments
- - - - 2,942 2,942
Share-based compensation
- 2,067 - - - 2,067
Tax payments related to RSU issuances
- (125 ) - - - (125 )
Employee savings plan activity
565 - - - - 565
Treasury stock reissued - 26 - 173 - 199
Balance as of May 1, 2021:
$ 60,575 $ 46,595 $ 96,016 $ (7,297 ) $ (2,335 ) $ 193,554
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)
$ 10,926 $ 491 $ (958 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
17,077 17,718 18,635
(Gain) loss on sale of property, equipment and other assets
(572 ) (35 ) (441 )
Share-based compensation
2,067 2,265 2,479
Contingent consideration adjustment
- - 286
Equity in loss of affiliate
2,370 741 844
Provision for doubtful accounts, net of recovery
1,299 (99 ) 194
Deferred income taxes, net
1,314 (2,183 ) (3,379 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities
31,731 (8,090 ) 11,886
Net cash provided by operating activities
66,212 10,808 29,546
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment
(7,891 ) (18,091 ) (17,268 )
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets
3,184 322 607
Purchases of marketable securities
- - (25,337 )
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities
1,230 25,162 33,706
Purchases of and loans to equity investment
(6,744 ) (11,664 ) (1,300 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
- - (2,250 )
Net cash used in investing activities
(10,221 ) (4,271 ) (11,842 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on notes payable
- 15,000 -
Payments on notes payable (15,000 ) - -
Principal payments on long-term obligations
(460 ) (2,149 ) (450 )
Dividends paid
- (8,994 ) (12,554 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
- - 1,318
Payments for common shares repurchased
- (5,636 ) -
Tax payments related to RSU issuances
(125 ) (199 ) (246 )
Net cash used in financing activities
(15,585 ) (1,978 ) (11,932 )
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
(416 ) 111 215
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
39,990 4,670 5,987
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period
40,412 35,742 29,755
End of period
$ 80,402 $ 40,412 $ 35,742
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO THE 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, market, and manufacture of a wide range of integrated 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- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The fiscal years ended May 1, 2021 and April 27, 2019 contained operating results for 52 weeks, while the fiscal year ended May 2, 2020 contained operating results for 53 weeks.
Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in affiliates: Investments in affiliates over which we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, recording the investment at cost and then subsequently adjusting to account for our share of the affiliates' profit or losses, in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Investments in affiliates over which we do not have the ability to exert significant influence over the affiliates' operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting, recording the investment at cost and then subsequently adjusting for any changes in ownership or dividends in accordance with the provisions of ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities. We have evaluated our relationships with our affiliates and have determined that these entities are not variable interest entities. Cash paid for investments in affiliates and loans to affiliates are included in the "Purchases of and loans to equity investment" line item in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Equity method investments as a whole are assessed for other-than-temporary impairments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we participated in a Series A investment in X Display Company ("XDC"). XDC creates and owns leading intellectual property (IP) and capabilities in microLED mass transfer technology. This investment will support XDC’s further development in microLED capabilities and applications. MicroLED technologies support Daktronics’ line of narrow pixel pitch LED displays and will enable solutions to move into the realm of less than 1-millimeter pixel spacing. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we invested an additional $5,000, which resulted in a 16.4 percent ownership in XDC. XDC is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the equity method was $19,887 and $17,257 at May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Our proportional share of the respective affiliates' earnings or losses is included in the "Other (expense) income, net" line item in our consolidated statements of operations. For fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, our share of the losses of our affiliates was $2,370, $741, and $844, respectively. We purchased services for research and development activities from our equity method investments. The total of these related party transactions for fiscal 2021 was $460, which was included in the "Product design and development" line item in in our condensed consolidated statement of operations, and $470 of this remains unpaid and is included in the "Accounts payable" line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The total of these related party transactions for fiscal 2020 and 2019 was $1,113 and $0, respectively.
Summarized financial information for equity method investments consist of the following:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Balance sheet data:
Current assets $ 7,534 $ 10,593 $ 192
Non-current assets 4,637 4,266 2,626
Current liabilities 2,807 2,755 839
Non-current liabilities 1,793 4,086 2,599
Income statement data:
Net loss
(13,436 ) (1,383 ) (2,168 )
Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period; and our ability to continue as a going concern. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ 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 uniquely configured contracts and estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties and income taxes. Estimation processes are also used in inventory valuation, the allowance for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation, goodwill impairment, and extended warranty and product maintenance agreements. Changes in estimates are reflected in the periods in which they become known.
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 and consist primarily of government repurchase agreements, savings accounts and money market accounts that are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. 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 cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the totals of the same amounts shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 77,590 $ 40,398 $ 35,383
Restricted cash
2,812 14 359
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows
$ 80,402 $ 40,412 $ 35,742
Inventories: In accordance with ASC 330, Inventory, our inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Cost is measured as the price of the components and allocated expenses for production or betterment of the inventory item. When we estimate net realizable value to be lower than cost, any necessary adjustments are charged to cost of sales in that period. In determining net realizable value, we review various factors such as current inventory levels, forecasted demand, costs of completion, and technological obsolescence.
Allowance for doubtful accounts: We make estimates regarding the collectability of our accounts receivable, long-term receivables, contract assets 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 were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We charge off receivables at such time it is determined collection will not occur in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables.
Revenue recognition: Our accounting policies and estimates are in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and are as follows:
Contracts are identified and follow the revenue recognition policies when all of the following occur: we have evidence that all parties to the contract have approved the contract and are committed to perform their respective obligations, we can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, we can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred, the contract has commercial substance, and it is probable we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we would be entitled in exchange for the goods or services.
Pre-contract costs are generally expensed as incurred, unless they are directly associated with an anticipated contract and recoverability from that contract is probable. Pre-contract costs directly associated with anticipated contracts expected to be recoverable include $492 and $1,582 as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. These are included in the "Inventories" line item in our consolidated balance sheets.
At contract inception, we identify performance obligations by reviewing the agreement for material distinct goods and services. Goods and services are distinct when the customer can benefit from them on its own and our promises to transfer these items are identifiable from other promises within the contract. When we are contracted to provide a single promise (an integrated system), we often treat it as a single performance obligation if we are providing goods and services with the same pattern of transfer that are highly integrated or interdependent, that are modified or customized by other goods or services promised, or that provide a combined outcome for which the customer has contracted. When less interdependency or integration is necessary, or when the customer can benefit from distinct items, we separate the contract into multiple performance obligations. We account for extended warranties and other services ("service-type warranties") that represent a distinct service as a separate performance obligation.
Our contracts can contain multiple components of transaction price. We evaluate each contract for these components and include fixed consideration, variable consideration, financing components, and non-cash consideration and exclude consideration payable to a customer and sales taxes in the transaction price. When we are responsible for site installations which include subcontracted work, we maintain the contractual responsibilities and risks and include the consideration for these services in the transaction price. When our contract contains variable consideration, including return rights, discounts, claims, unpriced change orders, and liquidated damages, we estimate the transaction price using the expected value (i.e., the sum of the probability-weighted amount) or the most likely amount method, whichever is expected to better predict revenue for that contract situation. We also constrain the revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We consider the following factors in determining revenue associated with variable consideration: (a) the contract or other evidence providing the legal basis, (b) additional costs caused by unforeseen circumstances, (c) evidence supporting the claim, and (d) historical evidence and patterns of customers. We adjust the contract price for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect, at contract inception, that the period between when we transfer goods and services to a customer will exceed one year from the time the customer pays and represents financing. If the payment structures exceed a year but are structured to account for risks with a contract or correspond to payments on milestones or are scheduled for performance, we do not adjust the contract price for a financing component. See "Note 6. Receivables" for amounts recorded in long-term receivables.
