DAKTRONICS INC /SD/ - Annual Report: 2023 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended April 29, 2023
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From ___ to ___.
Commission File Number: 0-23246
Daktronics, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| South Dakota | 46-0306862 | |||||||
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
201 Daktronics Drive Brookings, SD | 57006 | |||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
(605) 692-0200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Common Stock, No Par Value | DAKT | Nasdaq Global Select Market | ||||||
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights | DAKT | Nasdaq Global Select Market | ||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☒ | ||||
Non-accelerated filer ☐ | Smaller reporting company ☐ | ||||
Emerging growth company ☐ | |||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those errors corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates at October 29, 2022 (which is the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), computed by reference to the closing sales price of the Registrant’s common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date, was approximately $159,867,118. For purposes of determining this number, individual shareholders holding more than 10 percent of the Registrant’s outstanding common stock are considered affiliates. This number is provided only for the purpose of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and does not represent an admission by either the Registrant or any such person as to the status of such person.
The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2023 was 45,703,283.
Auditor Name: Deloitte & Touche LLP | Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota | Auditor Firm ID: PCAOB No. 34 | ||||||
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED April 29, 2023
Table of Contents
| Page | ||||||||
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) (the "Form 10-K" or the "Report") contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this Report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future. These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: (i.) our competition; (ii.) our financing plans and ability to maintain adequate liquidity; (iii.) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iv.) our growth and operating strategies; (v.) the declaration and payment of dividends; (vi.) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vii.) raw material shortages and lead times and supply chain disruptions; (viii.) fluctuations in margins; (ix.) the seasonality of our business; (x.) the introduction of new products and technology; (xi.) the amount and frequency of warranty claims; (xii.) our ability to manage the impact that new or adjusted tariffs may have on the cost of raw materials and components and our ability to sell product internationally; (xiii.) the resolution of litigation contingencies; (xiv.) the timing and magnitude of any acquisitions or dispositions; (xv.) the impact of governmental laws, regulations, and orders, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus; (xvi) disruptions to our business caused by geopolitical events, military actions, work stoppages, natural disasters, or international health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; (xvii) uncertainties related to market conditions and entry into financing transactions; (xviii) the Company’s potential need to seek additional strategic alternatives, including seeking additional debt or equity capital or other strategic transactions and/or measures; (xix) our financing plans and ability to maintain adequate liquidity; (xx) the Company’s ability to increase cash flow to support the Company’s operating activities and fund its obligations and working capital needs; (xxi) our ability to obtain additional financing on terms favorable to us, or at all; and (xxii) any future goodwill impairment charges. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including those discussed in the section of this Form 10-K entitled “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and those factors discussed in detail in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PART I.
Item 1. BUSINESS
Business Overview
Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “Daktronics”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) are industry leaders in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays for sporting, commercial and transportation applications. We serve our customers by providing high quality standard display products as well as custom-designed and integrated systems. We offer a complete line of products, from small scoreboards and electronic displays to large multimillion-dollar video display systems as well as related control, timing, and sound systems. We are recognized as a technical leader with the capabilities to design, market, manufacture, install and service complete integrated systems displaying real-time data, graphics, animation and video. We engage in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support.
We were founded in 1968 by Drs. Aelred Kurtenbach and Duane Sander, professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. The Company began with the design and manufacture of electronic voting systems for state legislatures. In 1971, Daktronics developed the patented Matside® wrestling scoreboard, the first product in the Company's growing and evolving line. In 1994, Daktronics became a publicly-traded company and invested in display technologies and new markets. We have continued these investments and have supported our long-term customer relationships to grow from a small company operating out of a garage to a world leader in the display industry. We currently employ 2,734 people globally. We are headquartered at 201 Daktronics Dr., Brookings, SD 57006 telephone 605-692-4200. Our Internet address is https://www.daktronics.com.
Our annual, quarterly and current reports and any amendments to those reports are freely available in the "Investor Relations" section of our website. We post each of these documents on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after it is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These reports and other reports, proxy
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statements, and electronic filings are also found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Report or filed with the SEC.
We focus our sales and marketing efforts on markets, geographical regions and products. Our five business segments consist of four domestic business units and the International business unit. The four domestic business units consist of Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, all of which include the geographic territories of the United States and Canada. Financial information concerning these segments is set forth in this Form 10-K in "Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Industry Background
Over the years, our products have evolved significantly from scoreboards and matrix displays with related software applications to complex, integrated visual display systems which include full color video with text and graphics displays located on a local or remote network that are tied together through sophisticated control systems. In the mid-1990's, as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) became available in red, blue and green colors with outdoor brightness, we pioneered the development of full color LED video displays capable of replicating trillions of colors, thereby producing large format video systems with excellent color, brightness, energy efficiency and lifetime. Due to our foundation of developing scoring and graphics display systems, we were able to add video capabilities so we could meet all our customers' large format display needs in a complete, integrated system. This has proven to be a key factor in Daktronics becoming a leader in large electronic displays. LED technologies continue to evolve and advance, creating new high-resolution and micro-LED display options of all shapes and sizes. Today, the industry continues development in both the construct of the micro-LED and production methods of micro-LED display panels using mass-transfer technology.
Integrated visual display systems are increasingly used across a variety of vertical markets including: media/advertising, stadiums/venues, hospitality/leisure, transportation, military and government, broadcast, control room, corporate and education, and retail. Generally, these vertical markets use systems to collaboratively communicate, inform, entertain, and advertise to various sized audiences. Advances in technologies and the decrease in costs of systems have opened up and increased the market's size.
Description of Business
We are engaged in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support. Each of those activities is described below:
Marketing and Sales. Our sales force is comprised of direct sales staff and resellers located throughout the world supporting all customer types in both sales and service. We primarily use a direct sales force for large integrated display system sales in professional sports, colleges and universities, and commercial spectacular projects. We also use our direct sales force to sell third-party advertising and transportation applications. We utilize resellers outside North America for large integrated system sales where we do not have a direct sales presence. The majority of our products sold by resellers in North America are standard catalog products. We support our resellers through direct mail/email advertising, social media campaigns, trade journal advertising, product and installation training, trade show exhibitions and accessibility to our regional sales or service teams and demonstration equipment.
Engineering and Product Design and Development. The large format electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product innovations and developments in technology and complementary services. To remain competitive, we have a tradition of applying engineering resources throughout our business to anticipate and respond rapidly to the system needs in the marketplace. We employ and contract with engineers and technicians in the areas of mechanical and electrical design; applications engineering; software design; quality design; and customer and product support. Product managers assigned to each product family assist our sales staff in training and implementing product improvements which ensures each product is designed for maximum reliability and serviceability. We employ and contract with process engineers to assist in quality and reliability processing in our product design testing and manufacturing areas. We also make selected investments in and contract with affiliated companies to support and advance technologies and capabilities for our product lines and solutions.
Manufacturing. The majority of our products are manufactured in the United States, specifically in South Dakota and Minnesota. We also have manufacturing facilities in China and Ireland. We perform component manufacturing, system
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manufacturing (metal fabrication, electronic assembly, sub-assembly and final assembly) and testing in-house for most of our products to control quality, improve response time and maximize cost-effectiveness. Given the cyclical nature of some parts of our business and dispersed sales geography, we balance and maintain our ability to manufacture the same products across our plants so we can efficiently utilize our capacity and reduce costs. A key strategy of ours is to increase standardization and commonality of parts and manufacturing processes across product lines through the use of product platforms to increase efficiencies. Other strategies include supplier management programs and lean manufacturing techniques. For more details on our facilities, see "Part II, Item 2. Properties".
Technical Contracting. We serve as a technical contractor for larger display system installations requiring custom designs and innovative product solutions. The purchase of display systems typically involves competitive proposals. As part of our response to a proposal request, we may suggest additional products or features to assist the prospective customer in analyzing the optimal type of display system. We usually include site preparation and installation services related to the display system in our proposal. In these cases, we serve as a contractor and may retain subcontractors for electrical, steel and installation labor. We have developed relationships with many subcontractors throughout the United States and the world, which is an advantage for us in bidding and delivering on these projects. We are licensed as a general contractor in many jurisdictions.
Professional Services. To assist our clients' ability to engage, inform and entertain their audiences, we provide professional services including event support, content creation, product maintenance, marketing assistance, training on hardware and software, control room design, and continuing technical support training for operators.
Customer Service and Support. We offer limited warranties on our products, ranging from one to 10 years, against failure due to defective parts or workmanship. In addition, we offer service agreements of various scopes. To serve our customers, we provide help-desk access, parts repair and replacement, display monitoring and on-site support. Our technical help desk has experienced technicians who are on-call 24 hours a day to support events and sites. Our field service personnel and third-party service partners are trained to provide on-site support. We use third-party service partners to allow us to respond to the changes in volume of service requests during our seasonal peaks.
Products and Technologies
The two principal components of our systems are the display and the control system, which manages the operation of the display. We produce displays varying in complexity, size and resolution. The physical dimensions of a display depend on the size of the viewing area, the distance from the viewer to the display, and the amount and type of information to be displayed. The control system is comprised of various combinations of computer hardware, video processing hardware and software products designed to compile information provided by the operator and other integrated sources to display information, graphics, video or animation on the displays. We customize our products according to the design specifications of the customer and the conditions of the environment in which our products function.
Our products are comprised of the following product families:
•Video displays/video walls
•Scoreboards and timing systems
•Message displays
•ITS (intelligent transportation systems) dynamic message signs
•Mass Transit displays
•Sound systems
•Digital billboards
•Digital street furniture
•Digit and price displays
•Indoor dynamic messaging systems and indoor liquid crystal display ("LCD") signs
•Software and controllers including Venus® Control Suite, Show Control Studio and Show Control Live
Each of these product families is described below:
Video Displays/Video Walls. These displays are comprised of a large number of full-color pixels capable of showing various levels of video feeds, pre-rendered graphics and animated content with Real Time Data capabilities. These displays include red, green and blue LEDs arranged in various combinations to form pixels. The electronic circuitry, which controls the pixels, allows for variances in the relative brightness of each LED to provide a full color spectrum, thereby displaying
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video images in striking, vibrant colors. Variables in video displays include the spacing of the pixels (pixel pitch), the resolution of the displays (number of pixels), the brightness of the displays (nits), the number of discrete colors the display is able to produce (color depth), the viewing angles, and the LED technology.
We offer a broad range of indoor and outdoor LED video displays with these varying features. Examples of offerings include centerhung displays, landmark displays, video walls, ribbon board displays, hanging banners, roadside displays, digital billboards, corporate office entrance displays, conference room displays, control room displays, and video displays designed for arenas, stadiums, retail stores, restaurants, malls, transportation hubs and other similar indoor facilities.
Video displays provide content to serve as a revenue generation source through advertising or as an information and communication medium (such as scoring, statistics, wayfinding, advertising, and control center information), or to provide interior design elements to create luxurious space to feature digital art.
The control components for video displays in live event applications include our Show Control Software Suite, proprietary digital media players and video processors. These control components provide advanced capabilities for the display of live video and real-time content on our displays. The Show Control Software Suite can operate an entire network of displays within a venue from a single, intuitive control interface. Its features allow users to instantly deliver media clips, camera feeds, and streaming information to any display in a venue.
Scoreboards and Timing Systems. Our line of scoreboards and timing products include indoor and outdoor scoreboards for many different sports, digit displays, scoring and timing controllers, statistics software and other related products. Indoor and outdoor systems range in complexity from small scoreboards to larger systems incorporating scoring, timing, video, message centers, advertising panels and control software.
We offer a variety of controllers complementing our scoreboards and displays. These controllers vary in complexity from the All Sport® 100, a handheld controller for portable scoreboards, to the All Sport® Pro, designed for more sophisticated scoring systems and allowing for more user-defined options.
As a key component of an integrated system, we market sports statistics and results software under the DakStats® trademark. The software allows the entry and display of sports statistics and other information. It is one of the leading applications of its type in collegiate and high school sports.
Message Displays. The Galaxy® product line is a family of full-matrix displays, available in both indoor and outdoor models and controlled with the Venus® Control Suite. Galaxy® displays are full color or monochrome with varying pixel spacing depending on color, size and viewing distance. Galaxy® displays can display text, graphics and animation, as well as prerecorded video clips. They are used primarily to convey information and on-premises advertising to consumers.
The Venus® Control Suite software is used to control the creation of messages and graphic sequences for uploading to the Galaxy® displays. This software is designed to be user friendly and applicable to all general advertising or message applications. It can be used to control a single message display or can scale up to provide a secure, cloud-based control center for large networks of message displays.
ITS Dynamic Message Signs ("DMS"). DMS products include a wide range of LED displays for road management applications. The Vanguard® family of dynamic message displays is typically used to direct traffic and inform motorists. These displays are used over freeways, on arterial roads, near bridges, at toll booths and in other locations. We have also developed a Vanguard® control system for these displays to help transportation agencies manage large networks of displays.
Mass Transit Displays. Our Mass Transit products include a wide range of LCD and LED display solutions for public transportation applications. Installations often involve a network of displays located on railway platforms, at bus stations, or on concourses within a transportation hub to guide travelers to their intended destination.
Sound Systems. Our sound systems include both standard and custom options. Standard systems are designed to meet the needs of a variety of indoor and outdoor sports venues based on the size and configuration of the facility. Custom indoor and outdoor systems are tailored for larger venues and venues with unique seating configurations and are often integrated into an overall venue solution for scoring, timing, message display and/or video capability.
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Digital Billboards. Our line of digital billboards offers a unique display solution for the Out-of-Home (“OOH”) advertising industry. The products are used to display images which change at regular intervals. These systems include many features unique to the outdoor advertising market, such as our patented mounting system, self-adjusting brightness, optimized energy consumption, and enhanced network security.
Digital street furniture. Our LED street furniture features some of the brightest imagery in the industry and is built to withstand full-sun conditions. Our line of digital street furniture engages people with advertising content at eye level as they walk through campuses, cityscapes, and malls. This design enhances the message and complements surrounding architecture. These street furniture displays are our most flexible solution for digital OOH campaigns.
Digit and Price Displays. This product line includes our DataTime® and Fuelight™ displays. The DataTime® product line consists of outdoor time and temperature displays which use a remote sensor for temperature data. Fuelight™ digit displays are specifically designed for the petroleum industry, offering high visibility and quick fuel price updates using the Fuelink™ control software.
Indoor Dynamic Messaging Systems and LCD screens. Our ADFLOW DMS™ systems include indoor networked solutions for retailers, convenience stores and other businesses. These solutions, using either LED or LCD technologies, allow customers to broadcast advertising campaigns and other information through the software, media players and visual hardware.
Software and Controllers including Venus® Control Suite. The Venus® Control Suite is our platform for scheduled control capability. It can be used in any application where the intended message is created in advance and scheduled to play at a predetermined time. It is available in an on-premise or hosted cloud-based configuration and is capable of supporting a single display or scaling to support many displays. For applications that require both scheduled content and live video or real time content, a control solution can combine the capabilities of Venus® Control Suite with the capabilities of the Show Control Software Suite to create a powerful solution that enables customers to easily manage content on their displays. Content includes media, scoring, timing, statistics, advertising, way-finding information, playback loops and entertainment type visualizations.
Our Show Control Suite is an easy-to-use and powerful integrated solution to achieve a dynamic, seamless and fully immersive game-day production. Show Control Studio offers products designed for display control, while Show Control Live is designed for video production.
Raw Materials
Materials used in the production of our video display and control systems are sourced from around the world. Examples of the materials we use in production include LEDs, integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, power supplies, plastics, aluminum, and steel. We source some of our materials from a single-source or a limited number of suppliers due to the proprietary nature of the materials. The loss of a key supplier, part unavailability, tariff changes, price changes, war or other geopolitical impacts to trade or transport, or defects in the supplied material or component could have an adverse impact on our business and operations. Our sourcing group is responsible to maintain and implement strategies to mitigate these evolving risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year. We sometimes prepay for future supply.
Since late fiscal 2021, we have been affected by supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures stemming from the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"), shipping container shortages, weather events, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global inflation and shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight. While supply chain disruptions from these factors have subsided over the last half of fiscal 2023 and we expect infrequent disruptions going forward from these factors, it is reasonably possible that future disruptions could occur that would have a material impact on our business.
Intellectual Property
We own or hold licenses to use numerous patents, copyrights, and trademarks on a global basis. Our policy is to protect our competitive position by filing United States and international patent applications to protect technology and improvements that we consider important to the development of our business. This will allow us to pursue infringement claims against competitors for protection due to patent violations. Although we own a number of patents and possess rights under others
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to which we attach importance, we do not believe that our business as a whole is materially dependent upon any such patents or rights. We also own a number of trademarks that we believe are important in connection with the identification of our products and associated goodwill with customers, but no part of our business materially depends on such trademarks. We also rely on nondisclosure agreements with our employees and agents to protect our intellectual property. Despite these intellectual property protections, there can be no assurance a competitor will not copy the functions or features of our products.
Seasonality
Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of uniquely configured orders, such as display systems for professional sports facilities, colleges and universities, and spectacular projects in the commercial area, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Uniquely configured orders can include several displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds, each of which can occur on varied schedules per the customer's needs. Our third fiscal quarter sales and profit levels are lighter than other quarters due to the seasonality of our sports business, construction cycles, and the reduced number of production days due to holidays in the quarter.
Our gross margins tend to fluctuate more on uniquely configured orders than on limited configured orders. Uniquely configured orders involving competitive bidding and substantial subcontracting work for product installation generally have lower gross margins. Although we follow the over time method of recognizing revenues for uniquely configured orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.
Because of the seasonality and volatility in business demand and variety of product types, we may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results.
Working Capital
For information regarding working capital items, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Form 10-K.
Customers
We have a large and diverse worldwide customer base, ranging from local main street business owners, out-of-home companies, and schools to the owners and operators of premier professional sports arenas. Our customers are important to us, and we strive to serve them over the long-term to earn their future business. The loss of one or more customers could have an adverse effect on us. See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for our primary markets and customers of each business unit.
Product Order Backlog
Backlog represents the dollar value of orders for integrated electronic display systems and related products and services which are expected to be recognized in net sales in the future. Orders are contractually binding purchase commitments from customers. Orders are included in backlog when we are in receipt of an executed contract and any required deposits or security and have not yet been recognized into net sales. Certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be included in backlog until all required contractual documents and deposits are received. Orders and backlog are not measures defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts.
Order and backlog levels provide management and investors additional details surrounding the results of our business activities in the marketplace and highlight fluctuations caused by seasonality and multimillion dollar projects. Management uses orders to evaluate market share and performance in the competitive environment. Management uses backlog information for capacity and resource planning. We believe order information is useful to investors because it provides an indication of our market share and future revenues.
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Our product order backlog as of April 29, 2023 was $400.7 million as compared to $471.6 million as of April 30, 2022. This decrease in backlog is driven by fulfilling orders from our April 30, 2022 backlog. During fiscal 2022 we had record order volume and muted conversion to sales due to supply chain challenges. Our customers had also placed orders for future deliveries to secure our manufacturing capacity during fiscal 2022.
We expect to fulfill the backlog as of April 29, 2023 within the next 24 months. The timing of backlog may be impacted by project delays resulting from parts availability and other constraints stemming from the supply chain disruptions.
Government and Other Regulation
In the United States and other countries, various laws, regulations and ordinances related to our products and controllers restrict the installation of outdoor signs and displays, particularly in the commercial and transportation markets. These laws and regulations impose greater restrictions on electronic displays versus non-electronic displays due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety. Globally, our products are also subject to various regulations and standards including electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic compatibility, electrical safety, and flammability standards. We design and have our products tested for these regulations; however, these factors may prevent or inhibit us from selling products to some prospective customers in certain geographies.
Our manufacturing facilities and products comply with industry specific requirements, including environmental rules and regulations and safety standards. These requirements include quality, manufacturing process controls, manufacturing documentation, supplier certification of raw materials, and various safety tests. Our production processes require the storage, use and disposal of a variety of hazardous chemicals under applicable laws.
Our global supply chain and sales distribution channels subject us to various trade compliance regulations. These requirements can include certification of country of origin, classification within the various tariff codes and trade agreements; compliance with other specific product or country import/export regulations; and payment of certain import or export tariffs, duties, or taxes.
Our global operations subject us to various laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to tax compliance, anti-corruption, data privacy, cybersecurity, governance, and disclosure reporting. These requirements vary and can involve matters and processes such as using resources for related expertise and information systems, records management, policy creation and maintenance, data protection programs, compliance filings, control design and testing, and continued training of employees.
We are subject to regulations restricting the movement and interaction of people and business operations. Countries and states and/or localities in the United States can issue lock down orders impacting the availability of employees, third parties, suppliers, customers, and other services we need to operate our business.
We believe we are in material compliance with government and other regulatory requirements.
Competition
We encounter a wide variety of competitors that vary by product, geographic area, and business unit. Our competitors include both domestic and foreign companies which range in size and product offerings. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or include different service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital, governmental funding, supply chain access, and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media, digital and mobile, and fixed display signs.
We believe that our ability to compete depends upon customer centric product and service quality and features, technical expertise, service breadth, and cost-effective solutions.
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Research and Development
Our experience in engineering, process design, and product and service design and development capabilities and investments made in affiliates are very important factors in continuing to develop, produce, and offer the most up-to-date digital displays and control system solutions desired by the market.
We invest in our development and our affiliates to increase differentiated product platforms, advance our software architecture and offerings, support customer requirements, advance new competitive narrow pixel and micro-electronic technologies, and advance sustainable technologies and related products.
During the first half of fiscal 2023, our design teams focused on adjusting designs to utilize available components as a strategy to gain stability in our production levels.
During fiscal 2024, we will continue to invest in product design and development to improve our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches and sustainable technologies for both indoor and outdoor applications and to advance micro-LED devices and placement processes. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points.
Employees and Human Capital Resource Management
Our core values of Honest, Helpful and Humble support our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which leads to our vision of every person at Daktronics being able to contribute their best every day. We seek to recruit, retain, and develop our existing and future workforce for decades-long engagements to build long-term mutual prosperity. We facilitate company-wide teams to inspire a more inclusive culture and achieve company goals through teamwork. We encourage each employee to proactively and continuously build self-awareness, understanding of aspects of diversity, and openness to others’ experiences and perspectives. We also foster and encourage self development and a continuous learning environment to build talent.
The safety and well-being of our team are a top priority, and we believe each and every team member plays an essential role in creating a safe and healthy workplace. We provide training for safety measures on the job site and in our facilities. We provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of health programs, including benefits that support their physical and mental health.
As of April 29, 2023, we employed approximately 2,441 full-time employees and 293 part-time and temporary employees. Of these employees, approximately 1,121 were in manufacturing, 451 were in sales and marketing, 561 were in customer service, 378 were in engineering and 223 were in general and administrative. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe employee relations are good.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The factors that are discussed below, as well as the matters that are generally set forth in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Macroeconomic Risks
Our business is sensitive to global economic conditions, including recessions, inflation, and interest rate fluctuations. Weakened global economic or recessionary conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.
Our overall performance depends in part on worldwide economic conditions. The United States and other key international economies have experienced downturns and recessions from time to time during which economic activity was impacted by falling demand for a variety of goods and services; restricted credit; poor liquidity; reduced corporate profitability; volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets; increased unemployment; bankruptcies; and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. These conditions affect consumer and entertainment spending and could adversely affect our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase our products, delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions, reduce the value of their contracts, or affect attrition rates, all of which could adversely affect our operating results.
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These demand fluctuations and various factors may reduce our ability to effectively utilize our capacity and impact our results of operations.
We rely on global supply chains, and inflationary pressures can increase our input costs faster than our ability to raise prices. These could eliminate our ability to sell our products or receive parts and components through our global supply chains.
The rate of interest we pay on our asset-based lending facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is correlated to the Standard Overnight Fund Rate (SOFR), which is determined by governmental policy decisions. Increases in SOFR will increase the rate of any extended borrowing on this facility.
Geopolitical issues, conflicts, governmental actions and other global events could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business is subject to global political issues and conflicts and governmental actions. Such factors can create trade restrictions, increase tariff costs, increase prices for raw materials and components used in our products, increase the cost of sales, decrease demand for our products, or cause other implications to our business operations. These impacts could reduce profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition if they escalate into geographies in which we do business, manufacture our products, or obtain raw materials and components for production.
For example, the continuing conflict arising from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, or tensions between Taiwan, China, the United States or other countries, could adversely impact macroeconomic conditions, give rise to regional instability and result in heightened economic tariffs, sanctions and import-export restrictions from the United States and the international community in a manner that adversely affects our Company, including to the extent that any such actions cause material business interruptions or restrict our ability in these regions to conduct business with certain suppliers or vendors. Additionally, such conflict or sanctions may significantly devalue various global currencies and have a negative impact on economies in geographies in which we do business.
We face risks related to actual or threatened health epidemics and other outbreaks, which have had and could have a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, financial conditions, and financial results.
A serious global pandemic can adversely impact, shock and weaken the global economy. These impacts can amplify other risk factors and could have a material impact on our operations, liquidity, financial conditions, and financial results.
Our business, operations, and financial results have been, and may continue to be, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Impacts on our business include, but are not limited to:
•Inability to meet our customers' demand due to disruptions in our manufacturing caused by delays and disruptions in obtaining certain raw material and other manufacturing components and because of restrictions affecting our ability to conduct work at sites during shutdowns;
•Rapid increases in raw material, components, and personnel related costs and expenses; and
•Rapid declines and increases in demand for our products.
Unexpected events, including natural disasters, weather events, war, terrorist acts, and pandemics, may increase our cost of doing business or disrupt our operations.
We operate manufacturing operations in three locations in the United States - Brookings, South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and we have production facilities in Ireland and China. Unexpected events could result in damage to, and a complete or partial closure of, one or more of our manufacturing facilities, which could make it difficult to supply our customers with product and provide our employees with work, thereby adversely affecting our business, operating results or financial condition.
The occurrence of one or more unexpected events in the United States or in other countries in which we operate may disrupt our operations and the operations of our customers and suppliers. Such events could create additional uncertainties, forcing customers to reduce, delay, or cancel already planned projects or cause our suppliers not to perform, resulting in parts and component shortages.
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Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We operate in highly competitive markets and face significant competition and pricing pressures. If we are unable to keep up with the rapidly changing product developments and new technologies or if we cannot compete effectively, we could lose market share and orders, which would negatively impact our results of operations.
The electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product improvement, innovations and development. We compete against products produced in foreign countries and the United States. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or market new and unique product, service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media, digital and mobile, and fixed display signs. To remain competitive, we must anticipate and respond quickly to provide products and services that meet our customers’ needs, enhance our existing products, introduce new products and features, and continue to price our products competitively.
We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights effectively, or we may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others, either of which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
We rely on a variety of intellectual property rights we use in our products and services. We may not be able to successfully preserve our intellectual property rights in the future, and these rights could be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. In particular, the laws of certain countries in which our products are sold do not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If litigation is necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources even if we ultimately prevail.
In addition, intellectual property rights of others also have an impact on our ability to offer some of our products and services for specific uses or at competitive prices. Competitors' patents or other intellectual property may limit our ability to offer products or services to our customers. Any infringement or claimed infringement by us of the intellectual property rights of others could result in litigation and adversely affect our ability to continue to provide, or could increase the cost of providing, products and services.
If we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of raw materials and components from our suppliers or to send shipments of our manufactured product to our customers, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
We cannot control all of the various factors that might affect our suppliers' timely and effective delivery of raw materials and components to our manufacturing facilities or the availability of freight capacity for us to deliver products to our customers.
Our utilization of a complex supply chain for raw material and component imports and the global distribution of our products makes us vulnerable to many risks, including, among other things, shortages or delays because of work restrictions for various reasons like COVID-19 restrictions, supply chain implications due to war or other geopolitical impacts on supply chains, risks of damage, destruction or confiscation of products while in transit to and from our manufacturing facilities; organized labor strikes and work stoppages, such as labor disputes or related employee worker unavailability, that could disrupt operations at ports-of-entry; transportation and other delays in shipments as a result of heightened security screening and inspection processes or other port-of-entry limitations or restrictions; unexpected or significant port congestion; lack of freight availability; and freight cost increases. In addition, we may be required to arrange for products to be delivered through airfreight, which is significantly more expensive than standard shipping by sea. We may not be able to obtain sufficient freight capacity on a timely basis and, therefore, may not be able to timely receive shipments of raw materials and components or deliver products to customers.
COVID-19 created constraints on supply chain operations and resulted in component part shortages due to global capacity constraints, such as the current global capacity constraint we have been facing in the supply of component parts, particularly of semiconductor components. In addition, transportation availability has disrupted the timeliness of raw material and component shipments and customer shipments. Such a constraint could cause and has caused lead times for our products to increase.
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Cost inflation in, and shortages of, raw materials, components, and related transportation and tariff costs have had and may continue to have a significant impact on our price competitiveness and/or ability to produce our products, which have caused and could continue to cause harm to our sales, financial condition and results of operations.
