DATA I/O CORP - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-Q

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(Mark One)

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

For the quarter ended September 30, 2008

OR

 

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

Or the transition period from ___________to___________

Commission File No. 0-10394

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DATA I/O CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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6464 185^th Ave NE, Suite 101, Redmond, Washington, 98052

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(425) 881-6444

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X    No

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

Large accelerated filer __

Accelerated filer __Non-accelerated filer __Smaller reporting company _X_

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

8,869,245 shares of no par value of the Registrant’s Common Stock were issued and outstanding as of November 7, 2008.

 

 

 

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II - Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION

 

Data I/O prepared the financial statements as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to present fairly the results for the periods presented. The balance sheet at December 31, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America according to such SEC rules and regulations. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements and the accompanying notes included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Data I/O recognizes revenue at the time of shipment. When arrangements include multiple elements, we use objective evidence of fair value to allocate revenue to the elements pursuant to EITF 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables,” and recognize revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition have been met for each element according to SAB 104, “Revenue Recognition.” The amount of revenue recognized is affected by our judgments as to the collectibility of the transaction or whether an arrangement includes multiple elements and if so, whether specific objective evidence of fair value exists for those elements.

 

Installation that is considered perfunctory includes any installation that can be performed by other parties, such as distributors, other vendors, or in most cases the customers themselves. This takes into account the complexity, skill, and training needed as well as customer expectations regarding installation. The revenue related to products requiring installation that is perfunctory is recognized at the time of shipment provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. We measure the standalone fair value of the product versus the service installation value component by the amount paid to independent representative service groups or the amount of additional discount given to independent distributors to provide the service installation.

 

We record revenue from the sale of service and update contracts as deferred revenue and we recognize it on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, which is typically one year. We establish a reserve for sales returns based on historical trends in product returns and estimates for new items. We have a stated return policy that customers can return standard products for any reason within 30 days after delivery, provided that the returned product is received in its original condition, including all packaging materials, for a refund of the price paid less a restocking charge of 30% of the total amount invoiced for the product returned, unless such restocking charge is waived in writing by Data I/O.

 

Data I/O’s software products are not normally sold separately from sales of programming systems. However, on those occasions where we sell software separately, we recognize revenue when a sales agreement exists, when delivery has occurred, when the fee is fixed or determinable, and when collection is probable.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

 

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS 123(R)”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulleting No. 107 (“SAB 107”) requiring the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards, including employee stock options, stock awards, and employee stock purchases, based on estimated fair values on the grant dates. The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective method, which required the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006. Total share-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $102,000 and $302,000, respectively. Total share-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $63,000 and $216,000, respectively.

 

 

Income Tax

 

The Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition, and clearly scopes income taxes out of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.”

 

Historically, the Company has not incurred any interest or penalties associated with tax matters and no interest or penalties were recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. However, the Company has adopted a policy whereby amounts related to interest and penalties associated with tax matters are classified as general and administrative expense when incurred.

 

The Company has incurred net operating losses in certain past years. The Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance for the full amount of the net deferred tax asset balance associated with its net operating losses as sufficient uncertainty exists regarding its ability to realize such tax assets in the future. There was $71,000 of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2008.

 

Tax years that remain open for examination include 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 in the United States of America. In addition, tax years from 1999 to 2003 may be subject to examination in the event that the Company utilizes the NOL’s or other carry forwards from those years in its current or future year tax return.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework and gives guidance regarding the methods used for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are required to adopt SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2009; FSP 157-2 delays the effective date for certain items to the first quarter of 2010. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 for our financial assets and liabilities which only included our foreign exchange contracts (see Note 14, “Foreign Currency Translations and Derivatives”). The adoption of this portion of SFAS No. 157 did not have any effect on our financial position or results of operations and we do not expect the adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 157 related to non-financial assets and liabilities to have an effect on our financial position or results of operations. Although the adoption of SFAS N. 157 did not impact our results of operations, we are now required to provide additional disclosures as part of our financial statements. Our foreign exchange contracts are classified as a Level 1 fair value category given the quoted price in an active market.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This Statement permits entities to elect to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value through earnings. The fair value option may be applied on an instrument by instrument basis, is irrevocable and is applied only to entire instruments. SFAS 159 requires additional financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements for those entities that elect to adopt the standard and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The implementation of this standard relating to the assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“Statement. No. 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Statement No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We have not yet evaluated the effect the adoption of Statement No. 141R could have on our consolidated financial statements, if any.

