BUTLER NATIONAL CORP - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this report, other reports and proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, communications to stockholders, press releases, and oral statements made by representatives of the Company that are not historical in nature, or that state the Company or management intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "could," "should," "will," "intended," "continue," "believe," "may," "expect," "hope," "anticipate," "goal," "forecast," "plan," "guidance" or "estimate" or the negative of these words, variations thereof or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. It is important to note that any such performance and actual results, financial condition or business, could differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere herein or in other reports filed with the SEC. Other unforeseen factors not identified herein could also have such an effect. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time.

The forward-looking statements in this report are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating such statements, a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results, performance, financial condition, cash flows, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include those set forth in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the following factors:

Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this report. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations in the price of the Company's common stock.

Investors should also be aware that while the Company, from time to time, communicates with securities analysts; Company policy is to not disclose any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, the Company has a policy against issuing or confirming financial forecasts or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of Butler National Corporation.

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PART I

General

Butler National Corporation (“Butler National” the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) was incorporated in 1960. Our companies design, engineer, manufacture, sell, integrate, install, repair, modify, overhaul, service and distribute a broad portfolio of aerostructures, aircraft components, avionics, accessories, subassemblies and systems (“Aerospace Products”). We serve a broad, worldwide spectrum of the aviation industry, including owners and operators, of single-engine, commercial, regional, business and military aircraft.

In addition, our companies provide management services in the gaming industry, which includes owning the land and building for the Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas (“Professional Services”).

Products and Services

The Company has two operating segments for financial reporting purposes: (a) Aerospace Products, whose companies’ revenues are derived from system design, engineering, manufacturing, sale, distribution, integration, installation, repairing, modifying, overhauling and servicing of aerostructures, avionics, aircraft components, accessories, subassemblies and systems; and (b) Professional Services, whose companies provide professional management services in the gaming industry, and professional architectural and engineering services.

Aerospace Products. The Aerospace Products segment includes the manufacture, sale and service of electronic equipment and systems and technologies to enhance and support products related to aircraft. Additionally, we also operate several Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) Repair Stations. Companies in Aerospace Products concentrate on Learjets, Beechcraft King Air, Cessna turbine engine, Cessna multi-engine piston and Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft. Specifically, the design, distribution and support for products for older aircraft, or “Classic” aircraft are areas of focus for companies in Aerospace Products.

Products. The products that the companies within this group design, engineer, manufacture, integrate, install, repair and service include:

Modifications. The companies in Aerospace Products have authority, pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificates (“STCs”) and Parts Manufacturer Approval (“PMA”), to build required parts and subassemblies and to make applicable installations. Companies in Aerospace Products perform modifications in the aviation industry including:

Special Mission Electronics. We supply defense-related, commercial off-the-shelf products to various commercial entities and government agencies and subcontractors in order to update or extend the useful life of aircraft with older components and technology. These products include:

Professional Services. The Professional Services segment includes the management of a gaming facility and related dining and entertainment facilities in Dodge City, Kansas. Boot Hill Casino and Resort features approximately 640 slot machines and 20 table games. Companies in Professional Services also provide licensed architectural services, including commercial and industrial building design, and engineering services.

Boot Hill. Butler National Service Corporation (“BNSC”), and BHCMC, LLC (“BHCMC”), a company in Professional Services, manages The Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas (“Boot Hill”) pursuant to the Lottery Gaming Facility Management Contract, by and among BNSC, BHCMC and the Kansas Lottery, as subsequently amended (“Boot Hill Agreement”). As required by Kansas law, all games, gaming equipment and gaming operations at Boot Hill are owned and operated by the Kansas Lottery. In December 2020, the land and associated buildings of the Boot Hill casino were acquired by wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.

Architectural and Engineering Services. Companies in Professional Services provide licensed architectural, including commercial and industrial building design, and engineering services.

BHC Investment Company, LC ("BHCI") owns 100% of the Class A Preferred Interest in BHCMC, LLC. BNSC owns 100% of the Class B Preferred Interest. The ownership structure of BHCMC, LLC is:

Proprietary Rights

We do not currently hold any patents, franchises or concessions. In our overhaul and repair business, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) of equipment that we maintain for our customers often include language in repair manuals that relate to their equipment, asserting broad claims of proprietary rights to the contents of the manuals used in our operations. There can be no assurance that OEMs will not try to enforce such claims, including the possible use of legal proceedings. In the event of such legal proceedings, there can be no assurance that such actions against the Company will be unsuccessful. However, we believe that our use of OEM manufacture and repair manuals is lawful.

Seasonality

Our Aerospace Products businesses are generally not seasonal. We believe that our Professional Services businesses, however, are subject to seasonality based on local weather conditions, agricultural and petroleum prices, employment levels and the travel habits of visitors in the market service area.

Raw Materials and Replacement Parts

We purchase raw materials, primarily consisting of sheet and plate aluminum, from various vendors. We also purchase replacement parts, which are utilized in our various repair and overhaul operations. We believe that the availability of raw materials to us is adequate to support our Aerospace Products operations.

Backlog

Our backlog as of April 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:

Our backlog as of July 1, 2021 totaled $25,474; consisting of $25,081 and $393, respectively, for Aerospace Products and Professional Services. The backlog includes firm pending and contract orders, which may not be completed within the next fiscal year. A portion of this backlog may be delivered after fiscal year 2022. This is standard for the industry in which modifications services and related contracts may take several months or years to complete. Such actions force backlog as additional customers request modifications, but must wait for other projects to be completed. There can be no assurance that all orders will be completed or that some may ever commence.

Dependence on Significant Customers

During the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021 we derived 24.6% of our revenue from five customers, and we had one "major customer" (10 percent or more of consolidated revenue) that provided 10.6% of total revenue.

Competition

We compete in the aerospace and casino gaming industries. In the aerospace industry, we compete against peer companies of which some are divisions or subsidiaries of other large companies, in the manufacture of aircraft structures, systems components, subassemblies, detail parts and aircraft modifications. Competition for the repair and overhaul of aviation components comes from three primary sources, some of whom possess greater financial and other resources than we have: OEMs, governmental support depots, and other independent repair and overhaul companies. OEMs also maintain service centers which provide repair and overhaul services for the components they manufacture. Many governments maintain aircraft support depots in their military organizations that maintain and repair the aircraft they operate. Other independent service organizations also compete for the repair and overhaul business. Participants in the aerospace industry compete primarily based on size of business and technical capabilities, quality, turnaround time, capacity and price.