Cost inflation and shortages of any raw materials and components used to manufacture our products have and may continue to occur due to various factors, such as worldwide demand, natural disasters, logistic disruptions, war and other conflicts, and trade regulations.
Electronic and other components and materials used in our products are sometimes in short supply, which may impact our ability to meet customer demand. Transportation costs and availability can fluctuate due to fluctuations in oil prices and other social, economic, and geopolitical factors.
If we experience shortages or increases in the prices we pay for raw materials and components and are unable to pass on those increases to our customers or are unable to manufacture our products at all or on a timely basis, it could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations as such conditions have in the past. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages that could negatively impact our profits.
During late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of COVID-19, shipping container shortages, winter weather, and changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global inflation and shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight. While supply chain disruptions from these factors have subsided over the last half of fiscal 2023 and we expect infrequent disruptions going forward from these factors, it is reasonably possible that future disruptions could occur that would have a material impact on our business.
Trade disruptions between countries could make us subject to additional regulatory costs and challenges, affect global economic and market conditions, and contribute to volatility in foreign exchange markets, which we may be unable to effectively manage through our foreign exchange risk management program. We monitor for these types of situations and evaluate ways to minimize these impacts through vendor negotiations, alternative sources, and potential price adjustments.
We depend on a single-source or a limited number of suppliers for our raw materials and components from countries around the world. The loss, an interruption, or a material change in our business relationships with our suppliers or in global supply chain conditions has had and could continue to cause a disruption in our supply chains and a substantial increase in the costs of such raw materials and components. Such changes have and could continue to result in extended lead times or supply changes, which could disrupt or delay our scheduled product deliveries to our end user customers and may result in the loss of sales and end user customers and cause harm to our sales, financial condition, and results of operations.
The performance and financial condition of a supplier may cause us to alter our business terms, cease doing business with a particular supplier, or change our sourcing practices. Our suppliers are subject to the fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may impact their ability to operate their businesses. Our supply chain includes materials that are sourced or packaged directly or indirectly through Taiwan or China suppliers. Geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions can impact our suppliers ability to deliver components and raw materials.
An interruption from our suppliers of raw materials or components could affect our ability to manufacture our products until a new source of supply is located and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our suppliers may need to allocate available supply, and we may not be able to obtain parts needed for production. Qualifying new suppliers to compensate for such shortages may be time-consuming and costly and may increase the likelihood of errors in design or production.
In order to reduce manufacturing lead times and plan for adequate component supply, from time to time we may issue purchase orders or prepay for components and products that are non-cancelable and non-returnable. In addition, we may purchase components and products that have extended lead teams to ensure adequate supply to support long-term customer demand and mitigate the impact of supply disruptions. If we are unable to use all of the components we have purchased, we may have excess inventory or obsolescence, or increased inventory or carrying costs, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operation or financial condition.
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We may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain personnel throughout our business areas, which could negatively impact our operating results.
We depend on qualified employees, including experienced and skilled technical personnel, to design, market, fulfill, and serve our customers. Qualified employees can be in high demand and limited in availability. Our future success and operating results will also depend upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel to maintain and grow capacity. Although we intend to continue to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain qualified personnel, market conditions for pay levels and availability may negatively impact our operations.
We depend on third parties to complete some of our contracts.
Depending on a contract's scope of work, we may hire third-party subcontractors to perform on-site installation and service-related activities, hire manufacturers of structures or elements of structures related to on-site installations, hire contract manufacturers for certain product lines, or purchase specialty non-display related system elements from other companies. If we are unable to hire qualified subcontractors, find qualified manufacturers for on-site elements, find qualified contract manufacturers, or purchase specialty non-display system elements, our ability to successfully complete a project could be impaired. If we are not able to locate qualified third party subcontractors or manufacturers, the amount we are required to pay may exceed what we have estimated, and we may suffer losses on these contracts. If the subcontractor or manufacturer fails to perform, we may be required to source these services to other third parties on a delayed basis or on less favorable terms, which could impact contract profitability. There is a risk that we may have disputes with our subcontractors relating to, among other things, the quality and timeliness of work performed, customer concerns about the subcontractor, or faulty workmanship, resulting in claims against us for failure to meet required project specifications and negatively impacting our financial condition and results of operations.
These third parties are subject to fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may adversely impact their ability to operate their businesses. The performance and financial condition of the third parties may cause us to alter our business terms or to cease doing business with a particular third party or change our sourcing practices.
We may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results.
We increase and decrease our production and services capacity and the overhead supporting order fulfillment based on anticipated market demand. Market demand, however, has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. These underutilization and overbooking capacity risks can potentially decrease our profitability and result in the impairment of certain assets.
The following factors are among those that could complicate capacity planning for market demand:
•changes in the demand for and mix of products that our customers buy;
•our ability scale down or to add and train our manufacturing and services staff in advance of demand changes;
•the market’s pace of technological change;
•variability in our manufacturing or services productivity;
•long lead times for and availability of raw materials and components used in production;
•our ability to engage qualified third parties;
•geography of the order and related shipping methods; and
•long lead times for our plant and equipment expenditures.
Our results of operations on a quarterly and annual basis have and are likely to continue to fluctuate and be substantially affected by the size and timing of large contract order awards.
Customer demand and the timing and size of large contracts create volatility in supply chain planning and capacity requirements to fulfill orders. Awards of large contracts and their timing and amounts are difficult to predict, may not be repeatable, and are outside of our control. Market demand has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. Adjusting supply chain material planning and production and services capacity to meet this varied demand can increase costs. Large contracts or customer awards include projects for college and professional sports facilities
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markets, the OOH niche, the transportation market, and the large spectacular niche. These projects can have short delivery time frames. Some factors that may cause our operating results to vary due to timing and size of the awards include:
•the timing of orders and related deliveries, including delays or cancellations of orders;
•our ability to obtain raw materials and components timely and at reasonable prices;
•our ability to adjust and utilize production and services capacity;
•our ability to engage third parties to support production and fulfillment;
•new product introductions;
•variations in product mix; and
•customer financial wherewithal and the related economic conditions impacting their business.
Operating results in one or more quarters of a fiscal year may not be indicative of future operating results.
We enter into fixed-price contracts, which could reduce our profits if actual costs exceed estimated costs.
Because of the complexity of many of our client contracts, accurately estimating the cost, scope and duration of a particular contract can be a difficult task. Unanticipated costs that exceed our original estimates may not be recoverable under fixed price contracts. Unanticipated cost increases may occur as a result of several factors including, but not limited to: increases in the cost, shortages or non-availability of materials or labor; unanticipated technical problems; required project modifications not initiated by the customer; suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform or delay in performing their obligations; logistics disruptions or delays; and capacity constraints. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages which would negatively impact our profits. We evaluate changes in estimates on a contract-by-contract basis and disclose significant changes, if material, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The cumulative catch-up method is used to account for revisions in estimates.
Backlog may not be indicative of future revenue or profitability.
Many of our products have long sales, delivery and acceptance cycles. In addition, our backlog is subject to order cancellations and delays. Orders normally contain cancellation provisions to permit our recovery of costs expended as well as a pro-rata portion of the profit. If projects are delayed, revenue recognition can occur over longer periods of time, and projects may remain in backlog for extended periods of time. If we receive relatively large orders in any given quarter, fluctuations in the levels of the quarterly backlog can result because the backlog may reach levels which may not be sustained in subsequent quarters.
Unanticipated events resulting in credit losses to us could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
Significant portions of our sales are to customers who place large orders for custom products. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of our customers and have not, to date, experienced significant credit losses. We mitigate our exposure to credit risk, to some extent, by requiring deposits, payments prior to shipment, progress payments, payment bonds and letters of credit. However, because some of our exposure to credit losses is outside of our control, unanticipated events resulting in credit losses could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.
Our actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions we make to prepare our financial statements, which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, including the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, our management is required under GAAP to make estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Form 10-K.
These estimates and assumptions affect the timing and amount of net sales, costs, and profits or losses in applying the principles to contracts with customers under over time method of recording revenue using the cost-to-cost input method; credit losses for accounts receivables and contract assets; the valuation of inventory; estimated amounts for warranty and product maintenance agreement costs; the calculation and valuation of our investments and deferred tax assets; the valuation of our investment in affiliates or unconsolidated subsidiaries; fair value estimates used in goodwill and long-term assets testing; estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws; and calculating share-based compensation expense. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances, they
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are subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If management's estimates and assumptions change or are not correct, our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.
Unanticipated warranty and other costs for defective products could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
We provide warranties on our products with terms varying from one to 10 years. In addition, we offer extended warranties. These warranties require us to repair or replace faulty products and meet certain performance standards, among other customary warranty provisions. Although we continually monitor our warranty claims and accrue a liability for estimated warranty costs, unanticipated claims could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. In some cases, we may be able to subrogate a claim back to a subcontractor or supplier if the subcontractor or supplier supplied the defective product or performed the service, but this may not always be possible. In addition, the need to repair or replace products with design and manufacturing defects could adversely affect our reputation. Remediation of a claim may take time and could result in lost or deferred revenue, lead to costly warranty expenses, and have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
The terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions on our operations, and if we default on our credit facilities, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and make us vulnerable to adverse economic or industry conditions and cause liquidity issues.
The terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions limiting our ability to incur debt, contingent liabilities, lease obligations or liens; to merge or consolidate with another company; to dispose substantially all our assets ; to acquire or purchase a business or its assets; or to sell our assets. Our credit facilities also impose certain financial covenants on us which restrict the level of cash dividends and capital expenditures. A breach of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under our credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lender could elect to declare any and all amounts outstanding under such facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. For additional information on financing agreements, see "Note 7. Financing Agreements" and "Note 17. Subsequent Events" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
For the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that our cash on hand, marketable securities, cash provided by operating activities, and borrowings under our credit facilities should provide sufficient funds to finance our capital expenditures and working capital needs and otherwise meet operating expenses and debt service requirements. However, if additional capital is required or we are unable to renew our existing credit facilities at all or on a timely basis, there can be no assurance we will be able to obtain such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms.
If we became unable to obtain adequate surety bonding or letters of credit, it could adversely affect our ability to bid on new work, which could have a material adverse effect on our future revenue and business prospects.
In line with industry practice, we are often required to provide performance and surety bonds to customers and may be required to provide letters of credit. These bonds and letters of credit provide credit support for the client if we fail to perform our obligations under the contract. If security is required for a project and we are unable to obtain a bond or letter of credit on terms acceptable to us and our client, we may not be able to pursue that project. In addition, bonding may be more difficult to obtain in the future or may be available only at significant additional cost as a result of general conditions that affect the insurance and bonding markets.
Volatility in our business driven by global economic conditions and supply chain disruptions can have a negative effect on our liquidity and could cause us to express substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Global economic conditions and supply chain disruptions have and will continue to cause volatility in our cash flow, pricing, order volumes lead times, competitiveness, revenue cycles, and production costs. Our ability to fund inventory levels, operations and capital expenditures in the future will be dependent on our ability to generate cash flow from operations in these conditions, to maintain or improve margins, and to use funds from our credit facility. Also, market conditions can negatively impact our customers' ability to fund their projects and can impact our vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors and may not allow them to meet their obligations to us and impact our liquidity.
A determination that there is a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern can cause our existing and prospective suppliers, customers, and financing sources to not do business with us.
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We previously disclosed that liquidity constraints conditions raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue in our second and third quarter of fiscal 2023 financial statements. On May 11, 2023, we secured long-term financing. During fiscal 2023, we recognized operating income of $21.4 million and generated $15.0 million in cash flows provided by operating activities, and we project we will have sufficient cash on hand and availability under the financing agreements to fund future operations. Therefore, the events and conditions that gave rise to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern were resolved.
Acquisitions, investments, and divestitures pose financial, management and other risks and challenges.
We routinely invest in and explore investing in or acquiring other businesses and related assets to complement or enhance our business strategies. These investments are often made to increase customer relations and market base, expand geographically, or obtain technological advances to support our solution portfolio. Periodically, we may also consider disposing of these businesses, partial investments, assets, or other lines of business.
The financial, management and other risks and challenges associated with these activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
•diversion of management attention;
•difficulty with integrating acquired businesses;
•adverse impact on overall profitability if the expanded operations or investments in affiliates do not achieve the strategic benefits forecasted;
•potential loss or adverse relationship with or a change of key employees, customers, or suppliers of the acquired business;
•inability to effectively manage our expanded operations;
•difficulty with the integration of different corporate cultures;
•personnel issues;
•increased expenses;
•assumption of unknown liabilities and indemnification obligations;
•potential disputes with the buyers or sellers;
•the time involved in evaluating or modifying the financial systems of an acquired business and the establishment of appropriate internal controls;
•incorrect estimates made in the accounting for the transaction that cause misstatements of acquisition assets and liabilities; and
•incorrect assumptions and estimates made in accounting for the value of such asset.
There can be no assurance that we will engage in any acquisitions or divestitures or that we will be able to do so on terms that will result in any expected benefits.
We have $20.7 million, net invested in affiliates as of April 29, 2023. Our financial results are impacted negatively or positively from our proportionate share of our affiliates' financial performance. Any reduction or impairment of the value of an investment and related acquired assets, goodwill, or investments in affiliates would result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods. We recorded an impairment to the value of one of these investments by $4.5 million during fiscal year 2023.
If goodwill or other intangible assets in connection with our acquisitions become impaired, we could take significant non-cash charges against earnings.
We have pursued and will continue to seek potential acquisitions to complement and expand our existing businesses, increase our revenues and profitability, and expand our markets. As a result of prior acquisitions, we have goodwill and intangible assets recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as described in "Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Goodwill represents the purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized and remains in our consolidated balance sheets indefinitely unless there is an impairment or a sale of a portion of the business. Under current accounting guidelines, we must assess, at least annually, whether the value of goodwill and other intangible assets has been impaired. Any reduction or impairment of the value of goodwill or other intangible assets will result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.
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We performed our annual impairment test on October 30, 2022 and concluded that the carrying value of the Live Events and International reporting units exceeded their respective fair values and consequently recorded a $4.6 million impairment charge. We determined the fair value of the reporting units based on an income approach, using the present value of future discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used to determine fair value include the weighted average cost of capital and financial forecasts. The recognized impairment was primarily a result of our weighted average cost of capital being notably higher, which was driven by strains on our liquidity caused by disrupted supply chains and geopolitical conditions. As a result, the present value of our future cash flows was lower, which caused the impairment charge. Based on our annual impairment test, we concluded that the fair value of the Commercial and Transportation reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values and concluded no goodwill impairment existed for those reporting units. The annual impairment test for fiscal years 2022 and 2021 concluded no goodwill impairment existed.
We may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain key management personnel, which could negatively impact our operating results.
We depend on the performance of our senior executives and key employees, including experienced and skilled technical personnel. The loss of any of our senior executives could negatively impact our operating results and ability to execute our business strategy. Our future success will also depend upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel.
Although we intend to continue to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain key personnel, some of our competitors for these employees have greater resources and more experience, making it difficult for us to compete successfully for key personnel. If we cannot attract and retain sufficiently qualified technical employees for our research and development and manufacturing operations, we may be unable to achieve the synergies expected from mergers and acquisitions or to develop and commercialize new products or new applications for existing products. Furthermore, possible shortages of key personnel, including engineers, could require us to pay more to hire and retain key personnel, thereby increasing our costs.
The outcome of pending and future claims, investigations or litigation can have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are involved from time to time in a variety of litigation, investigations, inquires or similar matters arising in our business. Litigation, investigations and regulatory proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings and outcomes can and do occur. Pending or future claims against us could result in professional liability, product liability, criminal liability, warranty obligations, indemnity claims, or other liabilities to the extent we are not insured against a loss or our insurance fails to provide adequate coverage. Also, a well-publicized actual or perceived threat of litigation could adversely affect our reputation and reduce the demand for our products. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on litigation obligations.
Information Systems, Legal, and Regulatory Risks
Our business depends on numerous complex information systems. Any failure to maintain these systems, a network disruption, or breaches in data security that could cause a material adverse effect on our business.
We rely heavily on complex information systems for the successful operation of our business, for the support of our controller offerings, and for the collection and retention of business data. Any failure of our digital systems, or any breach of our systems’ security measures, could adversely affect our operations, at least until our data can be restored and/or the breaches remediated. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, ransomware attacks, programming issues, and/or human errors or other similar events. Any misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information, whether by us or by our third-party service providers, could adversely affect our business and operations. We could face significant fines and penalties under various global laws revolving around data loss, lack of adequate data protection or lack of required reporting. Any disruption in our digital technologies could affect our business and operations, causing potentially significant expenses to recover and modify the data systems, to reimburse customers' losses, and to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities, which could severely damage our reputation with customers, suppliers, employees and investors and expose us to risk of litigation and liability.
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Our global operations expose us to global regulatory, geopolitical, economic and social changes and add additional risks and uncertainties which can harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our domestic and foreign operations, sales, earnings, and strategies for profitable growth can be adversely affected by global conditions and compliance with global regulations and governmental orders. Global conditions include political developments; economic changes; unfavorable trading policies; difficulties in staffing and managing global operations; changes in foreign and domestic governmental regulations or requirements, treaty and trade relationships; the imposition of government orders that differ among jurisdictions, including mandatory closures, work-from-home and lock-down orders and social distancing protocols; changes in monetary and fiscal policies; changes in laws and regulations; or other activities of the United States and other foreign governments, agencies, and similar organizations. These conditions include, but are not limited to, changes in a country's or region's economic or political conditions; pricing and marketing of products; local labor conditions and regulations; reduced protection of intellectual property rights; changes in the regulatory or legal environment; lack of well-developed legal systems; restrictions and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; and burdensome taxes and tariffs and other trade regulations or barriers. Other exposures and uncertainties that exist include changing social conditions and attitudes, terrorism, or political hostilities and war. Other difficulties of global operations include staffing and managing our various locations, including logistical and communication challenges. The likelihood of such occurrences and their overall effect on us vary greatly from country to country and are not predictable.
Our business involves the use of hazardous materials, and we must comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, which can be expensive and restrict how we do business.
Our business involves the blending, controlled storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials. We and our suppliers are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. Although we believe the safety procedures we utilize for handling and disposing of these materials comply with the standards prescribed by these laws and regulations, we cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of an accident, local, state, federal or foreign authorities may curtail the use of these materials and interrupt our business operations. If we are subject to any liability as a result of activities involving hazardous materials, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected, and our reputation may be harmed.
Our future results may be affected by compliance risks related to United States and other countries' anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, trade controls, economic sanctions, and similar laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to civil, criminal and administrative proceedings or penalties and harm our reputation.
Doing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of the United States government and various foreign jurisdictions. These laws and regulations place restrictions on our operations, trade practices, partners, customers, and investments.
In particular, we and our operations are subject to United States and foreign anti-corruption and trade control laws and regulations, such as the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”); the United Kingdom Bribery Act (the “Bribery Act”); and export controls and economic sanctions programs, including those administered by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (the “DDTC”), and the Bureau of Industry and Security of the United States Department of Commerce.
As part of our business, we deal with state-owned business enterprises, the employees of which are considered to be foreign officials for purposes of the FCPA's prohibition on United States companies from engaging in bribery, providing anything of value, or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and other similar regulations in other areas of the world. In addition, the provisions of the Bribery Act apply to the bribery of foreign officials and to transactions with individuals that a government does not employ. The FCPA also requires us to maintain specific record-keeping standards and adequate internal accounting controls. In addition, we are subject to similar requirements in other countries. Some of the international locations in which we do business lack a developed legal system and have higher than normal levels of corruption. Our expansion outside of the United States, and our development of new partnerships and joint venture relations worldwide, could increase the risk of violation of the FCPA, OFAC, the Bribery Act or similar laws and regulations.
As an exporter, we must comply with various laws and regulations relating to the export of products and technology from the United States and other countries having jurisdiction over our operations and trade sanctions against embargoed
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countries and destinations administered by OFAC. Before shipping certain items, we must obtain an export license or verify that license exemptions are available. Any failures to comply with these laws and regulations could result in fines, adverse publicity, and restrictions on our ability to export our products. Repeat failures could carry more significant penalties.
Anti-bribery, corruption, and trade laws and regulations, and the enforcement thereof, are increasing in frequency, complexity and severity on a global basis. Violations of anti-corruption, anti-bribery and trade control laws and sanctions regulations are punishable by civil penalties, including fines; the denial of export privileges; injunctions; asset seizures; debarment from government contracts and revocations or restrictions of license; as well as criminal fines and imprisonment, and could harm our reputation, create negative shareholder sentiment and affect our share value. We have established policies and procedures with the intention of providing reasonable assurance of compliance with these laws and regulations and trained our employees to comply with these laws and regulations. However, our employees, contractors, agents and licensees involved in our international operations may take actions in violations of such policies. If our employees, agents, distributors, suppliers and other third parties with whom we do business violate anti-bribery, anti-corruption or similar laws and regulations, we may incur severe fines, penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our policies and procedures will effectively prevent us from violating these regulations in every transaction in which we may engage or provide a defense to any alleged violation. In particular, we may be held liable for the actions that our partners take inside or outside of the United States even though we are not aware of such actions or our partners may not be subject to these laws. Such a violation, even if our policies prohibit it, could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors maintain prohibitions or restrictions on investments in companies that do business with sanctioned countries, persons and entities, which could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security could increase our costs and affect or limit our business opportunities and how we collect or use personal information.
As privacy, data protection and information security laws, including data localization laws, are interpreted and applied, compliance costs may increase, particularly in the context of ensuring that adequate data protection and data transfer mechanisms are in place. In recent years, there have been increasing regulatory enforcement and litigation activities in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security in the United States and in various countries in which we operate.
In addition, state and federal legislators and/or regulators in the United States and other countries in which we operate are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, data protection and information security laws that potentially could have a significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices; our collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer and/or employee information; and some of our current or planned business activities. New legislation or regulation could increase our costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce revenues from certain business initiatives. Moreover, the application of existing or new laws to existing technology and practices can be uncertain and may lead to additional compliance risk and cost.
Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws relating to consumer and/or employee data, including the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union and similar laws in other regions of the world, including the United States, could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Our failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in potentially significant regulatory and/or governmental investigations and/or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions, ongoing regulatory monitoring, customer attrition, customer indemnity claims, decreases in the use or acceptance of our products and services, and damage to our reputation and our brand.
Global tax law changes may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States and its various state and local governments as well as several foreign tax jurisdictions. Our future income taxes could be materially adversely affected by changes in the amount or mix of earnings amongst countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax rates or the interpretation of tax rules and regulations in jurisdictions in which we do business, changes in tax laws, or the outcome of income tax audits and any related litigation. The United States Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is one such example of legislation that has impacted our effective tax rate.
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Further changes in the tax laws of the United States and foreign jurisdictions could arise, including additional tax reform in the United States and the base erosion and profit shifting project undertaken by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”). Both the United States tax reform and the OECD proposed recommendations which, in some cases, would make substantial changes to numerous long-standing tax positions and principles. These contemplated changes could increase tax uncertainty and may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our financial statements, reduce investor confidence, and adversely impact our stock price.
Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our financial statements, reduce investor confidence, and adversely affect our stock price. As discussed in Part II, Item 9A “Controls and Procedures” in this Form 10-K, during the year-end closing processes for fiscal 2023, we identified a material weakness in our internal control related to the ineffective operation of certain transactional level controls over revenue recognition, specifically related to revenue contracts recognized over time, which resulted from insufficient precision of processes and insufficient training of the relevant control operators. These internal controls are important to accurately reflect our financial position and results of operations in our financial reports. We performed additional procedures over contracts for which revenue is recognized over time, including leveraging the expertise of a third-party specialist, and we did not identify any material errors in our reported revenue balance. However, due to the material weakness described above, there is a reasonable possibility that our existing controls would not have detected a material misstatement in a timely manner if it were to be material. We are in the process of remediating the material weakness, but our efforts may not be successful. If we are unable to remediate the material weakness in an appropriate and timely manner, or if we identify additional control deficiencies that individually or together constitute significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, our ability to accurately record, process, and report financial information and, consequently, our ability to prepare financial statements within required time periods, could be adversely affected. Our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in violations of applicable securities laws and stock exchange listing requirements; subject us to litigation and investigations; negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements; and adversely impact our stock price and ability to access capital markets.
Insurance coverage can be difficult or expensive to obtain, and our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We maintain insurance both as a corporate risk management strategy and to satisfy the requirements of many of our contracts with customers. As the costs and availability of insurance change, we may decide not to be covered against certain losses where, in the judgment of management, the insurance is not warranted due to the cost or availability of coverage or the remoteness of the perceived risk. We cannot provide assurance that all necessary or appropriate insurances will be available, cover every type of loss incurred, or be able to be economically secured. For example, some insurers limit or refuse coverages, increase premium costs or increase deductibles when global catastrophic events occur. As part of our corporate risk management strategy, we monitor and place our coverages with financially strong insurers, layer our risk with multiple insurers, and seek advice on the amount, breadth and type of insurance coverages to protect our interests. We also contractually require subcontractors and others working on our behalf to carry common insurance coverages for the types of work they perform to mitigate any risk of our loss. Our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We have been required to conduct a good faith reasonable country of origin analysis on our use of “conflict minerals”, which has imposed and may impose additional costs on us and could raise reputational challenges and other risks.
The SEC has promulgated rules in connection with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act regarding disclosure of the use of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries. As required, we have filed annual Forms SD with the SEC since 2014 reporting our work performed to gain information on the source of conflict minerals we use. We incur costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements. As we continue our due diligence, we may face reputational challenges if we continue to be unable to verify the origins of all conflict minerals used in our products. We may also encounter challenges in our efforts to satisfy customers that may require all of the components of products purchased to be certified as conflict free. If we are not able to meet customer requirements, customers may choose to disqualify us as a supplier.
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Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock
The protections we have adopted and to which we are subject may discourage takeover offers favored by our shareholders.
Our articles of incorporation, by-laws and other corporate governance documents and the South Dakota Business Corporation Act ("SD Act") contain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and discourage, delay or prevent a change in control or an acquisition that many shareholders may find attractive. These provisions make it more difficult for our shareholders to take some corporate actions and include provisions relating to:
•the ability of our Board of Directors, without shareholder approval, to authorize and issue shares of stock with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights and preferences that are superior to our common stock;
•the classification of our Board of Directors, which effectively prevents shareholders from electing a majority of the directors at any one meeting of shareholders;
•the adoption of a shareholder rights agreement providing for the exercise of junior participating preferred stock purchase rights when a person becomes the beneficial owner of 20 percent or more of our outstanding common stock and upon the occurrence of certain similar events (subject to certain exceptions);
•under the SD Act, limitations on the voting rights of shares acquired in specified types of acquisitions and restrictions on specified types of business combinations; and
•under the SD Act, prohibitions against engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested shareholder” for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder unless the business combination is approved.
These provisions may deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their common stock, which in turn may have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock.
Our common stock has at times been thinly traded, which may result in low liquidity and price volatility.
The daily trading volume of our common stock has at times been relatively low. If this were to occur in the future, the liquidity and appreciation of our common stock may not meet our shareholders’ expectations, and the price at which our stock trades may be volatile. The market price of our common stock could be adversely impacted as a result of sales by existing shareholders of a large number of shares of common stock in the market or by the perception such sales could cause.
Significant changes in the market price of our common stock could result in securities litigation claims against us.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated and will likely continue to fluctuate. In the past, companies that have experienced significant changes in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities litigation claims. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could harm our business.
Additionally, if we fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, or if one or more of the securities analysts who cover us adversely change their recommendation regarding our stock, the market price of our common stock could decline. Moreover, our stock price may be based on expectations, estimates and forecasts of our future performance that may be unrealistic or that may not be met. Further, our stock price may fluctuate based on reporting by the financial media, including television, radio, press reports and blogs.
There can be no assurance that we will pay dividends on our common stock.
Our Board of Directors approved regular dividends from fiscal 2006 until March 2020. The declaration, amount and timing of such dividends are determined by our Board of Directors at its discretion. Such determinations are subject to capital availability, compliance with all respective laws and agreements applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends, our strategic investment cash needs, our business outlook, and other factors the board uses to balance long-term business needs, credit availability, and the interests of our shareholders.
Our ability to pay dividends will depend upon, among other factors, our cash balances and potential future capital requirements for strategic transactions, including acquisitions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors
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that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. A reduction in or elimination of our dividend payments and/or our dividend program could have a material negative effect on our stock price.
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders, and such activism could impact the trading value of our securities.
Responding to actions by activist shareholders can be costly and time-consuming, and impact our brand, disrupting our operations and diverting the attention of management and our employees. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan. In addition, a proxy contest for the election of directors would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and require significant time and attention by management and our board of directors. The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction also could affect the market price and volatility of our securities.
Our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders have the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval.