 

 

 

NOTE 2 - RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain prior period balances may have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in the current period.

 

NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consisted of the following components (in thousands):

 

 

NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following components (in thousands):

 

 

 

NOTE 5 – BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING

 

During 2007, we continued our restructuring activities during the first and second quarters, to further improve our operating results and the effectiveness of our sales and marketing organization and sales channels. During the first quarter of 2007, we recorded restructuring charges of approximately $200,000 primarily related to severance charges. During the second quarter of 2007, we recorded an additional $632,000 of restructuring charges. These actions included re-engineering some internal processes, integrating some activities, transferring some activities to our lower cost base of operations in China, reducing resources applied to declining legacy products, moving some engineering positions to production, reducing the number of taxable entities, outsourcing some functions such as payroll, combining some positions, eliminating some functions, and shifting some responsibilities and resources to our channels. During the third quarter of 2007, we recorded a net expense reversal of $107,000 comprised of $54,000 of additional expense, primarily relating to facilities, and a reversal of $161,000 of previously accrued severance primarily because certain employees who had been scheduled for termination had their termination notice rescinded. At September 30, 2008, we have completed the previously planned restructuring actions with no remaining amounts accrued.

 

 

 

NOTE 6 – OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following components (in thousands):

 

 

 

The changes in Data I/O’s product warranty liability are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

NOTE 7 – OPERATING LEASE AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

 

Data I/O has purchase obligations for inventory and production costs as well as other obligations such as capital expenditures, service contracts, marketing, and development agreements. Arrangements are considered purchase obligations if a contract specifies all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased, a pricing structure and approximate timing of the transaction. Most arrangements are cancelable without a significant penalty, and with short notice, typically less than 90 days. At September 30, 2008, the purchase and other obligations totaled $667,000. Data I/O has commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and other agreements, primarily for factory and office space, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as follows:

 

Future annual lease payments at September 30, 2008 (in thousands):

 

 

 

NOTE 8 – CONTINGENCIES

 

As of September 30, 2008, Data I/O was not a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which in management’s opinion, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position except as described below.

 

On January 22, 2008, our former landlord, (now known as Rowley Properties, Inc.), filed a Complaint in the Superior Court of Washington for King County (No. 08-2-03518-2 SEA) against Data I/O, Robert/Barbara Hiester and Steven/Jane Doe Hiester. The claims against Data I/O include breach of agreement, waste, and an environmental remediation claim for contribution under RCW 70.105D.080. No claim amount is specified in the Complaint. The claims relate to a former circuit board fabrication business that Data I/O operated from 1978 to October 1988. We sold that business to Circuit Partners whose officers and principal shareholders were Robert and Barbara Heister. As stated in Data I/O’s 1988 10-K: “An environmental and regulatory compliance audit was performed prior to the sale, per the guidelines of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Ace (“Cercla/Superfund”) Section 107. Audit results indicated no heavy metals or volatile organics in excess of existing or proposed Washington State or federal remedial action levels.” We are still in the early stages of investigating and responding to this claim and have engaged counsel to represent us on this matter. We filed an Answer to the Complaint on March 12, 2008. At this time, we are not able to determine the probable outcome of this legal proceeding or if it will have an adverse effect on the results of operations or financial position of Data I/O. We intend to defend this claim vigorously and are in the process of determining the insurance coverage for this claim.

 

NOTE 9 – LONG-TERM DEBT

 

On September 27, 2006, the Company entered into a five year capital lease agreement in the amount of $591,145. The imputed interest rate is 7.69%. At September 30, 2008 scheduled maturities of the capital lease obligation for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

NOTE 10 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on these same weighted average shares outstanding plus the effect of potential shares issuable upon assumed exercise of stock options based on the treasury stock method. Potential shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share to the extent their effect would be antidilutive.

 

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

The computation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 excludes 183,000 and 98,062 options, respectively, to purchase common stock as their effect is anitdilutive. The computation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 excludes 471,236 and 1,038,029 options, respectively, to purchase common stock as their effect is antidilutive.

 

NOTE 11 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The impact on our results of operations of recording share-based compensation for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

The fair value of share-based awards for employee stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following weighted average assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

At September 30, 2008, there remained approximately $769,000 of unamortized expected future compensation expense associated with unvested option grants and restricted stock awards, with a remaining weighted average amortization period of 2.55 years.