The casino entertainment business is highly competitive. The industry is comprised of a diverse group of competitors that vary considerably in size and geographic diversity, quality of facilities and amenities available, marketing and growth strategies and financial condition. We compete with other casino facilities in the Kansas region. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation destinations, various other entertainment businesses, and other forms of gaming, such as state lotteries, on-track and off-track wagering, video lottery terminals and card parlors.

Government Regulation and Industry Oversight

The aerospace industry is highly regulated in the United States by the FAA and in other countries by similar agencies. We must be certified by the FAA to design, engineer, test and certify replacement and service parts and components used in specific aircraft models.

We must also satisfy the requirements of our customers that are subject to FAA regulations, and provide these customers with products and repair services that comply with the applicable government regulations. The FAA regulates flight operations and requires that aircraft components meet FAA stringent standards. In addition, the FAA requires that various maintenance routines be performed on aircraft components. We currently satisfy these maintenance standards allowing component repair and overhaul services at our FAA-approved repair stations.

Generally, the FAA only grants licenses for the manufacture or repair of a specific aircraft component, rather than the broader licenses that have been granted in the past. The FAA licensing process may be costly and time-consuming. To obtain an FAA license, an applicant must satisfy all applicable regulations of the FAA governing repair stations. These regulations require that an applicant have experienced personnel, inspection systems, suitable facilities and equipment. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate a need for the license. Because an applicant must procure manufacturing and repair manuals relating to each particular aircraft component in order to obtain a license with respect to that component, the application process may involve substantial time and cost.

Our Professional Services businesses are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning employment, alcoholic beverages, food service, smoking, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, and marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect our operating results.

Our operations are also subject to a variety of worker and community safety laws. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, or OSHA, mandates general requirements for safe workplaces for all employees in the United States. We believe that our operations are in material compliance with OSHA's health and safety requirements.

Moreover, the gaming industry is highly regulated and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. Each gaming facility is subject to extensive regulation under the laws, rules and regulations where it is located. These laws, rules and regulations generally relate to the responsibility, financial stability, integrity and character of the owners, managers and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations.

Human Capital Resources

Other than persons employed by our gaming management subsidiaries there were 113 full time and 5 part time employees on April 30, 2021 compared to 107 full time and 7 part time employees on April 30, 2020. As of July 9, 2021, staffing was 116 full time and 5 part time employees. Our staffing at Boot Hill Casino on April 30, 2021 was 172 full time and 60 part time employees and 187 full time employees and 67 part time employees on April 30, 2020. As of July 9, 2021 our staffing at Boot Hill Casino was 166 full time employees and 58 part time employees.

We believe our success as a company depends on the strength of our workforce.  Our Vice-President, reporting to our President and Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for developing and executing our human capital strategy.  This includes recruiting, hiring, training and retention as well as the development of our compensation and benefits programs.

As the success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people, we offer benefits that support their physical, financial and emotional well-being. We provide our employees with access to affordable and convenient medical programs intended to meet their physical and emotional needs and the needs of their families.  To foster retention, employees with fifteen or more years of service receive an annual retention bonus.

As an added benefit for employees, we offer a 401(k) savings plan with a Company match as well as paid vacation and personal days. These benefits are in addition to the Company’s market-based compensation program designed to maintain competitive compensation packages for all employees.

None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our current executive officers are:

Officers are elected by the Board of Directors of Butler National Corporation and serve at the discretion of the Board. All of the officers of the Company are subject to an employment agreement with the Company.

Available Information

For more information about us, visit our website at www.butlernational.com. The contents of the website are not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our electronic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (including all Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and any amendments to these reports) are available free of charge through our website immediately after we electronically file with or furnish them to the SEC. These filings may also be read and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers who file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The following statements on risk factors contain "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "could," "should," "will," "intended," "continue," "believe," "may," "expect," "hope," "anticipate," "goal," "forecast," "plan," "guidance" or "estimate" or the negative of these words, variations thereof or similar expressions. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or result and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Stockholders should be aware of certain risks, including those described below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, which could adversely affect the value of their holdings and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time.

Business and Operational Risks

We may face risks related to the geographic location of our casino.

Boot Hill Casino is located in Dodge City, Kansas. Consequently, a significant portion of our gaming business is subject to the general economic health of the region around Dodge City, Kansas. The economy of Dodge City, Kansas is significantly influenced by the agricultural sector of the national and local economy, which includes both agricultural farming but also meat processing. As a result, changes in the economic climate, weather patterns, and market fluctuations for agricultural and petroleum products could negatively influence our revenues from gaming and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Our Aerospace business is subject to significant customer concentration risk. 

During the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021 we derived 24.6% of our revenue from five customers, and we had one "major customer" (10 percent or more of consolidated revenue) that provided 10.6% of total revenue. A loss of business from, or the bankruptcy or insolvency of, one or more of these major customers may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

We face risks associated with having executive officers who are family members.

Our executive team is made up of four (4) individuals who have extensive industry and general business experience. This includes Clark D. Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Clark’s son, Craig D. Stewart, Vice President. Companies with multiple family members serving on the same executive team can be predisposed to unique internal conflicts, nepotism and/or strategic family alliances. In light of the family relationship within the executive officers of the Company, certain prospective investors may be unwilling to purchase our common stock, which may have a negative effect on our share price.

We operate in a cyclical industry and an economic downturn could negatively impact our operations.

Historically, adverse conditions in the local, regional, national and global economies have negatively affected our operations, and may continue to negatively affect our operations in the future. During periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while some of our costs remain fixed or even increase, resulting in decreased earnings.

The gaming activities that we offer represent discretionary expenditures and participation in such activities may decline during economic downturns, during which consumers generally earn less disposable income. Even an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending in our gaming operations and related facilities, as consumers spend less in anticipation of a potential economic downturn. 

Our Aerospace business activities and operations are subject to the general health of the aviation industry, which can be cyclical. During periods of economic expansion, when capital spending normally increases, we generally benefit from greater demand for our aviation products and services. During periods of economic contraction, when capital spending normally decreases, we generally are adversely affected by declining demand for our Aerospace products and services. Aviation industry conditions are impacted by numerous factors over which we have no control, including political, regulatory, economic and military conditions, environmental concerns, weather conditions and fuel pricing. Any prolonged cyclical downturn could have a material adverse effect on our Aerospace business, and the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

We face risks due to our fixed-price contracts.