Co-founder Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach served as our Chairman of the Board until September 3, 2014. Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach's family members currently serve as executive officers of the Company. His son, Mr. Reece Kurtenbach, serves as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and two other children serve as our Vice President of Human Resources and as our Vice President of Manufacturing. Together, these individuals, in the aggregate, beneficially owned 10.2 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2023, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options that were currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 30, 2023. Our other executive officers and directors, in the aggregate, beneficially owned an additional 4.2 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2023, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 30, 2023. Although this does not represent a majority of our outstanding common stock, if these shareholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, could significantly influence the election of directors and the approval of any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination or reorganization requiring shareholder approval. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other shareholders may desire. The interests of this group of shareholders may not always coincide with the interests of other shareholders, and they may act in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of other shareholders, including seeking a premium value for their common stock, that might affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal properties include space for manufacturing products, designing and testing new developments or processes, and employee collaboration space. Our properties are generally aligned with our business segments; however, we manufacture the same products across our manufacturing facilities to efficiently utilize capacity and reduce costs. We consider all our properties to be both suitable and adequate to meet our requirements for the foreseeable future.
Our principal properties consist of the following:
| Facilities | Owned or Leased | Square Footage | Facility Activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Brookings, SD, USA | Owned | 771,000 | Corporate Office, Manufacturing, Sales, Service | |||||||||||||||||
| Redwood Falls, MN, USA | Owned | 151,000 | Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office | |||||||||||||||||
| Ennistymon, Ireland | Owned | 62,000 | Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office | |||||||||||||||||
| Sioux Falls, SD, USA | Leased | 296,000 | Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office | |||||||||||||||||
| Shanghai, China | Leased | 152,000 | Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Office | |||||||||||||||||
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We also utilize sales and service offices located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. These spaces are generally small leased offices used for sales related activities. See "Note 9. Leases" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on lease obligations.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in a variety of legal actions relating to various matters during the normal course of business. Although we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of these matters, taken as a whole, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on any legal proceedings and claims.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Stock Performance
Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol DAKT. Daily market activity, along with quoted prices and other trading information, are readily available for our common stock on numerous websites including www.nasdaq.com. As of June 30, 2023, we had 930 shareholders of record.
Share Repurchases
On June 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which Daktronics may purchase up to $40.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. In April 2020, the Board suspended the program. On December 2, 2021, the Board of Directors of Daktronics voted to reauthorize the stock repurchase program. During fiscal 2023 and 2021, we had no repurchases of shares of our outstanding common stock. During fiscal 2022, we repurchased 0.6 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $3.2 million. As of April 29, 2023, we had $29.4 million of remaining capacity under our current share repurchase program.
Repurchases of shares are treated as dividends under the South Dakota Business Corporation Act (which is codified as Chapter 47-1A to the South Dakota statutes), so our repurchases of shares could be affected by the limitations imposed on dividends in our credit facility, as further described in "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Item 6. [Reserved]
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion provides our highlights and commentary related to factors impacting our financial conditions and further describes the results of operations. The most significant risks and uncertainties are discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors."
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
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Management's Discussion and Analysis - Fiscal 2022 compared to Fiscal 2021
The comparison of fiscal 2022 with fiscal 2021, including the results of operations and liquidity, can be found in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2022 filed with the SEC on June 16, 2022, which comparison is incorporated by reference herein.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Our mission is to be a world leader at informing and entertaining audiences through dynamic audio-visual communication systems. We organize into business units to focus on customer loyalty over time and earn new and replacement business, as our products have a finite lifetime. See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information. Our strategies include the creation of a comprehensive line of innovative solutions and systems and our ability to create and leverage platform designs and technologies. These strategies align us to effectively deliver value to our varied customers and their market needs, while serving our stakeholders over the long-term. We focus on creating local capabilities for sales, service, and manufacturing in geographies with expected digital market opportunities. We believe consistently generating profitable growth will provide value to our stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, and communities).
We measure our success using a variety of measures including:
•our percentage of market share by comparing our estimated revenue to the total estimated global digital display revenue;
•our order growth compared to the overall digital market order change;
•financial metrics such as annual order volume and profit change as compared to our previous financial results;
•customer retention and expansion rates; and
•our ability to generate profits over the long-term to provide a shareholder return.
Certain factors impact our ability to succeed in these strategies and impact our business units to varying degrees. For example, due to volatility in our supply chain and labor conditions through the last two years, our lead times and manufacturing and fulfillment costs increased. We deployed various pricing strategies and redesigned products to utilize available raw materials and components. However, not all of our competitors were impacted to the same degree in accessibility to parts and components or reacted similarly with pricing. As a result, in some instances, competitors were awarded more business.
The cost to produce digital solutions has declined, which has caused a decline of digital solution pricing over the years. We must sell more products to generate the same or a greater level of net sales as in previous fiscal years. However, the increased user adoption and number of applications available have increased the size of the global market.
Competitors' offerings, actions and reactions also can vary and change over time or in certain customer situations. Projects with multimillion-dollar revenue potential attract competition, and competitors can use marketing or other tactics to win business.
Each business unit's long-term performance can be impacted by economic conditions in different ways and to different degrees. The effects of an adverse economy are generally less severe on our sports related business as compared to our other businesses, although in severe economic downturns with social changes causing decreases in sporting event revenues, the sports business can also be seriously impacted.
Outlook:
Daktronics endured a dynamic operating environment through the pandemic years. At the beginning of the pandemic, orders pulled back swiftly and abruptly, and we lowered capacity. Then order volumes recovered sharply while supply chain disruptions coupled with a tight labor market constrained our ability to deliver efficiently at traditional lead times and service levels. Inflation in parts, components, and labor increased our operating costs and decreased gross margins. To adapt to these conditions, our teams came together to take decisive and deliberate actions to improve our customers' experience while implementing strategies to improve our profitability and working capital levels.
Supply chains have gradually been stabilizing, which should allow reduced inventory levels in the coming months as our production levels continue to increase and we are able to purchase less safety stock. Although the post-pandemic
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geopolitical situation and global trade patterns continue to evolve, we believe that the levels of uncertainty and volatility will not be as great in the coming months and will continue to stabilize in the coming fiscal year.
We believe the audiovisual industry fundamentals and the development of new technologies and services will drive long-term growth for our business; however, our customers may reduce their spend on audiovisual systems and related services because of the impacts of global economic conditions, war and geopolitical situations, or other factors outside of our control.
The outlook and unique key growth drivers and challenges by our business units include the following:
Commercial Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Commercial business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•Standard display product market growth due to market adoption and lower product costs, which drive marketplace expansion. Standard display products are used to attract or communicate with customers and potential customers of retail, commercial, and other establishments. Pricing and economic conditions are the principal factors that impact our success in this business unit. We utilize a reseller network to distribute our standard products.
•National accounts standard display market opportunities due to customers' desire to communicate their message, advertising and content consistently across the country. Increased demand is possible from national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, petroleum retailers, and other nationwide organizations.
•Additional standard display offerings using micro-LED designs.
•Increasing use of LED technologies replacing signage previously using LCD technology by existing and new customers.
•Development and marketing alternative low-power and sustainable solutions for installations in power constrained areas or for customers desiring these types of products.
•Increasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment venues such as casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships and Times Square type locations.
•New market adoption and expansion for use of LED in government and military and corporate campuses.
•Dynamic messaging systems demand growth due to market adoption and expanded use of this technology.
•The use of architectural lighting products for commercial buildings, which real estate owners use to add accents or effects to an entire side or circumference of a building to communicate messages or to decorate the building.
•The continued deployment of digital billboards as OOH advertising companies continue developing new sites and replacing digital billboards reaching end of life. This is dependent on no adverse changes occurring in the digital billboard regulatory environment restricting future billboard deployments, as well as maintaining our current market share in a business that is concentrated in a few large OOH companies.
•Replacement cycles within each of these areas.
Live Events Business Unit: We believe growth in the Live Events business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•Facilities spending more on larger display systems to enhance the game-day and event experience for attendees.
•Lower product costs, driving an expansion of the marketplace.
•Our product and service offerings, including additional micro-LED offerings which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry.
•The competitive nature of sports teams, which strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems.
•The desire for high-definition video displays, which typically drive larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which increase the average transaction size.
•Dynamic messaging system needs throughout a sports facility.
•Increasing use of LED technologies replacing signage previously using LCD technology in and surrounding live events facilities.
•Replacement cycles within each of these areas.
High School Park and Recreation Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the High School Park and Recreation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•Increased demand for video systems in high schools as school districts realize the revenue generating potential of these displays compared to traditional scoreboards and these systems' ability to provide or enhance academic curriculum offerings for students.
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•Increased demand for different types of displays and dynamic messaging systems, such as message centers at schools to communicate to students, parents and the broader community.
•Lower system costs driving the use of more sophisticated displays in school athletic facilities, such as large integrated video systems.
•Expanding control system options tailored for the markets' needs.
•Certain display requirements for sporting events.
Transportation Business Unit: Daktronics has experienced governmental agencies placing orders as a way to spend their allocated budgets for their fiscal years. In addition, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November 2021 is expected to have a positive impact on all segments of United States transportation terminals and public transit facilities.
Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Transportation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•Increasing applications and acceptance of electronic displays to manage transportation systems, including roadway, airport, parking, transit and other applications.
•Development and marketing alternative low-power and sustainable solutions for installations in power constrained areas or for customers desiring these types of products.
•Effective use of the United States transportation infrastructure requires intelligent transportation systems. This growth is highly dependent on government spending, primarily by state and federal governments, along with the continuing acceptance of private/public partnerships as an alternative funding source.
•Expanded use of dynamic messaging systems for advertising and wayfinding use in public transport and airport terminals due to expanded market usage and displays, with LED technology replacing prior LCD installations and additional display offerings using micro-LEDs.
International Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the International business unit will result from a number of factors, including:
•Achieving greater penetration in various geographies and building products more suited to individual markets. We continue to broaden our product offerings into the transportation segment in Europe and the Middle East.
•Continued focus on sports facility, spectacular-type, OOH advertising products, and architectural lighting market opportunities and the factors listed in each of the other business units to the extent they apply outside of the United States and Canada.
•Increasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment venues such as casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships and city-center locations.
•New market adoption and expansion of use of LED in government and military and corporate campuses.
•Additional opportunities exist with expanded market usage of LED technology due to price considerations, usage of LED technology replacing prior LCD installations and additional display offerings using micro-LEDs.
•Development and marketing alternative low-power and sustainable solutions for installations in power constrained areas or for customers desiring these types of products.
•Our product and service offerings, including additional micro-LED offerings, which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry.
•Growing our reseller channels to promote our products and gain market share.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") are based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Although our significant accounting policies are described in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, the following discussion is intended to highlight and describe those accounting policies that are especially critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
A critical accounting policy is defined as a policy that is both very important to the portrayal of a company's financial condition and results and requires management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. We regularly review our
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critical accounting policies and evaluate them based on these factors. We believe the estimation process for uniquely configured contracts and warranties are most material and critical. These areas contain estimates with a reasonable likelihood to change, and those changes could have a material impact on our financial condition and reported results of operations. The estimation processes for these areas are also difficult, subjective and use complex judgments. Our critical accounting estimates are based on historical experience; on our interpretation of GAAP, current laws and regulations; and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue recognition on uniquely configured contracts. Revenue for uniquely configured (custom) or integrated systems is recognized over time using the cost-to-cost input method by comparing cumulative costs incurred to the total estimated costs and applying that percentage of completion to the transaction price to recognize revenue. Over time revenue recognition is appropriate because we have no alternative use for the uniquely configured system and have an enforceable right to payment for work performed, including a reasonable profit margin. The cost-to-cost input method measures cost incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. This method is the most faithful depiction of our performance because it measures the value of the contract transferred to the customer. Costs to perform the contract include direct and indirect costs for contract design, production, integration, installation, and assurance-type warranty reserve. Direct costs include material and components; manufacturing, project management and engineering labor; and subcontracting expenses. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities and equipment depreciation and general overhead. Provisions of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period when such losses are capable of being estimated.
We may have multiple performance obligations in these types of contracts; however, a majority are treated as a combined single performance obligation. In our judgment, this accounting treatment is most appropriate because the substantial part of our promise to our customer is to provide significant integration services and incorporate individual goods and services into a combined output or system. Often times the system is customized or significantly modified to the customer's desired configurations and location, and the interrelated goods and services provide utility to the customer as a package. See "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on our revenue recognition policies.
Warranties. We have recognized an accrued liability for warranty obligations equal to our estimate of the actual costs to be incurred in connection with our performance under contractual warranties. Warranty estimates include the cost of direct material and labor estimates to repair products over their warranty coverage period. Generally, estimates are based on historical experience considering known or expected changes. If we would become aware of an increase in our estimated warranty costs, additional accruals may become necessary, resulting in an increase in cost of sales. Although prior estimates have been materially correct, estimates for warranty liabilities can change based on actual versus estimated defect rates over the lifetime of the warranty coverage, a difference in actual to estimated costs to conduct repairs for the components and related labor needed, and other site related actual to estimated cost changes.
As of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, we had approximately $32.5 million and $28.9 million accrued for these warranty obligations, respectively. Due to the difficulty in estimating probable costs related to certain warranty obligations, there is a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate remaining costs to remediate the warranty claims could differ materially from the recorded accrued liabilities. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on warranties.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects those pronouncements have on our financial results, refer to "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Daktronics, Inc. operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period.
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Net Sales
The following table shows information regarding net sales for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 170,590 | $ | 154,211 | $ | 16,379 | 10.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Live Events | 284,900 | 199,106 | 85,794 | 43.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| High School Park and Recreation | 141,748 | 111,816 | 29,932 | 26.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 72,306 | 62,707 | 9,599 | 15.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| International | 84,652 | 83,130 | 1,522 | 1.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 754,196 | $ | 610,970 | $ | 143,226 | 23.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Orders: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 158,028 | $ | 192,917 | $ | (34,889) | (18.1) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Live Events | 259,653 | 313,940 | (54,287) | (17.3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| High School Park and Recreation | 144,919 | 156,305 | (11,386) | (7.3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 66,751 | 77,993 | (11,242) | (14.4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| International | 51,603 | 104,916 | (53,313) | (50.8) | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 680,954 | $ | 846,071 | $ | (165,117) | (19.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022
For fiscal year 2023, net sales were $754.2 million, an increase of $143.2 million from fiscal year 2022. The year-over-year growth was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. Sales growth was driven by strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented beginning in late fiscal year 2022. We have seen stabilizing and improving supply chain conditions and have invested in automated machinery and equipment and in labor capacity to increase the rate of conversion of orders into sales, creating more throughput in our factories.
Order volume decreased in fiscal year 2023 from fiscal year 2022. Fiscal 2022 saw a record number of orders from pent-up demand after COVID, though orders for fiscal 2023 continued to be strong. Macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions caused the decline in orders in the International business unit.
Due to a number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers committing to a system, long replacement cycles, the limited number of large custom projects and competitive factors, advertising revenues during macroeconomic changes, economic dependencies, regulatory environments, and competitive factors, it is difficult to predict orders and net sales for fiscal 2024.
Commercial: The increase in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings.
We continued to see increased adoption of video solutions in our Commercial business unit marketplace. Depending on the duration of the current economic conditions, we see opportunities for orders and sales over the coming years in our OOH, on-premise, and spectacular focused niches due to replacement cycles, expansion of dynamic messaging systems usage, releases of new solutions, additional distribution methods, and increased market size due to the decline of digital pricing over the years as well as the desire for higher resolution technology. We expect growth in the Commercial business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and our success in counteracting competitive pressures.
Live Events: The increase in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. Sales growth was driven by strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented beginning in late fiscal year 2022.
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We continue to see ongoing interest from venues at all levels in increasing the size and capabilities of their display systems and in the usage of dynamic messaging systems throughout their facilities in our Live Events business unit marketplace.
We expect this business unit's size to remain stable over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions, and success in maintaining market share by counteracting competitive pressures.
High School Park and Recreation: The increase in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented beginning in late fiscal year 2022.
We expect sales to continue to grow in fiscal year 2024 because of the adoption of video displays for sporting and educational use. Trends towards deploying professional grade technology, especially in high schools, has expanded the market size. These facilities benefit from our sports marketing services that generate advertising revenue to fund the display systems, from our curriculum program designed to increase educational use, and because of schools' desire to communicate with students and parents using these systems. Some growth is also expected because of regulatory requirements for certain display types for sports events. We expect growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions.
Transportation: The increase in net sales for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. Sales growth was driven by strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented in late fiscal year 2022 and the beginning of fiscal year 2023.
Several factors, such as transportation funding, the competitive environment, and customer delivery changes, make forecasting orders and net sales difficult for fiscal 2024. However, the stability of long-term federal transportation funding and the number of capital projects for highways and public transit that include dynamic message signs and for advertising and wayfinding use in public transport and airport terminals continue to rise. We expect continued growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and continued transportation funding.
International: Net sales were relatively flat for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.
We expect demand for larger video systems for commercial and sports applications, indoor and outdoor OOH applications, and transportation applications to remain strong over the long-term. Macroeconomic factors, the discretionary nature of customers committing to new systems or replacements, and the pace of market growth, have impacted order bookings and timing, making it difficult to predict order and sales levels for fiscal 2024. For the long-term, we believe the International business unit has the potential for sales growth as we penetrate markets with our established sales networks to increase our International market share, continue to enhance our tailored portfolio of product and control solution offerings, invest in additional distribution methods, and expect the trend of increased use and adoption of our technology globally to continue.
Gross Profit and Contribution Margin
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 31,155 | 18.3 | % | $ | 31,851 | 20.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Live Events | 49,255 | 17.3 | 21,787 | 10.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| High School Park and Recreation | 41,145 | 29.0 | 35,477 | 31.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 19,825 | 27.4 | 18,172 | 29.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| International | 9,975 | 11.8 | 9,410 | 11.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 151,355 | 20.1 | % | $ | 116,697 | 19.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022
The increase in gross profit percentage in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to strategic pricing actions implemented in late fiscal year 2022 and the beginning of fiscal year 2023 and increased productivity starting late in the second quarter of fiscal
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2023 because of fewer supply chain and operational disruptions and investments in capacity. These improvements were offset by higher material, component, freight and labor costs throughout fiscal 2023. Factors impacting gross profit in fiscal 2022 included ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflationary challenges in materials, freight and personnel related costs, the difference in sales mix between periods, and increases in warranty reserves for inflation. Total warranty expense as a percent of sales increased to 2.1 percent for fiscal 2023 as compared to 1.9 percent during fiscal 2022.
It is difficult to project gross profit levels for fiscal 2024 because of the uncertainty regarding the level of sales, the sales mix, price strategy and timing of sales generation, potential inflation, the availability of materials, labor, and freight, and the competitive factors in our business. We are focused on improving our gross profit margins as we execute our strategies for improved profitability, which include selectively increasing pricing, releasing new product designs to lower overall costs of the product; improving reliability to reduce warranty expenses; expanding our global capacity and planning; meeting customer solution expectations; and continued improvements in operational effectiveness in manufacturing, installation, and service delivery areas.
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | Dollar Change | Percent Change | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution Margin: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 14,025 | 8.2 | % | $ | (2,048) | (12.7) | % | $ | 16,073 | 10.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Live Events | 39,015 | 13.7 | 27,112 | 227.8 | 11,903 | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High School Park and Recreation | 27,621 | 19.5 | 4,034 | 17.1 | 23,587 | 21.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 15,901 | 22.0 | 1,348 | 9.3 | 14,553 | 23.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | (1,862) | (2.2) | (1,368) | 276.6 | (494) | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 94,700 | 12.6 | % | $ | 29,078 | 44.3 | % | $ | 65,622 | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022
Contribution margin is a non-GAAP measure and consists of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of personnel related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing related expenses (show rooms, product demonstration, depreciation and maintenance, conventions and trade show expenses), the cost of customer relationship management/marketing systems, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions, and other expenses.
Contribution margin in fiscal 2023 was positively impacted by the previously discussed sales levels and impacts on gross profit. We have adjusted our sales and marketing activities and staffing levels to achieve current and expected future sales levels.
Reconciliation from non-GAAP contribution margin to operating income GAAP measure is as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | Dollar Change | Percent Change | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution margin | $ | 94,700 | 12.6 | % | $ | 29,078 | 44.3 | % | $ | 65,622 | 10.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 38,747 | 5.1 | 6,184 | 19.0 | 32,563 | 5.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product design and development | 29,989 | 4.0 | 976 | 3.4 | 29,013 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill Impairment | 4,576 | 0.6 | 4,576 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 21,388 | 2.8 | % | $ | 17,342 | 428.6 | % | $ | 4,046 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Fiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022
General and administrative expenses for fiscal 2023 increased as compared to the same period one year ago due to compensation and staffing, marketing expenses, other expense growth, and approximately $4.5 million of discrete professional fees related to the going concern and internal control consultation and shareholder engagement fees.
Our costs for product design and development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, professional services, material costs and the overhead of our engineering departments. Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product design and development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in cost of sales.
Product design and development expenses in fiscal 2023 increased as compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to an increase in personnel related expenses.
We expect general and administrative and product design and development expenses to increase for fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023 due to continued increases in labor costs and for planned investments in digital transformation initiatives and to enhance and develop existing and new product technologies.
Other Income and Expenses
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | Dollar Change | Percent Change | Amount | As a Percent of Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income (expense), net | $ | (920) | (0.1) | % | $ | (1,091) | (638.0) | % | $ | 171 | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | $ | (7,211) | (1.0) | % | $ | (4,102) | 131.9 | % | $ | (3,109) | (0.5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2023 as compared to Fiscal Year 2022
The change in interest income and expense, net for fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily due to utilizing our previous bank line of credit during fiscal 2023 for our strategic investments in inventory.
Other expense, net: The change in other expense, net for fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily due to losses and impairments recorded for equity method affiliates and foreign currency volatility.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 was 48.7 percent. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 was impacted due to valuation allowances on equity investments and on foreign net operating losses in Ireland, goodwill impairment, state taxes, a mix of taxes in foreign countries where the tax rate is higher than the United States, as well as prior year provision to return adjustments reduced in part by tax benefits from permanent tax credits.
Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 was 46.6 percent resulting from the tax benefit of permanent tax credits reduced by valuation allowances, various permanent tax adjustments and state taxes and prior year provision to return adjustments.
Our consolidated effective tax rate is impacted by the statutory income tax rates applicable to each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Due to various factors, and because we operate in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions, our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation. See "Note 12. Income Taxes" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | Dollar Change | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by: | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 15,024 | $ | (27,035) | $ | 42,059 | |||||||||||
| Investing activities | (25,388) | (31,384) | 5,996 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | 17,568 | (3,576) | 21,144 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (522) | (399) | (123) | ||||||||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 6,682 | $ | (62,394) | $ | 69,076 | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities was $15.0 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $27.0 million net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2022. The $42.0 million increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of changes in net operating assets and liabilities and an increase of $6.2 million in net income. For specific quantitative changes in operating assets and liabilities, see "Note 13. Cash Flow Information" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Net cash used in investing activities: Net cash used in investing activities totaled $25.4 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $31.4 million in fiscal 2022. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $25.4 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $20.4 million in fiscal 2022. Proceeds from the sales of property and equipment totaled $0.8 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $0.9 million in fiscal 2022. Purchases of marketable securities totaled $4.0 million in fiscal 2022 compared to the sale of $3.5 million of marketable securities in fiscal 2023.
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities: Net cash provided by financing activities was $17.6 million for fiscal 2023 due to draws on our previous bank line of credit compared to $3.6 million of net cash used by financing activities for other investing activities in fiscal 2022.
Other Liquidity and Capital Resources Discussion:
As of April 29, 2023, we had $17.8 million borrowed under a previous bank line of credit. Subsequent to the end of the 2023 fiscal year, we paid off and terminated that credit line on May 11, 2023 after closing on a $75.0 million senior credit facility (the "Credit Facility") and the sale of a $25.0 million senior secured convertible note (the "Convertible Note"). The Credit Facility consists of a $60.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility (the "ABL") maturing on May 11. 2026, secured by first priority lien on the Company's assets and which is subject to certain factors which can impact our borrowing capacity, and a $15.0 million delayed draw loan (the "Mortgage") secured by our Brookings, South Dakota real estate. The ABL and Mortgage are evidenced by a Credit Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 (the "Credit Agreement") between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the lender.
Under the ABL, certain factors can impact our borrowing capacity. As of May 11, 2023, our borrowing capacity was $47.5 million and there were no borrowings outstanding. The interest rate on the ABL is set on a sliding scale based on the trailing twelve month fixed charge coverage and ranges from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent over the standard overnight financing rate (SOFR). The ABL is secured by a first priority lien on the Company's assets described in the Credit Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and among the Company, Daktronics Installation, Inc. and the JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
The $15.0 million delayed draw on the Mortgage closed on July 7, 2023, is secured by a mortgage on the Company's Brookings, South Dakota real estate, amortizes over 10 years and is payable monthly. The Mortgage is subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement and matures on May 11, 2026. The Mortgage interest rate is set on a sliding scale based on the trailing twelve month fixed charge coverage ratio and ranges between 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent..
On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Securities Purchase Agreement") with Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP (the “Investor”) under which the Company agreed to sell and issue to the Investor its senior secured Convertible Note in exchange for the payment by the Investor to the Company of $25.0 million. The Convertible Note allows the Investor and any of the Investor’s permitted transferees, donees, pledgees, assignees or successors-in-interest (collectively, the “Selling Shareholders”) to convert all or any portion of the principal amount of the
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Convertible Note, together with any accrued and unpaid interest and any other unpaid amounts, including late charges, if any (together, the “Conversion Amount”), into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion price of $6.31 per share, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Note (the “Conversion Price”).The Company also has a forced conversion right, which is exercisable on the occurrence of certain conditions set forth in the Convertible Note, pursuant to which it can cause all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount to be converted into shares of common stock at the Conversion Price. The Convertible Note incurs interest at an annual rate of 9.0 percent when interest is paid in cash or an annual rate of 10.0 percent if interest is capitalized. Upon an event of default under the Convertible Note, the annual interest rate will increase to 12.0 percent. Under the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 between the Company and the Investor, the Convertible Note is secured by a second priority lien on assets securing the ABL facility and a first priority lien on substantially all of the other assets of the Company, excluding all real property, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the Investor. The Convertible Note has a maturity date of May 11, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”). On the Maturity Date, the Company must pay to the Investor and any Selling Shareholders an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal, any accrued and unpaid interest, and any accrued and unpaid late charges on such principal and interest. We expect annual cash usage for interest of up to $2.3 million.
Effective on May 11, 2023, in connection with the Company’s entry into the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investor (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to file with the SEC by the dates set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Note. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is required to use reasonable best efforts to have such registration statement declared effective by the SEC by the dates set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. If the registration statement is not filed with the SEC or declared effective by the SEC on a timely basis, certain penalties would be applicable to the Company.
The Credit Agreement and the Convertible Note require a fixed charged coverage ratio of greater than 1.1 and include other customary non-financial covenants. We expect to be in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future. Refer to "Note 17. Subsequent Events" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Our cash and cash equivalent balances consist of high-quality, short-term money market instruments.
Working capital was $132.5 million and $103.9 million as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. The changes in working capital, particularly changes in inventory, accounts payable, accounts receivable, contract assets and liabilities, are impacted by the sports market and construction seasonality. These changes can have a significant impact on the amount of net cash provided by or used in operating activities largely due to the timing of payments for inventory and subcontractors and receipts from our customers. On multimillion-dollar orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to or exceed 12 months depending on the amount of custom work and a customer’s delivery needs. We use cash to purchase inventory and services at the beginning of these orders and often receive down payments or progress payments on these orders to balance cash flows.
Our business growth and profitability improvement strategies depend on investments in capital expenditures and strategic investments. We are projecting total capital expenditures to be approximately $19.0 million for fiscal 2024. Projected capital expenditures include purchasing manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production and expanded capacity and increased automation of processes; investments in quality and reliability equipment and demonstration and showroom assets; and continued information infrastructure investments. We also evaluated and may make strategic investments in new technologies or in our affiliates or acquire companies aligned with our business strategy.
We had $10.4 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and contract assets as of April 29, 2023, which has an impact on our liquidity. We expect to collect these amounts within one year.
We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have bonding capacity available through surety companies for an aggregate of $165.0 million in bonded work outstanding. If we were unable to complete the installation work, and our customer would call upon the bond for payment, the surety company would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. As of April 29, 2023, we had $56.4 million of bonded work outstanding.
We repurchase our common stock and pay dividends pursuant to programs approved by our Board of Directors. Our long-term capital allocation strategy is to first fund operations and investments in growth, maintain reasonable liquidity, maintain a leverage ratio that reflects a prudent and compliant capital structure in light of the cyclicality of business, and
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then return excess cash over time to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. During fiscal year 2023, we did not repurchase shares of common stock, and we did not pay a dividend.