When separate performance obligations are identified, we allocate the transaction price to the individual performance obligation based on the best method we judge as faithfully depicting the value of the performance obligation. Many of our contracts are bundled, and we do not have separate selling prices for each performance obligation; therefore, for these contracts, we primarily use the cost plus a margin approach to allocate the relative transaction price to identified performance obligations, as it is the best representative of our pricing methods.
Revenue is recognized when we satisfy a performance obligation. We receive payments from customers based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts. Billing schedules include down payments and progress billings over time; set milestone payments that are specific to the project are scheduled for performance-based payments or are set time-based payment(s). Variability in contract assets and contract liabilities relates to the timing of billings and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms, build and installation schedules and the related timing differences in transfer of control. Balances are also impacted by the seasonality in our business.
Significant judgments and estimates are used in our revenue policies. Throughout the revenue cycle, we evaluate contractual evidence, monitor our performance, evaluate variable consideration changes, update estimated costs to complete cost-to-cost projects, and obtain evidence of deliveries or other control change evidence for appropriate and consistent revenue recognition. We maintain internal policies and procedures to provide guidance for those involved in recording revenue. We monitor for changes in our business sales practices and customer interactions to capture the appropriate types of performance obligations and adjust for any change in control terms and conditions.
Our material performance obligation types include:
Unique configuration contracts: audio-visual communication systems uniquely configured (custom) or integrated for a customer's particular location and system configuration may include all or a combination of the following: engineering services, project management services, video display(s), control solution(s), installation and integration services, scoring and messaging equipment, training, other on-site services, spare parts, software licenses, and assurance-type warranties.
We may have multiple performance obligations in these types of contracts; however, a majority are treated as a combined single performance obligation. In our judgment, this accounting treatment is most appropriate because the substantial part of our promise to customers is to provide significant integration services and incorporate individual goods and services into a combined output or system. Often times, the system is customized or significantly modified to the customer's desired configurations and location, and the interrelated goods and services provide utility to the customer as a package.
Revenue for uniquely configured (custom) or integrated systems is recognized over time using the cost incurred input method. Over time revenue recognition is appropriate because we have no alternative use for the uniquely configured system and have an enforceable right to payment for work performed. The cost incurred input method measures costs incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. This method is the most faithful depiction of our performance because it measures the value of the contract transferred to the customer. Costs to perform include direct and indirect costs for contract design, production, integration, installation, and assurance-type warranty reserve. Direct costs include materials and components; manufacturing, project management and engineering labor; and subcontracting expenses. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities and equipment depreciation and general overhead. Provisions of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period when such losses are capable of being estimated.
Contract modifications to existing contracts with customers are evaluated in accordance with the five-step revenue model. We treat contract modifications as a separate contract and new performance obligations when the additional goods or services are distinct and do not add to the unique configuration or are outside the integrated system and when the consideration reflects standalone selling prices. If the additional goods or services offered under the modification enhance the uniquely configured or integrated systems, revenue is allocated to the existing contracts' performance obligation. Modifications may cause changes in the timing of revenue recognition depending on the allocation to various performance obligations.
The time between contract order and project completion is typically less than 12 months but may extend longer depending on the amount of custom work and customers’ delivery needs.
Limited configuration (standard systems) and after-sale parts contracts: Limited configured (standard systems) or after-sale parts contracts with limited or no configuration or limited integration are recognized as distinct individual performance obligations when material. When not distinct, we combine into one performance obligation the goods and/or services with each other until the bundle of goods or services is distinct. For standard display purchases made in large quantities, we account for each piece of equipment separately as a distinct performance obligation from which a customer derives benefit. Immaterial goods or services in the context of the contract are included with the display system performance obligation. Standard systems and equipment with limited configurations or integrations may include all or a combination (when immaterial) of the following performance obligations: engineering services, project management services, video display(s), control solution(s), installation and integration services, scoring, messaging and audio equipment, training, spare parts, software licenses, assurance-type warranties, and after-sale parts.
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control passes, or over time as services are performed. When fulfilling limited configuration performance obligations, we are typically able to redirect the video displays or scoring, messaging, or audio equipment to another customer without incurring significant economic losses. Therefore, we have an alternative use for the performance obligation and recognize revenue upon our substantial completion and at the point in time we estimate control has transferred to the customer. When limited configured single performance obligations are more service-type (i.e., installation and integration services), we recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost input method, which is the most faithful depiction of the customer obtaining control and benefits from the work performed.
Services and other: Services sold on a stand-alone basis or after the initial system sale include performance obligations such as event support, control room design, on-site training, equipment service, service-type warranties, technical support, software sold as a service, and other immaterial revenue streams. These are contracted with a customer generally per service event or service type on a stand-alone basis. Services, service type warranties, and other are recognized as net sales when the services are performed, and control is transferred to the customer at a point in time when title or control passes or over time as services are performed and for time-based "stand ready to perform" type obligations. We use professional judgment to determine control transfer. If we have the right to consideration from a customer that directly corresponds with the value of our performance (where we bill a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), we recognize revenue related to the work completed.
Software: Revenues from software license fees on sales, other than uniquely configured type contracts, are recognized when delivery of the product has occurred. Subscription-based licenses include the right for a customer to use our licenses and receive related support for a specified term, and revenue is recognized pro-rata over the term of the engagement.
Shipping and handling costs: Shipping and handling costs collected from our customers in connection with our sales are recorded as revenue. We record shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.
Warranty: We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from one to five years for most of our products. We also offer additional types of warranties to include on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support. In addition, the terms of warranties on some installations can vary from one to 10 years. The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary primarily depending on the type of product sold. We estimate the costs which may be incurred under the contractual warranty obligations (assurance type warranty) and record a liability in the amount of such estimated costs at the time the revenue is recognized. Factors affecting our estimate of the cost of our warranty obligations include historical experience and expectations of future conditions. We continually assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accruals and, to the extent we experience any changes in warranty claim activity or costs associated with servicing those claims, our accrued warranty obligation is adjusted accordingly. For service-type warranty contracts, we allocate revenue to this performance obligation, recognize the revenue over time, and recognize costs as incurred.
Long-term receivables and advertising rights: We occasionally sell and install our products at facilities in exchange for the rights to sell or to retain future advertising revenues. For these transactions, we recognize revenue equal to 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. We recognize imputed interest as earned.
Property and equipment: In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Years
Buildings and improvements
5 - 40
Machinery and equipment
5 - 7
Office furniture and equipment
3 - 5
Computer software and hardware
3 - 5
Equipment held for rental
2 - 7
Demonstration equipment
3 - 5
Transportation equipment
5 - 7
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease.
Property and equipment held for sale: In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, property and equipment held for sale are reported separately when we have a plan to dispose of the asset by sale, it is probable we will find a buyer in the near future, and a change in plan is unlikely. The value is stated at the lower of carrying value or fair value, and no depreciation is charged.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we assess long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated fair value. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis will be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset.
Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: We account for goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives in accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other. Under these provisions, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment testing is required more often than annually if an event or circumstance indicates an impairment or a decline in value may have occurred. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a worsening trend of orders and sales without a corresponding way to preserve future cash flows or a significant decline in our stock price. In conducting our impairment testing, we utilize a step 0 analysis which allows us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, based on a review of qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
If a quantitative analysis is performed, we utilize an income approach to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. We selected this method because we believe it most appropriately measures our income producing assets. We considered using the market approach and cost approach, but concluded they were not appropriate in valuing our reporting units given the lack of relevant and available market comparisons. The income approach is based on the projected cash flows, which are discounted to their present value using discount rates which consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit's expected long-term operating cash performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of the cyclical trends occurring in the industry. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts and assumptions. The discount rate used is the average estimated value of a market participant’s cost of capital and debt, derived using customary market metrics. Other significant assumptions include terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures, and changes in future working capital requirements. We also compare and reconcile our overall fair value to our market capitalization. Although there are inherent uncertainties related to the assumptions used and to our application of these assumptions to this analysis, we believe the income approach provides a reasonable estimate of the fair value of our reporting units. The foregoing assumptions to a large degree were consistent with our long-term performance, with limited exceptions. We believe our future investments for capital expenditures as a percent of revenue will remain similar to the historical rates as a percentage of sales in future years. Our investments are expected to relate to equipment replacements and new product line manufacturing equipment needs and to keep our information technology infrastructure robust. These assumptions could deviate materially from actual results.
Goodwill was not impaired in any reporting unit based on the outcome of the fiscal 2021 annual impairment test which utilized a quantitative assessment.
Foreign currency translation: We follow the provisions of ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are 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 in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Income taxes: We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. We record a tax provision for anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates and statutory tax rates applicable to the years in which we expect these temporary differences will affect taxable income. These assets and liabilities are analyzed regularly, and we assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recoverable from future taxable income. When necessary, a valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We report the net deferred tax asset and liability as a long-term asset or liability. Net deferred assets or liabilities are calculated by combining them based on their jurisdiction.
In addition, because we operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. See "Note 12. Income Taxes" for further information.
Comprehensive income (loss): We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components, and disclose these components in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Comprehensive (loss) 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 cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in the comprehensive income calculation has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent.
Product design and development: We follow the provisions of ASC 730, Research and Development, which states all expenses related to product design and development are charged to operations as incurred. Our product design and development activities include the enhancement of existing products and technologies and the development of new products and technologies.
Advertising costs: In accordance with ASC 720-35, Advertising Costs, we expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $843, $2,184 and $2,969 for the fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Earnings per share (“EPS”): We follow the provisions of ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, where basic EPS is computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution which may occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into shares of common stock or resulted in the issuance of shares of common stock which share in our earnings.
The following is a reconciliation of the net income (loss) and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2021, May 2, 2020 and April 27, 2019:
Net income (loss) Shares
Per share income (loss)
For the year ended May 1, 2021:
Basic earnings per share
$ 10,926 44,989 $ 0.24
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
- 213 -
Diluted earnings per share
$ 10,926 45,202 $ 0.24
For the year ended May 2, 2020:
Basic earnings per share
$ 491 45,031 $ 0.01
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
- 285 -
Diluted earnings per share
$ 491 45,316 $ 0.01
For the year ended April 27, 2019:
Basic loss per share
$ (958 ) 44,926 $ (0.02 )
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
- - -
Diluted loss per share
$ (958 ) 44,926 $ (0.02 )
Options outstanding to purchase 2,262, 2,198 and 2,304 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $9.11, $9.95 and $9.99 for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2021, May 2, 2020 and April 27, 2019, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
Share-based compensation: We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, we measure share-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. See "Note 10. Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation" for additional information and the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value of share-based employee compensation.
Other Business Developments - Coronavirus Pandemic
During fiscal 2021, we continued to see impacts of the global spread of the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19") and related restrictions, which created and continues to create significant volatility, uncertainty and global economic disruption. We have taken proactive steps to solidify our financial position and mitigate any adverse consequences. Our orders and sales decline indicate the impacts of the pandemic. To align our expenses to the change in the market, we reduced investments in capital assets, reduced executive pay and board member compensation for fiscal 2021, and instituted initiatives to reduce other costs in the business. On April 1, 2020, our board of directors voted to suspend stock repurchases under our share repurchase program and to suspend dividends for the foreseeable future. In addition, throughout fiscal 2021, we temporarily furloughed employees to manage our cost structure to align with decreased demand.
A special voluntary retirement and voluntary exit incentive program ("Offering") and two reductions in force ("RIF") were instituted in fiscal 2021 to adjust our capacity and reduce on-going expenses due to the reduced revenue and uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, 60 employees agreed to participate in the Offering and completed employment. The approximate cost of this Offering was $931 during the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Under the RIF, the employment of 108 employees was terminated with severance totaling $1,426 during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and the employment of 150 employees was terminated with severance totaling $2,742 during the second quarter of fiscal 2021.
We received governmental wage subsidies from various governmental programs related to COVID-19 implications of $1,757 during the fiscal year 2021 and recorded it as a reduction of compensation expense, which is mostly included in the "Costs of sales" line item in our consolidated statements of operations. We also have elected to defer payments of the employer portion of social security taxes during the payroll tax deferral period, which ended on December 31, 2020. As of May 1, 2021, the total amount of such deferral was $5,122, which is included in the "Accrued expenses" and in the "Other long-term obligations" line items in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Per the terms of the deferral program, 50 percent of the deferred amount is due on December 31, 2021, with the remaining 50 percent due on December 31, 2022.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (that is, lessees and lessors). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. ASU 2016-02 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842 (Leases) and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements, which provide (i) narrow amendments to clarify how to apply certain aspects of the new lease standard, (ii) entities with an additional transition method to adopt the new standard, and (iii) lessors with a practical expedient for separating components of a contract.
We adopted ASU 2016-02 and its related guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 for all agreements existing as of April 28, 2019. We elected the "comparatives under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 840 option" as a transitional method, which allows us to initially apply the new lease requirements at the effective date. Comparative periods were not adjusted and will continue to be reported in accordance with prior lease guidance under ASC 840. We elected the package of practical expedients, which permits us not to reassess our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. In addition, we have elected the short-term lease recognition whereby we will not recognize operating leases related assets or liabilities for leases with a lease term of less than one year. We have also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components in the lease payments for all asset classes. This adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows, and there was no adjustment to retained earnings. As of April 28, 2019, we recognized a right of use asset for operating leases of $11,101 and a current and non-current lease liability for operating leases of $2,745 and $8,356, respectively. The right of use operating assets are included in the "Investment in affiliates and other assets" line item, the current lease liabilities are included in the "Accrued expenses" line item, and the non-current lease liabilities are included in the "Other long-term obligations" line item in our consolidated balance sheets. See "Note 9. Leases" for more information.
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. We adopted ASU 2017-04 during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and the adoption did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-03, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides guidance regarding the measurement and recognition of credit impairment for certain financial assets. ASU 2016-03 improves financial reporting by requiring more timely recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. Under the new guidance, ASU 2016-03 requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. We adopted ASU 2016-03 and its related guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts using a loss rate method. We measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
Allowance
for Doubtful
Accounts:
Balance as of May 2, 2020
$ 2,828
Charged to costs and expenses
3,318
Deductions (1)
(2,204 )
Balance as of May 1, 2021
$ 3,942
(1) Includes account collections and write offs
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
There are no significant ASU's issued that we have not yet adopted as of May 1, 2021.
Note 2. Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of revenue
In accordance with ASC 606-10-50, we disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers by the type of performance obligation and the timing of revenue recognition. We determine that disaggregating revenue in these categories achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors and to enable users of financial statements to understand the relationship to each reportable segment.