We sell certain products and services to commercial, government, and defense customers under firm contracts providing for fixed units prices, regardless of costs incurred by us. The costs of producing products or providing services may be adversely affected by increases in the cost of labor, materials, fuel, overhead, and other unknown variants, including manufacturing and other operational inefficiencies and differences between assumptions used by us to price a contract and actual results. Increased costs may result in cost overruns and losses on such contracts, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Difficulties or delays in the development, production, testing and marketing of products, could adversely affect our business.

Our Aerospace business is subject, in part, to regulatory procedures and administration enacted by and/or administered by the FAA. Accordingly, our business may be adversely affected in the event the Company is unable to comply with such regulations relative to its current products and/or if any new products and/or services to be offered by the Company are not formally approved by such agency. Our proposed aviation modification products depend upon the issuance by the FAA of a Supplemental Type Certificate with related parts manufacturing authority. Such certifications for future aircraft modification products may not be issued within our expected time frames or issued at all, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Similarly, the loss of one or more of our current licenses or certifications could also have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

The loss of key personnel could adversely affect our business.

Our inability to retain key personnel may be critical to our ability to achieve our objectives. Key personnel are particularly important in maintaining relationships with the operations related to the FAA and the State of Kansas. Loss of any such personnel could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Our success depends heavily upon the continued contributions of these key persons, whose knowledge, leadership and technical expertise would be difficult to replace, and on our ability to attract and retain experienced professional staff. While we currently have an employment agreement with our CEO, Clark D. Stewart, if we were to lose the services of Mr. Stewart or other key persons, our ability to execute our business plan would be harmed and we may be forced to cease operations until such time as we could hire suitable replacements.

We are exposed to risks associated with our international sales.

Our international sales may be subject to local government laws, regulations and procurement policies and practices which may differ from U.S. Federal Government regulation, including regulations related to products being installed on aircraft, exchange controls, as well to varying currency, geo-political and economic risks. We are also exposed to risks associated with any relationships with foreign representatives, consultants, partners and suppliers for international sales and operations. Our ability to arrange safe travel to visit our international customers may put our ability to sell such customers at risk, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Future acquisitions and investments may expose us to certain risks.

We continually review, evaluate and consider potential investments and acquisitions in pursuing our business strategy. In evaluating such transactions, we are making difficult judgments regarding the value of business opportunities, technologies and other assets, and the risk and cost of potential liabilities. Acquisitions and investments involve certain other risks and uncertainties, including the difficulty in integrating newly-acquired businesses, the challenges in reaching our strategic objectives, benefits expected from acquisitions or investments, cost and revenue synergies, and risk that markets do not evolve as anticipated and the targeted opportunity or technology do not prove to be those needed to be successful in those markets. Other risks include the diversion of our attention and resources from our current operations, the potential of impairment of acquired assets and the potential loss of key employees of acquired businesses.

We are subject to certain change of control restrictions, which could make it more difficult to be acquired.

Some provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and our Shareholder Rights Agreement could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock. This includes, but is not limited to, provisions that: provide for a classified Board of Directors, prohibit stockholders from taking action by written consent, and restrict the ability of stockholders to call special meetings. We are also subject to provisions of Kansas law K.S.A. 17-6427 that prohibit us from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years from the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless certain conditions are met, which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control. In light of the highly regulated nature of our business and the authority of the regulatory agencies that monitor business to monitor the composition of our shareholders, the Board has consistently believed these restrictions are appropriate. Nonetheless, these restrictions may result in missed opportunities for the Company and could result in a reduced share price of our common stock, which would harm our business.

Data Privacy, Security and Intellectual Property Risks

Cyber-security threats or other disruptions to our technology infrastructure could harm our business.

Our use of electronic data storage, automated systems and technology gives rise to cyber-security risks. Although we and our third-party providers have preventive systems and processes in place designed to protect against the risk of system failure and cyber-attacks, a security breach of our systems or those of our third-party providers may cause a disruption of our business or expose us to a loss of information or litigation which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, reputation and results of operations.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

We face extensive regulation across our industries, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and limit the prospect of new shareholders acquiring our shares.

Our Aerospace business is subject to regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA"). We manufacture products and parts under FAA Parts Manufacturing Authority requiring qualification and traceability of all materials and vendors used by us. We make aircraft modifications pursuant to the authority granted by Supplemental Type Certificates issued by the FAA. We repair aircraft parts pursuant to the authority granted by our FAA Authorized Repair Station. New or more stringent government regulations may be adopted in the future. Related costs of compliance with or liability for violations of existing or future regulations could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Gaming licenses and/or background investigations ("license") are required in connection with our management of a State of Kansas owned Lottery Gaming Facility (a casino). Our management personnel, Butler National and/or the managing subsidiaries, the key personnel of all entities may be required to have a state-issued gaming license. Moreover, our present and future stockholders are, and will continue to be, subject to review by regulatory agencies. The failure of the Company or the key personnel to obtain or retain a license could have a material adverse effect on the Company or on its ability to obtain or retain these licenses in other jurisdictions. Each such State Gaming Agency has broad discretion in granting, renewing, and revoking licenses. Obtaining such licenses and approvals will be time consuming and may be unsuccessful or involve considerable expense, which could adversely affect our ability to successfully operate our business.

The State of Kansas has approved state-owned Lottery Gaming Facilities, pari-mutuel dog and/or horse racing for non-Indian organizations. The State of Kansas operates a state lottery, keno games and state-owned Lottery Gaming Facilities for the benefit of the State. The Lottery Gaming Facility management contract approval process requires that any entity or person owning directly or indirectly one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the ownership interest of the management company must be found suitable to be an owner by the State of Kansas.

If found unsuitable by any Agency, the stockholder must offer all of the interest in Company stock held by such stockholder to the Company for cash at the current market bid price less a fifteen percent (15%) administrative charge and the Company must purchase such Interest within six (6) months of the offer. The stockholder is required to pay all costs of investigation with respect to a determination of his/her suitability. In addition, regardless of ownership, each member of the Board of Directors and certain officers of the Company are subject to a finding of suitability by any Agency on a regular basis.

We are subject to evolving government regulation and law, which may adversely affect our business.