 

NOTE 12 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 total comprehensive income (loss) was comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

NOTE 13 – PATENT SALE

 

On March 18, 2008, the Company completed the sale of selected patents and patent applications to Leannoux Properties AG L.L.C. Net proceeds were approximately $3.3 million with a net gain of approximately $2.1 million.

 

NOTE 14 – FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND DERIVATIVES

 

Data I/O translates assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. We translate revenues, costs and expenses of foreign subsidiaries at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. We charge our translation adjustments resulting from this process to other comprehensive income (a component of stockholders’ equity), net of taxes. Realized and unrealized gains and losses resulting from the effects of changes in exchange rates on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are included in non-operating expense as foreign currency transaction gains and losses.

 

Data I/O accounts for its hedging activities in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities.” This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and requires recognition of derivatives as assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measurement of those instruments at fair value.

 

Data I/O utilizes forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange rate risks where natural hedging strategies cannot be effectively employed. All hedging instruments held by us are fair value hedges. Generally, these contracts have maturities less than one year and requireus to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity. At September 30, 2008, we had a notional value of approximately $1,132,577 in five foreign exchange contracts outstanding. We recorded the estimated gain in fair value as non-operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $59,767 and $38,222, respectively. We recorded the estimated loss in fair value as non-operating expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 of $16,220 and $29,488, respectively. The Euro rates range from 1.4610 to 1.5491, with the hedges all scheduled to be due within the next quarter and with the value at the due dates of $1,126,536. Our foreign exchange contracts are classified as a Level 1 fair value category according to SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” given the quoted price in an active market.

 

 

 

Data I/O does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The purpose of our hedging activities is to reduce the risk that the valuation of the underlying assets, liabilities and firm commitments will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. While we don’t enter into hedges for all currency risks, when we enter into hedges our derivative activities do not create foreign currency exchange rate risk because fluctuations in the value of the instruments used for hedging purposes are offset by fluctuations in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged.

 

 

General

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This Act provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about themselves as long as they identify these statements as forward-looking and provide meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ from the projected results. All statements other than statements of historical fact made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking. In particular, statements herein regarding industry prospects or trends; expected revenues; expected level of expense; future results of operations, restructuring implications; breakeven point, or financial position; changes in gross margin; economic conditions and capital spending outlook; market acceptance of our newly introduced or upgraded products; development, introduction and shipment of new products; and any other guidance on future periods are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Although Data I/O believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or other future events. Moreover, neither Data I/O nor anyone else assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements. Data I/O is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this report. The reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The discussions above and in the section in Item 1A. Risk Factors “Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results” in the Company’s Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 describe some, but not all, of the factors that could cause these differences.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Our primary goal is to manage the business based on our financial model, while developing and enhancing products to drive revenue and earnings growth. Our challenge continues to be operating in a seasonal, cyclical, and challenging industry environment especially with the current and forecast economic conditions and capital spending outlook.

 

Orders for the third quarter of 2008 were $6.9M down from the $8.3M recorded in the third quarter of last year. Orders in Asia were up 46% over the same quarter of last year, but orders in the Americas and Europe were down 27% collectively from the third quarter of last year. Approximately $2 million of orders that were expected slid out of the third quarter. While we always see some orders slide to future quarters, this figure was higher than expected, and was likely due to the increased economic uncertainty.  Given the current global economic news, we are concerned that this trend may continue for the next few quarters.

 

During the past year, the amount of programmable content worldwide grew by approximately 90%. Much of that demand for programming capacity was served by the equipment and solutions already installed. Many market research firms, such as Web-feet research, iSuppli, and others, have reported on the trends in programmable content and expect it to grow in excess of 100% annually over the next five years. At this rate of growth, the capacity of the installed base of programming solutions will be consumed rapidly, setting the stage for a new round of spending. While we have no inside track with respect to the general economy in the short term, this data suggests that we have very good reason to expect good growth over a more extended period of time.

 

Following our losses during the first two quarters of 2007, we decided to take additional expense reductions to lower our expected quarterly revenue breakeven point to below $5.3 million when fully implemented. By the end of 2007, we successfully completed these actions consisting of a combination of margin improvements and expense reductions. We have taken actions to improve the effectiveness of our sales and marketing organization. We have reduced expenses by reducing personnel costs, re-engineering some internal processes, and transferring some activities to our lower cost base of operations in China. By the middle of 2008, all restructure actions were complete with no remaining amount accrued. The financial business model our restructuring actions targeted was to achieve gross margins around 60% with operating expenses of 45%, delivering an operating income of 15%, which is approximately how we performed for the last five quarters, given the revenues we were able to achieve.  In view of the uncertain economic environment, we are taking additional expense reduction actions in the fourth quarter to lower our breakeven point.  These actions are anticipated to have a cost of approximately $325,000.