The following table presents our disaggregation of revenue by segments:
Fiscal Year 2021
Commercial
Live Events
High School Park and Recreation Transportation
International
Total
Type of performance obligation
Unique configuration
$ 16,535 $ 104,682 $ 22,258 $ 36,398 $ 22,266 $ 202,139
Limited configuration
96,420 18,679 66,697 19,690 32,583 234,069
Service and other
14,345 19,688 2,602 2,196 6,994 45,825
$ 127,300 $ 143,049 $ 91,557 $ 58,284 $ 61,843 $ 482,033
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods/services transferred at a point in time
$ 98,243 $ 23,906 $ 60,859 $ 20,180 $ 34,388 $ 237,576
Goods/services transferred over time
29,057 119,143 30,698 38,104 27,455 244,457
$ 127,300 $ 143,049 $ 91,557 $ 58,284 $ 61,843 $ 482,033
Fiscal Year 2020
Commercial
Live Events
High School Park and Recreation Transportation
International
Total
Type of performance obligation
Unique configuration
$ 35,212 $ 140,044 $ 19,176 $ 43,519 $ 40,454 $ 278,405
Limited configuration
102,847 31,897 74,266 24,588 45,626 279,224
Service and other
14,568 24,650 2,972 2,032 7,081 51,303
$ 152,627 $ 196,591 $ 96,414 $ 70,139 $ 93,161 $ 608,932
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods/services transferred at a point in time
$ 105,096 $ 39,521 $ 68,582 $ 25,157 $ 47,345 $ 285,701
Goods/services transferred over time
47,531 157,070 27,832 44,982 45,816 323,231
$ 152,627 $ 196,591 $ 96,414 $ 70,139 $ 93,161 $ 608,932
Fiscal Year 2019
Commercial
Live Events
High School Park and Recreation
Transportation
International
Total
Type of performance obligation
Unique configuration
$ 25,171 $ 119,569 $ 21,792 $ 38,490 $ 44,989 $ 250,011
Limited configuration
108,921 30,107 66,825 23,799 42,134 271,786
Service and other
14,741 21,276 2,570 2,102 7,218 47,907
$ 148,833 $ 170,952 $ 91,187 $ 64,391 $ 94,341 $ 569,704
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods/services transferred at a point in time
$ 111,617 $ 35,313 $ 60,763 $ 24,500 $ 44,758 $ 276,951
Goods/services transferred over time
37,216 135,639 30,424 39,891 49,583 292,753
$ 148,833 $ 170,952 $ 91,187 $ 64,391 $ 94,341 $ 569,704
See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" for a disaggregation of revenue by geography.
Contract balances
Contract assets represent revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed and include unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables, which represent an unconditional right to payment subject only to the passage of time, are reclassified to accounts receivable when they are billed according to the contract terms. Contract liabilities represent amounts billed to the clients in excess of revenue recognized to date.
The following table reflects the balances and changes in our contract assets and liabilities:
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
Contract assets
$ 32,799 $ 35,467
Contract liabilities - current
64,495 50,897
Contract liabilities - non-current
10,720 10,707
The changes in our contract assets and contract liabilities from May 2, 2020 to May 1, 2021 were due to the timing of billing schedules and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on the contractual payment terms and the seasonality of the sports markets. We had no material impairments of contract assets for fiscal 2021.
For service-type warranty contracts, we allocate revenue to this performance obligation, recognize the revenue over time, and recognize costs as incurred. Earned and unearned revenues for these contracts are included in the "Contract assets" and "Contract liabilities". Changes in unearned service-type warranty contracts, net were as follows:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
Balance at beginning of year
$ 24,490 $ 24,939
New contracts sold
35,623 41,169
Less: reductions for revenue recognized
(36,723 ) (41,167 )
Foreign currency translation and other
1,200 (451 )
Balance at end of year
$ 24,590 $ 24,490
As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, our contracts in progress that were identified as loss contracts were immaterial. For these contracts, the provision for losses are included in the "Accrued expenses" line item in our consolidated balance sheets.
During fiscal 2021, we recognized revenue of $46,533 related to our contract liabilities as of May 2, 2020.
Remaining performance obligations
As of May 1, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations was $303,535. We expect approximately $269,792 of our remaining performance obligations to be recognized over the next 12 months, with the remainder recognized thereafter. Remaining performance obligations related to product and service agreements at May 1, 2021 are $250,736 and $52,799, respectively. Although remaining performance obligations reflect business that is considered to be legally binding, cancellations, deferrals or scope adjustments may occur. Any known project cancellations, revisions to project scope and cost, foreign currency exchange fluctuations and project deferrals are reflected or excluded in the remaining performance obligation balance, as appropriate.
Note 3. Segment Reporting
We organize and manage our business by the following five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting: Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, Transportation, and International. These segments are based on the customer type or geography and are the same as our business units. Separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by our chief operating decision-maker (CODM), who is our president and chief executive officer, in making resource allocation decisions for our segments. Our CODM evaluates segment performance to the GAAP measure of gross profit.
Our Commercial business unit primarily consists of sales of our integrated video display systems, digital billboards, Galaxy® and Fuelight™ product lines, and dynamic messaging systems to resellers (primarily sign companies), out-of-home ("OOH") companies, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships, commercial building owners, and petroleum retailers. Our Live Events business unit primarily consists of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports facilities and convention centers and sales of our mobile display technology to video rental organizations and other live events type venues. Our High School Park and Recreation business unit primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary education facilities and resellers (primarily sign companies). Our Transportation business unit primarily consists of sales of intelligent transportation systems dynamic messaging signs for road management, mass transit, and aviation applications and other electronic signage for advertising and way-finding needs, which includes our Vanguard® and Galaxy® product lines and other intelligent transportation systems dynamic message signs, to governmental transportation departments, transportation industry contractors, airlines and other transportation related customers. Our International business unit consists of sales of all product lines outside the United States and Canada. In our International business unit, we focus on product lines related to integrated scoring and video display systems for sports and commercial applications, OOH advertising products, architectural lighting, and transportation related products for sale outside of the United States and Canada to the related type of company, including sports and commercial business facilities, OOH companies, and governmental transportation agencies.
Assets are not allocated to the segments. Depreciation and amortization are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures; however, some depreciation and amortization are corporate in nature and remain unallocated. Our segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Some expenses or services are not directly allocable to a sale or segment or the resources and related expenses are shared across business segment areas. These expenses are allocated using estimates and allocation methodologies based on some financial measures and professional judgment. Shared or unabsorbed manufacturing costs are allocated to the business unit benefiting most from that manufacturing location's production capabilities. Shared or unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units based on cost of sales. Shared manufacturing, buildings and utilities, and procurement costs are allocated based on payroll dollars, square footage and various other financial measures in the segment analysis.
We do not maintain information on sales by products; therefore, disclosure of such information is not practical.
The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five reporting segments for the periods indicated:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Net sales:
Commercial
$ 127,300 $ 152,627 $ 148,833
Live Events
143,049 196,591 170,952
High School Park and Recreation
91,557 96,414 91,187
Transportation
58,284 70,139 64,391
International
61,843 93,161 94,341
Total company net sales 482,033 608,932 569,704
Gross profit:
Commercial
33,072 29,246 31,785
Live Events
24,397 39,518 32,164
High School Park and Recreation
31,472 28,874 26,858
Transportation
20,329 23,910 22,525
International
11,313 17,152 16,962
120,583 138,700 130,294
Operating expenses
Selling
48,649 65,902 64,648
General and administrative
27,980 35,193 34,817
Product design and development
26,846 37,772 35,557
103,475 138,867 135,022
Operating income (loss)
17,108 (167 ) (4,728 )
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income
230 805 1,031
Interest expense
(295 ) (106 ) (160 )
Other (expense) income, net
(2,983 ) (541 ) (1,087 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
$ 14,060 $ (9 ) $ (4,944 )
Depreciation and amortization:
Commercial
$ 3,037 $ 3,682 $ 4,795
Live Events
5,798 5,605 5,194
High School Park and Recreation
1,942 2,025 1,965
Transportation
979 1,029 1,102
International
2,887 2,460 2,829
Unallocated corporate depreciation
2,434 2,917 2,750
$ 17,077 $ 17,718 $ 18,635
No single geographic area comprises a material amount of our net sales or property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, other than the United States. The following table presents information about net sales and property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the United States and elsewhere:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Net sales:
United States
$ 413,211 $ 504,931 $ 460,099
Outside United States
68,822 104,001 109,605
$ 482,033 $ 608,932 $ 569,704
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:
United States
$ 50,130 $ 58,422 $ 59,192
Outside United States
8,552 9,062 6,122
$ 58,682 $ 67,484 $ 65,314
We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services, and no customer accounted for 10% or more of net sales; therefore, we are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services.