Gaming management operations are and will be subject to extensive gaming laws and regulations, many of which were recently adopted and have not been the subject of definitive interpretations and are still subject to proposed amendments and regulation. The political and regulatory environment in which the Company is and will be operating, with respect to gaming activities, is dynamic and rapidly changing. Adoption and/or changes in gaming laws and regulations could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Interference with the execution of the steps defined by the gaming laws and regulations by interested third parties, although not included by the regulations, may interfere with and or significantly slow the approval process.

Changes in governmental regulations of financial reporting could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

The Company reports information to its stockholders and the general public pursuant to the regulations of various Federal and State Commissions and Agencies. These regulations require conformance by the Company to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, to pronouncements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB"), and to accounting and reporting directives issued by the commissions and agencies. The political and regulatory environment in which the Company operates is dynamic and rapidly changing, and adoption and/or changes in regulations defining accounting procedures or reporting requirements could increase expenditures to report required financial information, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Financial Risks

Our business requires financing and financing is dependent upon the stability of economic markets.

The Company depends upon financial institutions for financing to continue operations and to finance and develop new opportunities. The status of the national economy and its growth outlook could be affected by volatility and/or a disruption of capital and credit markets, which could negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to access credit financing. As a result, we may not be able to secure credit financing on terms attractive to us and if we are able to secure financing arrangements, the amount may be insufficient to meet all of our current and future needs to continue operations and finance and develop new opportunities.

We may be required in the future to record impairment losses related to assets we currently carry on our balance sheet.

We evaluate intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and in any interim period in which circumstances arise that indicate our intangible asset may be impaired. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, the loss of significant business and/or significant adverse changes in industry or market conditions. No events occurred during the periods presented indicated the existence of an impairment with respect to our intangible assets. Preparation of forecasts for use in the long-range plan and the selection of the discount rate involve significant judgments that we base primarily on existing firm orders, expected future orders and general market conditions. Significant changes in these forecasts or the discount rate selected could affect the estimated fair value and could result in an impairment charge in a future period.

Risks Related to our Stock

Because our common stock is deemed a low-priced "Penny" stock, an investment in our common stock should be considered high risk and subject to marketability restrictions.

Since our common stock is a penny stock, as defined in Rule 3a51-1 under the Exchange Act, it will be more difficult for investors to liquidate their investment. Until the trading price of the common stock increases so that it no longer qualifies as a “penny stock,” if ever, trading in the common stock is subject to the penny stock rules of the Exchange Act. Those rules require broker-dealers, before effecting transactions in any penny stock, to:

Consequently, the penny stock rules may restrict the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to sell the common stock and may affect the ability of holders to sell their common stock in the secondary market and the price at which such holders can sell any such securities. These additional procedures could also limit our ability to raise additional capital in the future.

We may conduct a reverse-stock split, which could expose us to certain risks.

The possibility of the Company undergoing a reverse-stock split has been discussed at prior annual meetings as a means to increase the common stock share price. We operate in competitive industries and the Company must consider all strategies to increase our common stock share price for stockholders. A reverse stock-split and subsequent increase in the common stock price could elicit a positive market reaction and attract new investors to the Company. There are also risks with a reverse stock-split. The market could react negatively to the consolidation and our common stock could come under renewed selling pressure, which would negatively affect the trading price of our common stock.

Our 401(k) profit sharing plan results in new shares being issued each year, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

Subject to the annual approval of the Board of Directors, 100% of every pre-tax dollar an employee contributes, up to 6% of the employee’s salary, and a portion of the Company’s profits is matched by the Company. Employees are 100% vested in the Company’s contributions immediately and our matching contribution, as approved by the Board of Directors is paid on an annual basis with common stock of the Company. Competitive retirement plans are a requirement for hiring and retention of employees in the Company’s business segments. The Company’s 401(k) profit sharing plan also encourages employee participation in the 401(k) plan and encourages overall loyalty to the Company. Matching employee contributions with common stock of the Company does lead to a dilution of outstanding common stock, which may result in a lower trading price of our common stock in the future. Historically the Company has attempted to mitigate this dilutive effect by repurchasing the Company’s outstanding common stock through stock buy-back plans; however, the effectiveness of stock buy-back plans is limited due to volume and timing restrictions found in Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. Stock repurchase plans are also subject to reauthorization by the Board of Directors from time to time and the Company’s available cash flow.

General Risks

We operate in competitive markets, and competitive pressures could adversely affect our business.

Increased competition, including the entry of new competitors, the introduction of new products by new and existing competitors or price competition, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Additionally, because of the rapid rate at which the gaming industry has expanded, and continues to expand, the gaming industry may be at risk of market saturation, both as to specific areas and generally. Overbuilding of gaming facilities by others at particular sites in competitive markets may have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete and on our operations. Competition for the disposable income dollars from the State of Kansas through the Kansas Lottery operating iLottery and sports betting may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Acts of terrorism and war could disrupt our business.

Terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility create many economic and political uncertainties. We cannot predict the extent to which terrorism, security alerts, war, or hostilities throughout the world will continue to directly or indirectly impact our business and operating results. Because of the threat of terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility in the future, premiums for certain insurance products have increased, and some types of insurance are no longer available. Given current conditions in the global insurance markets, we are substantially uninsured for losses and interruptions caused by terrorist acts and acts of war. If any such event were to affect our properties, it would likely adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Inclement weather, natural disasters and other conditions could seriously disrupt our business and operations.

Our gaming operations are subject to the weather and other conditions that could disrupt or reduce the number of customers who visit our casino. If weather conditions limit consumer access to our casino or otherwise adversely impact our ability to operate our casino at full capacity, our revenue could suffer, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

We also face risks that the weather and other conditions could adversely affect the local industries in Dodge City, Kansas, where the Boot Hill Casino is located. The local economy in Dodge City is primarily fueled by the agriculture, meat processing and oil and gas industries. In the event the weather and/or other conditions severely disrupt these industries, we could see a reduction in the number of customers who visit our casino, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results in operations, liquidity and cash flows.

In addition, natural disasters such as major fires, floods, tornados and earthquakes could also adversely impact our business and operating results. Such events could lead to the loss of use of one or more of the facilities for which we provide management services for an extended period of time and disrupt our ability to attract customers to certain of our gaming facilities. If any such event were to affect our properties, we would likely be adversely impacted.

In most situations, we have insurance that should provide coverage for portions of any losses from a natural disaster, but it is subject to deductibles and maximum payouts in many cases. Although we may be covered by insurance from a natural disaster, the timing of our receipt of insurance proceeds, if any, is beyond our control.

