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FG Group Holdings Inc. - Quarter Report: 2010 September (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

 

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: 1-13906

 

BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

 

47-0587703

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

 

 

4350 McKinley Street, Omaha, Nebraska

 

68112

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(402) 453-4444

(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 o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

Class

 

Outstanding as of November 2, 2010

Common Stock, $.01, par value

 

14,300,799 shares

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

1

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

2

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

3

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

24

 

 

 

Item 4T.

Controls and Procedures

25

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

25

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

25

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

25

 

 

 

 

Signatures

26

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

27

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I.  Financial Information

 

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30,
2010

 

December 31,
2009

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

19,167,244

 

$

23,589,025

 

Restricted cash

 

486,403

 

442,766

 

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $242,339 and $205,314, respectively)

 

17,738,205

 

8,877,980

 

Unbilled revenue

 

3,958,765

 

1,894,075

 

Inventories, net

 

26,581,450

 

12,987,048

 

Recoverable income taxes

 

1,602,505

 

1,850,699

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,193,606

 

1,943,679

 

Consignment inventory

 

450,382

 

486,527

 

Other current assets

 

2,730,323

 

667,592

 

Total current assets

 

74,908,883

 

52,739,391

 

Investment in joint venture

 

2,306,931

 

2,216,638

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

7,373,726

 

3,612,935

 

Intangible assets, net

 

797,426

 

1,103,128

 

Other assets

 

20,000

 

17,257

 

Deferred income taxes

 

47,330

 

520,951

 

Total assets

 

$

85,454,296

 

$

60,210,300

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

26,518,101

 

$

9,768,896

 

Other accrued expenses

 

4,203,344

 

3,623,143

 

Customer deposits

 

3,652,809

 

2,295,946

 

Income tax payable

 

804,875

 

1,246,247

 

Total current liabilities

 

35,179,129

 

16,934,232

 

Deferred income taxes

 

245,871

 

274,977

 

Other accrued expenses, net of current portion

 

491,494

 

483,425

 

Total liabilities

 

35,916,494

 

17,692,634

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; Authorized 1,000,000 shares, none outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; Authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 16,440,781 shares in 2010 and 16,283,676 shares in 2009

 

164,407

 

162,836

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

36,094,616

 

35,332,787

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

(126,821

)

(286,086

)

Minimum pension liability

 

110,665

 

110,665

 

Retained earnings

 

28,677,615

 

22,580,144

 

 

 

64,920,482

 

57,900,346

 

Less 2,139,982 of common shares in treasury, at cost

 

(15,382,680

)

(15,382,680

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

49,537,802

 

42,517,666

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

85,454,296

 

$

60,210,300

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

1



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net revenues

 

$

32,929,645

 

$

16,552,036

 

$

91,015,727

 

$

53,298,196

 

Cost of revenues

 

26,461,344

 

12,996,753

 

74,280,945

 

42,111,250

 

Gross profit

 

6,468,301

 

3,555,283

 

16,734,782

 

11,186,946

 

Selling and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

726,260

 

518,790

 

2,280,258

 

1,954,980

 

Administrative

 

2,214,355

 

1,921,228

 

6,352,801

 

5,873,540

 

Total selling and administrative expenses

 

2,940,615

 

2,440,018

 

8,633,059

 

7,828,520

 

Gain (loss) on disposal or transfer of assets

 

7,691

 

229

 

178,192

 

(1,714

)

Income from operations

 

3,535,377

 

1,115,494

 

8,279,915

 

3,356,712

 

Interest income

 

4,197

 

10,369

 

17,587

 

80,903

 

Interest expense

 

(11,727

)

(8,116

)

(27,120

)

(25,557

)

Equity in income (loss) of joint venture

 

(23,373

)

(219,420

)

802,393

 

(637,557

)

Other expense, net

 

(81,055

)

(142,734

)

(107,279

)

(29,830

)

Income before income taxes

 

3,423,419

 

755,593

 

8,965,496

 

2,744,671

 

Income tax expense

 

(1,102,698

)

(212,497

)

(2,867,816

)

(725,935

)

Net earnings

 

$

2,320,721

 

$

543,096

 

$

6,097,680

 

$

2,018,736

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.14

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.14

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

14,199,858

 

14,005,912

 

14,139,682

 

13,996,533

 

Diluted

 

14,417,754

 

14,163,609

 

14,363,234

 

14,138,813

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

6,097,680

 

$

2,018,736

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

61,664

 

30,518

 

Provision for obsolete inventory

 

168,941

 

284,224

 

Provision for warranty reserve

 

405,819

 

252,265

 

Depreciation of consignment inventory

 

318,082

 

397,636

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

661,743

 

638,062

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

320,786

 

293,313

 