We believe cash on hand, funds generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity available under our Credit Facility and other debt instruments will be sufficient to support our expected change in working capital, capital expenditures, strategic investments, and financing payments for the foreseeable future.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Our results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. We derive net sales in United States dollars and other currencies including Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, British pounds, Australian dollars, or other currencies. For fiscal 2023, 12.3 percent of net sales were derived in currencies other than United States dollars. We incur expenses in currencies other than United States dollars relating to specific contracts with customers and for our operations outside the United States
If we believe currency risk in any foreign location or with respect to specific sales or purchase transaction is significant, we utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations. The notional amount of the foreign currency agreements as of April 29, 2023 was $7.8 million, and all contracts mature within six months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges. See "Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further details. We estimate that a 10 percent change in all foreign exchange rates would impact our reported income before taxes by approximately $0.4 million. This sensitivity analysis disregards the possibilities that rates can move in opposite directions and that losses from one geographic area may be offset by gains from another geographic area.
Over the long term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of total net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of our business could be denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, operating results may become more subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the United States dollar. To the extent we engage in international sales denominated in United States dollars, an increase in the value of the United States dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by sources of raw materials from international sources and costs of our sales, service, and manufacturing locations outside the United States
We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques to minimize the effect of these fluctuations. However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our ability to effectively hedge exchange rate fluctuations in the future.
We have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Of our $24.0 million in cash balances as of April 29, 2023, $15.9 million were denominated in United States dollars, of which $1.3 million were held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of April 29, 2023, we had an additional $8.1 million in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies, of which $7.7 million were maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.
Interest Rate Risks
Our exposure to market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates on our financing agreements, cash, and marketable securities. We do not expect our income or cash flows to be significantly impacted by interest rates.
Commodity Risk
We are dependent on basic raw materials, sub-assemblies, components, and other supplies used in our production operations. Our financial results have been and could continue to be affected by changes in the availability, prices, and global tariff regulation of these materials. Some of these materials are sourced from one or a limited number of suppliers in countries around the world. Some of these materials are also key source materials for our competitors and for other technology companies. Some of these materials are sourced outside of the countries in which we manufacture our products and are subject to transportation delays. Any of these factors may cause a sudden increase in costs and/or limited or
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unavailable supplies. As a result, we may not be able to acquire key production materials on a timely basis, which could adversely impact our ability to produce products and satisfy incoming sales orders on a timely basis. Our sourcing and material groups work to implement strategies to monitor and mitigate these risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year.
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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Daktronics, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/ (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 12, 2023, expressed an adverse opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting because of a material weakness.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. 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 Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue Recognition – Uniquely Configured Contracts — Refer to Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company recognizes revenue as its contractual performance obligations are satisfied, which may be at a point in time or over time. Certain of the Company’s contracts are for the delivery, installation, and integration of uniquely configured audio-visual communication systems. Revenue for these uniquely configured systems is recognized over time using the cost incurred input method. This input method requires management to make estimates of the costs that will ultimately be incurred at the completion of each contract. Revenue is recognized based on the transaction price and the percentage of cost incurred as of the balance sheet date in relation to the total estimated inputs at completion.
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We identified revenue associated with uniquely configured contracts as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments necessary for management to estimate total costs to be incurred to recognize revenue under these contracts. Changes in estimated costs could have a significant impact on the timing and amount of revenue recognized. This required an increased level of auditor judgment due to the complexity of uniquely configured contracts and extent of effort when performing audit procedures to audit management’s estimate of total costs and evaluating the reasonableness of the underlying estimates.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to estimates of total cost used to recognize revenue for uniquely configured contracts included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over uniquely configured contracts, including management’s controls over the estimates of total costs.
•We selected a sample of uniquely configured contracts and performed the following:
•Compared costs incurred to date to the costs management estimated to be incurred to date.
•Evaluated management’s ability to achieve the estimates of total cost by performing corroborating inquiries with the Company’s project managers and engineers, and compared the estimates to management’s work plans, engineering specifications, and supplier contracts.
•Confirmed contractual terms with third parties.
•Tested the mathematical accuracy of management’s estimate of total costs.
•We evaluated management’s ability to accurately estimate total costs by comparing actual costs to management’s historical estimates for uniquely configured contracts that have been fulfilled.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 12, 2023
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.
36
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 23,982 | $ | 17,143 | |||||||
| Restricted cash | 708 | 865 | |||||||||
| Marketable securities | 534 | 4,020 | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 109,979 | 101,099 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 149,448 | 134,392 | |||||||||
| Contract assets | 46,789 | 41,687 | |||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term receivables | 1,215 | 2,798 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 9,676 | 14,963 | |||||||||
| Income tax receivables | 326 | 603 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 342,657 | 317,570 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 72,147 | 66,765 | |||||||||
| Long-term receivables, less current maturities | 264 | 1,490 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 3,239 | 7,927 | |||||||||
| Intangibles, net | 1,136 | 1,472 | |||||||||
| Debt issuance costs | 3,866 | — | |||||||||
| Investment in affiliates and other assets | 27,928 | 32,321 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 16,867 | 13,331 | |||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 468,104 | $ | 440,876 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 67,522 | $ | 76,313 | |||||||
| Contract liabilities | 91,549 | 90,393 | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses | 36,005 | 34,959 | |||||||||
| Warranty obligations | 12,228 | 11,621 | |||||||||
| Income taxes payable | 2,859 | 408 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 210,163 | 213,694 | |||||||||
| Long-term warranty obligations | 20,313 | 17,257 | |||||||||
| Long-term contract liabilities | 13,096 | 10,998 | |||||||||
| Other long-term obligations | 5,709 | 7,076 | |||||||||
| Line of credit | 17,750 | — | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 195 | 287 | |||||||||
| Total long-term liabilities | 57,063 | 35,618 | |||||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: | |||||||||||
Preferred Shares, no par value, authorized 50,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 115,000,000 shares; 45,488,595 and 44,826,099 shares issued as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively | 63,023 | 61,794 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 50,259 | 48,372 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 103,410 | 96,608 | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,907,445 shares as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively | (10,285) | (10,285) | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (5,529) | (4,925) | |||||||||
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 200,878 | 191,564 | |||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 468,104 | $ | 440,876 | |||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
37
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 754,196 | $ | 610,970 | $ | 482,033 | |||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 602,841 | 494,273 | 361,450 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 151,355 | 116,697 | 120,583 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Selling | 56,655 | 51,075 | 48,649 | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 38,747 | 32,563 | 27,980 | ||||||||||||||
| Product design and development | 29,989 | 29,013 | 26,846 | ||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | 4,576 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| 129,967 | 112,651 | 103,475 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 21,388 | 4,046 | 17,108 | ||||||||||||||
| Nonoperating (expense) income: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest (expense) income, net | (920) | 171 | (65) | ||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (7,211) | (3,109) | (2,983) | ||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 13,257 | 1,108 | 14,060 | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 6,455 | 516 | 3,134 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 6,802 | $ | 592 | $ | 10,926 | |||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 45,404 | 45,188 | 44,989 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 45,521 | 45,326 | 45,202 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.24 | |||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.24 | |||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(in thousands)
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 6,802 | $ | 592 | $ | 10,926 | |||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustments | (616) | (2,556) | 2,942 | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | 12 | (34) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | (604) | (2,590) | 2,942 | ||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 6,198 | $ | (1,998) | $ | 13,868 | |||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
39
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of May 2, 2020: | $ | 60,010 | $ | 44,627 | $ | 85,090 | $ | (7,470) | $ | (5,277) | $ | 176,980 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | 10,926 | — | — | 10,926 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | 2,942 | 2,942 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | 2,067 | — | — | — | 2,067 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax payments related to RSU issuances | — | (125) | — | — | — | (125) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee savings plan activity | 565 | — | — | — | — | 565 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock reissued | — | 26 | — | 173 | — | 199 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of May 1, 2021: | 60,575 | 46,595 | 96,016 | (7,297) | (2,335) | 193,554 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | 592 | — | — | 592 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (2,556) | (2,556) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | — | — | — | — | (34) | (34) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | 1,973 | — | — | — | 1,973 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | 8 | — | — | — | — | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax payments related to RSU issuances | — | (200) | — | — | — | (200) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee savings plan activity | 1,211 | — | — | — | — | 1,211 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock purchase | — | — | — | (3,184) | — | (3,184) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock reissued | — | 4 | — | 196 | — | 200 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2022: | 61,794 | 48,372 | 96,608 | (10,285) | (4,925) | 191,564 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | 6,802 | — | — | 6,802 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (616) | (616) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | — | — | — | — | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | 2,027 | — | — | — | 2,027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | 21 | — | — | — | — | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax payments related to RSU issuances | — | (140) | — | — | — | (140) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee savings plan activity | 1,208 | — | — | — | — | 1,208 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 29, 2023: | $ | 63,023 | $ | 50,259 | $ | 103,410 | $ | (10,285) | $ | (5,529) | $ | 200,878 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
40
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 6,802 | $ | 592 | $ | 10,926 | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,993 | 15,394 | 17,077 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of property, equipment and other assets | (691) | (743) | (572) | ||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 2,027 | 1,973 | 2,067 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in loss of affiliates | 3,332 | 2,970 | 2,370 | ||||||||||||||
| Provision (recovery) for credit losses accounts, net | 1,009 | (286) | 1,299 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes, net | (3,633) | (1,555) | 1,314 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-cash impairment changes | 9,049 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities | (19,864) | (45,380) | 31,731 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 15,024 | (27,035) | 66,212 | ||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (25,385) | (20,376) | (7,891) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets | 822 | 885 | 3,184 | ||||||||||||||
| Purchases of marketable securities | — | (4,045) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities | 3,490 | — | 1,230 | ||||||||||||||
| Purchases of equity and loans to equity investees | (4,315) | (7,848) | (6,744) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (25,388) | (31,384) | (10,221) | ||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Borrowings on notes payable | 378,694 | 46,801 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Payments on notes payable | (360,944) | (46,801) | (15,000) | ||||||||||||||
| Debt issuance costs | (991) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Borrowings on long-term obligations | 1,233 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Principal payments on long-term obligations | (305) | (200) | (460) | ||||||||||||||
| Payments for common shares repurchased | — | (3,184) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 21 | 8 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Tax payments related to RSU issuances | (140) | (200) | (125) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 17,568 | (3,576) | (15,585) | ||||||||||||||
| EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH | (522) | (399) | (416) | ||||||||||||||
| NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | 6,682 | (62,394) | 39,990 | ||||||||||||||
| CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH: | |||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | 18,008 | 80,402 | 40,412 | ||||||||||||||
| End of period | $ | 24,690 | $ | 18,008 | $ | 80,402 | |||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
41
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of business: Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged principally in the design, market, and manufacture of a wide range of integrated electronic display systems and related products which are sold in a variety of markets throughout the world and the rendering of related maintenance and professional services. Our products are designed primarily to inform and entertain people through the communication of content.
Fiscal year: We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The fiscal years ended April 29, 2023, April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021 contained operating results for 52 weeks.
Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We have a variable interest in a business where we have elected to follow the proportional consolidation method because certain criteria were met under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidations.
We have an arrangement we concluded was a variable interest entity and accounted for it under the proportional consolidation method. This arrangement had an aggregate amount of contract assets and gross profit of $5,223 and $2,748 respectively, as of and for the year ended April 29, 2023.
Investments in affiliates: We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest by first considering if an entity meets the definition of a variable interest entity ("VIE") for which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary, or if we have the power to control an entity through a majority of voting interest or through other arrangements.
Variable Interest Entities: A VIE is an entity (i) that lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; (ii) whose equity holders lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest; and/or (iii) that is established with non-substantive voting rights. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE through (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. This assessment may involve subjectivity in the determination of which activities most significantly affect the VIE’s performance and making estimates about current and future fair value of the assets held by the VIE and financial performance of the VIE. In assessing the Company's interests in the VIE, we also consider interests held by its related parties, including de facto agents. Additionally, we assess whether it is a member of a related party group that collectively meets the power and benefits criteria and, if so, whether we are most closely associated with the VIE. In performing the related party analysis, we consider both qualitative and quantitative factors including, but not limited to: the characteristics and size of its investment relative to the related party; our and the related party's ability to control or significantly influence key decisions of the VIE, including consideration of involvement by de facto agents; the obligation or likelihood for us or the related party to fund operating losses of the VIE; and the similarity and significance of the VIE’s business activities to those of us and the related party. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE and whether we are the primary beneficiary may involve significant judgment and depends upon facts and circumstances specific to an entity at the time of the assessment.
At the end of each reporting period, we reassess whether changes in facts and circumstances cause a change in the status of an entity as a VIE or voting interest entity, and/or a change in our consolidation assessment. Changes in consolidation status are applied prospectively. An entity may be consolidated as a result of this reassessment, in which case the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest in the entity are recorded at fair value upon initial consolidation. Any existing equity interest held by us in the entity prior to us obtaining control will be remeasured at fair value, which may result in a gain or loss recognized upon initial consolidation. However, if the consolidation represents an asset acquisition of a voting interest entity, our existing interest in the acquired assets, if any, is not remeasured to fair value but continues to be carried at historical cost. We may also deconsolidate a subsidiary as a result of this reassessment, which may result in a gain or loss recognized upon deconsolidation depending on the carrying values of deconsolidated assets and liabilities compared to the fair value of any interests retained.
42
We evaluated the nature of our investment in affiliates of XdisplayTM company, which is developing micro-LED mass transfer expertise and technologies, and Miortech (dba Etulipa), which is developing low power outdoor electrowetting technology. We determined that Miortech is a VIE, and based on management's analysis, we determined that Daktronics is not the primary beneficiary; therefore, the investment in Miortech is accounted for under the equity method.
The aggregate amount of our investments accounted for under the equity method was $11,934 and $16,916 as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. Our proportional share of the respective affiliates' earnings or losses is included in the "Other (expense) income, net" line item in our consolidated statements of operations. For the fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, our share of the losses of our affiliates was $3,332, $2,970 and $2,370, respectively. In fiscal year 2023, we concluded there was an other-than-temporary impairment of our investment in Miortech and recorded an impairment loss of $4,473 to reflect the investment at fair market value (level 3). The impairment loss is included in the "Other (expense) income, net" line item in our consolidated statements of operations.
We purchased services for research and development activities from our equity method investees. The total of these related party transactions for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $672, $1,520, and $460, respectively, which is included in the "Product design and development" line item in our consolidated statement of operations, and for fiscal 2023, $52 remains unpaid and is included in the "Accounts payable " line item in our consolidated balance sheet. Fiscal 2022 had $296 unpaid and included in the "Accounts payable" line item in our consolidated balance sheet.
During fiscal 2023, we invested in $3,000 of convertible notes and in $1,315 of promissory notes (collectively, "Notes") in our affiliates, which is included in the “Investment in affiliates and other assets" line item in our consolidated balance sheets. During fiscal 2023, we converted $2,823 of Notes to stock ownership. After this conversion of Notes to stock ownership, our ownership increased to 55.9 percent in Miortech. Our ownership in XdisplayTM company is 16.4 percent as of April 29, 2023. The total amount of Notes as of April 29, 2023 was $8,789 and is included in the "Investments in affiliates and other assets" line item in our consolidated balance sheets. The Notes balance combined with the investment in affiliates balance totaled $20,723 and $24,404 as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively.
Summarized financial information for equity method investments consist of the following:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Balance sheet data: | |||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | $ | 5,504 | $ | 6,672 | $ | 7,534 | |||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 3,312 | 4,491 | 4,637 | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 25,298 | 13,938 | 2,807 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | 721 | 1,738 | 1,793 | ||||||||||||||
| Income statement data: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (16,932) | $ | (11,928) | $ | (13,436) | |||||||||||
Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period; and our ability to continue as a going concern. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the estimated total costs on uniquely configured contracts and estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties and income taxes. Estimation processes are also used in inventory valuation and determining, the allowance for credit losses, share-based compensation, goodwill impairment, investment in affiliates impairment, value of long-term assets, and extended warranty and product maintenance agreements.
Changes in estimates are reflected in the periods in which they become known.
Cash and cash equivalents: All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents and consist primarily of government repurchase agreements, savings accounts and money
43
market accounts that are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. We maintain our cash in bank deposit accounts, the balances of which at times may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.
Restricted cash: Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the totals of the same amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 23,982 | $ | 17,143 | $ | 77,590 | |||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 708 | 865 | 2,812 | ||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows | $ | 24,690 | $ | 18,008 | $ | 80,402 | |||||||||||
We have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Of our $23,982 in cash and cash equivalents balances as of April 29, 2023, $15,895 were denominated in United States dollars, of which $1,300 were held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of April 29, 2023, we had an additional $8,087 in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies, of which $7,651 were maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.
Inventories: In accordance with ASC 330, Inventory, our inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Cost is measured as the price of the components and allocated expenses for production or betterment of the inventory item are applied to the purchase cost of the raw materials. When we estimate net realizable value to be lower than cost, any necessary adjustments are charged to cost of sales in that period. In determining net realizable value, we review various factors such as current inventory levels, forecasted demand, costs of completion, and technological obsolescence.
Allowance for credit losses: We make estimates regarding the collectability of our accounts receivable, long-term receivables, contract assets and other receivables. In evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses, we analyze specific balances, customer creditworthiness, changes in customer payment cycles, and current economic trends. If the financial condition of any customer were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. In addition, in accordance with ASC 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, an allowance is maintained for estimated forward-looking losses resulting from the possible inability of customers to make required payments (current expected losses). The amount of the allowance is determined principally on the basis of past collection experience and known financial factors regarding specific customers. We charge off receivables at such time it is determined collection will not occur against the allowance for credit losses.
Revenue recognition: Our accounting policies and estimates are in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and are as follows:
Contracts are identified and follow the revenue recognition policies when all of the following occur: we have evidence that all parties to the contract have approved the contract and are committed to perform their respective obligations, we can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, we can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred, the contract has commercial substance, and it is probable we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we would be entitled in exchange for the goods or services.
Pre-contract costs are generally expensed as incurred, unless they are directly associated with an anticipated contract and recoverability from that contract is probable. Pre-contract costs directly associated with anticipated contracts expected to be recoverable include $860 and $117 as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. These are included in the "Inventories" line item in our consolidated balance sheets.
At contract inception, we identify performance obligations by reviewing the agreement for material distinct goods and services. Goods and services are distinct when the customer can benefit from them on its own and our promises to transfer
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these items are identifiable from other promises within the contract. When we are contracted to provide a single promise (an integrated system), we often treat it as a single performance obligation if we are providing goods and services with the same pattern of transfer that are highly integrated or interdependent, that are modified or customized by other goods or services promised, or that provide a combined outcome for which the customer has contracted. When less interdependency or integration is necessary, or when the customer can benefit from distinct items, we separate the contract into multiple performance obligations. We account for extended warranties and other services ("service-type warranties") that represent a distinct service as a separate performance obligation.
Our contracts can contain multiple components of transaction price. We evaluate each contract for these components and include fixed consideration, variable consideration, financing components, and non-cash consideration and exclude consideration payable to a customer and sales taxes in the transaction price. When we are responsible for site installations which include subcontracted work, we maintain the contractual responsibilities and risks and include the consideration for these services in the transaction price. When our contract contains variable consideration, including return rights, discounts, claims, unpriced change orders, and liquidated damages, we estimate the transaction price using the expected value (i.e., the sum of the probability-weighted amount) or the most likely amount method, whichever is expected to better predict revenue for that contract situation. We also constrain the revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We consider the following factors in determining revenue associated with variable consideration: (a) the contract or other evidence providing the legal basis, (b) additional costs caused by unforeseen circumstances, (c) evidence supporting the claim, and (d) historical evidence and patterns of customers. We adjust the contract price for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect, at contract inception, that the period between when we transfer goods and services to a customer will exceed one year from the time the customer pays and represents financing. If the payment structures exceed a year but are structured to account for risks with a contract or correspond to payments on milestones or are scheduled for performance, we do not adjust the contract price for a financing component. See "Note 6. Receivables" for amounts recorded in long-term receivables.
When separate performance obligations are identified, we allocate the transaction price to the individual performance obligation based on the best method we judge as a faithful depiction of the value of the performance obligation. Many of our contracts are bundled, and we do not have separate selling prices for each performance obligation; therefore, for these contracts, we primarily use the cost plus a margin approach to allocate the relative transaction price to identified performance obligations, as it is the best representative of our pricing methods.
Revenue is recognized when we satisfy a performance obligation. We receive payments from customers based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts. Billing schedules include down payments and progress billings over time; set milestone payments that are specific to the project are scheduled for performance-based payments or are set time-based payment(s). Variability in contract assets and contract liabilities relates to the timing of billings and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms, build and installation schedules and the related timing differences in transfer of control. Balances are also impacted by the seasonality in our business.
Significant judgments and estimates are used in our revenue policies. In order to assure appropriate and consistent revenue recognition, we regularly evaluate available project related information and update estimates accordingly. We maintain internal policies and procedures to provide guidance for those involved in recording revenue. We monitor for changes in our business sales practices and customer interactions to capture the appropriate types of performance obligations and adjust for any change in control terms and conditions.
Our material performance obligation types include:
Unique configuration contracts: audio-visual communication systems uniquely configured (custom) or integrated for a customer's particular location and system configuration may include all or a combination of the following: engineering services, project management services, video display(s), control solution(s), installation and integration services, scoring and messaging equipment, training, other on-site services, spare parts, software licenses, and assurance-type warranties.
We may have multiple performance obligations in these types of contracts; however, a majority are treated as a combined single performance obligation. In our judgment, this accounting treatment is most appropriate because the substantial part of our promise to customers is to provide significant integration services and incorporate individual goods and services into a combined output or system. Often times, the system is customized or
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significantly modified to the customer's desired configurations and location, and the interrelated goods and services provide utility to the customer as a package.
Revenue for uniquely configured (custom) or integrated systems is recognized over time using the cost-to-cost input method. Over time revenue recognition is appropriate because we have no alternative use for the uniquely configured system and have an enforceable right to payment for work performed. The cost-to-cost input method measures costs incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. This method is the most faithful depiction of our performance because it measures the value of the contract transferred to the customer. Costs to perform include direct and indirect costs for contract design, production, integration, installation, and assurance-type warranty reserve. Direct costs include materials and components; manufacturing, project management and engineering labor; and subcontracting expenses. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities and equipment depreciation and general overhead. Provisions of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period when such losses are capable of being estimated.
Contract modifications to existing contracts with customers are evaluated in accordance with the five-step revenue model. We treat contract modifications as a separate contract and new performance obligations when the additional goods or services are distinct and do not add to the unique configuration or are outside the integrated system and when the consideration reflects standalone selling prices. If the additional goods or services offered under the modification enhance the uniquely configured or integrated systems, revenue is allocated to the existing contracts' performance obligation. Modifications may cause changes in the timing of revenue recognition depending on the allocation to various performance obligations.
The time between contract order and project completion is typically less than 12 months but may extend longer depending on the amount of custom work and customers’ delivery needs.
Limited configuration (standard systems) and after-sale parts contracts: Limited configuration (standard systems) or after-sale parts contracts with limited or no configuration or limited integration are recognized as distinct individual performance obligations when material. When not distinct, we combine into one performance obligation the goods and/or services with each other until the bundle of goods or services is distinct. For standard display purchases made in large quantities, we account for each piece of equipment separately as a distinct performance obligation from which a customer derives benefit. Immaterial goods or services in the context of the contract are included with the display system performance obligation. Standard systems and equipment with limited configurations or integrations may include all or a combination (when immaterial) of the following performance obligations: engineering services, project management services, video display(s), control solution(s), installation and integration services, scoring, messaging and audio equipment, training, spare parts, software licenses, assurance-type warranties, and after-sale parts.
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control passes, or over time as services are performed. When fulfilling limited configuration performance obligations, we are typically able to redirect the video displays or scoring, messaging, or audio equipment to another customer without incurring significant economic losses. Therefore, we have an alternative use for the performance obligation and recognize revenue upon our substantial completion and at the point in time we estimate control has transferred to the customer. When limited configured single performance obligations are more service-type (i.e., installation and integration services), we recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost input method, by comparing cumulative costs incurred to the total estimated costs and applying that percentage of completion to the transaction price to recognize revenue.We believe the cost-to-cost input method is the most faithful depiction of the customer obtaining control and benefits from the work performed.
Services and other: Services sold on a stand-alone basis or after the initial system sale include performance obligations such as event support, control room design, on-site training, equipment service, service-type warranties, technical support, software sold as a service, and other immaterial revenue streams. These are contracted with a customer generally per service event or service type on a stand-alone basis. Services, service type warranties, and other are recognized as net sales when the services are performed, and control is transferred to the customer at a point in time when title or control passes or over time as services are performed and for time-based "stand ready to perform" type obligations. We use professional judgment to determine control transfer. If we have the right to consideration from a customer that directly corresponds with the value of our performance (where we bill a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), we recognize revenue related to the work completed.
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Software: Revenues from software license fees on sales, other than uniquely configured type contracts, are recognized when delivery of the product has occurred. Subscription-based licenses include the right for a customer to use our licenses and receive related support for a specified term, and revenue is recognized pro-rata over the term of the engagement.
Shipping and handling costs: Shipping and handling costs collected from our customers in connection with our sales are recorded as revenue. We record shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.
Warranty: We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from to five years for most of our products. We also offer additional types of warranties to include on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support. In addition, the terms of warranties on some installations can vary from to 10 years. The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary primarily depending on the type of product sold. We estimate the costs which may be incurred under the contractual warranty obligations (assurance type warranty) and record a liability in the amount of such estimated costs at the time the revenue is recognized. Factors affecting our estimate of the cost of our warranty obligations include historical experience and expectations of future conditions. We continually assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accruals and, to the extent we experience any changes in warranty claim activity or costs associated with servicing those claims, our accrued warranty obligation is adjusted accordingly. For service-type warranty contracts, we allocate revenue to this performance obligation, recognize the revenue over time, and recognize costs as incurred.
Property and equipment: In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
| Years | |||||
| Buildings and improvements | 5 - 40 | ||||
| Machinery and equipment | 5 - 7 | ||||
| Office furniture and equipment | 3 - 5 | ||||
| Computer software and hardware | 3 - 5 | ||||
| Equipment held for rental | 2 - 7 | ||||
| Demonstration equipment | 3 - 5 | ||||
| Transportation equipment | 5 - 7 | ||||
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we assess long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated fair value. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis will be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset.
Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: We account for goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives in accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other. Under these provisions, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment testing is required more often than annually if an event or circumstance indicates an impairment or a decline in value may have occurred.
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A qualitative assessment may be used to first determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less its carrying value. Based on this assessment, if it is determined that is more likely than not that impairment has occurred, a quantitative analysis will be performed. The quantitative assessment uses an income approach to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. The income approach is based on the projected cash flows, which are discounted to their present value using discount rates which consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts and assumptions and takes into account management plans, business trends, and market and economic conditions. If the quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment fails, an impairment loss equal to the amount that a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value will be recognized.
Foreign currency translation: We follow the provisions of ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The operating results of foreign operations are translated at weighted average exchange rates. The related translation gains or losses are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Income taxes: We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. We record a tax provision for anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates and statutory tax rates applicable to the years in which we expect these temporary differences will affect taxable income. These assets and liabilities are analyzed regularly, and we assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recoverable from future taxable income. When necessary, a valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We report the net deferred tax asset and liability as a long-term asset or liability. Net deferred assets or liabilities are calculated by combining them based on their jurisdiction.
In addition, because we operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. See "Note 12. Income Taxes" for further information.
Comprehensive income (loss): We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components, and disclose these components in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Comprehensive income (loss) reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For us, comprehensive income represents net income adjusted for cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in the comprehensive income (loss) calculation has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent.
Product design and development: We follow the provisions of ASC 730, Research and Development, which states all expenses related to product design and development are charged to operations as incurred. Our product design and development activities include the enhancement of existing products and technologies and the development of new products and technologies.
Earnings per share (“EPS”): We follow the provisions of ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, where basic EPS is computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution which may occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into shares of common stock or resulted in the issuance of shares of common stock which share in our earnings.
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The following is a reconciliation of the net income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2023, April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021:
| Net income | Shares | Per share income | |||||||||||||||
For the year ended April 29, 2023: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 6,802 | 45,404 | $ | 0.15 | ||||||||||||
| Dilution associated with stock compensation plans | — | 117 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 6,802 | 45,521 | $ | 0.15 | ||||||||||||
For the year ended April 30, 2022: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 592 | 45,188 | $ | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
| Dilution associated with stock compensation plans | — | 138 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 592 | 45,326 | $ | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
For the year ended May 1, 2021: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 10,926 | 44,989 | $ | 0.24 | ||||||||||||
| Dilution associated with stock compensation plans | — | 213 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 10,926 | 45,202 | $ | 0.24 | ||||||||||||
Options outstanding to purchase 2,084, 1,846 and 2,262 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $7.47, $9.15 and $9.11 for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2023, April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
Share-based compensation: We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, we measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. See "Note 10. Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation" for additional information and the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value of share-based employee compensation.