We have numerous raw material and component suppliers, and no supplier accounts for 10% or more of our cost of sales; however, we have a number of single-source suppliers that could limit our supply or cause delays in obtaining raw material and components needed in manufacturing.
Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We account for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other.
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021 were as follows:
Live Events
Commercial
Transportation
International
Total
Balance as of May 2, 2020:
$ 2,266 $ 3,144 $ 38 $ 2,295 $ 7,743
Foreign currency translation
47 320 46 258 671
Balance as of May 1, 2021:
$ 2,313 $ 3,464 $ 84 $ 2,553 $ 8,414
We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis and test for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. Our annual analysis is performed during our third quarter of each fiscal year, based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third fiscal quarter. We performed our annual impairment test and concluded no goodwill impairment existed for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019.
Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes intangible assets, net, as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020:
May 1, 2021
Weighted Average Life (in years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks
19.4
$ 738 $ 246 $ 492
Software
3.0 6,606 6,412 194
Customer relationships
10.0 2,984 1,588 1,396
Other
1.5 132 131 1
Total amortized intangible assets
6.1 $ 10,460 $ 8,377 $ 2,083
May 2, 2020
Weighted Average Life (in years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks
19.4
$ 663 $ 183 $ 480
Software
3.0 6,247 4,890 1,357
Customer relationships
10.0 2,641 1,135 1,506
Other
1.5 120 109 11
Total amortized intangible assets
6.0 $ 9,671 $ 6,317 $ 3,354
In the fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, amortization expense was $1,502, $1,498, and $2,157, respectively. Amortization expenses are included primarily in product design and development and selling expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Intangible assets are written off when fully amortized.
As of May 1, 2021, amortization expenses for future periods were estimated to be as follows:
Fiscal years ending
Amount
$ 512
Thereafter
Total expected amortization expense
$ 2,083
Note 5. Selected Financial Statement Data
Inventories consisted of the following:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
Raw materials
$ 29,913 $ 35,306
Work-in-process
9,948 12,102
Finished goods
34,495 39,395
$ 74,356 $ 86,803
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
Land
$ 1,924 $ 2,183
Buildings
69,608 68,804
Machinery and equipment
98,451 104,157
Office furniture and equipment
4,103 6,151
Computer software and hardware
44,851 53,441
Equipment held for rental
- 287
Demonstration equipment
7,186 8,473
Transportation equipment
7,264 7,944
233,387 251,440
Less accumulated depreciation
174,705 183,956
$ 58,682 $ 67,484
Our depreciation expense was $15,575, $16,230, and $16,564 for the fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
In the fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, the pretax impairment charges for property and equipment were immaterial.
Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
Compensation
$ 13,079 $ 15,967
Taxes, other than income taxes
5,888 3,597
Accrued employee benefits
2,174 2,243
Operating lease liabilities
1,881 2,416
Short-term accrued expenses
7,455 9,270
Claims liabilities
- 2,562
Acquisition-related contingency consideration
195 571
$ 30,672 $ 36,626
Other (expense) income, net consisted of the following:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains
$ (675 ) $ 207 $ (262 )
Equity in losses of affiliates
(2,370 ) (741 ) (844 )
Other
62 (7 ) 19
$ (2,983 ) $ (541 ) $ (1,087 )
Note 6. Receivables
We invoice customers based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts. We sometimes have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral and to file claims against surety bonds to protect our interest in receivables. 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 $3,942 and $2,828 at May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 was $660 and $687, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.
In some contracts with customers, we agree to installment payments exceeding 12 months. The present value of these contracts is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with GAAP, and profit is recognized to the extent the present value is in excess of cost. We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid. The present value of long-term contracts, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $3,097 and $4,633 as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Contract receivables bearing annual interest rates of 5.0 to 9.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through November 2025. The face value of long-term receivables was $3,438 as of May 1, 2021 and $5,166 as of May 2, 2020.\
Note 7. Financing Agreements
On March 11, 2021, we entered into an amendment to clarify the potential upcoming change from LIBOR (the London Interbank Offered Rate) to SOFR (the Secured Overnight Financing Rate) and to modify the expiration date of a specific letter of credit to up to seven years from the issuance date. On November 15, 2019, we entered into an amendment to extend the maturity date of our credit agreement and a related revolving bank note from November 15, 2019 to November 15, 2022 and to modify certain other terms and financial covenants. On August 28, 2020, we entered into the third amendment to our credit agreement and a security agreement creating a security interest on certain assets. The third amendment adds a liquidity covenant and revises other financial covenants. The revolving amount of the agreement and note remains at $35,000, including up to $20,000 for commercial and standby letters of credit. The credit agreement and amendments require us to be in compliance with certain financial ratios, including a covenant to maintain the ratio of interest-bearing debt to earnings before income taxes, depreciation, and amortization of less than 2.5, and other covenants and contain customary events of default, including the failure to comply with covenants, the failure to pay or discharge material judgments and taxes, bankruptcy, the failure to pay loans and fees, and experiencing a change of control. The occurrence of an event of default by us would permit the lenders to terminate their commitments and accelerate repayment of the loans, foreclose on the collateral for the loans, and require collateralization of outstanding letters of credit. As of May 1, 2021, there were no advances under the loan portion of the line of credit, and the balance of the letters of credit outstanding was approximately $3,811. As of May 1, 2021, $31,189 of the credit facility was available for borrowing.
We are sometimes required to obtain bank guarantees or other financial instruments for display installations. If we are unable to meet the terms of the arrangement, our customer would draw on the banking arrangement, and the bank would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. As of May 1, 2021, we had $2,561 of such instruments outstanding.
As of May 1, 2021, we were in compliance with all applicable bank loan covenants.
Note 8. Share Repurchase Program
On June 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may purchase up to $40,000 of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time.
During fiscal 2021 and 2019, we had no repurchases of shares of our outstanding common stock. During fiscal 2020, we repurchased 1,039 shares of common stock at a total cost of $5,636. As of May 1, 2021, we had $32,539 of remaining capacity under our current share repurchase program.
As part of our COVID-19 response, on April 1, 2020, our Board of Directors voted to suspend stock repurchases under our share repurchase program for the foreseeable future.
Note 9. Leases
We lease facilities and various equipment to manufacture products and provide employee collaboration space and tools. These are all classified as operating leases and have initial lease terms ranging from one to five years. These operating leases do not contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Our lease in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has a purchase option. We do not have any financing leases.
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the lease. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As we are generally not able to determine the rate implicit in our leases, we use the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future lease payments. The operating lease right-of-use asset includes any prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs and excludes any lease incentives and impairments. Some of our leases include options to extend the term, which is only included in the right-of-use assets and lease liability calculation when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to account for all asset classes as a single lease component. Our operating leases also typically require payment of real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance. These components comprise the majority of our variable lease cost and are excluded from the present value of our lease obligations. In instances where they are fixed, they are included due to our election to combine lease and non-lease components. Our total variable lease costs are immaterial.