The global spread of COVID-19 has impacted our business and is expected to cause further disruptions to our business, financial performance and operating results.

The global spread of COVID-19 has negatively impacted the global and U.S. economy and created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets. The impact of this pandemic has also created significant uncertainty in the global and U.S. economy and has had, and is expected to continue to have, a material adverse effect on our business, employees, suppliers, and customers.  We experienced a decrease in the number of patrons at our Boot Hill Casino & Resort since the start of the pandemic, which may continue for the foreseeable future. 

Demand for our aircraft modification business may decrease in correlation to the general health of the U.S. economy. We are experiencing longer supply chain lead times that affect our ability to deliver products to our customers. The duration and the magnitude of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be precisely estimated at this time, as they are affected by a number of rapidly changing factors, many of which are outside of our control, which include, among others, state and local regulations, the infection rate among persons in the region surrounding the Boot Hill Casino & Resort, adoption rate for the use of available vaccines, the emergence of COVID-19 variants, and potential treatment options for those that are sick. The continued impact on our business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (directly or indirectly) could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows in the near-term and beyond fiscal 2021.

We face risks related to fluctuating fuel and energy costs.

Our business depends on the use of aircraft fuel for business transportation, freight transportation, and special mission applications. Fluctuations in the global supply of crude oil and the possibility of changes in government policy on aircraft fuel production make it impossible to predict the future availability, price volatility and cost of aircraft fuel. Depending on various global factors that are out of our control, there could be reductions in the production or importation of crude oil and significant increases in the cost of aircraft fuel. This could deter our customers from purchasing fuel and/or inhibit their ability to pass on disproportionate costs to their customers. As a result, the use of business and military aircrafts, the value of aircraft related assets and the revenue related to aircraft equipment and aircraft modifications could decrease. These potential consequences from fluctuating fuel and energy costs could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Our gaming business also depends on the use of automotive fuels for travel to our casino locations in agricultural communities. Increased fuel prices could cause our customers to determine that fuel is not available or too expensive to justify travel, which may cause our gaming business to be adversely affected.

We are subject to extensive taxation policies, which could adversely affect our business.

The federal government has, from time to time, considered a federal tax on casino revenues and may consider such a tax in the future. If such an increase were to be enacted, our ability to incur additional indebtedness in the future to finance casino development projects could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees, in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time.

Boot Hill Casino, pursuant to its Management Contract with the State of Kansas pays total taxes between 27% and 31% of gross gaming revenue, based on achievement of the following revenue levels: 27% on gross gaming revenue up to $180 million, 29% on amounts from $180 million to $220 million, and 31% on amounts above $220 million in gross gaming revenue. Boot Hill Casino is contractually obligated to pay its proportionate share of certain expenses incurred by the Kansas Lottery Commission and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which amounted to $1.9 million during fiscal year ended April 30, 2021.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

Corporate:

Our corporate headquarters are located in a 9,000 square foot owned facility for office and storage space at 19920 West 161st Street, in Olathe, Kansas.

Aerospace Products (dollars in thousands):

Butler National Corporation has an office and manufacturing operations at 4654 South Ash Ave, Tempe, Arizona in a 16,110 square foot owned facility.

Butler Avionics, Inc. is located at 280 Gardner Dr., Ste. 3, New Century, Kansas in a 19,500 square foot facility with annual rent of approximately $197.

Avcon Industries, Inc. is located at 714 North Oliver Road, Newton, Kansas, in a 47,000 square foot facility of hangar and office space at the municipal airport in Newton, Kansas, at annual lease payments of approximately $146. In addition, Avcon leases an additional 12,000 square foot hangar and office space at the municipal airport in Newton, Kansas with minimum annual lease payments of $57.

Butler National Aircraft Certification Center is located at One Aero Plaza, New Century, Kansas in a 36,000 square foot facility with hangar space at the New Century Airport in New Century, Kansas. The minimum annual lease payments are $95.

Professional Services (dollars in thousands):

BHCMC, LLC is located at 4000 W. Comanche in Dodge City, Kansas in a 60,000 square foot owned building known as the Boot Hill Casino facility. BHCMC, LLC completed a $42,000 debt transaction to exercise an option to acquire the casino land and building for $41,250 from BHC Development, L.C. The transaction consisted of two bank loans with Academy Bank, N.A. One note for $35,000 collateralized by all BHCMC's assets and compensation due under the State management contract with an interest rate of 5.25% payable over seven years with an initial twenty-year amortization and a balloon payment of approximately $19,250 at the end of seven years. The second note for $7,000 collateralized by all BHCMC's assets and compensation due under the State management contract with an interest rate of 5.75% payable in full over five years. The balance of the two loans was used to pay financing related expenses and attorney fees.

BHCMC, LLC has an administration center located at 2601 N. 14th Avenue in Dodge City, Kansas in a 29,000 square foot owned facility.

BCS Design, Inc. is located at 19930 W. 161^st, Olathe, Kansas in a 10,800 square foot owned facility.

Management believes our properties have been well maintained, are suitable and adequate for us to operate at present levels, and the current productive capacity. The utilization of these facilities is appropriate for our existing real estate requirements. However, significant increases in customer orders, changes in product lines, and/or future acquisitions may require expansion of our current properties or the addition of new properties.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As of July 16, 2021, there are no significant known legal proceedings pending against us. We consider all such unknown proceedings, if any, to be ordinary litigation incident to the character of the business. We believe that the resolution of any claims will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

COMMON STOCK (BUKS):

SECURITIES CONVERTIBLE TO COMMON STOCK:

As of July 9, 2021, there were no Convertible Preferred shares or Convertible Debenture notes outstanding.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Board of Directors approved a stock purchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $4.0 million of its common stock. The timing and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by Butler National’s management based on market conditions and other factors. The program is currently authorized through May 1, 2022.

The table below provides information with respect to common stock purchases by the Company during the year ended April 30, 2021.

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand our results of operations and financial condition. This MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (Notes).

Our fiscal year ends on April 30. Fiscal years 2021 and 2020 consisted of 52 weeks and ended on April 30, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively. All references to years in this MD&A represent fiscal years unless otherwise noted.

Management Overview

Management is focused on increasing long-term shareholder value from increased cash generation, earnings growth, and prudently managing capital expenditures. We plan to do this by continuing to drive increased revenues from product and service innovations, strategic acquisitions, and targeted marketing programs.