 

 

 

 

We are continuing our efforts to balance increasing costs and strategic investments in our business with the level of demand and mix of business we expect, which is complicated by forecast visibility and uncertain economic conditions. We are focusing our research and development efforts in our strategic growth markets, namely new programming technology, and automated programming systems for the manufacturing environment, particularly the new flash media duplication system on the FLX500 desktop automated programming system, and extending the capabilities and support for our FlashCORE architecture and the ProLINE-RoadRunner and PS families. We are also continuing to implement our new applications innovation strategy such as our secure data management initiative. This strategy provides complete solutions to target customer’s business problems. These solutions will expand beyond what we have considered as products in the past. These solutions will have a larger software element, may involve third-party components, and in many cases, will be developed to address a specific customer’s requirements. We believe by adding these features to our strategic product platforms, we will be able to set ourselves apart from other product suppliers and elevate our relationships with our customers.

 

Our customer focus has been on strategic high volume manufacturers in key market segments - wireless, automotive, industrial controls and programming centers - supporting NAND Flash and microcontrollers on our newer products to gain new accounts and to break into new markets, such as microcontrollers for the automotive market. We continue to address the effectiveness of our sales and marketing organization and sales channels. So far during 2008, we added three new channels and expect that we will continue to add and make changes to existing sales channels during the fourth quarter to provide greater and more effective sales coverage globally. We continue our efforts to partner with the semiconductor manufacturers to better serve our mutual customers and members of the Preferred Partnership Program. The Preferred Partnership Program formalizes our mutual support relationship and is designed to increase collaboration between the semi conductor vendor and Data I/O to better serve customers.

 

On March 18, 2008, the Company completed the sale of selected patents and patent applications to Leannoux Properties AG L.L.C. Net proceeds were approximately $3.3 million with a net gain of approximately $2.1 million.

 

BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING

 

In 2007, we continued our restructuring activities in view of the declining revenues and gross margins during the first and second quarters of 2007, to further improve our operating results and our effectiveness of the sales and marketing organization and sales channels. During the first quarter of 2007, we recorded restructuring charges of approximately $200,000 primarily related to severance charges. During the second quarter of 2007, we recorded an additional $632,000 of restructuring charges. These actions included reengineering some internal processes, integration of some activities, transferring some activities to our lower cost base of operations in China, reducing resources applied to declining legacy products, moving some engineering positions to production, reducing the number of taxable entities, outsourcing some functions such as payroll, combining some positions, eliminating some functions, and shifting some responsibilities and resources to our channels. During the third quarter of 2007, we recorded a net expense reversal of $107,000 comprised of $54,000 of additional expense, primarily relating to facilities, and a reversal of $161,000 of previously accrued severance primarily because we rescinded termination notices of certain employees who had been scheduled for termination. At September 30, 2008, we have completed the previously planned restructuring actions with no remaining amounts accrued.

 

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICY JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES

 

The Company’s critical accounting policies are disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and have not materially changed as of September 30, 2008.

 

Results of Operations

 

NET SALES

 

 

Revenue during the third quarter of 2008 increased by approximately $520,000 in comparison to the third quarter of 2007 primarily due to higher sales of our automated systems and more specifically, the PS Series and FLX500, as well as the non-automated FlashPAK. We experienced higher sales particularly in the wireless segment. During the third quarter of 2008, orders booked decreased by approximately 16% due to the number of large automated RoadRunner systems orders we booked last year during the third quarter of 2007. Orders that we had expected to close totaling approximately $2 million slid out of the third quarter most likely due to the increased economic uncertainty. The backlog of orders totaled $1.3 million at the end of the third quarter of 2008.

 

During the third quarter of 2008, sales in the United States increased approximately 51% compared to the same period in 2007, reflecting the increased orders for PS Series and FLX500 during the third quarter of 2008. International sales for the third quarter of 2008 increased slightly compared to the same period in 2007 primarily due to a 92% increase in sales in Asia, particularly in China.  Offsetting the Asia sales increase was a decrease in the rest of the Americas sales (excluding the United States) of 44%. The success we are experiencing in Asia provides confirmation that the changes we made during 2007 to our Asian channels and management are proving effective. During the third quarter of 2008, we revitalized our sales organization through additions of key personnel in the Americas and completed the groundwork for the addition of more sales channels globally.