Operating lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and short-term lease cost is recognized when paid. During fiscal 2021, the amount of the operating lease cost included in cost of sales and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations was $2,241 and $977, respectively, as compared to $2,325 and $1,116, respectively, in fiscal year 2020. Operating lease cost includes short-term leases, which are immaterial.
As of May 1, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate related to operating leases was 4.7 years and 3.3 percent as compared to 5.0 years and 3.4 percent as of May 2, 2020.
Supplemental unaudited cash flow information related to operating leases include:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$ 2,752 $ 3,340
Future minimum operating lease payments as of, and subsequent to, May 1, 2021 under ASC 842 are as follows:
Operating Leases(1)
Fiscal years ending
$ 2,061
1,282
1,168
Thereafter
Total lease payments
6,936
Less imputed interest
(530 )
Total lease liabilities
$ 6,406
(1) Includes $3,879 to extend the term of the lease for our Sioux Falls, South Dakota manufacturing facility.
Note 10. Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation
Common stock: Our 120,000 authorized shares consist of 115,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 shares of “undesignated stock.” Our Board of Directors has the power to authorize and issue any or all of the shares of undesignated stock without shareholder approval, including the authority to establish the rights and preferences of the undesignated stock.
Each outstanding share of our common stock includes one preferred share purchase right. Each right entitles the registered holder of our common stock to purchase from us one one-thousandth of one share of our Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an initial exercise price of $25 per right, 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 20 percent or more of our outstanding common shares (subject to certain exceptions) or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer for our common shares, the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 20 percent or more of our outstanding common shares. The rights expire on November 19, 2021, which date may be extended by our Board of Directors subject to certain additional conditions.
Stock incentive plans: During fiscal 2021, we established the Daktronics, Inc. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (“2020 Plan”) and ceased granting options under the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan ("2015 Plan"). The 2020 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 2015 Plan and 2020 Plan generally have a 10-year life, an exercise price equal to the market value on the grant date and a five-year annual vesting period. Stock options granted to independent directors under these plans have a seven-year life and an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant. Stock options granted to independent directors vest in one year, provided that the directors remain on the Board. The restricted stock granted to independent directors vests in one year, provided that the directors remain on the Board. Restricted stock units are granted to employees and have a five-year annual vesting period. As with stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit ownership cannot be transferred during the vesting period.
At May 1, 2021, the aggregate number of shares available for future grants under the 2020 Plan for stock options and restricted stock awards was 2,868 shares. Shares of common stock subject to all stock awards granted under the 2020 Plan are counted as one share of stock for each share of stock subject to the award. Although the 2015 Plan remains in effect for options outstanding that were granted under the 2015 Plan until the earlier of the exercise of the options or their expiration or termination without being exercised, no new options can be granted under the 2015 Plan.
Restricted stock and restricted stock units: We issue restricted stock to our non-employee directors and restricted stock units to employees. Restricted stock issued to non-employee directors are participating securities and receive dividends prior to vesting. Unvested restricted stock will terminate and be forfeited upon termination of employment or service. The fair value of restricted stock and our restricted stock unit awards are measured on the grant date based on the market value of our common stock. The related compensation expense as calculated under ASC 718, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the applicable vesting period. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards was approximately $1,787 at May 1, 2021, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years. The total fair value of restricted stock vested was $1,293, $1,415, and $1,530 in fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
A summary of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 is as follows:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
April 27, 2019
Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of year
449 $ 7.16 444 $ 7.58 437 $ 8.48
Granted
223 3.92 186 7.03 181 6.79
Vested
(176 ) 7.27 (173 ) 8.10 (169 ) 9.05
Forfeited
(16 ) 7.00 (8 ) 7.37 (5 ) 7.74
Outstanding at end of year
480 $ 5.62 449 $ 7.16 444 $ 7.58
Stock Options: We issue incentive stock options to our employees and non-qualified stock options to our independent directors. A summary of stock option activity under our 2015 Plan and 2020 Plan during the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021 is as follows:
Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at May 2, 2020
2,121 $ 9.96 4.38 $ -
Granted
412 4.11 - -
Canceled or forfeited
(306 ) 12.48 - -
Outstanding at May 1, 2021
2,227 $ 8.53 4.83 $ 843.00
Shares vested and expected to vest
2,190 $ 8.58 4.76 $ 792.00
Exercisable at May 1, 2021
1,478 $ 9.83 3.00 $ -
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options represents the difference between the exercise price of stock options and the fair market value of the underlying common stock for all in-the-money options. We define in-the-money options at May 1, 2021 as options having exercise prices lower than the $6.17 per share market price of our common stock on that date. There were no shares exercisable that were in-the-money options at May 1, 2021. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $0, $0, and $98, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested was $451, $566, and $667 for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We recognize the fair value of the stock options on a straight-line basis as compensation expense. All options are recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods.
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which 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. ASC 718 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 expected to vest. The following factors are the significant assumptions used in the computation of the fair value of options:
Expected life. The expected life of options granted represents the period of time they are expected to be outstanding. We estimate the expected life of options granted based on historical exercise patterns, which we believe are representative of future behavior. We have examined our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there were any discernible patterns of activity based on certain demographic characteristics. Demographic characteristics tested included age, salary level, job level and geographic location. We have determined 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 ASC 718 and Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payments.
Risk-free interest rate. The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a term similar to the expected life of the options.
Dividend yield. We use an expected dividend yield consistent with our historical dividend yield pattern.
The following table provides the weighted-average fair value of options granted and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Fair value of options granted
$ 1.71 $ 1.99 $ 2.16
Risk-free interest rate
43.00 % 1.51 % 2.83 %
Expected dividend rate
- % 3.50 % 3.37 %
Expected volatility
40.53 % 37.55 % 38.58 %
Expected life of option (in years)
6.94 6.94 6.83
Employee stock purchase plan: We have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), which enables employees after six months of continuous employment to elect, in advance and semi-annually, to contribute up to 15 percent of their compensation, subject to certain limitations, toward the purchase of our common stock at a purchase price equal to 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of the participation period. The ESPP requires participants to hold any shares purchased under the ESPP for a minimum period of one year after the date of purchase. Compensation expense recognized on shares issued under our ESPP is based on the value of a traded option to purchase shares of our stock at a 15 percent discount to the stock price. The total number of shares reserved under the ESPP is 4,000. The number of shares of common stock issued under the ESPP totaled 170, 453, and 241 shares in fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The number of shares of common stock reserved for future employee purchases under the ESPP totaled 809 shares at May 1, 2021. The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").
Total share-based compensation expense: As of May 1, 2021, there was $2,832 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 the cost over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.