Liquidity and Going Concern: The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
We previously disclosed in our second and third quarter fiscal 2023 Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports that we had experienced volatility in our business driven by global economic conditions and supply chain disruptions. Although supply chain disruptions had started to ease, we could not be certain at that time we wouldn't experience future disruptions or need additional liquidity to fund operations. We also reported our financing plans were not deemed probable. Those conditions raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the twelve months from the date of issuance of the second and third quarter fiscal 2023 Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports.
We adapted to the business environment by raising prices, increased inventory levels and added capacity to improve stability of operations, and instituted a liquidity enhancement program to focus our teams on improving cash flows. On May 11, 2023, we secured long-term financing to enhance our liquidity. During fiscal 2023, we recognized operating income of $21,388 and generated $15,024 in cash flows provided by operating activities. We project we will have sufficient cash on hand and available under these financing agreements to fund future operations.
Therefore, the events and conditions that gave rise to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern were resolved.
Refer to "Note 17. Subsequent Events" for additional considerations related to our financing agreements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted
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There were no standards adopted since our last Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
There are no significant new Accounting Standards Updates issued that the Company had not yet adopted as of April 29, 2023.
Note 2. Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of revenue
In accordance with ASC 606-10-50, we disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers by the type of performance obligation and the timing of revenue recognition. We determine that disaggregating revenue in these categories achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors and to enable users of financial statements to understand the relationship to each reportable segment.
The following table presents our disaggregation of revenue by segments:
Fiscal Year 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | Live Events | High School Park and Recreation | Transportation | International | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type of performance obligation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unique configuration | $ | 25,821 | $ | 223,560 | $ | 22,730 | $ | 45,286 | $ | 33,623 | $ | 351,020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limited configuration | 128,346 | 36,259 | 114,951 | 23,946 | 43,007 | 346,509 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service and other | 16,423 | 25,081 | 4,067 | 3,074 | 8,022 | 56,667 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 170,590 | $ | 284,900 | $ | 141,748 | $ | 72,306 | $ | 84,652 | $ | 754,196 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timing of revenue recognition | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goods/services transferred at a point in time | $ | 132,728 | $ | 43,761 | $ | 109,323 | $ | 24,950 | $ | 45,687 | $ | 356,449 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goods/services transferred over time | 37,862 | 241,139 | 32,425 | 47,356 | 38,965 | 397,747 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 170,590 | $ | 284,900 | $ | 141,748 | $ | 72,306 | $ | 84,652 | $ | 754,196 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Fiscal Year 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | Live Events | High School Park and Recreation | Transportation | International | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type of performance obligation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unique configuration | $ | 20,849 | $ | 144,095 | $ | 20,175 | $ | 38,843 | $ | 32,658 | $ | 256,620 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limited configuration | 118,308 | 30,181 | 88,162 | 21,370 | 43,029 | 301,050 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service and other | 15,054 | 24,830 | 3,479 | 2,494 | 7,443 | 53,300 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 154,211 | $ | 199,106 | $ | 111,816 | $ | 62,707 | $ | 83,130 | $ | 610,970 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timing of revenue recognition | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goods/services transferred at a point in time | $ | 120,776 | $ | 37,229 | $ | 82,678 | $ | 22,088 | $ | 45,036 | $ | 307,807 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goods/services transferred over time | 33,435 | 161,877 | 29,138 | 40,619 | 38,094 | 303,163 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 154,211 | $ | 199,106 | $ | 111,816 | $ | 62,707 | $ | 83,130 | $ | 610,970 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | Live Events | High School Park and Recreation | Transportation | International | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type of performance obligation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unique configuration | $ | 16,535 | $ | 104,682 | $ | 22,258 | $ | 36,398 | $ | 22,266 | $ | 202,139 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limited configuration | 96,420 | 18,679 | 66,697 | 19,690 | 32,583 | 234,069 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service and other | 14,345 | 19,688 | 2,602 | 2,196 | 6,994 | 45,825 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 127,300 | $ | 143,049 | $ | 91,557 | $ | 58,284 | $ | 61,843 | $ | 482,033 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timing of revenue recognition | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goods/services transferred at a point in time | $ | 98,243 | $ | 23,906 | $ | 60,859 | $ | 20,180 | $ | 34,388 | $ | 237,576 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goods/services transferred over time | 29,057 | 119,143 | 30,698 | 38,104 | 27,455 | 244,457 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 127,300 | $ | 143,049 | $ | 91,557 | $ | 58,284 | $ | 61,843 | $ | 482,033 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" for a disaggregation of revenue by geography.
Contract balances
Contract assets represent revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed and include unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables, which represent an unconditional right to payment subject only to the passage of time, are reclassified to accounts receivable when they are billed according to the contract terms. Contract liabilities represent amounts billed to the clients in excess of revenue recognized to date.
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The following table reflects the changes in our contract assets and liabilities:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contract assets | $ | 46,789 | $ | 41,687 | $ | 5,102 | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities - current | 91,549 | 90,393 | 1,156 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities - non-current | 13,096 | 10,998 | 2,098 | 19.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
The changes in our contract assets and contract liabilities from April 30, 2022 to April 29, 2023 were due to the timing of billing schedules and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on the contractual payment terms and the seasonality of the sports markets. We had no impairments of contract assets for fiscal 2023 and 2022.
For service-type warranty contracts, we allocate revenue to this performance obligation, recognize the revenue over time, and recognize costs as incurred. Earned and unearned revenues for these contracts are included in the "Contract assets" and "Contract liabilities". Changes in unearned service-type warranty contracts, net were as follows:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 26,346 | $ | 24,590 | |||||||
| New contracts sold | 44,216 | 42,619 | |||||||||
| Less: reductions for revenue recognized | (42,132) | (40,614) | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation and other | (92) | (249) | |||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 28,338 | $ | 26,346 | |||||||
Contracts in process identified as loss contracts as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022 were immaterial. Loss provisions are recorded in "Accrued expenses" line item in our consolidated balance sheets.
During fiscal 2023, we recognized revenue of $84,972 related to our contract liabilities as of April 30, 2022.
Remaining performance obligations and revenue recognized from past performance obligations
As of April 29, 2023, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations was $462,035. Remaining performance obligations related to product and service agreements as of April 29, 2023 are $400,737 and $61,298, respectively. We expect approximately $385,359 of our remaining performance obligations to be recognized over the next 12 months, with the remainder recognized thereafter. Although remaining performance obligations reflect business that is considered to be legally binding, cancellations, deferrals or scope adjustments may occur. Any known project cancellations, revisions to project scope and cost, foreign currency exchange fluctuations and project deferrals are reflected or excluded in the remaining performance obligation balance, as appropriate. The amount of revenue recognized associated with performance obligations satisfied in prior years during the years ended April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022 was immaterial.
Note 3. Segment Reporting
We organize and manage our business by the following five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting: Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, Transportation, and International. These segments are based on the customer type or geography and are the same as our business units. Separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by our chief operating decision-maker (CODM), who is our president and chief executive officer, in making resource allocation decisions for our segments. Our CODM evaluates segment performance according to the GAAP measure of gross profit.
Our Commercial business unit primarily consists of sales of our integrated video display systems, digital billboards, Galaxy® and Fuelight™ product lines, and dynamic messaging systems to resellers (primarily sign companies), out-of-home ("OOH") companies, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships, commercial building owners, and petroleum retailers. Our Live Events business unit primarily consists of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports facilities and convention centers and sales of our mobile
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display technology to video rental organizations and other live events type venues. Our High School Park and Recreation business unit primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary education facilities and resellers (primarily sign companies). Our Transportation business unit primarily consists of sales of intelligent transportation systems dynamic messaging signs for road management, mass transit, and aviation applications and other electronic signage for advertising and way-finding needs, which includes our Vanguard® and Galaxy® product lines and other intelligent transportation systems dynamic message signs, to governmental transportation departments, transportation industry contractors, airlines and other transportation related customers. Our International business unit consists of sales of all product lines outside the United States and Canada. In our International business unit, we focus on product lines related to integrated scoring and video display systems for sports and commercial applications, OOH advertising products, architectural lighting, and transportation related products for sale outside of the United States and Canada to the related type of company, including sports and commercial business facilities, OOH companies, and governmental transportation agencies.
Assets are not allocated to the segments. Depreciation and amortization are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures; however, some depreciation and amortization are corporate in nature and remain unallocated. Our segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Some expenses or services are not directly allocable to a sale or segment or the resources and related expenses are shared across business segment areas. These expenses are allocated using estimates and allocation methodologies based on financial measures and professional judgment. Shared or unabsorbed manufacturing costs are allocated to the business unit benefiting most from that manufacturing location's production capabilities. Shared or unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units based on cost of sales. Shared manufacturing, buildings and utilities, and procurement costs are allocated based on payroll dollars, square footage and various other financial measures in the segment analysis.
We do not maintain information on sales by products; therefore, disclosure of such information is not practical.
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The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five reporting segments for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 170,590 | $ | 154,211 | $ | 127,300 | |||||||||||
| Live Events | 284,900 | 199,106 | 143,049 | ||||||||||||||
| High School Park and Recreation | 141,748 | 111,816 | 91,557 | ||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 72,306 | 62,707 | 58,284 | ||||||||||||||
| International | 84,652 | 83,130 | 61,843 | ||||||||||||||
| 754,196 | 610,970 | 482,033 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit: | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 31,155 | 31,851 | 33,072 | ||||||||||||||
| Live Events | 49,255 | 21,787 | 24,397 | ||||||||||||||
| High School Park and Recreation | 41,145 | 35,477 | 31,472 | ||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 19,825 | 18,172 | 20,329 | ||||||||||||||
| International | 9,975 | 9,410 | 11,313 | ||||||||||||||
| 151,355 | 116,697 | 120,583 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Selling | 56,655 | 51,075 | 48,649 | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 38,747 | 32,563 | 27,980 | ||||||||||||||
| Product design and development | 29,989 | 29,013 | 26,846 | ||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | 4,576 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| 129,967 | 112,651 | 103,475 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 21,388 | 4,046 | 17,108 | ||||||||||||||
| Nonoperating income (expense): | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income (expense), net | (920) | 171 | (65) | ||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (7,211) | — | (3,109) | — | (2,983) | ||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 13,257 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 14,060 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization: | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 3,468 | $ | 2,677 | $ | 3,037 | |||||||||||
| Live Events | 6,430 | 5,238 | 5,798 | ||||||||||||||
| High School Park and Recreation | 1,632 | 1,420 | 1,942 | ||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 584 | 551 | 979 | ||||||||||||||
| International | 2,307 | 2,796 | 2,887 | ||||||||||||||
| Unallocated corporate depreciation | 2,572 | 2,712 | 2,434 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 16,993 | $ | 15,394 | $ | 17,077 | ||||||||||||
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No single geographic area comprises a material amount of our net sales or property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, other than the United States. The following table presents information about net sales and property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the United States and elsewhere:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 661,312 | $ | 513,740 | $ | 413,211 | |||||||||||
| Outside United States | 92,884 | 97,230 | 68,822 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 754,196 | $ | 610,970 | $ | 482,033 | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 63,786 | $ | 58,643 | $ | 50,130 | |||||||||||
| Outside United States | 8,361 | 8,122 | 8,552 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 72,147 | $ | 66,765 | $ | 58,682 | ||||||||||||
We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services, and no customer accounted for 10 percent or more of net sales; therefore, we are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services.
We have numerous raw material and component suppliers, and no supplier accounts for 10% or more of our cost of sales; however, we have a complex global supply chain subject to geopolitical and transportation risks and a number of single-source suppliers that could limit our supply or cause delays in obtaining raw materials and components needed in manufacturing.
Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 were as follows:
| Live Events | Commercial | Transportation | International | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2022: | $ | 2,296 | $ | 3,349 | $ | 68 | $ | 2,214 | $ | 7,927 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | (15) | (151) | (27) | 81 | (112) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | (2,281) | — | — | (2,295) | (4,576) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 29, 2023: | $ | — | $ | 3,198 | $ | 41 | $ | — | $ | 3,239 | |||||||||||||||||||
We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis and test for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. Our annual analysis is performed during our third quarter of each fiscal year based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third fiscal quarter.
We performed our annual impairment test on October 30, 2022 and concluded that the carrying value of the Live Events and International reporting units exceeded their respective fair values and consequently recorded an impairment charge as noted in the above table. We determined the fair value of the reporting units based on an income approach, using the present value of future discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used to determine fair value include the weighted average cost of capital and financial forecasts. The recognized impairment was primarily a result of our weighted average cost of capital being notably higher, which was driven by strains on our liquidity caused by disrupted supply chains and geopolitical conditions. As a result, the present value of our future cash flows was lower, which caused the $4,576 impairment charge. Based on our annual impairment test, we concluded that the fair value of the Commercial and Transportation reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values and concluded no goodwill impairment existed for those reporting units. The annual impairment test for fiscal years 2022 and 2021 concluded no goodwill impairment existed.
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Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes intangible assets, net, as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022:
| April 29, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Life (in years) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Registered trademarks | 20.0 | $ | 650 | $ | 270 | $ | 380 | ||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 10.3 | 2,563 | 1,807 | 756 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 12.2 | $ | 3,213 | $ | 2,077 | $ | 1,136 | ||||||||||||||||
| April 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Life (in years) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Registered trademarks | 20.0 | $ | 639 | $ | 233 | $ | 406 | ||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 10.0 | 2,853 | 1,787 | 1,066 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 11.8 | $ | 3,492 | $ | 2,020 | $ | 1,472 | ||||||||||||||||
In the fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, amortization expense was $290, $504, and $1,502, respectively. Amortization expenses are included primarily in product design and development and selling expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Intangible assets are written off when fully amortized.
As of April 29, 2023, amortization expenses for future periods were estimated to be as follows:
| Fiscal years ending | Amount | |||||||
| 2024 | $ | 285 | ||||||
| 2025 | 285 | |||||||
| 2026 | 254 | |||||||
| 2027 | 37 | |||||||
| 2028 | 37 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 238 | |||||||
| Total expected amortization expense | $ | 1,136 | ||||||
Note 5. Selected Financial Statement Data
Inventories consisted of the following:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Raw materials | $ | 81,627 | $ | 71,410 | |||||||
| Work-in-process | 14,155 | 14,238 | |||||||||
| Finished goods | 53,666 | 48,744 | |||||||||
| $ | 149,448 | $ | 134,392 | ||||||||
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Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Land | $ | 1,996 | $ | 1,899 | |||||||
| Buildings | 71,222 | 69,170 | |||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | 126,164 | 110,079 | |||||||||
| Office furniture and equipment | 4,112 | 4,098 | |||||||||
| Computer software and hardware | 44,700 | 46,922 | |||||||||
| Construction in Process | 2,805 | 5,792 | |||||||||
| Demonstration equipment | 7,432 | 7,260 | |||||||||
| Transportation equipment | 7,057 | 7,065 | |||||||||
| 265,488 | 252,285 | ||||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation | 193,341 | 185,520 | |||||||||
| $ | 72,147 | $ | 66,765 | ||||||||
Our depreciation expense was $16,703, $14,890, and $15,575 for the fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Compensation | $ | 17,466 | $ | 15,944 | |||||||
| Taxes, other than income taxes | 3,390 | 6,741 | |||||||||
| Accrued employee benefits | 3,953 | 3,227 | |||||||||
| 2,253 | 2,309 | ||||||||||
| Short-term accrued expenses | 8,943 | 6,738 | |||||||||
| $ | 36,005 | $ | 34,959 | ||||||||
Other (expense) income, net consisted of the following:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) | $ | 479 | $ | (227) | $ | (675) | |||||||||||
| Equity in losses of affiliates | (3,332) | (2,970) | (2,370) | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment of equity method investee | (4,473) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 115 | 88 | 62 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | (7,211) | $ | (3,109) | $ | (2,983) | ||||||||||||
Note 6. Accounts Receivables, Net
We invoice customers based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts. We sometimes have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral and to file claims against surety bonds to protect our interest in receivables. Foreign sales are at times secured by irrevocable letters of credit or bank guarantees. Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for credit losses of $4,182 and $2,754 as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022 was $1,416 and $1,834, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.
In some contracts with customers, we agree to installment payments exceeding 12 months. The present value of these contracts is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with GAAP, and profit is recognized to the
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extent the present value is in excess of cost. We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid. The present value of long-term contracts, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $1,473 and $4,288 as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. Contract receivables bearing annual interest rates of 4.5 to 9.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through November 2026. The face value of long-term receivables was $1,512 and $4,364 as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively.
Note 7. Financing Agreements
As of April 29, 2023, we had a credit agreement with a bank which provided for a $45,000 line of credit and allowed up to $20,000 for commercial and standby letters of credit. As of April 29, 2023, $17,750 had been advanced under the loan portion of our line of credit, and the balance of letters of credit outstanding was approximately $7,783. As of April 29, 2023, $19,467 of the credit facility was available for borrowing.
Subsequent to April 29, 2023 we secured new financing agreements. For information on the new financing agreements, see "Note 17. Subsequent Events."
As of April 29, 2023, we had $616 of bank guarantees or other financial instruments for display installations issued by another bank and secured by a restricted cash deposit. If we are unable to meet the terms of the arrangement, the bank would subrogate its loss by drawing on the secured cash deposit.
Note 8. Share Repurchase Program
On June 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may purchase up to $40,000 of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time.
In April 2020, the Board had suspended the program. On December 2, 2021, the Board of Directors of Daktronics voted to reauthorize the stock repurchase program.
During fiscal 2023 and 2021, we had no repurchases of shares of our outstanding common stock. During fiscal 2022, we repurchased 641 shares of common stock at a total cost of $3,184. As of April 29, 2023, we had $29,355 of remaining capacity under our current share repurchase program.
Note 9. Leases
We lease facilities and various equipment to manufacture products and provide employee collaboration space and tools. These are all classified as operating leases and have initial lease terms ranging from 1 year to 5 years. These operating leases do not contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Our lease for our facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has a purchase option. We do not have any financing leases.
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the lease. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As we are generally not able to determine the rate implicit in our leases, we use the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future lease payments. The operating lease right-of-use asset includes any prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs and excludes any lease incentives and impairments. Some of our leases include options to extend the term, which is only included in the right-of-use assets and lease liability calculation when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to account for all asset classes as a single lease component. Our operating leases also typically require payment of real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance. These components comprise the majority of our variable lease cost and are excluded from the present value of our lease obligations. In instances where they are fixed, they are included due to our election to combine lease and non-lease components. Our total variable lease costs are immaterial.
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Operating lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and short-term lease cost is recognized when paid. During fiscal 2023, the amount of the operating lease cost included in cost of sales and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations was $2,560 and $906, respectively; as compared to $2,425 and $870, respectively, in fiscal year 2022; and $2,241 and $977, respectively, in fiscal year 2021. Operating lease cost includes short-term leases, which are immaterial.
As of April 29, 2023, the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate related to operating leases was 2.9 years and 2.7 percent as compared to 3.6 years and 2.4 percent as of April 30, 2022.
Supplemental unaudited cash flow information related to operating leases were as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Operating cash flows for operating leases | $ | 2,692 | $ | 2,680 | |||||||
Future minimum operating lease payments as of, and subsequent to, April 29, 2023 under ASC 842 are as follows:
| Operating Leases | |||||
| Fiscal years ending | |||||
| 2024 | $ | 2,383 | |||
| 2025 | 1,675 | ||||
| 2026 | 897 | ||||
| 2027 | 757 | ||||
| 2028 | 23 | ||||
| Thereafter | — | ||||
| Total lease payments | 5,735 | ||||
| Less imputed interest | (261) | ||||
| $ | 5,474 | ||||
The current and long term portions of the lease liabilities are included in the "Accrued expenses" and "Other long-term obligations" line items in our consolidated balance sheet, respectively.
Note 10. Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation
Authorized share types and shareholder rights plan: Our 120,000 authorized shares consist of 115,000 shares of common stock, 50 shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, and 4,950 shares of “undesignated stock.” Our Board of Directors has the power to authorize and issue any or all of the shares of undesignated stock without shareholder approval, including the authority to establish the rights and preferences of the undesignated stock.
Each outstanding share of our common stock includes one preferred share purchase right. Each right entitles the registered holder of our common stock to purchase from us one one-thousandth of one share of our Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an initial exercise price of $20 per right, subject to adjustment under the terms of the shareholder rights agreement under which the dividend was declared and paid. The rights become exercisable immediately after the earlier of (i) 10 business days following a public announcement that a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 20 percent or more of our outstanding common shares (subject to certain exceptions) or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer for our common shares, the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 20 percent or more of our outstanding common shares. The rights expire on November 19, 2024, which date may be extended by our Board of Directors subject to certain additional conditions.
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Stock incentive plans: During fiscal 2021, we established the Daktronics, Inc. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (“2020 Plan”) and ceased granting options under the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan ("2015 Plan"). The 2020 Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock to employees, directors and consultants. Stock options issued to employees under the 2015 Plan and 2020 Plan generally have a 10-year life, an exercise price equal to the closing market value on the grant date and a five-year annual vesting period. Stock options granted to independent directors under these plans have a seven-year life and an exercise price equal to the closing market value on the date of grant. Stock options granted to independent directors vest in one year, provided that the directors remain on the Board. The restricted stock granted to independent directors vests in one year, provided that the directors remain on the Board. Restricted stock units are granted to employees and have a five-year annual vesting period. As with stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit ownership cannot be transferred during the vesting period.
As of April 29, 2023, the aggregate number of shares available for future grants under the 2020 Plan for stock options and restricted stock awards was 1,801 shares. Shares of common stock subject to all stock awards granted under the 2020 Plan are counted as one share of stock for each share of stock subject to the award. Although the 2015 Plan remains in effect for options outstanding that were granted under the 2015 Plan until the earlier of the exercise of the options or their expiration or termination without being exercised, no new options can be granted under the 2015 Plan.
Restricted stock and restricted stock units: We issue restricted stock to our non-employee directors and restricted stock units to employees. Restricted stock issued to non-employee directors are participating securities and receive dividends prior to vesting. Unvested restricted stock will terminate and be forfeited upon termination of employment or service. The fair value of restricted stock and our restricted stock unit awards are measured on the grant date based on the market value of our common stock. The related compensation expense as calculated under ASC 718, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the applicable vesting period. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards was approximately $1,666 as of April 29, 2023, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.62 years. The total fair value of restricted stock vested was $1,160, $1,203, and $1,293 in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
A summary of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 is as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Nonvested Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | Number of Nonvested Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | Number of Nonvested Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at beginning of year | 469 | $ | 5.65 | 480 | $ | 5.62 | 449 | $ | 7.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | 360 | 3.15 | 214 | 5.66 | 223 | 3.92 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (192) | 5.98 | (213) | 5.58 | (176) | 7.27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (20) | 4.98 | (12) | 5.64 | (16) | 7.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at end of year | 617 | $ | 4.11 | 469 | $ | 5.65 | 480 | $ | 5.62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stock Options: We issue incentive stock options to our employees and non-qualified stock options to our independent directors. A summary of stock option activity under our 2015 Plan and 2020 Plan during the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 is as follows:
| Stock Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of April 30, 2022 | 2,107 | $ | 8.13 | 4.98 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Granted | 336 | 3.02 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Canceled or forfeited | (393) | 9.08 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | (5) | 4.11 | — | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of April 29, 2023 | 2,045 | $ | 7.11 | 5.52 | $ | 858 | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares vested and expected to vest | 2,010 | $ | 7.17 | 5.46 | $ | 819 | |||||||||||||||||
Exercisable as of April 29, 2023 | 1,222 | $ | 8.95 | 3.70 | $ | 103 | |||||||||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options represents the difference between the exercise price of stock options and the fair market value of the underlying common stock for all in-the-money options. We define in-the-money options as of April 29, 2023 as options having exercise prices lower than the $4.81 per share market price of our common stock on that date. There were 147 shares exercisable that were in-the-money options as of April 29, 2023. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $7, $2, and $0, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested was $467, $465, and $451 for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We recognize the fair value of the stock options on a straight-line basis as compensation expense. All options are recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods.
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. ASC 718 requires us to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards expected to vest. The following factors are the significant assumptions used in the computation of the fair value of options:
Expected life. The expected life of options granted represents the period of time they are expected to be outstanding. We estimate the expected life of options granted based on historical exercise patterns, which we believe are representative of future behavior. We have examined our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there were any discernible patterns of activity based on certain demographic characteristics. Demographic characteristics tested included age, salary level, job level and geographic location. We have determined there were no meaningful differences in option exercise activity based on the demographic characteristics tested.
Expected volatility. We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on historical volatility consistent with ASC 718 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payments.
Risk-free interest rate. The rate is based on the United States Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a term similar to the expected life of the options.
Dividend yield. We use an expected dividend yield consistent with our historical dividend yield pattern.
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The following table provides the weighted-average fair value of options granted and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Fair value of options granted | $ | 1.34 | $ | 2.43 | $ | 1.71 | |||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.37 | % | 1.07 | % | 0.43 | % | |||||||||||
| Expected volatility | 41.10 | % | 40.60 | % | 40.53 | % | |||||||||||
| Expected life of option (in years) | 6.93 | 6.94 | 6.94 | ||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan: We have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), which enables employees after six months of continuous employment to elect, in advance and semi-annually, to contribute up to 15 percent of their compensation, subject to certain limitations, toward the purchase of our common stock at a purchase price equal to 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of the participation period. The ESPP requires participants to hold any shares purchased under the ESPP for a minimum period of one year after the date of purchase. Compensation expense recognized on shares issued under our ESPP is based on the value of a traded option to purchase shares of our stock at a 15 percent discount to the stock price. The total number of shares reserved under the ESPP is 5,500. The number of shares of common stock issued under the ESPP totaled 424, 310, and 170 shares in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The number of shares of common stock reserved for future employee purchases under the ESPP totaled 1,575 shares as of April 29, 2023. The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").
Total share-based compensation expense: As of April 29, 2023, there was $2,746 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under all equity compensation plans. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. We expect to recognize the cost over a weighted-average period of 2.94 years.
The following table presents a summary of the share-based compensation expense by equity type as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Stock options | $ | 453 | $ | 458 | $ | 450 | |||||||||||
| Restricted stock and stock units | 1,153 | 1,159 | 1,203 | ||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plans | 421 | 356 | 414 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,027 | $ | 1,973 | $ | 2,067 | ||||||||||||
A summary of the share-based compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares issued under the ESPP for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021 is as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 441 | $ | 434 | $ | 472 | |||||||||||
| Selling | 424 | 472 | 484 | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 735 | 656 | 678 | ||||||||||||||
| Product design and development | 427 | 411 | 433 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,027 | $ | 1,973 | $ | 2,067 | ||||||||||||
We received $21 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023. The tax expense related to non-qualified options and restricted stock units under all share-based payment arrangements totaled $23, $47, and $70 for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
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Note 11. Retirement Benefits
We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan providing benefits for substantially all United States-based employees of Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, subject to certain Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limits. We made matching cash contributions equal to 50 percent of the employee's qualifying contribution up to six percent of such employee's compensation; however, we eliminated our matching contribution as one of our cost savings initiatives for fiscal 2021. These benefits were reinstated for fiscal 2022. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) savings plan the first day of the calendar month following completion of 30 days of continuous service if they have attained the age of 21. We contributed $2,969, $2,573 and $0 for matches to the plan for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Note 12. Income Taxes
The following tables reflect the significant components of our income tax provision. The pretax income attributable to domestic and foreign operations was as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 10,125 | $ | (2,696) | $ | 10,413 | |||||||||||
| Foreign | 3,132 | 3,804 | 3,647 | ||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 13,257 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 14,060 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | 6,321 | $ | 644 | $ | 507 | |||||||||||
| State | 1,381 | 452 | 422 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 2,273 | 975 | 891 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | (3,025) | (1,020) | 1,216 | ||||||||||||||
| State | (456) | (476) | 59 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | (39) | (59) | 39 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 6,455 | $ | 516 | $ | 3,134 | ||||||||||||
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The reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate to income before income taxes is as follows:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Computed income tax expense at federal statutory rates | $ | 2,784 | $ | 233 | $ | 2,953 | |||||||||||
| Change in uncertain tax positions | (86) | (71) | (34) | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development tax credit | (684) | (382) | (1,047) | ||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 288 | (179) | 579 | ||||||||||||||
| Change in valuation allowances | 2,078 | 609 | 402 | ||||||||||||||
| GILTI | 6 | (14) | (156) | ||||||||||||||
| Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) | 87 | 12 | (285) | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) | (128) | (5) | (84) | ||||||||||||||
| Stock compensation | 262 | 150 | 355 | ||||||||||||||
| Meals and entertainment | 149 | 67 | 49 | ||||||||||||||
| Goodwill Impairment | 551 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| State taxes, net of federal benefit | 731 | 139 | 494 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of Foreign Tax Rates different than Statutory | 417 | (43) | (92) | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 6,455 | $ | 516 | $ | 3,134 | ||||||||||||
The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 was impacted due to valuation allowances on equity investments and on foreign net operating losses in Ireland, goodwill impairment, state taxes, a mix of taxes in foreign countries where the tax rate is higher than the United States, as well as prior year provision to return adjustments reduced in part by tax benefits from permanent tax credits.