We have two separate reporting segments: Aerospace Products and Professional Services. Aerospace Products and Professional Services do not share the same customers and suppliers and have substantially distinct businesses. The Aerospace Products operating segment provides products and services in the aerospace industry. Companies in Aerospace Products derive their revenue from system design, engineering, manufacturing, integration, installation, repairing, overhauling, servicing and distribution of aerostructures, avionics, aircraft components, accessories, subassemblies and systems. The Professional Services operating segment provides services in the gaming industry. Professional Services companies manage a gaming and entertainment facility and provide architectural and engineering services. These reporting segments operate through various subsidiaries and affiliates listed on Exhibit 21 to this Form 10-K.

COVID-19 Overview:

The pandemic caused by the disease COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread throughout the world. Financial markets have been volatile in 2020 and 2021, primarily due to uncertainty with respect to the severity and duration of the pandemic.

The pandemic resulted in federal, state and local governments around the world implementing increasingly stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions or bans, business curtailments, school closures, and other protective measures.

Our aerospace segment qualified as “essential” under applicable federal guidance and state orders. The facilities have continued operations. We are enforcing social distancing and enhanced health, safety and sanitization measures in accordance with guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (the “CDC”).

Our professional services operations at the Boot Hill Casino & Resort was forced to close from March 18, 2020 thru May 21, 2020.  The casino reopened to the public on May 22, with reduced hours to allow for extra time for cleaning and sanitizing in accordance with CDC guidelines and limited number of games and food offerings. We are also continuing to enforce social distancing measures throughout the casinos.  Since reopening the Boot Hill Casino & Resort we have experienced lower customer headcount, which has been partially off-set by a larger net revenue per customer.  We are experiencing, and expect to continue experiencing, lower demand for our professional services and increased costs and other challenges related to COVID-19 that adversely affects our business. 

BHCMC, LLC, a subsidiary in the professional services segment, received a loan in the principal amount of $2,001,000 (the “SBA Loan”) under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The intent and purpose of the PPP is to support companies during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funds for certain specified business expenses, with a focus on payroll. We have used the proceeds from the SBA Loan to maintain our payroll and retain casino staff.  With the assistance of the SBA Loan, we believe we have sufficient liquidity at this time to maintain our business operations during this difficult time. In June 2021, the Company received notice of forgiveness from the Small Business Administration for its loan.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted our business operations and financial results beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and continues to impact us in fiscal 2021. We face numerous uncertainties in estimating the direct and indirect effects on our present and future business operations, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Due to several rapidly changing variables related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot reasonably estimate future economic trends and the timing of when stability will return. Refer to Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for a disclosure of risk factors related to COVID-19.

As schools, businesses and the economy in general have slowly reopened, and vaccinations rates in our operating territory improve and new infections decline, we have continued to see improvements in customer headcount. However, the unpredictable nature of the pandemic could again lead to closures, decreased traffic and demand, and increased COVID-19- related operating expenses, for the foreseeable future. While COVID-19 has resulted in, and will continue to bring, significant challenges and uncertainty to our operating environment, we believe that our resilient business model and the strength of our brand and balance sheet position us well to emerge from the pandemic.

Results Overview

Our fiscal 2021 revenue decreased 7% to $61.5 million compared to $65.9 million in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2021 the Professional Services revenue increased 7%. There was a decrease of 17% in the Aerospace Products revenue in fiscal 2021.

Our fiscal 2021 net income was $2.5 million compared to net income of $3.2 million in fiscal 2020. Earnings per share was $0.02 for fiscal 2021 compared to $0.06 in fiscal 2020. We continue focusing on our margin expansion initiatives, including efficiencies in our implementation and operational processes and controlling general and administrative expenses. The fiscal 2021 operating income was 10%, a decrease from 13% in fiscal 2020.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal 2021 compared to Fiscal 2020

Revenue:

Revenue decreased  to $61.5 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $65.9 million in fiscal 2020. See "Operations by Segment" below for a discussion of the primary reasons for the increase in revenue.

Professional Services derives its revenue from (a) professional management services in the gaming industry through Butler National Service Corporation ("BNSC") and BHCMC, LLC ("BHCMC"), and (b) professional architectural, engineering and management support services through BCS Design, Inc. ("BCS"). Revenue from Professional Services increased 7% to $30.2 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $28.3 million in fiscal 2020.

Aerospace Products derives its revenue by designing, engineering, manufacturing, installing, servicing and repairing products for classic and current production aircraft. Aerospace Products revenue decreased 17% to $31.3 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $37.6 million in fiscal 2020. The decrease in revenue is primarily due to a decrease in aircraft avionics and special mission electronics business of $9.9 million and an increase in aircraft modification business of $3.6 million.

Costs and expenses:

Costs and expenses related to Professional Services and Aerospace Products include the cost of engineering, labor, materials, equipment utilization, control systems, security and occupancy.

Costs and expenses decreased 3% in fiscal 2021 to $55.6 million compared to $57.6 million in fiscal 2020. Costs and expenses were 90% of total revenue in fiscal 2021, compared to 87% of total revenue in fiscal 2020.

Marketing and advertising expenses as a percent of total revenue was 6% in fiscal 2021, as compared to 6% in fiscal 2020. These expenses decreased 8% to $3.8 million in fiscal 2021, from $4.1 million in fiscal 2020. Marketing and advertising expenses include advertising, sales and marketing labor, gaming development costs, and casino and product promotions.

Employee benefits expenses as a percent of total revenue was 4% in fiscal 2021, compared to 4% in fiscal 2020. These expenses decreased 1% to $2.6 million in fiscal 2021, from $2.6 million in fiscal 2020. These expenses include the employers' share of all federal, state and local taxes, paid time off for vacation, holidays and illness, employee health and life insurance programs and employer matching contributions to retirement plans.

Depreciation and amortization as a percent of total revenue was 6% in fiscal 2021, compared to 6% in fiscal 2020. These expenses decreased to $3.5 million in fiscal 2021, from $4.2 million in fiscal 2020. These expenses include depreciation related to owned assets being depreciated over various useful lives and amortization of intangible items including the Kansas privilege fee related to the Boot Hill Casino being expensed over the term of the gaming contract with the State of Kansas. BHCMC, LLC depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2021 was $3.1 million compared to $3.7 million in fiscal 2020.

General, administrative and other expenses as a percent of total revenue was 13% in fiscal 2021, compared to 13% in fiscal 2020. These expenses decreased 1% to $8.2 million in fiscal 2021, from $8.3 million in fiscal 2020.