Equity in (gain) loss of joint venture

 

(802,393

)

637,557

 

Loss on forward contracts

 

104,131

 

2,589

 

Loss (gain) on disposal or transfer of assets

 

(178,192

)

1,714

 

Deferred income taxes

 

190,972

 

(839,515

)

Share-based compensation expense

 

226,424

 

161,728

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based arrangements

 

(156,919

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(8,609,788

)

(1,943,149

)

Unbilled revenue

 

(2,064,690

)

(335,369

)

Inventories

 

(13,748,459

)

(3,114,564

)

Consignment inventory

 

(281,937

)

(340,559

)

Other current assets and liabilities

 

(2,061,755

)

(226,121

)

Accounts payable

 

16,499,595

 

2,311,154

 

Customer deposits

 

1,355,647

 

1,764,435

 

Accrued expenses

 

26,864

 

297

 

Current income taxes

 

(51,052

)

276,660

 

Other assets

 

(2,743

)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(1,519,580

)

2,271,611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in joint venture/return on investment

 

888,000

 

20,568

 

Increase in restricted investments

 

(466

)

24,106

 

Capital expenditures

 

(4,397,526

)

(807,715

)

Proceeds from sales of assets

 

27,576

 

 

Proceeds from sales of investments in securities

 

 

10,025,000

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(3,482,416

)

9,261,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

359,117

 

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based arrangements

 

156,919

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

516,036

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

64,179

 

304,344

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(4,421,781

)

11,837,914

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

23,589,025

 

11,424,984

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

19,167,244

 

$

23,262,898

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

1.  Nature of Operations

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (“Ballantyne” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries Strong Westrex, Inc., Strong Technical Services, Inc., Strong / MDI Screen Systems, Inc., and the American West Beijing Trading Company, Ltd., design, develop, manufacture, service and distribute theatre and lighting systems. The Company’s products are distributed to movie exhibition companies, sports arenas, auditoriums, amusement parks and special venues.

 

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual reporting purposes or those made in the Company’s annual Form 10-K, as amended.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2009.

 

In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the respective interim periods.  The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends or results expected for a full year.

 

Use of Management Estimates

 

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results and changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and affect results of operations and financial position in future periods. Certain 2009 amounts in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.

 

No changes were made to the Company’s significant accounting policies disclosed in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (to be included in ASC Topic 810). This statement requires reporting entities to evaluate former Qualifying Special Purpose Entities (QSPE) for consolidation, changes to approach to determining a Variable Interest Entities (VIE) primary beneficiary from a quantitative assessment to a qualitative assessment designed to identify a controlling financial interest. This statement was effective as of the beginning of a Company’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2009. The adoption did not impact the consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which amends Subtopic 829-10. ASU 2010-06 enhances disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. Certain provisions of ASU 2010-06 are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and others for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. Beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2010, the Company provided new disclosures, as applicable, to its fair value instruments. The disclosures required for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2010 are currently not applicable to the Company.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

3.  Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per share have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding after giving effect to potential common shares from dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards. The following table provides reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings applicable to common stock

 

$

2,320,721

 

$

543,096

 

$

6,097,680

 

$

2,018,736

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,199,858

 

14,005,912

 

14,139,682

 

13,996,533

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.14

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings applicable to common stock

 

$

2,320,721

 

$

543,096

 

$

6,097,680

 

$

2,018,736

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,199,858

 

14,005,912

 

14,139,682

 

13,996,533

 

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards

 

217,896

 

157,697

 

223,552

 

142,280

 

Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,417,754

 

14,163,609

 

14,363,234

 

14,138,813

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.14

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 the Company had no anti-dilutive shares outstanding.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company had 10,200 shares of restricted stock at a weighted average price of $8.02 per share that were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the fair value price on the date of grant was greater than the average market price of the common shares. These restricted stock shares vest in May 2011.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, options to purchase 118,125 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $4.55 per share were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the options exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 

4.  Comprehensive Income

 

The accumulated other comprehensive income, net, shown in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets includes the unrealized income on investments in securities and the accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment. The following table shows the difference between the Company’s reported net earnings and its comprehensive income:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

2,320,721

 

$

543,096

 

$

6,097,680

 

$

2,018,736

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on investment in securities

 

 

 

 

742,027

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

305,824

 

354,253

 

159,265

 

525,523

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

2,626,545

 

$

897,349

 

$

6,256,945

 

$

3,286,286

 

 

5.  Warranty Reserves

 

The Company generally grants a warranty to its customers for a one-year period following the sale of all manufactured equipment, and on selected repaired equipment for a one-year period following the repair. The warranty period is extended under certain circumstances and for certain products. Warranty costs are generally passed through to the manufacturer for items distributed by the Company.  The Company accrues for warranty costs at the time of sale or repair, and when events dictate that additional accruals are necessary.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Warranty accrual at beginning of period