During fiscal 2022, our effective income tax rate was impacted by tax benefits from permanent tax credits offset by valuation allowances as well as other various permanent tax adjustments and state taxes with additional expense for prior year provision to return adjustments.
During fiscal 2021, our effective income tax rate was impacted due to tax benefits from permanent tax credits and prior year provision to return adjustments offset by valuation allowances as well as other various permanent tax adjustments and state taxes.
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The components of the net deferred tax assets were as follows:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Accrued warranty obligations | $ | 8,088 | $ | 7,117 | |||||||
| Vacation accrual | 1,732 | 1,618 | |||||||||
| Deferred maintenance revenue | 484 | 272 | |||||||||
| Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory | 2,779 | 2,316 | |||||||||
| Equity compensation | 255 | 276 | |||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses accounts | 928 | 528 | |||||||||
| Inventory capitalization | 1,339 | 1,278 | |||||||||
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 395 | 1,019 | |||||||||
| Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange | 206 | — | |||||||||
| Net operating loss carry forwards | 1,024 | 729 | |||||||||
| Outside basis difference in equity method investments | 3,819 | 1,861 | |||||||||
| Section 174 Capitalization | 5,225 | — | |||||||||
| Research and development tax credit carry forwards | 210 | 396 | |||||||||
| Lease accounting - lease liability | 1,426 | 1,918 | |||||||||
| Other | 929 | 435 | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | 28,839 | 19,763 | |||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (4,900) | (2,452) | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets | 23,939 | 17,311 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment | (5,292) | (1,693) | |||||||||
| Lease accounting - right of use asset | (1,411) | (1,907) | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | (471) | (428) | |||||||||
| Unrealized gain on foreign currency exchange | — | (180) | |||||||||
| Other | (93) | (59) | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (7,267) | (4,267) | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax asset | $ | 16,672 | $ | 13,044 | |||||||
The classification of the net deferred tax assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Non-current assets | $ | 16,867 | $ | 13,331 | |||||||
| Non-current liabilities | (195) | (287) | |||||||||
| $ | 16,672 | $ | 13,044 | ||||||||
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The summary of changes in the amounts related to unrecognized uncertain tax benefits are:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 477 | $ | 548 | |||||||
| Gross increases related to prior period tax positions | 12 | 17 | |||||||||
| Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions | (56) | (54) | |||||||||
| Gross increases related to current period tax positions | 124 | 116 | |||||||||
| Lapse of statute of limitations | (165) | (150) | |||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 392 | $ | 477 | |||||||
All of our unrecognized tax benefits would have an impact on the effective tax rate if recognized. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change due to one or more of the following events occurring in the next 12 months: expiring statutes, audit activity, tax payments, or competent authority proceedings. A statute of limitations relating to $171 of the unrecognized tax benefits (including interest) expires in the next 12 months. The benefit will be recognized if the statute lapses with no further action taken by regulators. Additionally, we recognized the release of $165 in unrecognized tax benefits related to the lapse of a statute of limitations in fiscal 2023.
Interest and penalties incurred associated with uncertain tax positions are included in the "Income tax expense" line item in our consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in the related tax liability line item in our consolidated balance sheets of $28 and $38 as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively.
As of April 29, 2023, we had foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $5,727 primarily related to our operations in Belgium and Ireland, which have indefinite lives. A deferred tax asset has been recorded for all NOL carryforwards totaling approximately $1,018. However, due to uncertainty in future taxable income, a valuation allowance has been recorded for the full amount of the asset. If sufficient evidence of our ability to generate future taxable income in the jurisdictions in which we currently maintain a valuation allowance causes us to determine that our deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable, we would release our valuation allowance, which would result in an income tax benefit being recorded in our consolidated statements of operations.
Additional tax information:
We are subject to United States federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. Fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022 remain open to federal tax examinations, and fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 remain open for state income tax examinations. Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2012. In the event of any future tax assessments, we have elected to record the income taxes and any related interest and penalties as income tax expense in our consolidated statement of operations.
As of April 29, 2023, we had no deferred tax liability recognized relating to our investment in foreign subsidiaries where the earnings have been indefinitely reinvested. The Tax Act of 2017 generally eliminates United States federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, and, as a result, the accumulated undistributed earnings would be subject only to other taxes, such as withholding taxes and state income taxes, on the distribution of such earnings. No additional withholding or income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the one-time deemed repatriation tax, as it is our intention for these amounts to continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations in all of our non-United States jurisdictions.
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Note 13. Cash Flow Information
The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease: | |||||||||||||||||
| Account receivable | $ | (10,422) | $ | (33,876) | $ | 4,864 | |||||||||||
| Long-term receivables | 1,950 | (440) | 1,737 | ||||||||||||||
| Inventories | (15,064) | (61,159) | 13,900 | ||||||||||||||
| Contract assets | (4,879) | (9,545) | 3,080 | ||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 5,267 | (7,661) | 2,450 | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes receivables | 268 | 121 | (148) | ||||||||||||||
| Investment in affiliates and other assets | (261) | (357) | 744 | ||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease): | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | (5,344) | 33,002 | (7,081) | ||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | 3,468 | 27,398 | 12,628 | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses | (967) | 6,354 | (2,936) | ||||||||||||||
| Warranty obligations | 607 | 1,160 | 696 | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term warranty obligations | 3,055 | 1,764 | (367) | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes payable | 2,354 | (379) | (173) | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term marketing obligations and other payables | 104 | (1,762) | 2,337 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | (19,864) | $ | (45,380) | $ | 31,731 | ||||||||||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash payments for: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest | $ | 1,075 | $ | 16 | $ | 264 | |||||||||||
| Income taxes, net of refunds | 7,489 | 1,951 | 2,557 | ||||||||||||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consisted of the following:
| Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory | $ | — | $ | 53 | $ | 56 | |||||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable | 1,057 | 4,177 | 667 | ||||||||||||||
| Contributions of common stock under the ESPP | 1,207 | 1,211 | 565 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt Issuance costs | 2,875 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Note 14. Fair Value Measurement
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of
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unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy within ASC 820 distinguishes between the following three levels of inputs which may be utilized when measuring fair value:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (for example, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or market-corroborated input).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities.
The fair values for fixed-rate long-term receivables are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered for contracts with similar terms to customers with similar credit quality. The carrying amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets for long-term receivables approximate fair value and have been categorized as a level 2 fair value measurement.
Fair values for fixed-rate long-term marketing obligations are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation applying interest rates currently being offered for debt with similar terms and underlying collateral. The total carrying value of long-term marketing obligations as reported in our consolidated balance sheets within other long-term obligations approximates fair value and has been categorized as a level 2 fair value measurement.
The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.
| Fair Value Measurements | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 29, 2023: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 23,982 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 23,982 | |||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 708 | — | — | 708 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| US Government Sponsored entities | — | 534 | — | 534 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives - liability position | — | (579) | — | (579) | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 24,690 | $ | (45) | $ | — | $ | 24,645 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 30, 2022: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 17,143 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 17,143 | |||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 865 | — | — | 865 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| US Government Securities | 3,486 | — | — | 3,486 | |||||||||||||||||||
| US Government Sponsored entities | — | 534 | — | 534 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives - asset position | — | 934 | — | 934 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives - liability position | — | (311) | — | (311) | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 21,494 | $ | 1,157 | $ | — | $ | 22,651 | ||||||||||||||||
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments during fiscal year 2023.
Cash and cash equivalents: Consists of cash on hand in bank deposits and highly liquid investments, primarily money market accounts. The fair value was measured using quoted market prices in active markets. The carrying amount approximates fair value.
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Restricted cash: Consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees. The fair value of restricted cash was measured using quoted market prices in active markets. The carrying amount approximates fair value.
Derivatives – currency forward contracts: Consists of currency forward contracts trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value of these securities was measured based on a valuation from a third-party bank. See "Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments" for more information regarding our derivatives.
Non-recurring measurements: The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.
See "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for further details of impairment loss of $4,473 for our investment in Miortech.
Other measurements using fair value: Some of our financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, long-term receivables, prepaid expense and other assets, contract assets and liabilities, accounts payable, warranty obligations, and other long-term obligations are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.
Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments
We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the United States dollar. We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks. We account for all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets within accounts receivable or accounts payable measured at fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net investment hedges. As of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as accounting hedges, and thus we recorded the changes in fair value in the "Other (expense) income, net" line item in the consolidated statements of operations.
The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange United States dollars as of April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022 were as follows:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Dollars | Foreign Currency | United States Dollars | Foreign Currency | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Dollars/Canadian Dollars | — | — | 942 | 1,189 | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States Dollars/British Pounds | — | — | 1,774 | 1,345 | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States Dollars/Euros | 7,758 | 7,513 | 8,575 | 7,513 | |||||||||||||||||||
As of April 29, 2023, there was an asset and liability of $0 and $579, respectively, and, as of April 30, 2022, there was an asset and liability of $934 and $311, respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were determined using level 2 inputs from a third-party bank. As of April 29, 2023, all contracts mature within six months.
Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation: We are a party to legal proceedings and claims which arise during the ordinary course of business. We review our legal proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews and inspections, and other legal matters on an ongoing basis and follow appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We establish accruals for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and we disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements to not be misleading. We do not record an accrual when the likelihood of loss being incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the loss is believed to be only reasonably possible or
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remote, although disclosures will be made for material matters as required by ASC 450-20, Contingencies - Loss Contingencies. Our assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on our assessment and consultation with legal counsel regarding the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals.
For other unresolved legal proceedings or claims, we do not believe there is a reasonable probability that any material loss would be incurred. Accordingly, no material accrual or disclosure of a potential range of loss has been made related to these matters. We do not expect the ultimate liability of these unresolved legal proceedings or claims to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.
Warranties: See "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for more information regarding warranties.
Changes in our warranty obligation for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022 consisted of the following:
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Beginning accrued warranty obligations | $ | 28,878 | $ | 25,960 | |||||||
| Warranties issued during the period | 13,429 | 9,748 | |||||||||
| Settlements made during the period | (11,044) | (7,503) | |||||||||
| Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations | 1,278 | 673 | |||||||||
| Ending accrued warranty obligations | $ | 32,541 | $ | 28,878 | |||||||
Performance guarantees: We have entered into standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on contracts, primarily construction-type contracts. As of April 29, 2023, we had outstanding letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds in the amount of $7,783, $616 and $56,374, respectively. Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract. These performance guarantees have various terms but are generally one year. We enter into written agreements with our customers, and those agreements often contain indemnification provisions that require us to make the customer whole if certain acts or omissions by us cause the customer financial loss. We make efforts to negotiate reasonable caps and limitations on the recovery of such damages. As of April 29, 2023, we were not aware of any indemnification claim from a customer.
Purchase commitments: From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, cloud-based information systems, information technology maintenance and support services, and various other products and services over periods that extend beyond one year. As of April 29, 2023, we were obligated under the following unconditional purchase commitments:
| Fiscal years ending | Amount | |||||||
| 2024 | $ | 4,908 | ||||||
| 2025 | 2,374 | |||||||
| 2026 | 194 | |||||||
| 2027 | 50 | |||||||
| 2028 | 38 | |||||||
| $ | 7,564 | |||||||
Note 17. Subsequent Events
On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.. The Credit Agreement provides for a $60,000 senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility ("ABL") maturing on May 11, 2026 and a delayed draw loan (the "Mortgage") term loan commitment.
Under the ABL, certain factors can impact our borrowing capacity. As of May 11, 2023, our borrowing capacity was $47,459, and there were no borrowings outstanding. The interest rate on the senior credit facility is set on a sliding scale
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based on the trailing twelve-month fixed charge coverage and ranges from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent over the standard overnight financing rate (SOFR). The ABL is secured by a first priority lien on the Company's assets described in the Credit Agreement and the JPMorgan Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “JPMorgan Security Agreement”).
The $15,000 delayed draw on the Mortgage closed on July 7, 2023, is secured by a mortgage on the Company's Brookings, South Dakota real estate, amortizes over 10 years and is payable monthly. The Mortgage is subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement and matures on May 11, 2026. The Mortgage interest rate is set on a sliding scale based on the trailing twelve month fixed charge coverage ratio and ranges between 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent.
On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Securities Purchase Agreement") with Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP (the “Investor”) under which the Company agreed to sell and issue to the Investor its senior secured convertible note (the “Convertible Note”) in exchange for the payment by the Investor to the Company of $25,000. The Convertible Notes allow the Investor to convert shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain conditions and limitations, at the initial conversion price of $6.31 per share, subject to adjustments in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Note. The Company also has a forced conversion right, which is exercisable on the occurrence of certain conditions. The Convertible Note incurs interest at an annual rate of 9.0 percent when interest is paid in cash or an annual rate of 10.0 percent if interest is capitalized. Upon an event of default under the Convertible Note, the annual interest rate will increase to 12.0 percent. Under the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 between the Company and the Investor (the “Alta Fox Security Agreement”), the Convertible Note is secured by a second priority lien on assets securing the ABL facility and a first priority lien on substantially all of the other assets of the Company, excluding all real property, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the Investor (the “Intercreditor Agreement”). The Convertible Note has a maturity date of May 11, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”). On the Maturity Date, the Company must pay to the Investor an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal, any accrued and unpaid interest, and any accrued and unpaid late charges on such principal and interest.
Effective on May 11, 2023, in connection with the Company’s entry into the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investor (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to file with the SEC by the dates set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Note. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is required to use reasonable best efforts to have such registration statement declared effective by the SEC by the dates set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. If the registration statement is not filed with the SEC or declared effective by the SEC on a timely basis, certain penalties would be applicable to the Company.
The Credit Agreement and the Convertible Note require a fixed charged coverage ratio of greater than 1.1 and include other customary non-financial covenants.
In fiscal year 2023, we incurred $3,866 in debt issuance costs, which is included in the "Debt issuance costs" line item in our consolidated balance sheet.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management of our Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of April 29, 2023, an evaluation was performed, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of April 29, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below.
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Notwithstanding the identified material weakness disclosed our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly represent, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Prior Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As previously reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2022, material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting were reported because management had not appropriately designed a going concern policy control to contemplate evaluating the income tax implications when reaching a substantial doubt going concern assessment and because of a failure to timely communicate the result of our going concern assessment to all appropriate internal parties necessary, which led us to not consider the impact of the going concern assessment on the valuation of our deferred tax assets. The Company has made the following enhancements to internal controls to address the material weaknesses:
1.Implemented a policy and practice that our going concern analysis is communicated and provided to appropriate members of the organization, including employees in our tax department, so they can consider the impacts of our going concern conclusion.
2.Implemented a control activity that considers the results of our going concern analysis when determining the valuation of deferred taxes and other reporting and disclosure requirements when preparing our financial statements.
Management has determined, through its testing, that the Company's implemented policy and new control activities were designed and operated effectively for a sufficient period of time during fiscal 2023 to conclude that the previously identified material weaknesses have been remediated as of April 29, 2023.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our system of internal control was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. All systems of internal control, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based on our evaluation under the criteria in the 2013 Framework, our management concluded our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of April 29, 2023 due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that a reasonable possibility exists that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Management identified a material weakness related to the ineffective operation of certain transactional level controls related to revenue contracts recognized over time. These controls operated ineffectively due to insufficient training of the
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control operators as to the level of precision expected when executing the revenue controls in accordance with the Company's policy.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, who audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, issued an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Deloitte & Touche LLP’s report is included herein.
Remediation Plan
Our remediation plan includes providing training to the revenue control operators relating to the level of precision expected when executing these controls in accordance with the Company's policy.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except for the identification of the material weakness and remediation of prior material weaknesses noted above, during the quarter ended April 29, 2023, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
| By /s/ Reece A. Kurtenbach | By /s/ Sheila M. Anderson | ||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | Sheila M. Anderson | ||||
| Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
| July 12, 2023 | July 12, 2023 | ||||
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Daktronics, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of April 29, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness identified below on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended April 29, 2023 of the Company and our report dated July 12, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
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A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Material Weakness
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management's assessment: Management identified a material weakness related to the ineffective operation of certain transactional level controls related to revenue contracts recognized over time. These controls operated ineffectively due to insufficient training of the control operators as to the level of precision expected when executing the revenue controls in accordance with the Company's policy. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended April 29, 2023, of the Company, and this report does not affect our report on such financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 12, 2023
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
None.
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PART III.
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Set forth below is information regarding our directors and executive officers as of June 30, 2023.
| Name | Age | Position | ||||||||||||
| Sheila M. Anderson | 50 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||
| Howard I. Atkins | 72 | Director | ||||||||||||
| Lance D. Bultena | 60 | Director | ||||||||||||
| John P. Friel | 69 | Director | ||||||||||||
| Carla S. Gatzke | 62 | Vice President of Human Resources and Secretary | ||||||||||||
| Dr. José-Marie Griffiths | 71 | Director | ||||||||||||
| Matthew J. Kurtenbach | 54 | Vice President of Manufacturing | ||||||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | 58 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||||||||||
| Kevin P. McDermott | 69 | Director | ||||||||||||
| Andrew D. Siegel | 57 | Director | ||||||||||||
| Bradley T. Wiemann | 62 | Executive Vice President | ||||||||||||
| Shereta D. Williams | 49 | Director | ||||||||||||
Sheila M. Anderson joined the Company in 2002 as a senior accountant after spending a number of years working as a certified public accountant in public accounting and auditing firms and as a senior accountant at a private company. In 2006, Ms. Anderson was named Corporate Controller and, in 2012, she was named Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Ms. Anderson holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University.
Howard I. Atkins has been a Director of the Company since December 7, 2022. Mr. Atkins was appointed to the Board pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement dated as of July 23, 2022 (the "Cooperation Agreement") between the Company and Prairieland Holdco, LLC and its affiliates, including Andrew D. Siegel, who also is a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Atkins currently owns and manages HIA Capital, a business consulting and investment firm. In 2011, Mr. Atkins retired as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wells Fargo & Company, a banking and financial services company, where he was responsible for Wells Fargo’s financial management functions, investment portfolios, investor relations, capital management and corporate properties functions from 2001 to 2011. A 37-year veteran of the financial services industry, Mr. Atkins previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of New York Life Insurance Company; Chief Financial Officer of Midlantic Corporation, and Corporate Treasurer of Chase Manhattan Bank. In addition, Mr. Atkins served as a Director for Occidental Petroleum Corporation from 2010 to 2019 and for Ingram Micro from 2004 to 2017. Mr. Atkins brings to the Board world-class financial management acumen and experience, especially in the areas of strategic development, margin improvement, and financing, which further enhances the Board's mix of perspectives.
Lance D. Bultena has been a Director of the Company since September 2021 and has served on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit Committee since September 2021. Mr. Bultena is the Global Director of Thought Leadership for Mobility and Transportation at Hogan Lovells, a global law firm, where he is currently a senior counsel after serving as a partner for many years. He has been at the firm (and its predecessor Hogan & Hartson) since 1999. He was Counsel to the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation from 1995 to 1999. He received a doctorate (D. Phil) in Politics and a masters (M. Phil) in Economics from Oxford University which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. He received a law degree (J.D.) from Harvard Law School and did his undergraduate study at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Bultena brings to the Board significant experience in helping businesses evaluate and address the challenges of technological change and public policy developments.
John P. Friel has been a Director of the Company since September 2015 and has served on the Audit Committee since September 2015 and on the Compensation Committee of the Board since October 2016. Mr. Friel was named Compensation Committee Chair on September 1, 2020. Mr. Friel served for 30 years in various capacities at MEDRAD, Inc., a global company that designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and supports medical devices. MEDRAD is an affiliate
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of Bayer, AG. He joined MEDRAD in the accounting area and earned a promotion to Treasurer and Vice President of Corporate Planning in 1986 and Vice President of Business Development in 1987. He served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 1989 to 1995, Senior Vice President and General Manager from 1995 to 1998, and President and Chief Executive Officer from 1998 to 2010. MEDRAD received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice during his tenure, once in 2004 and again in 2010. Mr. Friel retired as Chief Executive Officer of Vascor, Inc. in December 2019, and he has served as a member of its Board of Directors since June 2016. Vascor is a pre-clinical medical device development company. He also is currently a Director at Preservation Technologies L.P. and a Director at American Productivity and Quality Center ("APQC"). Mr. Friel is the Principal and Founder of Five Radicals, which focuses on Baldrige Performance Excellence, strategic planning, general business consulting to entrepreneurial medical device companies, and private equity business development opportunity search efforts. Mr. Friel is a director and Chief Strategy Officer of Magvation, LLC, a medical device development company. Mr. Friel is a Senior Partner of the Mikan Group, a general management consulting company. He holds a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Friel brings to the Board extensive global general management knowledge and practice. He has strong experience in building and growing businesses, especially in technical product development and global expansions, which align with many of the Company's initiatives and strategies.
Carla S. Gatzke joined the Company in 1984 in Systems Sales Engineering where she was responsible for sales and project management for legislative voting systems. In 1988, Ms. Gatzke took an 18-month leave of absence to attend and teach at Drake University. In 1990, Ms. Gatzke returned to Daktronics and managed the Star Circuits division, which manufactured printed circuit boards. In 1992, she became responsible for Human Resources and, in 1996, she added the responsibility of Information and Technology and Systems. In 2006, the responsibility of the Company's Human Resources and Information and Technology and Systems departments separated, and Ms. Gatzke was appointed Vice President of Human Resources. Ms. Gatzke has also served as Corporate Secretary since 1994. Ms. Gatzke holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science from South Dakota State University. Ms. Gatzke is the daughter of Aelred J. Kurtenbach and the sister of Reece A. Kurtenbach and Matthew J. Kurtenbach.
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths has been a Director of the Company since September 2020. She has served on the Board's Compensation Committee and on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee since September 2020. Ms. Griffiths is president of Dakota State University, a public university, in Madison, South Dakota and has served in such capacity since July 2015. President Griffiths has spent her career in research, teaching, public service, corporate leadership, economic development, and higher education administration. She has served in presidential appointments to the National Science Board, the United States President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee, and the United States National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. In 2018, she was appointed as a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, part of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for 2019. She has led projects for over 28 United States federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Energy, and various intelligence and military agencies, and over 20 major corporations, such as AT&T Bell Laboratories and IBM, in over 35 countries, and she has worked with seven major international organizations, including NATO and the United Nations. Dr. Griffiths has received over 20 significant awards in science, technology, teaching and the advancement of women in these fields. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Information Science from the University College London ("UCL"). She was a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Computer Science and Statistics and was recently awarded a Doctor of Science honoris causa from UCL. Dr. Griffiths brings to the Board expertise in a variety of new and emerging technologies including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, along with significant experience with both military and civilian federal agencies.
Matthew J. Kurtenbach joined the Company in 1992 as a manager in manufacturing, and he subsequently served as a project manager for sports projects and as a project manager for the Company's process improvements and facility expansions. In 2001, he was named Manufacturing Manager and, in 2006, he was appointed Vice President of Manufacturing. Also in 2006, he was charged with leading the Company's transformation to lean manufacturing and, in 2013, he gained responsibility for repair center operations associated with after-sales services. Mr. Kurtenbach holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University. Mr. Kurtenbach is the son of Aelred J. Kurtenbach and the brother of Reece A. Kurtenbach and Carla S. Gatzke.
Reece A. Kurtenbach was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and a Director of the Company effective on September 1, 2013 and has served as Chairman of the Board since September 2014. He served as Executive Vice President from 2012 until September 2013, Vice President for Live Events and International from 2007 to 2012, Vice
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President for Video Systems from 2004 until 2007, and manager for video products engineering from 1994 until 2004. Mr. Kurtenbach joined the Company in 1991 as an applications engineer focusing on large display projects. Mr. Kurtenbach also worked at the Company as a student employee with various responsibilities from 1983 to 1987. Mr. Kurtenbach holds a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University in Electrical Engineering, with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. Mr. Kurtenbach is the son of Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach and brother of Matthew J. Kurtenbach and Carla S. Gatzke. The Board believes that Mr. Kurtenbach is an appropriate representative of management on the Board, given his position as a senior executive officer and his over 30 years of experience with the Company. In addition, Mr. Kurtenbach brings a wealth of industry experience to the Board.
Kevin P. McDermott has been a Director of the Company since June 2015 and has served on the Audit Committee of the Board as a member from August 2015 through September 2016 and as Chairperson of the Audit Committee since October 2016. On June 1, 2020, Mr. McDermott was named by the Board as the Lead Independent Director. Mr. McDermott retired from an international accounting firm, KPMG LLP, in the fall of 2013 after being with the firm for 33 years in various capacities, including audit engagement partner, SEC reviewing partner, professional practice partner, and in the firm’s Office of General Counsel. In addition to fulfilling professional obligations related to audits of financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, he assisted clients with financial and operational issues, acquisition due diligence, personnel performance, and corporate governance. In his capacity as SEC reviewing partner, Mr. McDermott performed concurring partner reviews of audits of financial statements and internal control over financial reporting for publicly-held audit clients. While in the Office of General Counsel, he provided assistance on a privileged basis to the firm and outside counsel in various SEC and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board investigations and third-party litigation matters. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from South Dakota State University. Mr. McDermott was appointed to the board of directors of Genesco Inc. (NYSE-GCO) effective February 1, 2016 and served on its Audit Committee. He completed his tenure as Genesco board member in June 2023. Genesco is a publicly-traded retailer and wholesaler of branded footwear, apparel and accessories. From March 2019 through March 2020, Mr. McDermott served as Chief Audit Executive for Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc., a publicly-held bank holding company located in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. McDermott brings significant expertise in the area of financial and internal control over financial reporting by publicly-traded companies. This expertise aligns with our responsibility and commitment to provide oversight for our shareholders relating to the integrity of our financial statements and related filings.
Andrew D. Siegel currently manages Prairieland Holdco, LLC ("PLH"), whose sole member is TLI Bedrock, LLC ("TLI"), a private multi-strategy investment firm of which he is chief investment officer. In 2019, he co-founded and served as Executive Chairman of FourQ Systems, Inc. an enterprise financial technology company which was sold to Blackline, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL) in January 2022. Mr. Siegel was founding partner of Advance Venture Partners, the investment fund of global media company Advance Publications, Inc. He joined Advance in 2010 and, as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development, was responsible for growth initiatives at the holding company and its operating units including Condé Nast. He oversaw The Sports Business Journal/SBD until December 2019. Mr. Siegel joined Advance from Yahoo! Inc., where he led the digital media company’s corporate development team from September 2009 until December 2010. He previously was an executive with General Electric Company ("GE") and its financial arm, GE Capital from 2004 until 2009. He joined GE upon its acquisition of InVision Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: INVN) in December 2004, where he had served as an executive officer since 2001. He began his career as a corporate lawyer at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP in New York City. Andrew received a Bachelor of Arts from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, a Master of Science degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a juris doctor degree (JD) from New York University School of Law. He serves on the boards of the Park Avenue Synagogue and the Ashley Hope Foundation as well as those of several private companies. Mr. Siegel brings to the Board his experience in strategy, corporate development, law and finance.
Bradley T. Wiemann joined the Company in 1993 as a lead design engineer after spending a number of years with Rockwell International Corporation, where he was involved in flight control systems. In 1994, he became manager of the Company's engineering groups focused on commercial and transportation product design. In 2001, his responsibilities expanded to include sales and service for commercial and transportation. In 2004, he was appointed Vice President, Commercial and Transportation and, in 2012, he was named Executive Vice President. In 2013, his responsibilities expanded to include sales and service for the High School Park and Recreation business unit. Mr. Wiemann holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University.