Other income (expense):

Interest and other income (expense) were ($3.1) million in fiscal 2021 compared with interest and other income (expense) of ($3.7)million in fiscal 2020, a decrease of $595, from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021.

Operations by Segment

We have two operating segments, Professional Services and Aerospace Products. The Professional Services segment includes revenue contributions and expenditures associated with casino management services and professional architectural, engineering and management support services. Aerospace Products derives its revenue by designing, engineering, manufacturing, installing, servicing and repairing products for classic and current production aircraft.

The following table presents a summary of our operating segment information for fiscal years 2021 and 2020:

Professional Services

In fiscal 2021 Boot Hill Casino received gross receipts for the State of Kansas of $39.3 million compared to $35.9 million in fiscal 2020. Mandated fees, taxes and distributions reduced gross receipts by $12.5 million resulting in gaming revenue of $26.8 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $24.3 million in fiscal 2020, a decrease of 13%.  Non-gaming revenue at Boot Hill Casino was $3.1 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $3.7 million in fiscal 2020.

The remaining management and Professional Services revenue includes professional management services in the gaming industry, and licensed architectural services. Professional Services revenue excluding Boot Hill Casino decreased 20% to $254 in fiscal 2021 compared to $316 in fiscal 2020.

Aerospace Products

Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands)

At April 30, 2021, the Company has a line of credit in the form of a promissory note totaling $2,000. The unused line at April 30, 2021 was $2,000. There were no advances made on the line of credit during the year ended April 30, 2021. The line of credit is due on demand and is collateralized by a first and second position on all assets of the Company.

At April 30, 2021, there is one note with an interest rate of 6.25% collateralized by an aircraft security agreement totaling $1,138. This note was used to purchase an aircraft. This note matures in January 2023.

At April 30, 2021, there is one note collateralized by equipment with a balance of $21. The interest rate on this note is 4.50%. This note matures in April 2022.

One note for $202 remains for real estate purchased in Dodge City, Kansas.  The interest rate on this note is 6.25%. This note matures in June 2024.

One note with Academy Bank, N.A. for $34.417 collateralized by all of BHCMC's assets and compensation under the State management contract with an interest rate of 5.25% payable over seven years with an initial twenty-year amortization and a balloon payment of approximately $19,250 at the end of seven years. The second note with Academy Bank, N.A. for $6,533 collateralized by all of BHCMC's assets and compensation under the State management contract with an interest rate of 5.75% payable in full over five years.

At April 30, 2021, there is a note payable collateralized by real estate with a balance of $1,267. The interest rate on this note is at LIBOR plus 1.75%. This note matures in March 2029.

At April 30, 2021, there is a note payable collateralized by real estate with a balance of $581. The interest rate on this note is at LIBOR plus 1.75%. This note matures in March 2029.

In May 2020, the Company received a Paycheck Protection Program loan for $2,001 for the professional services segment. In June 2021, the Company received notice of forgiveness from the Small Business Administration.

We are not in default of any of our notes as of April 30, 2021 or July 9, 2021.

We believe that our current banks will provide the necessary capital for our business operations. However, we continue to maintain contact with other banks that have an interest in funding our working capital needs to continue our growth in operations in 2021 and beyond.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, Butler National Service Corporation continues friendly discussions with the other member of BHCMC, LLC to explore the possible acquisition by Butler National Service Corporation of the other member's 20% equity interest in BHCMC, LLC.   If and when a definitive agreement is reached, such definitive agreement and a press release concerning the acquisition will be issued to describe the terms of the agreement and the intentions of the members.   We have not set a definitive timetable for our discussions and there can be no assurances that the process will result in any transaction being announced or completed.  At present there is no disagreement between the members of BHCMC, LLC.   We do not plan to disclose or comment on developments until further disclosure is deemed appropriate.

Analysis and Discussion of Cash Flow

During fiscal 2021 our cash position increased by $5.2 million. Net income was $2.5 million. Cash flows from operating activities provided $13.5 million. Non-cash activities consisting of depreciation and amortization contributed $5.9 million, 401(k) stock issues contributed $721 and deferred compensation contributed $592. Deferred income taxes decreased our cash position by $225. Accounts receivable increased our cash position by $823. Inventories decreased our cash position by $47. Accounts payable and contract liability increased our cash position by $4.5 million. Contract assets decreased our cash position by $226. Prepaid expenses and other assets increased our cash by $123, while gaming facility mandated payments increased our cash by an additional $120. Accrued liabilities, other liabilities and income tax payable decreased our cash position by $712. Lease liability decreased our cash position by $659.

Cash used in investing activities was $7.0 million. We invested $627 to purchase aircraft, $2.7 million towards STCs, $1.2 million in construction of a new hangar, and $2.3 million on equipment and furnishings. 

Cash used in financing activities was $1.2 million. We increased our debt by $2.5 million. We made repayments on our debt of $3.4 million. We reduced our lease liability by $140. We purchased company stock of $196. The stock acquired was placed in treasury.

Critical Accounting Estimates:

We believe that there are several accounting policies that are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these policies affect the reported amount of revenue and other significant areas involving management judgments and estimates. These significant accounting policies relate to revenue recognition, the use of estimates, long-lived assets, and Supplemental Type Certificates. These policies and our procedures related to these policies are described in detail below and under specific areas within this "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." In addition, Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements expands upon discussion of our accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue Recognition: ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. To achieve this core principal, the Company applies the following five steps:

A contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the services to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these services, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration.

At contract inception, an entity shall assess the goods or services promised in a contract with a customer and shall identify as a performance obligation each promise to transfer to the customer. Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised services, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised services are capable of being distinct and distinct in the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met the promised services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

The transaction price is the amount that an entity allocates to the performance obligations identified in the contract and, therefore, represents the amount of revenue recognized as those performance obligations are satisfied. The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer.

Once a contract and associated performance obligations have been identified and the transaction price has been determined, ASC 606 requires an entity to allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation identified. This is generally done in proportion to the standalone selling prices of each performance obligation (i.e., on a relative standalone selling price basis). As a result, any discount within the contract generally is allocated proportionally to all the separate performance obligations in the contract. The Company is applying the right to invoice practical expedient to recognize revenue. As a result, the entity bypasses the steps of determining the transaction price, allocating that transaction price and determining when to recognize revenue as it will recognize revenue as billed by multiplying the price assigned to the good or service, by the units.