The following table presents a summary of the share-based compensation expense by equity type as follows:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Stock options
$ 450 $ 492 $ 593
Restricted stock and stock units
1,203 1,341 1,446
Employee stock purchase plans
414 432 440
$ 2,067 $ 2,265 $ 2,479
A summary of the share-based compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares issued under the ESPP for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 is as follows:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Cost of sales
$ 472 $ 514 $ 578
Selling
484 572 625
General and administrative
678 717 772
Product design and development
433 462 504
$ 2,067 $ 2,265 $ 2,479
We received $0 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021. The tax (expense) benefit related to non-qualified options and restricted stock units under all share-based payment arrangements totaled ($70), ($92), and ($52) for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Note 11. Retirement Benefits
We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan providing benefits for substantially all United States-based employees of Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, subject to certain Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limits. We made matching cash contributions equal to 50 percent of the employee's qualifying contribution up to six percent of such employee's compensation; however, we eliminated our matching contribution as one of our cost savings initiatives for fiscal 2021. These benefits were reinstated for fiscal 2022. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) savings plan upon completion of three months of continuous service if they have attained the age of 21. We contributed $0, $2,917 and $2,754 for matches to the plan for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Note 12. Income Taxes
The following tables reflect the significant components of our income tax provision. The pretax income attributable to domestic and foreign operations was as follows:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Domestic
$ 10,413 $ (4,187 ) $ (8,402 )
Foreign
3,647 4,178 3,458
Income (loss) before income taxes
$ 14,060 $ (9 ) $ (4,944 )
Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Current:
Federal
$ 507 $ 625 $ (2,142 )
State
422 297 384
Foreign
891 761 1,151
Deferred:
Federal
1,216 (2,028 ) (2,725 )
State
59 (321 ) (390 )
Foreign
39 166 (264 )
$ 3,134 $ (500 ) $ (3,986 )
The reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate to income (loss) before income taxes is as follows:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Computed income tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory rates
$ 2,953 $ (2 ) $ (1,038 )
Change in uncertain tax positions
(34 ) 4 (2,600 )
Research and development tax credit
(1,047 ) (1,621 ) (1,278 )
Other, net
403 (241 ) 587
Change in valuation allowances
402 482 (471 )
GILTI
(156 ) 149 391
Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT)
(285 ) 301 -
Stock compensation
355 318 308
Meals and entertainment
49 305 248
Dividends paid to retirement plan
- (111 ) (158 )
State taxes, net of federal benefit
494 (84 ) 25
$ 3,134 $ (500 ) $ (3,986 )
The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2021 was impacted due to tax benefits from permanent tax credits and prior year provision to return adjustments offset by valuation allowances as well as other various permanent tax adjustments and state taxes.
During fiscal 2020, our effective income tax rate was impacted due to the tax benefit of permanent tax credits reduced by a valuation allowance placed on equity investments in proportion to a small pre-tax book loss which results in an abnormal looking tax rate.
During fiscal 2019, our effective income tax rate was impacted due to a tax benefit of a book loss plus permanent credits and deductions, the release of unrecognized tax benefits, and the reversal of a valuation allowance related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards.
The components of the net deferred tax assets were as follows:
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued warranty obligations
$ 6,293 $ 6,202
Vacation accrual
1,222 1,753
Deferred maintenance revenue
398 987
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory
1,776 1,318
Legal reserve
- 503
Equity compensation
324 396
Allowance for doubtful accounts
829 546
Inventory capitalization
583 822
Accrued compensation and benefits
1,707 539
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange 85 -
Net operating loss carry forwards
856 919
Research and development tax credit carry forwards
516 1,975
Lease accounting - lease liability
1,572 2,099
Other
1,513 1,035
Total deferred tax assets
17,674 19,094
Valuation allowance
(1,732 ) (1,189 )
Net deferred tax assets
15,942 17,905
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment
(2,373 ) (2,141 )
Lease accounting - right of use asset
(1,580 ) (2,103 )
Prepaid expenses
(337 ) (440 )
Intangible assets
(69 ) (317 )
Unrealized gain on foreign currency exchange
- (17 )
Other
(49 ) (68 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
(4,408 ) (5,086 )
Net deferred tax asset
$ 11,534 $ 12,819
The classification of the net deferred tax assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
Non-current assets
$ 11,944 $ 13,271
Non-current liabilities
(410 ) (452 )
$ 11,534 $ 12,819
The summary of changes in the amounts related to unrecognized uncertain tax benefits are:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
Balance at beginning of year
$ 582 $ 578
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions
21 17
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions
(1 ) (2 )
Gross increases related to current period tax positions
84 148
Lapse of statute of limitations
(138 ) (159 )
Balance at end of year
$ 548 $ 582
All of our unrecognized tax benefits would have an impact on the effective tax rate if recognized. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change due to one or more of the following events occurring in the next 12 months: expiring statutes, audit activity, tax payments, or competent authority proceedings. A statute of limitations relating to $150 of the unrecognized tax benefits (including interest) expires in the next 12 months. The benefit will be recognized if the statute lapses with no further action taken by regulators. Additionally, we recognized the release of $138 in unrecognized tax benefits related to the lapse of a statute of limitations in fiscal 2021.
Interest and penalties incurred associated with uncertain tax positions are included in the "Income tax expense" line item in our consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in the related tax liability line item in our consolidated balance sheets of $38 and $30 as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively.
As of May 1, 2021, we had foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $4,457 primarily related to our operations in Belgium and Ireland, which have indefinite lives. A deferred tax asset has been recorded for all NOL carryforwards totaling approximately $856. However, due to uncertainty in future taxable income, a valuation allowance totaling approximately $595 was been recorded. If sufficient evidence of our ability to generate future taxable income in the jurisdictions in which we currently maintain a valuation allowance causes us to determine that our deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable, we would release our valuation allowance, which would result in an income tax benefit being recorded in our consolidated statements of operations.
Additional tax information:
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. Fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020 remain open to federal tax examinations, and fiscal years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 remain open for state income tax examinations. Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2010. In the event of any future tax assessments, we have elected to record the income taxes and any related interest and penalties as income tax expense in our consolidated statement of operations.
As of May 1, 2021, we had no deferred tax liability recognized relating to our investment in foreign subsidiaries where the earnings have been indefinitely reinvested. The Tax Act of 2017 generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, and, as a result, the accumulated undistributed earnings would be subject only to other taxes, such as withholding taxes and state income taxes, on the distribution of such earnings. No additional withholding or income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the one-time deemed repatriation tax, as it is our intention for these amounts to continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations in all of our non-U.S. jurisdictions.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was enacted in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The CARES Act includes provisions such as: a deferral of the employer portion of certain payroll taxes, refundable payroll tax credits, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property, and permitting NOL incurred in tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020 (our fiscal years 2019, 2020, and 2021) to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. Subsequently to the CARES Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (“CAA”) of 2021 was signed into law on December 27, 2020 expanding and extending rules pertaining to payroll tax credits outlined in the CARES Act. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) signed into law on March 11, 2021, further extended the payroll tax credits with slight modifications. We continue to evaluate the specific rules, guidance, and procedures allowed by the provisions of the CARES Act, CAA and ARPA. Some of these provisions do not apply to our income tax results; however, we are currently participating in the payment deferral of the employer portion of certain payroll taxes.
Note 13. Cash Flow Information
The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
(Increase) decrease:
Account receivable
$ 4,864 $ (7,461 ) $ 10,856
Long-term receivables
1,737 (1,173 ) 329
Inventories
13,900 (8,347 ) (4,076 )
Contract assets
3,080 (1,931 ) (3,040 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
2,450 (1,403 ) 472
Income taxes receivables
(148 ) 533 4,250
Investment in affiliates and other assets
744 (3,137 ) 48
Increase (decrease):
Accounts payable
(7,081 ) 2,377 (2,747 )
Contract liabilities
12,628 4,548 10,774
Accrued expenses
(2,936 ) 6,745 4,631
Warranty obligations
696 273 (4,393 )
Long-term warranty obligations
(367 ) 883 (1,079 )
Income taxes payable
(173 ) 390 (3,023 )
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables
2,337 (387 ) (1,116 )
$ 31,731 $ (8,090 ) $ 11,886
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Cash payments for:
Interest
$ 264 $ 46 $ 177
Income taxes, net of refunds
2,557 977 (1,934 )
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consisted of the following:
Year Ended
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020 April 27, 2019
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory
$ 56 $ 10 $ 97
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable
667 1,951 1,106
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP
565 2,311 1,650
Note 14. Fair Value Measurement
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy within ASC 820 distinguishes between the following three Levels of inputs which may be utilized when measuring fair value:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (for example, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or market-corroborated input).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities.