 

Our current product portfolio has great opportunity. The past three years of technology development has established robust platforms for new applications solutions. We recently received an order from a major wireless handset manufacturer for a software solution to manage the security of their programmable content which was the largest dollar value order the company has received for a true software product. We believe that the new software solutions we are developing for these platforms will be the basis for substantial revenue and earnings growth over the long-term.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period of 2007, sales increased by approximately 15% due primarily to increased ProLINE-RoadRunner, FLX500, and FlashPAK sales. Sales in the United Stated increased approximately 10% while international sales increased approximately 17%. The international sales increase is primarily due to increased Asia sales of approximately 56%. The Asian growth reflects what we believe to be a continued shift to international markets of manufacturing capacity related demand as well as the actions taken to add new Asian sales management and address channel coverage. The world wide growth continues to be offset in part by the decline trend in sales of legacy product related business.

 

GROSS MARGIN

 

 

Gross margin during the third quarter of 2008 increased in dollars but decreased as a percentage of sales compared to the third quarter of 2007. The overall gross margin decrease in percentage of sales was primarily due to the product mix, as well as having lower favorable factory variances. The overall gross margin increase was due to a higher sales volume of approximately $770,000 offset by a less favorable product mix of approximately $490,000. Partially offsetting the favorable operations variance comparisons were higher used system refurbishing costs and euro denominated costs.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period of 2007, the higher gross margin dollars and gross margin as a percentage of sales are due primarily to the higher sales volume of approximately $2 million and the actions taken during 2007 to restructure operations and improve gross margins.

 

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

Research and development (“R&D”) spending for the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007 increased by approximately $57,000 primarily due to less engineering time charged to production, as well as an increase in material costs. R&D as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly in part due to the increase in sales for the third quarter of 2008.

 

R&D spending for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period of 2007 decreased by approximately $335,000 due primarily to a decrease in compensation expense associated with the prior year restructure and re-engineering of internal processes. Professional service R&D costs also decreased during the nine month period ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

      

 

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased approximately $260,000 for the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007 due primarily due to an accrual of approximately $300,000 for anticipated bonus payments for 2008 and an increase related to corporate allocated costs of approximately $120,000.  Offsetting these increases was a decreased amount of channel expenses of approximately $200,000.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared with the same period in 2007, SG&A expense increased approximately $11,000 primarily due to a decrease in net personnel of approximately $590,000 related to the 2007 restructure, as well as decreased professional service costs of approximately $125,000 and decreased channel expenses of approximately $275,000. Offsetting this decrease in part was $700,000 of accrued bonuses for 2008 where none were accrued for in 2007 and a decrease in corporate allocated costs of approximately $360,000.

 

INTEREST

 

 

Interest income increased during the third quarter of 2008 and for nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 due to the increase in cash balance amounts invested during the quarter. Interest expense decreased in the third quarter of 2008 and during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 due to the lower balance on the equipment capital lease.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

Income tax expense recorded for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 resulted from foreign and federal and state taxes. The tax effective rate differed from the statutory tax rate primarily due to the effect of valuation allowances and the use of tax benefits in carry forward for foreign, federal and state taxes Data I/O has a valuation allowance of $8,571,598 as of September 30, 2008. Our deferred tax assets and valuation allowance were reduced by $71,000 associated with the requirements of FIN 48 accounting for uncertain tax positions. The Company expects the amount of the net deferred tax asset balance and full valuation allowance in future periods to decrease if we have future net income or increase if we incur future net operating losses.

 

 

Financial Condition

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

 

At September 30, 2008, Data I/O’s principal sources of liquidity consisted of existing cash and cash equivalents. Our working capital increased by $5,712,000 from December 31, 2007 and our current ratio increased from 3.5 at December 31, 2007 to 4.1 at September 30, 2008.

 

Our cash and cash equivalents increased by approximately $4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily due to the cash received in association with the patent sale and a gain of approximately $2.1 million and cash provided by operations. Our cash is invested in money market funds typically and none is in auction rate securities or corporate debt. During the year accounts receivable have increased $2.6 million due to higher sales volume, sales late during the quarter and international sales where we have experienced longer collection times.