Shereta D. Williams has been a Director of the Company since September 2021 and has since served on the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee since September 2021. Ms. Williams is Senior Vice President Growth Operations of Cox Enterprises, Inc., a global communications, automotive, and media company, based in Atlanta, Georgia
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and has served in such capacity since 2021. She has held a variety of strategy, corporate development and business development roles within the Cox Enterprise, Inc. subsidiaries and groups, including Vice President Business Development from 2020 to 2021; President of Videa, LLC from 2014 through 2020; Vice President of Development for Cox Media Group from 2010 to 2013; and Director of Development and Digital Services for Cox Television from 2001 through 2006. In between the roles at Cox Enterprise, Inc., from 2006 through 2009, she was the managing director of the currency division for Maven Funds, a startup hedge fund in Atlanta, Georgia where she was responsible for managing traders, implementing automated trading systems, risk management and operations. She began her career working in investment banking as an analyst for mergers and acquisitions for Lazard Freres & Co, LLC from 1996 through 1998. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, with a concentration in Economics, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Ms. Williams brings to the Board extensive knowledge in corporate development, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as operational leadership in the digital communications industry.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
None of our directors, executive officers or control persons has been involved in any of the following events described in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K during the past ten years:
1.a petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he or she was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he or she was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;
2.a conviction in a criminal proceeding or being named a subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
3.being subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him or her from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities:
a.acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
b.engaging in any type of business practice; or
c.engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal commodities laws;
4.being subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any type of business regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, securities, investment, insurance or banking activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;
5.being found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC to have violated any Federal or State securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated;
6.being found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated;
7.being the subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of:
a.any Federal or State securities or commodities law or regulation; or
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b.any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or
c.any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or
8.being subject to, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act, or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that our Directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10 percent of a registered class of our equity securities ("10% Shareholders") file with the SEC initial reports of ownership on Form 3 and reports of change in ownership on Form 4 or Form 5. Such Directors, executive officers and 10% Shareholders are also required by rules of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of such forms submitted to us and on written representations from our reporting persons, we believe all required reports were filed on a timely basis during fiscal 2023, except that Brad T. Wiemann inadvertently filed one late report on Form 4 regarding one purchase of 25,000 shares on October 12, 2022; Andrew D. Siegel inadvertently filed one late report on Form 3 regarding his initial ownership of common stock as a new director and three Forms 4 regarding his purchase of 8,042 shares on September 14, 2022, 1,958 shares on September 15, 2022, and 13,217 shares on September 20, 2022; and Howard I. Atkins has not filed his Form 3 regarding his initial ownership of common stock as a new director or his Form 4 for the grant of an option to him to purchase 17,667 shares of common stock April 18, 2023 due to difficulties obtaining his credentials from the SEC.
Code of Conduct
The Board has adopted our Code of Conduct, which applies to all of our employees, officers and Directors. Included in the Code of Conduct are ethics provisions that apply to our CEO, Chief Financial Officer, and all other financial and accounting management employees. Copies of the Code of Conduct are available on our website at www.daktronics.com. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the Code of Conduct annually and oversees its implementation.
Material Changes to the Procedures by which Security Holders May Recommend Nominees to the Board of Directors
On January 29, 2023, the Board of Directors of Daktronics approved the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (as so amended, the “Bylaws”), effective as of such date. The amendments to the Bylaws modernize and clarify the Company’s Bylaws by adding conventional provisions to ensure orderly shareholder meetings. The amendments, among other things:
•Provide detailed procedures consistent with market practice for the calling and holding of special meetings of shareholders; and
•Update the procedures and disclosure requirements, in line with market practice, for the nomination of director nominees for election at meetings of shareholders, including to require additional information in a notice of intent to submit a nomination by a shareholder and to address the adoption of rules and regulations of the SEC regarding universal proxy cards set forth in Rule 14a-19 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Universal Proxy Card Rules”), including requiring that nominating shareholders comply with the Universal Proxy Card Rules.
The Bylaws apply to all meetings of shareholders to be held after January 29, 2023. The Company intends to ask its shareholders, on an advisory basis, to approve the Bylaws at the next annual meeting of shareholders.
Committees of the Board
The Board currently has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
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Audit Committee. During fiscal 2023, the Audit Committee consisted of Kevin P. McDermott (Chairperson), John P. Friel, Shereta Williams, and Lance D. Bultena. The Board has determined that each Audit Committee member is independent as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Board has determined that Mr. McDermott, Mr. Friel, Ms. Williams, and Mr. Bultena are qualified as "audit committee financial experts," as that term is defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities concerning the quality and integrity of our financial reports and related filings with the SEC. In fulfilling this role, the Audit Committee, among other things, oversees the accounting and financial reporting process and audits of the financial statements and related SEC filings, appoints and determines the compensation of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, which is our independent registered public accounting firm; reviews the scope and findings of the audit; reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting policies and system of internal control over financial reporting; and oversees our policy and procedures with respect to related party transactions described under "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions, and Director Independence." The Audit Committee’s written Charter is available on our website at www.daktronics.com.
Compensation Committee. During fiscal 2023, the Compensation Committee consisted of John P. Friel (Chairperson), Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Shereta Williams, and Howard Atkins (appointed December 6, 2022). The Board has determined that all of the Compensation Committee members are independent directors, as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Compensation Committee annually reviews and approves the compensation of the CEO and other executives' compensation packages and acts upon management’s recommendations for executives concerning employee equity incentives, bonuses, and other compensation and benefit plans. The Compensation Committee’s Charter is available on our website at www.daktronics.com.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. During fiscal 2023, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of prior Director James B. Morgan (Chairperson until July 20, 2022), Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Lance Bultena (appointed on September 2, 2021 and named Chairperson on July 20, 2022), Kevin P. McDermott, and Andrew Siegel (appointed on September 7, 2022). The Board has determined that all of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members are independent directors as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee advises and makes recommendations to the Board on all matters concerning the selection of candidates as nominees for election as Directors, develops and recommends to the Board of Directors corporate governance guidelines, oversees our Code of Conduct, and provides oversight with respect to corporate governance and ethical conduct. It also facilitates the annual review of the performance of the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s Charter and our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website at www.daktronics.com.
Strategy and Financing Review Committee. In December 2022, the Board formed a Strategy and Financing Review Committee (the “Strategy and Financing Review Committee”) to address the Company’s near-term credit needs and to examine alternatives for strengthening the Company’s longer-term financial structure and liquidity profile. The members of the Strategy and Financing Review Committee consist of Howard I. Atkins (who is Chair of the Strategy and Financing Review Committee), Lance D. Bultena, John P. Friel, Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Kevin P. McDermott, Andrew D. Siegel and Shereta D. Williams, all of whom are independent directors of the Company.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board is committed to achieving the long-term mutual prosperity of all stakeholders while maintaining the highest standard of responsibility and integrity. The Board has adopted these corporate governance principles to provide an effective framework that reflects a set of core values and provides a foundation for Daktronics governance and management systems. Specific Board of Director responsibilities to achieve this commitment include:
| • | Strategic and operational planning: reviewing the overall operating, financial and strategic plans and performance of Daktronics; | |||||||
| • | Management oversight: selecting and evaluating the Company’s CEO and approving and monitoring the selection and evaluation process of other executive officers; | |||||||
| • | Governance, compliance and risk management: overseeing appropriate policies of corporate conduct and compliance with laws; and | |||||||
| • | Financial reporting: reviewing the process by which financial and related non-financial information about the Company is provided to management, the Board and the Company’s shareholders. | |||||||
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The Board believes that it must stay well-informed about the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Daktronics so that the Board members can properly exercise their fiduciary responsibilities to our shareholders. As part of this process, the Board is kept informed of our business, strategies, and major corporate actions through discussions with the named executive officers identified in the Summary of Compensation Table included in this Form 10-K, by reviewing material provided to them and by participating in meetings of the Board and its committees.
The Board currently combines the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board ("Chair"). Periodically, our Board assesses these roles and the Board leadership structure to assure that the interests of the Company and its shareholders are best served.
The Board has determined that its current structure, with a combined Chair and CEO role, is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders at this time. Kevin P. McDermott has served as Lead Independent Director since June 1, 2020.
The Chair conducts the Board meetings. The Chair, after consulting with the Lead Independent Director, sets the agenda for Board meetings, sets schedules, and distributes information to the Board. This collaborative process assures that the agenda takes into account issues and concerns of all Directors and is forward-looking and focuses on strategic matters.
The Lead Independent Director calls and presides over Independent Director meetings and provides timely feedback from each meeting to the Chair. The Lead Independent Director is responsible for promoting effective relationships and open communication among Directors and the CEO, building consensus among Board members, building an effective and complementary Board, promoting the highest standards of corporate governance, participating actively in the selection of new Directors, and promoting the orientation of new Directors to provide coaching and support for their development.
Our governance practices are compliant with the Nasdaq Listing Rules and the corporate governance regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Among other things, these practices include the following:
| • | The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews with the Board annually the composition of the Board as a whole, including the Directors’ independence, skills, experience, age, diversity, and availability of service to the Company. | |||||||
| • | The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends Director candidates for approval by the Board and election by the shareholders, taking into account the Company’s need for diverse skills, professional experiences, backgrounds, and other qualities to ensure a variety of viewpoints. | |||||||
| • | The Board conducts periodic self-evaluations facilitated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. | |||||||
| • | The members of the Board of Directors other than the CEO (the "Independent Directors") meet in conjunction with regularly scheduled quarterly Board meetings and at other appropriate times. | |||||||
| • | The Board and all Board committees are authorized to hire their own advisors as they deem to be necessary or advisable to fulfill their obligations, and the Company will pay the costs of such advisors. | |||||||
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
The Board takes an active role in risk oversight both as a full Board and through its committees. The Company's management team attends a portion of each regular Board meeting, and the Board engages management in a review of the business with respect to our strategies and risks. Such risks include those inherent in our businesses as well as the risks from external sources such as competitors, cybersecurity, the economy, credit markets, and regulatory and legislative developments. The Board has also been actively engaged with management in preparing for, responding to, and monitoring the impacts of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and related recovery along with supply chain disruptions. Management is in regular communication with the Board about the assessment, management, and strategic response to the significant risks to Daktronics.
Meetings of the Board and Committees
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During fiscal 2023, the Board held four regularly scheduled meetings and four special meeting, the Audit Committee met five times, the Compensation Committee met four times, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met four times, and the Strategy and Financing Review Committee met 10 times. All of the Directors attended at least 75 percent of all meetings of the Board and Board committees upon which they served, and all of the Directors attended the annual meeting of shareholders held in September 2022.
Executive Sessions of the Board
The Board has adopted a practice of meeting in executive session, and with Independent Directors only, in conjunction with each regularly scheduled Board meeting. The Independent Directors met four times in fiscal 2023.
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Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
For the fiscal years ended April 29, 2023, April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021, the following table sets forth information about compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our principal executive officer and principal financial officer and our next three most highly compensated executive officers whose total compensation was greater than $100,000 for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023, all of whom constitute our "Named Executive Officers."
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE – FISCAL 2023
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary($) | Stock Awards ($) (1) | Option Awards ($) (2) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation($) (3) | All Other Compensation($)(4) | Total($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | 2023 | $ | 491,400 | $ | 16,308 | $ | 35,039 | $ | 11,286 | $ | 9,150 | $ | 563,183 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEO and President | 2022 | 470,308 | 28,296 | 30,375 | — | 9,694 | 538,673 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 386,658 | 20,520 | 42,660 | — | — | 449,838 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheila M. Anderson | 2023 | $ | 314,985 | $ | 7,550 | $ | 16,313 | $ | 5,272 | $ | 6,536 | $ | 350,656 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | 2022 | 300,192 | 13,100 | 14,063 | — | 7,883 | 335,238 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 244,963 | 9,500 | 19,750 | — | — | 274,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bradley T. Wiemann | 2023 | $ | 297,515 | $ | 7,550 | $ | 16,313 | $ | 4,930 | $ | 8,442 | $ | 334,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive Vice President | 2022 | 287,339 | 13,100 | 14,063 | — | 8,186 | 322,688 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 255,240 | 9,500 | 19,750 | — | — | 284,490 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matthew J. Kurtenbach | 2023 | $ | 287,115 | $ | 7,550 | $ | 16,313 | $ | 4,761 | $ | 8,613 | $ | 324,352 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vice President | 2022 | 276,546 | 13,100 | 14,063 | — | 8,296 | 312,005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 245,340 | 9,500 | 19,750 | — | — | 274,590 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carla S. Gatzke | 2023 | $ | 244,292 | $ | 7,550 | $ | 16,313 | $ | 3,113 | $ | 7,329 | $ | 278,597 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vice President and | 2022 | 235,523 | 13,100 | 14,063 | — | 7,066 | 269,752 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secretary | 2021 | 208,980 | 9,500 | 19,750 | — | — | 238,230 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Consists of restricted stock units granted under the Daktronics, Inc.2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2020 Plan") for fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718, the amount is calculated based on the grant date fair value of the award. Refer to "Note 10. Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for a discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the amount under ASC 718. | |||||||
| (2) | Consists of stock options granted under the 2020 Plan for fiscal 2021, fiscal 2022, and fiscal 2023. The value of the option awards is calculated based on the grant date fair value of the award in accordance with ASC 718. Refer to "Note 10. Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for a discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the amount under ASC 718. | |||||||
| (3) | The amounts in this column reflect the total variable cash compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers under the non-equity-based incentive compensation plan. As explained below, non-equity-based incentive compensation payments are based upon the achievement of certain operating margin targets for fiscal 2021, 2022, and 2023. | |||||||
| (4) | Consists of matching contributions made by us under the 401(k) Plan, which is intended to qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). | |||||||
Elements of Compensation
For fiscal 2023, the principal components of our executive compensation program consisted of the following, each of which is addressed below in greater detail:
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| • | base salary, | |||||||
| • | non-equity-based incentive compensation plan, | |||||||
| • | equity-based compensation plan, and | |||||||
| • | benefits. | |||||||
Base Salary. The base salary reflects each executive's responsibility, capability and performance. Base salary is determined based on the benchmarking data for the executive's responsibilities, the executive's experience, and the executive's performance and the impact of such performance on our business results.
The Compensation Committee also takes into account the Company's financial performance, and it has in the past limited executive pay changes based on business or economic conditions. The Compensation Committee also considers the recommendations of the CEO for other Named Executive Officers.
In April 2020, in response to the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, Mr. Reece A. Kurtenbach and Ms. Sheila M. Anderson reduced their base salaries by 15%, and the other Named Executive Officers elected to reduce their base salaries by 10%. Executive pay was reinstated beginning in fiscal 2022.
Non-Equity-Based Incentive Compensation Plan. The purpose of our non-equity-based incentive compensation plan is to focus the executive team on the Company-wide goals and objectives of growth in revenue and reductions in costs in order to achieve and sustain a target operating margin. The non-equity-based incentive compensation plan is a formula-based variable cash compensation plan, with no payouts if operating margin is less than 2.5 percent, targeted payouts at a 10 percent operating margin, and maximum payouts at a 12.5 percent operating margin. The targeted level of variable cash compensation varies from an amount equal to five months of base salary to eight months of base salary for each executive officer. The maximum level of the variable cash compensation is 120 percent of the targeted level of variable cash compensation.
This level of non-equity compensation takes into account other non-equity incentive compensation plans at comparable companies, as well as the Compensation Committee's preference for a material level of executive compensation that varies with the Company's performance. The Compensation Committee selected the operating margin measure for the formula because they believe it is the most appropriate indicator of performance that will drive long-term shareholder value, and it is consistent with our corporate strategies.
The various payout percentages based on operating margins are as follows:
| Operating Margin | Percentage of Targeted Non-equity Incentive Compensation | |||||||||||||
| Less than 2.5 | % | — | ||||||||||||
| 2.5 to 5.0 | % | 0.0 to 25.0 | % | |||||||||||
| 5.0 to 7.5 | % | 25.0 to 60.0 | % | |||||||||||
| 7.5 to 10.0 | % | 60.0 to 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
| 10.0 to 12.5 | % | 100.0 to 120.0 | % | |||||||||||
We follow applicable laws and regulations regarding the recovery of any non-equity-based compensation, other incentive-based or equity-based compensation, and profits realized from the sale of securities resulting from any misconduct on the part of an executive officer.
During fiscal 2023, the Named Executive Officers were eligible for non-equity-based incentive compensation if the maximum payout of 120 percent of target was achieved as follows: CEO - 90 percent of his base salary; Chief Financial Officer - 65 percent of her base salary; Vice President and Secretary - 50 percent of her base salary; and all other Named Executives Officers - 65 percent of his or her base salary. For fiscal 2023, there was a total of $29,362 of non-equity-based incentive compensation for Named Executive Officers and none in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.
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Equity-Based Compensation Program. Grants of equity awards offer long-term incentives to our executives and align the interests of employees more closely with those of our shareholders.
Each year, the Board, based on recommendations of the Compensation Committee, determines the number of shares that may be subject to equity awards for all employees, including the Named Executive Officers. The total number of shares subject to equity awards is constrained by the Board’s desire to limit dilution to shareholders to a level consistent with our historical levels, which generally approximate a dilution of one percent, and to limit the total grant date fair value of the equity awards to a targeted level. The one percent dilution is based on an assessment of a conservative amount relative to high-tech growth companies. The grant date fair value is based on a comparison to the prior fiscal year's expense and the current year’s estimate of a percentage of total payroll expense. The Compensation Committee and the Board generally follow a practice of calculating the equity grant valuation limit based on the share price on the date of the Compensation Committee meeting at which the equity grants are determined by the Compensation Committee for recommendation to the Board to assure that the valuation limit is consistent with the approximate dilution limit of one percent. The Compensation Committee then allocates these equity grants to the Named Executive Officers, and the CEO allocates equity grants to selected employees. To facilitate the grant of stock options to employees and other executive officers, the Board authorized the CEO to grant individual stock options and restricted stock units during fiscal 2023, subject to the guidelines and limitations imposed by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee also considers trends in equity-based compensation, the mix of the type of equity grants, and the number of our shares that are available for equity grants. The Compensation Committee and the Board also generally follow a practice of allocating similar equity grants to each of the Named Executive Officers, with some variation based on responsibilities and experience. The allocation to the Named Executive Officers is based on historical grants, the value of past grants, and the Company’s performance, all of which are subject to the objectives listed under the section of this Form 10-K entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Role of Compensation Committee, Philosophy and Objectives."
For fiscal 2023, the Compensation Committee determined that each Named Executive Officer would be allocated equity grants for approximately 13,750 shares of common stock, with a ratio of 4.5-to-1 of incentive stock options to restricted stock units. The Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Reece A. Kurtenbach should receive a grant of approximately twice the amount of the other Named Executive Officers to facilitate his ownership of additional stock of the Company as the CEO and to reflect a ratio of grants to the CEO compared to the grant to Named Executive Officers that is more similar to the ratio in the benchmarking data. The Compensation Committee determined that the valuation of the equity grants, based on the grant date fair value as determined under ASC 718, would be limited to approximately $1.3 million for all employees, including the Named Executive Officers. The value of the restricted stock units was equal to 46.5 percent of the value of the stock options for executives, as determined under the fair value provisions of ASC 718. For fiscal 2023, all equity grants to employees were made under the 2020 Plan.
The Board and the Compensation Committee approve equity grants for Named Executive Officers and other employees annually in their summer meetings to coincide with the director equity grants and the annual meeting of shareholders. Equity awards are not typically granted at other times of the year for employees, including new employees. The exercise price of all stock options granted is equal to the fair market value of the common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant, which is defined in the 2020 Plan as the closing price of the common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant. All options also contain five-year vesting provisions, with 20 percent of the shares underlying the stock option vesting each year following the date of grant. The restricted stock units also contain a five-year vesting provision, with 20 percent of the restricted stock units vesting each year following the date of grant.
Benefits. Our Named Executive Officers are eligible for all benefits generally available to our full-time employees. We do not provide pension arrangements, post-retirement health coverage, or similar benefits for our executives or employees.
All employees, including the Named Executive Officers, are entitled to participate in the 401(k) Plan, which is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code. At the discretion of the Board, we may make matching contributions equal to a percentage of the salary deduction contributions or other discretionary amounts. For fiscal year 2021, the matching contribution program was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective for fiscal year 2022, the matching contribution program was reinstated. We paid $3.0 million in fiscal 2023 and $2.6 million in fiscal 2022 in matching contributions. Contributions to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of the Named Executive Officers are described in the table entitled "Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2023."
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All employees, including the Named Executive Officers, are entitled to participate in the Daktronics, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), which is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Code. The ESPP allows employees to purchase shares of common stock, subject to annual limitations, at a price equal to 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning or the end of each six-month offering period.
Accounting and Tax Treatment
We account for equity-based compensation paid to employees under ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, which requires us to estimate and record an expense over the service period of the award. Thus, we may record an expense in one year for awards granted in earlier years. Accounting rules also require us to record cash compensation as an expense at the time the obligation is accrued.
With respect to option awards, we generally can deduct the gain recognized by employees and directors from the exercise of non-qualified options. However, to the extent that an option is an incentive stock option, we cannot deduct the gain recognized by the optionee upon exercise of the option if there is no disqualifying disposition by the optionee.
With respect to restricted stock awards, we generally can deduct the fair market value of the shares vested on the vesting date. Alternatively, if the recipient were to make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, we would be entitled to a deduction on the date of grant equal to the value of the restricted stock on the date of grant.
Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a tax deduction to a public company for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to a company's chief executive officer and the four other most highly paid executive officers. Qualifying performance-based compensation will not be subject to the deduction limitation if certain requirements are met. Because the potential amount of base salary and non-equity-based incentive compensation that each of our executive officers can earn is less than $1 million, Section 162(m) of the Code has not been material to our compensation decisions.
The following table sets forth information regarding grants of plan-based awards to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2023:
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS — FISCAL 2023
| Estimated future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards(1) | All other stock awards: number of shares of stock or units | All other option awards: number of securities underlying options | Exercise or base price of option awards | Grant date fair value of stock and option | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | Grant Date | (#)(2) | (#) (3) | ($/share)(4) | awards ($) (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | 83,600 | 334,400 | 401,280 | 9/8/2022 | 5,400 | 24,165 | 3.02 | 51,347 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheila M. Anderson | 37,171 | 148,683 | 178,420 | 9/8/2022 | 2,500 | 11,250 | 3.02 | 23,863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bradley T. Wiemann | 41,085 | 164,342 | 197,210 | 9/8/2022 | 2,500 | 11,250 | 3.02 | 23,863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matthew J. Kurtenbach | 39,677 | 158,708 | 190,450 | 9/8/2022 | 2,500 | 11,250 | 3.02 | 23,863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carla S. Gatzke | 25,938 | 103,750 | 124,500 | 9/8/2022 | 2,500 | 11,250 | 3.02 | 23,863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Consists of variable cash compensation under our annual non-equity-based incentive compensation plan. The amounts reflect the minimum payment level, if an award is achieved, the target payment level, and the maximum payment level under the plan. For additional information concerning our annual non-equity-based compensation plan, see the section of this Form 10-K entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of Compensation." | |||||||
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| (2) | Consists of restricted stock units granted to the Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2023 under the 2020 Plan. The units vest as to 20 percent of the shares one year after the date of grant and as to an additional 20 percent in each succeeding year, but only if the Named Executive Officer is then an employee of the Company. | |||||||
| (3) | Consists of options granted to the Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2023 under the 2020 Plan. The options vest and become exercisable as to 20 percent of the shares one year after the date of grant and as to an additional 20 percent in each succeeding year, but only if the Named Executive Officer is then an employee of the Company. | |||||||
| (4) | The exercise price of all options was equal to the closing price of the common stock as quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant as provided in the 2020 Plan. | |||||||
| (5) | Represents the full grant date fair value determined pursuant to ASC 718 as reflected in our financial statements, based on the number of shares subject to the options and restricted stock unit awards granted and the closing price of the common stock as quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant, which was $3.02 per share on September 8, 2022. | |||||||
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The following table sets forth information about unexercised options and restricted stock units that have not vested that were held as of April 29, 2023 by the Named Executive Officers:
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END — FISCAL 2023
| Option Awards(1) | Stock Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Grant Date | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#)(2) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | 8/22/2013 | 8,750 | — | 11.05 | 08/22/23 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/1/2013 | 25,000 | — | 10.93 | 08/22/23 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/4/2014 | 15,000 | — | 13.31 | 09/04/24 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2015 | 15,000 | — | 8.51 | 09/03/25 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/1/2016 | 15,000 | — | 9.57 | 09/01/26 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8/31/2017 | 15,000 | — | 9.63 | 08/31/27 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/6/2018 | 10,800 | 2,700 | 7.83 | 09/06/28 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/5/2019 | 8,100 | 5,400 | 7.47 | 09/05/29 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2020 | 10,800 | 16,200 | 4.11 | 09/03/30 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/2/2021 | 2,700 | 10,800 | 5.66 | 09/02/31 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/8/2022 | — | 24,165 | 3.02 | 09/08/32 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | — | 16,200 | 77,922 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheila M. Anderson | 8/22/2013 | 6,870 | — | 11.05 | 08/22/23 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/4/2014 | 7,500 | — | 13.31 | 09/04/24 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2015 | 7,500 | — | 8.51 | 09/03/25 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/1/2016 | 7,500 | — | 9.57 | 09/01/26 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8/31/2017 | 7,500 | — | 9.63 | 08/31/27 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/6/2018 | 5,000 | 1,250 | 7.83 | 09/06/28 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/5/2019 | 3,750 | 2,500 | 7.47 | 09/05/29 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2020 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 4.11 | 09/03/30 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/2/2021 | 1,250 | 5,000 | 5.66 | 09/02/31 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/8/2022 | — | 11,250 | 3.02 | 09/08/32 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | — | 7,500 | 36,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bradley T. Wiemann | 8/22/2013 | 10,800 | — | 11.05 | 08/22/23 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/4/2014 | 7,500 | — | 13.31 | 09/04/24 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2015 | 7,500 | — | 8.51 | 09/03/25 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/1/2016 | 7,500 | — | 9.57 | 09/01/26 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8/31/2017 | 7,500 | — | 9.63 | 08/31/27 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/6/2018 | 5,000 | 1,250 | 7.83 | 09/06/28 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/5/2019 | 3,750 | 2,500 | 7.47 | 09/05/29 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2020 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 4.11 | 09/03/30 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/2/2021 | 1,250 | 5,000 | 5.66 | 09/02/31 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/8/2022 | — | 11,250 | 3.02 | 09/08/32 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | — | 7,500 | 36,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matthew J. Kurtenbach | 8/22/2013 | 10,500 | — | 11.05 | 08/22/23 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/4/2014 | 7,500 | — | 13.31 | 09/04/24 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2015 | 7,500 | — | 8.51 | 09/03/25 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/1/2016 | 7,500 | — | 9.57 | 09/01/26 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8/31/2017 | 7,500 | — | 9.63 | 08/31/27 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9/6/2018 | 5,000 | 1,250 | 7.83 | 09/06/28 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/5/2019 | 3,750 | 2,500 | 7.47 | 09/05/29 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2020 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 4.11 | 09/03/30 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/2/2021 | 1,250 | 5,000 | 5.66 | 09/02/31 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/8/2022 | — | 11,250 | 3.02 | 09/08/32 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | — | 7,500 | 36,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carla S. Gatzke | 8/22/2013 | 6,870 | — | 11.05 | 08/22/23 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/4/2014 | 6,870 | — | 13.31 | 09/04/24 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2015 | 6,870 | — | 8.51 | 09/03/25 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/1/2016 | 6,870 | — | 9.57 | 09/01/26 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8/31/2017 | 6,870 | — | 9.63 | 08/31/27 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/6/2018 | 5,000 | 1,250 | 7.83 | 09/06/28 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/5/2019 | 3,750 | 2,500 | 7.47 | 09/05/29 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/3/2020 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 4.11 | 09/03/30 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/2/2021 | 1,250 | 5,000 | 5.66 | 09/02/31 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/8/2022 | — | 6,250 | 3.02 | 09/08/32 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | — | 7,500 | 36,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | All options vest in equal installments over five years beginning one year after the grant date, but only if the Named Executive Officer is then an employee of the Company, and expire after 10 years. | |||||||
| (2) | Restricted stock units vest as to 20 percent of the shares one year after date of grant and as to an additional 20 percent in each succeeding year, but only if the Named Executive Officer is then an employee of the Company. | |||||||
| (3) | Determined by multiplying the Company's $4.81 per share closing stock price as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on April 29, 2023, which was the last business day of fiscal 2023, by the number of shares subject to the award. | |||||||
The following table sets forth information regarding the exercise of stock options by and the vesting of restricted stock awards during fiscal 2023 for the Named Executive Officers:
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED – FISCAL 2023
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | Value Realized on Exercise($)(1) | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting(#) | Value Realized on Vesting($)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | — | — | 5,520 | 23,239 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheila M. Anderson | — | — | 2,600 | 10,946 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bradley T. Wiemann | — | — | 2,600 | 10,946 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matthew J. Kurtenbach | — | — | 2,600 | 10,946 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carla S. Gatzke | — | — | 2,550 | 10,736 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Consists of the difference between the closing price of the common stock on the date of exercise and the per share exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of shares acquired upon exercise. | |||||||
| (2) | Consists of the number of shares vested multiplied by the market value of the stock as of the vesting date. | |||||||
Post-Employment Compensation
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control
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The table below reflects the compensation that would be paid to each of our Named Executive Officers in the event of termination of such executive’s employment. The amounts shown assume that such termination was effective as of April 29, 2023, include estimated amounts earned through such date, and are estimates of the amounts which would be paid out to the Named Executive Officers upon the termination of their employment. The actual amounts to be paid can be determined only at the time of such Named Executive Officer's actual separation from the Company. In addition, there may be re-negotiation of the payments upon any termination of employment or change in control.