Revenue is recognized when or as performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of a promised good or service to a customer. Control transfers either over time or at a point in time. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services.

Aircraft modifications are performed under fixed-price contracts. Revenue from fixed-priced contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the direct labor incurred compared to total estimated direct labor.

Revenue from Avionics products are recognized when shipped. Payment for these Avionics products is due within 30 days of the invoice date after shipment. Revenue from Gaming Management and other Corporate/Professional Services is recognized as the service is rendered.

Regarding warranties and returns, our products are special order and are not suitable for return. Our products are unique upon installation and tested prior to their release to the customer and acceptance by the customer. In the rare event of a warranty claim, the claim is processed through the normal course of business and may include additional charges to the customer. In our opinion, any future warranty work would not be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Gaming revenue is the gross gaming win as reported by the Kansas Lottery casino reporting systems, less the mandated payments by and for the State of Kansas. Electronic games-slots and table games revenue is the aggregate of gaming wins and losses. Liabilities are recognized for chips and "ticket-in, ticket-out" coupons in the customers' possession, and for accruals related to anticipated payout of progressive jackpots. Progressive gaming machines, which contain base jackpots that increase at a progressive rate based on the number of coins played, are deducted from revenue as the value of jackpots increase. Food, beverage, and other revenue is recorded when the service is received and paid.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates include assumptions about collection of accounts receivable, the valuation, and recognition of stock-based compensation expense, valuation for deferred tax assets and useful life of fixed assets.

Long-lived Assets: The Company accounts for its long-lived assets in accordance with ASC Topic 360-10, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." ASC Topic 360-10 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the historical cost carrying value of an asset may no longer be appropriate. The Company assesses recoverability of the carrying value of an asset by estimating the future net cash flows expected to result from the asset, including eventual disposition. If the future net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the difference between the asset's carrying value and fair value or disposable value.

Supplemental Type Certificates: Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) are authorizations granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for specific modification of a certain aircraft. The STC authorizes us to perform modifications, installations, and assemblies on applicable customer-owned aircraft. Costs incurred to obtain STCs are capitalized and subsequently amortized over a seven year life. The legal life of an STC is indefinite.

Changing Prices and Inflation

We have experienced upward pressure from inflation in fiscal year 2021. From fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2021 a majority of the increases we experienced were in material costs. This additional cost may not be transferable to our customers resulting in lower income in the future. We anticipate labor rates, fuel costs and possibly interest rates to rise in fiscal years 2021 and 2022.

Contractual Obligations

Not applicable.

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable. 

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Financial Statements of the Registrant are set forth on pages 29 through 48 of this report.

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

None.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Our principal executive and financial officers have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-K and have determined that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective, based on criteria in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO").

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures: Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

In connection with the preparation of this Form 10-K, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of April 30, 2021. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 30, 2021.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management 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 Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by ("COSO"). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 30, 2021.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect 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 Company assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting because it is not required for a smaller reporting company.

Limitations on Controls

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: In our opinion, there were no material changes in the Company internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended April 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None. 

PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required by this Item 10 will be presented in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders, which will be held on September 28, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference. Certain information regarding executive officers of Butler National Corporation is included above in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K and General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this Item 11 regarding executive compensation will be presented in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders, which will be held on September 28, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

The following table provides information about our common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plan as of April 30, 2021.

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters will be presented in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 28, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

Information required by this Item 13 regarding certain relationships, related party transactions and director independence will be presented in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders, which will be held on September 28, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this Item 14 regarding accounting fees and services will be presented in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 28, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

All other financial statements and schedules not listed have been omitted because the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.

* Relates to management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

SIGNATURES

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

July 16, 2021

BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION

/s/ Clark D. Stewart
Clark D. Stewart, President
and Chief Executive Officer

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

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Butler National Corporation and Subsidiaries

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Butler National Corporation and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of April 30, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (I) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated 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.

Description of the Matter

Revenue recognition – Estimated Costs at Completion

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, a significant portion of the Company’s revenues are from fixed-price contracts to deliver aircraft modifications built to customer specifications. These services and products are provided by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Avcon Industries, Inc. A portion of the Company’s total revenues of $21.8 million for the year ended April 30, 2021 are from such contracts having a duration from 3 to 24 months. Performance obligations related to delivering complex airplane modification built to customer specifications under these contracts are recognized over time as these performance obligations do not create assets with an alternative use to the Company and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance to date. To measure the transfer of control, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The Company generally uses the cost-to-cost measure of progress for its contracts because that best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as the Company incurs costs on its contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Estimating the total costs at completion of a performance obligation requires management to make estimates related to items such as direct labor hours and productivity, material costs and, and the costs of overhead. The Company estimates the percentage completed based on actual direct labor hours spent compared to estimated direct labor hours and applying this completion percentage to the entire contract.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to revenue recognition – estimated direct labor hours and costs at completion is a critical audit matter. Significant judgments by management when developing the estimated costs at completion on individual fixed-price contracts, in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating evidence related to the estimated costs at completion, including the evaluation of management’s judgment as it relates to the direct labor hours, material costs and the costs of overhead.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included gaining an understanding of controls relating to the revenue recognition process, including controls over the completeness and accuracy of estimated costs at completion. The procedures also included, among others, evaluating and understanding management’s process for developing estimates of total estimated costs at completion for long-term contracts for a sample of contracts. This included testing the completeness and accuracy of costs incurred to date and evaluating the reasonableness of significant estimates used by management, including labor costs, material costs, and overhead costs, and considering factors that could affect the accuracy of those estimates. Evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used involved assessing management’s ability to reasonably estimate costs at completion by (i) assessing the reasonableness of estimates of total costs at completion in comparison to actual total costs incurred to date, (ii) assessing the reasonableness of the estimated labor and recalculating overhead (iii) obtaining an understanding of the contract and the performance obligations to test the allocation of the total transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract , and (iv) evaluating the timely identification of circumstances that may warrant a modification to estimated costs to complete, including actual costs in excess of estimates.

/s/ RBSM LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.

Henderson, NV

July 16, 2021

BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF April 30, 2021 and 2020

(in thousands, except per share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED April 30, 2021 and 2020

(in thousands, except per share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements 

BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED April 30, 2021 and 2020

(dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED April 30, 2021 and 2020

(dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data)