 

We expect that we will continue to make relatively small capital expenditures to support our business and we anticipate that present working capital will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements throughout at least the next twelve months. Capital expenditures are expected to be funded by existing and internally generated funds or lease financing.

 

As a result of our significant product development, customer support, international expansion and selling and marketing efforts in past years, we have required substantial working capital to fund our operations. Over the last few years, we restructured our operations to lower our costs and operating expenditures in some geographic regions, while investing in other regions, and to lower the level of revenue required for our net income breakeven point, to preserve our cash position and to focus on profitable operations. We believe that we have sufficient working capital available under our operating plan to fund our operations and capital requirements through at least the next one year period. Any substantial inability to achieve our current business plan could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations and may require us to reduce expenditures and/or seek additional financing.

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 

During the third quarter of 2006, the Company entered into a five year capital lease agreement in the amount of $591,145. The lease was used to fund new equipment and installation associated with our move to the new facility in July of 2006. See Note 9, “Long-Term Debt.”

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

Except as noted above in Note 7, “Operating Lease and Other Commitments” and in Note 14, “Foreign Currency Translation and Derivatives,” Data I/O had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework and gives guidance regarding the methods used for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are required to adopt SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2009; FSP 157-2 delays the effective date for certain items to the first quarter of 2010. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 for our financial assets and liabilities which only included our foreign exchange contracts (see Note 14, “Foreign Currency Translations and Derivatives”). The adoption of this portion of SFAS No. 157 did not have any effect on our

 

 

financial position or results of operations and we do not expect the adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 157 related to non-financial assets and liabilities to have an effect on our financial position or results of operations. Although the adoption of SFAS N. 157 did not impact our results of operations, we are now required to provide additional disclosures as part of our financial statements. Our foreign exchange contracts are classified as a Level 1 fair value category given the quoted price in an active market.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This Statement permits entities to elect to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value through earnings. The fair value option may be applied on an instrument by instrument basis, is irrevocable and is applied only to entire instruments. SFAS 159 requires additional financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements for those entities that elect to adopt the standard and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The implementation of this standard relating to the assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“Statement. No. 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Statement No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We have not yet evaluated the effect the adoption of Statement No. 141R could have on our consolidated financial statements, if any.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Data I/O evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable level of assurance. Disclosure Controls are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b) Changes in internal controls.

 

There were no changes made in our internal controls during the period covered by this report that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

As of September 30, 2008, Data I/O was not a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which in management’s opinion, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position except as described below.

 

 

 

On January 22, 2008, our former landlord, (now known as Rowley Properties, Inc.), filed a Complaint in the Superior Court of Washington for King County (No. 08-2-03518-2 SEA) against Data I/O, Robert/Barbara Hiester and Steven/Jane Doe Hiester. The claims against Data I/O include breach of agreement, waste, and an environmental remediation claim for contribution under RCW 70.105D.080. No claim amount is specified in the Complaint. The claims relate to a former circuit board fabrication business that Data I/O operated from 1978 to October 1988. We sold that business to Circuit Partners whose officers and principal shareholders were Robert and Barbara Heister. As stated in Data I/O’s 1988 10-K: “An environmental and regulatory compliance audit was performed prior to the sale, per the guidelines of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Ace (“Cercla/Superfund”) Section 107. Audit results indicated no heavy metals or volatile organics in excess of existing or proposed Washington State or federal remedial action levels.” We are still in the early stages of investigating and responding to this claim and have engaged counsel to represent us on this matter. At this time, we are not able to determine the probable outcome of this legal proceeding or if it will have an adverse effect on the results of operations or financial position of Data I/O. We intend to defend this claim vigorously and are in the process of determining the extent of insurance coverage for this claim.

 

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. There are no material changes to the Risk Factors described in our Annual Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Frederick R. Hume, certify that:

 

Date: November 14, 2008

 

/s/ Frederick R. Hume  

Frederick R. Hume

Chief Executive Officer  

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Joel S. Hatlen, certify that:

5) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

Date: November 14, 2008

 

Joel S. Hatlen

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with the quarterly report of Data I/O Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Frederick R. Hume, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, that pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

  /s/ Frederick R. Hume  

Frederick R. Hume

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

November 14, 2008

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification by Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with the quarterly report of Data I/O Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joel S. Hatlen, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, that pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

Joel S. Hatlen

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

November 14, 2008