Under the 2020 Plan, all options and restricted stock units immediately vest upon a "change in control", as that term is defined in the 2020 Plan. The 2007 Plan and 2015 Plan have expired, but there are awards outstanding under the 2007 Plan and 2015 Plan that are governed by their terms. Upon a termination of employment for any reason, and consistent with our employment policies which apply to all employees, we are obligated to pay for accrued and unused vacation time, which would then be payable in a lump sum.
| Name | Benefit | Termination due to change in control | Termination without cause or for good reason | Termination for cause or for good reason | Death | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | Stock option vesting acceleration(1) | $ | 7,560 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock unit vesting acceleration | 77,922 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vacation pay | 20,305 | 20,305 | 20,305 | 20,305 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 105,787 | $ | 20,305 | $ | 20,305 | $ | 20,305 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheila M. Anderson | Stock option vesting acceleration(1) | $ | 3,500 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock unit vesting acceleration | 36,075 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vacation pay | 33,683 | 33,683 | 33,683 | 33,683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 73,258 | $ | 33,683 | $ | 33,683 | $ | 33,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bradley T. Wiemann | Stock option vesting acceleration(1) | $ | 3,500 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock unit vesting acceleration | 36,075 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vacation pay | 18,525 | 18,525 | 18,525 | 18,525 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 58,100 | $ | 18,525 | $ | 18,525 | $ | 18,525 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matthew J. Kurtenbach | Stock option vesting acceleration(1) | $ | 3,500 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock unit vesting acceleration | 36,075 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vacation pay | 44,373 | 44,373 | 44,373 | 44,373 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 83,948 | $ | 44,373 | $ | 44,373 | $ | 44,373 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carla S. Gatzke | Stock option vesting acceleration(1) | $ | 3,500 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock unit vesting acceleration | 36,075 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vacation pay | 42,976 | 42,976 | 42,976 | 42,976 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 82,551 | $ | 42,976 | $ | 42,976 | $ | 42,976 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | For option awards, consists of the difference between the $4.81 per share closing price of the common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market as of April 29, 2023, which was the last business day of fiscal 2023, and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of shares subject to the option. | |||||||
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Other Post-Employment Payments
We do not provide pension arrangements, post-retirement health coverage or non-qualified defined contribution plans to any of our employees.
Compensation Risk Analysis
The Compensation Committee has established the non-equity incentive program to be based on the same Company-wide measure for each executive. As previously described, the Compensation Committee has selected operating margin as the Company-wide measure. Basing the program on the same Company-wide measure for all the executives minimizes the risks associated with individual formulas based on individual actions. The non-equity incentive program is the only formula-based incentive-compensation program in the Company.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information about the compensation paid to and earned by our Directors for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023:
FISCAL YEAR 2023 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
| Name(1) | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Stock Awards ($) (2) | Total Compensation ($) | |||||||||||||||||
| John P. Friel | $ | 63,000 | $ | 60,000 | $ | 123,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Kevin P. McDermott | 67,625 | 60,000 | 127,625 | |||||||||||||||||
| Dr. José-Marie Griffiths | 59,875 | 60,000 | 119,875 | |||||||||||||||||
| Shereta D. Williams | 60,375 | 60,000 | 120,375 | |||||||||||||||||
| Lance D. Bultena | 61,625 | 60,000 | 121,625 | |||||||||||||||||
| Howard I. Atkins (3) | 14,125 | 100,000 | 114,125 | |||||||||||||||||
| Andrew D. Siegel (4) | 28,250 | 60,000 | 88,250 | |||||||||||||||||
| James B. Morgan (5) | 28,875 | — | 28,875 | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) | As an employee of the Company, Reece A. Kurtenbach, the President and CEO since September 1, 2013, was a Named Executive Officer during fiscal 2023 and therefore his compensation is reported in the appropriate tables within the section of this Form 10-K entitled "Executive Compensation." | |||||||
| (2) | The $60,000 represents September 8, 2022 grants of 19,867 restricted shares of our common stock to each of the Directors named in the table, excluding Howard L. Atkins, with a grant date fair value of $3.02, which vest on August 23, 2023 if they are then Directors of the Company. The $100,000 represents April 18, 2023 grant of 17,667 restricted shares of our common stock to Howard I. Atkins with a grant date fair value of $5.66, which vest on August 23, 2023 if he is then a Director of the Company. The dollar amounts in this column of the table were computed in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. | |||||||
| (3) | Joined as Director on December 7, 2022. | |||||||
| (4) | Joined as Director on September 7, 2022. | |||||||
| (5) | Retired as Director on September 7, 2022. | |||||||
Independent Director Fees. For fiscal 2023, each Independent Director received an annual retainer of $41,625. In addition, each Independent Director received $2,500 per meeting for each Board meeting attended. The following table describes the annual retainers paid for fiscal 2023 to each Independent Director for Board Committee membership participation:
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| Chair | Other Members | ||||||||||
| Audit Committee | $ | 7,250 | $ | 4,625 | |||||||
| Compensation Committee | 6,750 | 4,125 | |||||||||
| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | 6,750 | 4,125 | |||||||||
| Lead Independent Director | 8,750 | ||||||||||
The retainers for Board and Committee service are included in the table above entitled "Fiscal Year 2023 Director Compensation".
Stock Ownership and Retention Guidelines. The Board of Directors has implemented stock ownership guidelines for Directors. Under these guidelines, each Director is expected to achieve a target of 5,000 shares owned, excluding shares subject to options. Directors have five years from the date they first become a member of the Board to achieve this level of ownership. As of June 30, 2023, all Directors were in compliance with these guidelines.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During fiscal 2023, none of our executive officers served on the board of directors or compensation committee of another company that had an executive officer who served on our Board of Directors or our Compensation Committee.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Introduction. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the various tables and accompanying narrative disclosure appearing in this Form 10-K. Those tables and narrative disclosure provide more detailed information regarding the compensation and benefits awarded to, earned by, or paid to our Named Executive Officers, as well as the plans in which they are eligible to participate. At last year’s annual meeting, our shareholders provided an advisory "say-on-pay" vote indicating their overwhelming support of the Company’s compensation program for our Named Executive Officers. Our shareholders had previously voted that such say-on-pay votes be held annually. As a result, a proposal presented to the Company’s shareholders at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders will seek our shareholders’ input on our executive compensation program.
Executive Summary. Our executive compensation program, developed by management and approved by the Compensation Committee, is intended to be simple (easily understood) and team-based, focused on a few key performance metrics, and balanced among:
| • | employees, managers and executives; | |||||||
| • | long-term and short-term objectives; | |||||||
| • | financial and stock performance; and | |||||||
| • | cash and equity compensation. | |||||||
The compensation program is designed to align the interests of the executive team with the interests of our shareholders. It uses salary, benefits, and non-equity-based and equity-based incentive plans to achieve these goals, with a focus on tying compensation to corporate performance. The retention of top talent and the achievement of corporate objectives measure the effectiveness of our compensation program.
The Company's financial performance for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 included a decrease in orders of 19.5 percent to $681 million. Fiscal 2022 saw a record number of orders from pent-up demand after COVID, and orders for fiscal 2023 continue to be strong. In addition, macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions caused the decline in orders in the International business unit. The year-over-year growth in net sales was driven by fulfilling orders in backlog and continued order bookings. Sales growth was driven by strong market demand, increased capacity, and realization of price increases implemented beginning in late fiscal year 2022. We have seen stabilizing and improving supply chain conditions and have invested in automated machinery and equipment and in labor capacity to increase the rate of conversion of orders into sales, creating more throughput in our factories. Financial metrics for fiscal 2023 included a 1.5 percent return on
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assets and a 3.6 percent return on beginning shareholders' equity. Operating margin was 2.8 percent as a percent of sales for fiscal 2023 as compared to 0.7 percent as a percent of sales for fiscal 2022 due to part supply disruptions during fiscal 2022.
Changes to executive compensation during the last fiscal year were mainly due to maintaining the competitiveness of our compensation program. In addition, executive pay was reinstated beginning in fiscal 2022, after an April 1, 2020 reduction in executive compensation in response to the uncertainty, longevity, and severity of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic would have had on Daktronics' business.
Role of Compensation Committee, Philosophy and Objectives. The Compensation Committee has the responsibility for guiding our executive compensation philosophy and overseeing the design of our executive compensation programs. In arriving at the appropriate levels of pay and incentive opportunities, the Compensation Committee reviews our compensation philosophy and trends in our peer group to assure that our executive compensation program is competitive to effectively recruit and retain talented management, focus our executives to achieve short- and long-range corporate objectives, and align the interests of the executives with the interests of our shareholders.
The Compensation Committee bases its executive compensation decisions on the following philosophies:
| • | Executive compensation should be appropriate to recruit and retain high-performing executives successfully, taking into account executive pay at comparable companies and our pay practices for non-executive employees. | |||||||
| • | An individual executive's compensation should be based on the executive's responsibility level, capability and performance. | |||||||
| • | The executive team's compensation should include a significant component that is based on the Company's overall financial performance to encourage the executive team to focus on the overall success of the Company. | |||||||
| • | Our executives should receive few perquisites, if any, other than those provided to all employees. | |||||||
The Compensation Committee annually reviews each executive's compensation. The Compensation Committee has determined that our executives' compensation will include base salary, non-equity-based incentive compensation, and equity-based incentive pay in the form of options and restricted stock units. We view the various components of compensation as related but distinct.
We determine the appropriate level for each executive compensation component based in part, but not exclusively, on the following factors:
| • | internal equity and consistency; | |||||||
| • | individual performance; | |||||||
| • | the executive compensation paid by other companies with which we compete for executive talent; and | |||||||
| • | Company performance. | |||||||
The base salary reflects the pay the Compensation Committee believes is appropriate for each executive's responsibility, capability and performance. The non-equity-based incentive compensation is designed to focus the executive team on the Company-wide goals and objectives, which focus on growth in revenue and reductions in costs in order to achieve and sustain a target operating margin. The Compensation Committee has not adopted any formal policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between long-term and currently paid-out compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation, or among different forms of non-cash compensation, although it has a preference for a material amount of "at risk" compensation, the amount of which is based on our financial results. The equity-based compensation plan is designed to encourage executives to also own shares of common stock in the Company and thereby align executives' interests with our shareholders' interests.
The Compensation Committee considers both internal equity and market competitiveness. We compare executive pay to the compensation of other key managers and employees at the Company. As described below, we also compare overall
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executive compensation to comparison companies and to salary database information. The Compensation Committee believes that equitable and competitive compensation, as well as leader development and promotion-from-within, are essential to retain high-performing executives. Our currently employed Named Executive Officers have an average of 31.6 years of experience with Daktronics.
For fiscal 2023, our Named Executive Officers were Reece A. Kurtenbach, Chair, President and CEO; Sheila M. Anderson, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Bradley T. Wiemann, Executive Vice President; Matthew J. Kurtenbach, Vice President of Manufacturing; and Carla S. Gatzke, Vice President of Human Resources and Secretary.
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions. Our CEO and Vice President of Human Resources present to the Compensation Committee their recommendations for the salary, non-equity-based incentive compensation, and equity-based compensation grants for the Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee considers these recommendations and accepts or adjusts them, in whole or in part. The CEO and Vice President of Human Resources are not present for the discussions or determinations about their own compensation, but they generally participate in the discussions regarding other executive officers’ compensation. The Chair of the Compensation Committee presents the Compensation Committee’s findings regarding compensation for executive officers to the Board. Based on such input, the Board reviews and generally approves and adopts the Committee's recommendations regarding the executives' compensation plan.
Benchmarking. In making decisions regarding elements and amounts of compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the compensation paid to executive officers at similar levels and responsibilities. These are public companies in our geographical area with revenues of between $250 million and $1 billion and with a focus on manufacturing or technology.
The following list sets forth the companies comprising our peer group list:
| Apogee Enterprises, Inc. | Hawkins, Inc. | Johnson Outdoors Inc | ||||||
| Badger Meter, Inc. | iMedia Brands, Inc. | Manitowoc Co Inc. | ||||||
| Bio-Techne Corporation | Tennant Company | Proto Labs Inc. | ||||||
| Douglas Dynamics Inc | Lindsay Corporation | Strattec Security Corp. | ||||||
| Raven Industries, Inc. | Enerpac Tool Group Corp. | Mayville Engineering Co Inc. | ||||||
| Graco, Inc. | Flexsteel Industries Inc. | MTS Systems Corp | ||||||
The Compensation Committee also considers compensation data from the Economic Research Institute, which takes into consideration company size, geography, base salary and variable cash compensation but excludes equity incentive compensation information.
The Compensation Committee believes that its executive compensation is sufficiently conservative, as well as appropriately competitive, so as not to require an external consultant opinion.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the section of this Form 10-K entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" with management. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Form 10-K.
By the Compensation Committee,
John P. Friel, Chair
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths
Shereta D. Williams
Howard I. Atkins
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Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of common stock as of June 30, 2023 by each of our Directors; by each Named Executive Officer named in the Summary Compensation Table; by all Named Executive Officers, and all Directors as a group; and by each shareholder who is known by us to own beneficially more than five percent of our outstanding common stock.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owners | Note | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) | Percentage of Outstanding Shares(2) | |||||||||||||||||
| 5% Beneficial Owners: | (15) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dimensional Fund Advisors LP | (16) | 2,472,089 | 5.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Austin, TX 78746 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP | (17) | 2,292,736 | 5.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 640 Taylor Street, Ste 2522 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fort Worth, TX 76102 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dr. Aelred J. Kurtenbach | (18) | 2,781,499 | 6.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Daktronics, Inc. 401(k) Plan | (19) | 2,465,803 | 5.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Named Executive Officers, Directors, and Director Nominee: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | (3) | 721,036 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Howard I. Atkins | (4) | 17,667 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Kevin P. McDermott | (5) | 98,482 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| John P. Friel | (6) | 93,834 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Dr. José-Marie Griffiths | (7) | 44,016 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Shereta D. Williams | (8) | 30,026 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Lance D. Bultena | (9) | 30,026 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Sheila M. Anderson | (10) | 101,782 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Bradley T. Wiemann | (11) | 203,131 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Matthew J. Kurtenbach | (12) | 332,311 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Carla S. Gatzke | (13) | 830,898 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Andrew D. Siegel | (14) | 1,295,659 | 2.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| All Directors and all Named Executive Officers as a group (12 persons, consisting of those named above) | 3,798,868 | 8.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
* Less than one percent
| (1) | Each person has sole voting and sole dispositive power with respect to all outstanding shares, except as noted. | |||||||
| (2) | Applicable percentage ownership is based on 45,703,283 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2023. In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person or group and the percentage ownership of that person or group, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options held by that person or group that are currently exercisable, options held by that person or group that are exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2023, and restricted stock units that are scheduled to vest within 60 days of June 30, 2023. We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. | |||||||
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| (3) | Includes 144,483 shares subject to options, 33,538 shares held through the 401(k) Plan, 17,400 shares held by his spouse, 44,800 shares held by his children, and 5,400 shares of restricted stock which vest within 60 days from June 30, 2023. | |||||||
| (4) | Includes 17,667 shares of restricted stock which vest on August 23, 2023. | |||||||
| (5) | Includes 17,496 shares subject to exercisable options and 19,867 shares of restricted stock which vest on August 23, 2023. | |||||||
| (6) | Includes 17,496 shares subject to exercisable options and 19,867 shares of restricted stock which vest on August 23, 2023. | |||||||
| (7) | Includes 19,867 shares of restricted stock which vest on August 23, 2023. | |||||||
| (8) | Includes 19,867 shares of restricted stock which vest on August 23, 2023. | |||||||
| (9) | Includes 19,867 shares of restricted stock which vest on August 23, 2023. | |||||||
| (10) | Includes 59,120 shares subject to options, 8,532 shares held through the 401(k) Plan and 2,500 shares of restricted stock which vest within 60 days from June 30, 2023. | |||||||
| (11) | Includes 59,750 shares subject to options, 597 shares held by his spouse and 2,500 shares of restricted stock which vest within 60 days from June 30, 2023. | |||||||
| (12) | Includes 59,750 shares subject to options, 16,098 shares held through 401(k) Plan, 39,100 shares held by his children and 2,500 shares of restricted stock which vest within 60 days from June 30, 2023. | |||||||
| (13) | Includes 56,600 shares subject to options, 176,604 shares held through the 401(k) Plan, 90,000 shares held by her spouse, 15,005 shares held by her child and 2,500 shares of restricted stock with which vest within 60 days from June 30, 2023. | |||||||
| (14) | Consists of 1,275,392 shares owned by Prairieland Holdco, LLC ("PLH"). Mr. Siegel is the sole member and president of Prairieland MM, LLC. which is the manager of PLH. | |||||||
| (15) | To the Company's knowledge, except as noted in the table above, no person or entity is the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock. | |||||||
| (16) | Data based on an Amendment to Schedule 13G/A filed by the shareholder with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 10, 2023. As set forth in the Schedule 13G/A, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP has sole voting power as to 2,402,791 of these shares and sole dispositive power as to all 2,472,089 shares. | |||||||
| (17) | Data based on Amendment No. 3 (“Amendment No. 3”) to the Schedule 13D filed by Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP and its affiliates named therein with the SEC on June 9, 2023. As set forth in Amendment No. 3, the number of shares of common stock set forth in the table includes 246,653 shares currently issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Note. Also as set forth in Amendment No. 3, Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP has sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to none of the shares set forth in the table. In addition, as set forth in Amendment No. 3, and based on other information provided by the shareholder, the following persons may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the shares of the Company’s common stock owned by the Investor, and the Investor shares voting and dispositive powers with such persons as to such shares: Alta Fox GenPar, LP, as the general partner of Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP; Alta Fox Equity, LLC, as the general partner of Alta Fox GenPar, LP; Alta Fox Capital Management, LLC, as the investment manager of Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP; and P. Connor Haley, as the sole owner, member and manager of each of Alta Fox Capital Management, LLC and Alta Fox Equity LLC. | |||||||
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| (18) | Includes 848,488 shares held by his spouse, Irene Kurtenbach, and 721,675 shares held in Medary Creek LLLP. Medary Creek LLLP is a limited liability limited partnership of which Aelred and Irene Kurtenbach are the general partners. The address for Aelred and Irene Kurtenbach and Medary Creek LLLP is 47209 220th Street, Brookings, SD 57006. Aelred J. Kurtenbach is a founder of the Company and its former Chairperson, President and Chief Executive Officer. | |||||||
| (19) | The common stock held by the 401(k) Plan and allocated to the 401(k) Plan participants are voted by the trustee of the 401(k) Plan according to the instructions of the 401(k) Plan participants. The address of the 401(k) Plan is 201 Daktronics Drive, Brookings, South Dakota 57006. | |||||||
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information as of April 29, 2023 with respect to our equity compensation plans:
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
| Plan category | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) | |||||||||||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 Stock Incentive Plan | 314,632 | $ | 12.11 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| 2015 Stock Incentive Plan | 815,318 | 8.61 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 Stock Incentive Plan | 915,400 | 4.07 | 1,801,857 | |||||||||||||||||
| Employee Stock Purchase Plan(1) | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 1,574,555 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,045,350 | $ | 7.11 | 3,376,412 | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Under the ESPP, shares are acquired at the time of investment by the participating employees at the applicable discount. | |||||||
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Policy and Procedures with Respect to Related Party Transactions
The Board has adopted a written policy and procedures with respect to related party transactions, which the Audit Committee oversees. Under the policy, a "related party transaction" is generally defined as a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which the Company was, is or will be a participant; the amount involved exceeds $120,000; and in which any "related person" had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The policy generally defines a "related person" as a Director, executive officer or beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities and any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons.
The Audit Committee reviews and, if appropriate, approves related party transactions, including certain transactions which are deemed to be pre-approved under the policy. On an annual basis, the Audit Committee reviews any previously approved related party transaction that is ongoing.
As reported in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this Form 10-K, effective on May 11, 2023, the Company entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement with Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP (the “Investor”). Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company sold and issued to the Investor the Convertible Note in exchange for the
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payment by the Investor to the Company of $25.0 million. As of May 11, 2023, and based on Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed by the Investor and its affiliates named therein on May 15, 2023 with the SEC, the Investor and its affiliates beneficially owned 4,767,551 shares of common stock of the Company, representing 9.99 percent of the Company’s common stock, causing the Investor to be a “related party” of the Company under the Company’s written policy and procedures and the applicable definitions under the Securities Act of 1933. The Securities Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Note, the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and between the Investor and the Company, and the Registration Rights Agreement were approved in advance of their execution by the Company’s Strategy and Financing Review Committee, the members of which include all members of the Company’s Audit Committee.
Since May 11, 2023 through June 30, 2023, the largest aggregate amount outstanding under the Convertible Note was $25.3 million, consisting of $25.0 million of principal and $0.3 million of interest; a total of $25.3 million was outstanding as of June 30, 2023; and, since May 11, 2023 through June 30, 2023; no payments of principal or interest had been made on the amounts due under the Convertible Note.
The description of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Note, the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and between the Investor and the Company, the Registration Rights Agreement, and their respective terms set forth in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources” is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 13. In addition, the Company is a party to the Standstill and Voting Agreement dated as of March 19, 2023 with Alta Fox Management, LLC and Connor Haley (the “Standstill Agreement”). The Standstill Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.13 to this Form 10-K.
As described in Amendment No. 3 (“Amendment No. 3”) to the Schedule 13D filed by the Investor and its affiliates named therein on June 9, 2023 with the SEC and based on other information provided by the Investor, the following persons may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the shares of the Company’s common stock owned by the Investor: Alta Fox GenPar, LP, as the general partner of Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP; Alta Fox Equity, LLC, as the general partner of Alta Fox GenPar, LP; Alta Fox Capital Management, LLC, as the investment manager of Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP; and P. Connor Haley, as the sole owner, member and manager of each of Alta Fox Capital Management, LLC and Alta Fox Equity LLC.
On June 7, 2023, the Company received from the Investor written notice of a decrease in the “Percentage Cap” (as such term is defined in the Convertible Note) from 9.99 percent to 4.99 percent, which decrease became effective immediately upon the Company’s receipt of such written notice. The Percentage Cap generally represents the maximum percentage of shares of the Company’s common stock the Investor may own. Based on Amendment No. 3, the Investor and its affiliates identified in Amendment No. 3 owned 2,292,736 shares of common stock on June 9, 2023, representing 4.99% of the common stock of the Company, meaning the Investor and its affiliates are no longer “related parties” of the Company under the Company’s written policy and procedures and the applicable definitions under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Company has entered into no other related party transactions since April 30, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Independence of Directors
Annually, the Board determines the independence of its members in accordance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules and any applicable provisions of or regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
During fiscal 2023, the Audit Committee consisted of Kevin P. McDermott (Chairperson), John P. Friel, Shereta D. Williams, and Lance D. Bultena. The Board has determined that each Audit Committee member is independent as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
During fiscal 2023, the Compensation Committee consisted of John P. Friel (Chairperson), Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Shereta D. Williams, and Howard I. Atkins (appointed December 6, 2022) . The Board has determined that all of the Compensation Committee members are independent directors as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
During fiscal 2023, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of prior Director James B. Morgan (Chairperson until July 20, 2022), Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Lance D. Bultena (appointed on September 2, 2021 and named Chairperson on July 20 2022), Kevin P. McDermott, and Andrew D. Siegel (appointed on September 7, 2022). The Board
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has determined that all of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members are independent directors, as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The Audit Committee of the Board has selected Deloitte & Touche, LLP ("Deloitte") to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm (the "Independent Auditor") for the fiscal year ending April 27, 2024. Deloitte has been our Independent Auditor since fiscal 2018.
The Audit Committee recognizes the importance of maintaining the independence of the Company's Independent Auditor, both in fact and appearance. Each year, the Audit Committee evaluates the qualifications, performance and independence of our Independent Auditor and determines whether to re-engage such firm. In doing so, the Audit Committee considers, among other things, the quality and efficiency of the services provided by the Independent Auditor, its capabilities and its technical expertise, its knowledge of our operations and industry, and relevant information concerning its independence.
While not required to do so, the Board will submit the selection of Deloitte for ratification at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders to ascertain the views of our shareholders with respect to the choice of Deloitte as our Independent Auditor. If the shareholders do not approve the selection of Deloitte, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection. A representative from Deloitte is expected to be present at the 2023 annual meeting.
Audit and Other Professional Fees
The following table presents the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Deloitte, including out-of-pocket expenses, for fiscal 2023 and 2022. As provided in the Audit Committee’s Charter, all engagements for any non-audit services by our Independent Auditor must be approved by the Audit Committee before the commencement of any such services. The Audit Committee may designate a member or members of the Audit Committee to represent the entire Audit Committee for purposes of approving non-audit services, subject to review by the full Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee considers the provision of services by Deloitte to us, over and above the audit fees, to be compatible with the ability of Deloitte to maintain its independence.
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Audit Fees (1) | $ | 968,018 | $ | 845,800 | ||||||||||
| Audit-Related Fees (2) | 43,300 | 44,800 | ||||||||||||
| Tax Fees (3) | 14,453 | 43,409 | ||||||||||||
| All Other Fees (3) | 3,790 | 3,790 | ||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | 1,029,561 | $ | 937,799 | ||||||||||
| (1) | Audit Fees consist of fees related to professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements, the audit of our internal control over financial reporting, the reviews of the interim financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other professional services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. | |||||||
| (2) | Audit-Related Fees are fees for assurance and related services performed by Deloitte that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements. | |||||||
| (3) | All Other Fees are fees for other permissible work performed by Deloitte that does not meet the above category descriptions. | |||||||
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PART IV.
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
| (a)(1) | Financial Statements | ||||
| Our financial statements, a description of which follows, are contained in Part II, Item 8: | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three fiscal years ended April 29, 2023, April 30, 2021 and May 1, 2021 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three fiscal years ended April 29, 2023, April 29, 2022 and May 1, 2021 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years ended April 29, 2023, April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021 | |||||
| (2) | Schedules | ||||
Other schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable or because the required information is included in the financial statements listed above. | |||||
| (3) | Exhibits | ||||
| Certain of the following exhibits are incorporated by reference from prior filings. The form with which each exhibit was filed and the date of filed and the date of filing are as indicated below; the reports described below are filed as Commission File No. 001-38747 unless otherwise indicated. | |||||
| 3.1 | |||||
| 3.2 | |||||
| 4.1 | Form of Stock Certificate Evidencing Common Stock, without par value, of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with our Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 on January 12, 1994 as Commission File No. 33-72466).** | ||||
| 4.2 | |||||
| 4.3 | |||||
| 4.4 | |||||
| 4.5 | |||||
| 4.6 | |||||
| 4.7 | |||||
| 4.8 | |||||
| 4.9 | |||||
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| 10.17 | |||||
| 10.18 | |||||
| 10.19 | |||||
| 10.20 | |||||
| 21.1 | |||||
| 23.1 | |||||
| 24 | |||||
| 31.1 | |||||
| 31.2 | |||||
| 32.1 | |||||
| 32.2 | |||||
| 101 | The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (1) | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | ||||
| (1) Filed herewith electronically. | |||||
| ** Paper Filing | |||||
| * Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement | |||||
ADFLOW®, AJT Systems®, All Sport®, Daktronics®, D®, DakStats®, Data Display®, DataTime®, Fuelight™, Fuelink™, Galaxy®, GalaxyPro™, Go Digital®, Keyframe®, Liveticker®, Matside®, OmniSport®, ProAd®, ProPixel®, ProRail®, ProStar®, Sportsound®, Statvision®, Tuff Sport®, Uniview®, Vanguard®, Venus®, Visiconn®, V-Tour®, V-Link®, and Web-Sync® are trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the intellectual property of their respective companies. | |||||
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Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on July 12, 2023.
| DAKTRONICS, INC. | ||||||||
| By: /s/ Reece A. Kurtenbach | ||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer and President | ||||||||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||||||
| By: /s/ Sheila M. Anderson | ||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | |||||||||
| By /s/ Shereta D. Williams | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| Shereta D. Williams | |||||||||||
| By /s/ Lance D. Bultena | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| Lance D. Bultena | |||||||||||
| By /s/ Dr. José-Marie Griffiths | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| Dr. José-Marie Griffiths | |||||||||||
| By /s/ Reece A. Kurtenbach | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| Reece A. Kurtenbach | |||||||||||
| By /s/ Andrew D. Siegel | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| Andrew D. Siegel | |||||||||||
| By /s/ John P. Friel | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| John P. Friel | |||||||||||
| By /s/ Kevin P. McDermott | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| Kevin P. McDermott | |||||||||||
| By /s/ Howard I. Atkins | Director | July 12, 2023 | |||||||||
| Howard I. Atkins | |||||||||||
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