The fair values for fixed-rate long-term receivables are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered for contracts with similar terms to customers with similar credit quality. The carrying amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets for long-term receivables approximate fair value and have been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement. Fair values for fixed-rate long-term marketing obligations are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation applying interest rates currently being offered for debt with similar terms and underlying collateral. The total carrying value of long-term marketing obligations as reported in our consolidated balance sheets within other long-term obligations approximates fair value and has been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
The following table sets forth by Level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.
Fair Value Measurements
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Balance as of May 1, 2021:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 77,590 $ - $ - $ 77,590
Restricted cash
2,812 - - 2,812
Derivatives - asset position
- 4 - 4
Derivatives - liability position
- (261 ) - (261 )
Acquisition-related contingent consideration
- - (363 ) (363 )
$ 80,402 $ (257 ) $ (363 ) $ 79,782
Balance as of May 2, 2020:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 40,398 $ - $ - $ 40,398
Restricted cash
14 - - 14
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit
- 1,230 - 1,230
Derivatives - asset position
- 261 - 261
Derivatives - liability position
- (17 ) - (17 )
Acquisition-related contingent consideration
- - (761 ) (761 )
$ 40,412 $ 1,474 $ (761 ) $ 41,125
A roll forward of the Level 3 contingent liabilities, both short- and long-term, for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021 is as follows:
Acquisition-related contingent consideration as of May 2, 2020
$ 761
Additions
Settlements
(600 )
Interest
Acquisition-related contingent consideration as of May 1, 2021
$ 363
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments.
Cash and cash equivalents: Consists of cash on hand in bank deposits and highly liquid investments, primarily money market accounts. The fair value was measured using quoted market prices in active markets. The carrying amount approximates fair value.
Restricted cash: Consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees. The fair value of restricted cash was measured using quoted market prices in active markets. The carrying amount approximates fair value.
Certificates of deposit: Consists of time deposit accounts with original maturities of less than three years and various yields. The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments from a third-party financial institution. The carrying amount approximates fair value.
Derivatives - currency forward contracts: Consists of currency forward contracts trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value of these securities was measured based on a valuation from a third-party bank. See "Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments" for more information regarding our derivatives.
Contingent liabilities: Consists of the fair value of liabilities measured on expected future payments relating to business acquisitions if conditions are met. The contingent liabilities were calculated by estimating the discounted present value of expected future payments as of the acquisition date and subsequently at the end of each reporting period. The fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020. The contingent liabilities are presented in the "Accrued expenses" line items in our consolidated balance sheets.
Non-recurring measurements: The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.
Other measurements using fair value: Some of our financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, long-term receivables, prepaid expense and other assets, contract assets and liabilities, accounts payable, warranty obligations, and other long-term obligations are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.
Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments
We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar. We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks. We account for all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets within accounts receivable or accounts payable measured at fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net investment hedges. As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as accounting hedges, and thus we recorded the changes in fair value in the "Other (expense) income, net" line item in the consolidated statements of operations.
The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange U.S. dollars at May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 were as follows:
May 1, 2021
May 2, 2020
U.S. Dollars Foreign Currency U.S. Dollars Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars
2,410 3,464 2,235 3,323
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars
- - 452 648
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds
418 300 3,160 2,424
U.S. Dollars/Euros
- - 1,881 1,689
As of May 1, 2021, there was an asset and liability of $4 and $261, respectively, and as of May 2, 2020, there was an asset and liability of $261 and $17, respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank. As of May 1, 2021, all contracts mature within eight months.
Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation: We are a party to legal proceedings and claims which arise during the ordinary course of business. We review our legal proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews and inspections, and other legal matters on an ongoing basis and follow appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We establish accruals for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and we disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements to not be misleading. We do not record an accrual when the likelihood of loss being incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the loss is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote, although disclosures will be made for material matters as required by ASC 450-20, Contingencies - Loss Contingencies. Our assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on our assessment and consultation with legal counsel regarding the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals.
As of May 2, 2020, we recorded a $2,072 reserve for the probable and reasonably estimated cost to settle a patent litigation claim, which was included in the "Accrued expenses" line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and "Cost of Sales" in consolidated statement of operations. During fiscal 2021, an appellate court ruled in our favor on this matter. Since we no longer estimate we have a probable loss, we recorded a credit to the "Cost of sales" line item in our condensed consolidated statement of operations and removed the liability from our condensed consolidated balance sheet during fiscal 2021.
For other unresolved legal proceedings or claims, we do not believe there is a reasonable probability that any material loss would be incurred. Accordingly, no material accrual or disclosure of a potential range of loss has been made related to these matters. We do not expect the ultimate liability of these unresolved legal proceedings or claims to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.
Warranties: See "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for more information regarding warranties.
Changes in our warranty obligation for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 consisted of the following:
May 1, 2021 May 2, 2020
Beginning accrued warranty obligations
$ 25,624 $ 24,470
Warranties issued during the period
8,539 10,629
Settlements made during the period
(5,718 ) (9,209 )
Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations
(2,485 ) (266 )
Ending accrued warranty obligations
$ 25,960 $ 25,624
Performance guarantees: We have entered into standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on contracts, primarily construction-type contracts. As of May 1, 2021, we had outstanding letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds in the amount of $3,811, $2,561 and $59,221, respectively. Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract. These performance guarantees have various terms but are generally one year. We enter into written agreements with our customers, and those agreements often contain indemnification provisions that require us to make the customer whole if certain acts or omissions by us cause the customer financial loss. We make efforts to negotiate reasonable caps and limitations on the recovery of such damages. As of May 1, 2021, we were not aware of any indemnification claim from a customer.
Purchase commitments: From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, cloud-based information systems, information technology maintenance and support services, and various other products and services over periods that extend beyond one year. As of May 1, 2021, we were obligated under the following unconditional purchase commitments:
Fiscal years ending
Amount
$ 3,102
1,825
$ 5,228

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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 in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of May 1, 2021, 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 1, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure 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 SEC’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.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended May 1, 2021, 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 regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. 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 (2013 framework). Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, our management concluded our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 1, 2021.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of May 1, 2021 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
By /s/ Reece A. Kurtenbach
By /s/ Sheila M. Anderson
Reece A. Kurtenbach
Sheila M. Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
June 11, 2021 June 11, 2021

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item 10 will be included under the captions “Proposal One - Election of Directors” and “Corporate Governance” in our Proxy Statement for our 2021 annual meeting of shareholders (“Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days after our most recent fiscal year-end. Any information concerning the compliance of our officers, directors and 10 percent 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 “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports.” 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.”

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding the compensation of our directors and officers for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021 will be 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 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 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 Form 10-K. 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.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Executive Compensation - Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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” that will be contained in our Proxy Statement. There were no related party transactions in fiscal 2021.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information regarding our principal accountant will be contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Proposal Three - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV.

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
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 - Deloitte & Touche LLP
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three fiscal years ended May 1, 2021, May 2, 2020 and April 27, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three fiscal years ended May 1, 2021, May 2, 2020 and April 27, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three fiscal years ended May 1, 2021, May 2, 2020 and April 27, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years ended May 1, 2021, May 2, 2020 and April 27, 2019
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(2)
Schedules
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
A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this report is set forth in the Index of Exhibits, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ADFLOW®, AJT Systems®, All Sport®, Daktronics®, D®, DakStats®, Data Display®, DataTime®, Fuelight™, Fuelink™, Galaxy®, GalaxyPro™, Go Digital®, Keyframe®, Liveticker®, Matside®, OmniSport®, ProAd®, ProPixel®, ProRail®, ProStar®, Sportsound®, Statvision®, Tuff Sport®, Uniview®, Vanguard®, Venus®, Visiconn®, V-Tour®, V-Link®, and Web-Sync® are trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the intellectual property of their respective companies.