 

$

412,027

 

$

445,823

 

$

378,145

 

$

491,556

 

Charged to expense

 

177,192

 

60,132

 

405,819

 

252,265

 

Amounts written off, net of recoveries

 

(75,153

)

(106,032

)

(266,372

)

(355,096

)

Foreign currency adjustment

 

3,916

 

18,739

 

390

 

29,937

 

Warranty accrual at end of period

 

$

517,982

 

$

418,662

 

$

517,982

 

$

418,662

 

 

6.  Digital Link II Joint Venture

 

Investment in Digital Link II

 

On March 6, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with RealD to form an operating entity Digital Link II, LLC (the “LLC”). Under the agreement, the LLC was formed with the Company and RealD as the only two members with membership interests of 44.4% and 55.6%, respectively. The LLC was formed for purposes of commercializing certain 3D technology and to fund the deployment of digital projector systems to exhibitors.

 

Summarized financial data for the LLC is as follows, in thousands:

 

Balance Sheet

 

September 24,
2010

 

December 25,
2009

 

Current assets

 

$

4,637

 

$

877

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

9,389

 

12,935

 

Current liabilities

 

3,454

 

3,047

 

Non-current liabilities

 

5,804

 

5,574

 

Equity

 

$

4,768

 

$

5,191

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 24,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 26,

 

Statement of Operations

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Revenue

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

$

8,239

 

$

22

 

Cost of sales

 

(277

)

(392

)

(6,174

)

(1,152

)

Selling and administrative expenses

 

(60

)

(68

)

(207

)

(184

)

Operating income (loss)

 

(336

)

(459

)

1,858

 

(1,314

)

Other expense

 

(86

)

(53

)

(283

)

(194

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

(422

)

$

(512

)

$

1,575

 

$

(1,508

)

 

The Company accounts for its investment by the equity method. Under this method, the Company recorded its proportionate share of LLC net income or loss based on the LLC’s unaudited financial statements as of September 24, 2010.  The LLC uses four 13-week periods for a total of 52 weeks to align its fiscal year end with that of its majority interest holder, RealD. The Company’s portion of income of the LLC was insignificant for the three months and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the portion of loss of the LLC of approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

 

The Company sold digital theatre projection equipment, in the normal course of business, to the LLC for approximately $0.3 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and approximately $0.4 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The LLC in turn provides and sells the digital projection equipment to third party customers under system use agreements or through sales agreements. Revenue recognized by Ballantyne was $0.2 million and $4.1 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to $0.1 and $1.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. Revenue recognized by the Company on the sale transaction to DL II is limited by its 44.4% ownership in the joint venture which will be recognized upon sale of the equipment to the third parties.  The total receivable balance due from the LLC was $0.3 million at September 30, 2010 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2009.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

During the second quarter of 2010, the LLC made a significant sale of equipment to a third party customer that resulted in the LLC recording a gain on the sale of assets of approximately $2.8 million.

 

During the third quarter of 2010 the Company received a $0.9 million return of the investment in the LLC. The Company received no other distributions from the LLC.

 

Guarantees

 

The Company and RealD have provided guarantees to notes payable entered into by Digital Link II, LLC to finance digital projection equipment deployed in the normal course of business. The notes bear interest at rates ranging from 7.0% to 7.46%. The following table summarizes the Company’s guarantees:

 

Guarantee Date

 

Interest
Rate

 

Original Notes
Payable Balance

 

Ballantyne
Ownership

 

Original
Guarantee

 

Remaining
Guarantee as of
September 30, 2010

 

July-08

 

7.00%

 

$

626,663

 

44.40%

 

$

278,238

 

$

83,321

 

November-08

 

7.20%

 

756,440

 

44.40%

 

335,860

 

44,718

 

November-08

 

7.00%

 

1,142,239

 

44.40%

 

507,154

 

162,841

 

January-09

 

7.20%

 

265,538

 

44.40%

 

117,899

 

25,848

 

April-09

 

7.20%

 

1,039,646

 

44.40%

 

461,603

 

110,307

 

September-09

 

7.00%

 

184,098

 

44.40%

 

81,739

 

55,340

 

October-09

 

7.25%

 

152,850

 

44.40%

 

67,865

 

41,076

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

1,824,774

 

44.40%

 

810,200

 

619,130

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

749,308

 

44.40%

 

332,693

 

265,679

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

423,224

 

44.40%

 

187,911

 

172,758

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

216,141

 

44.40%

 

95,967

 

88,408

 

 

 

 

 

$

7,380,921

 

 

 

$

3,277,129

 

$

1,669,426

 

 

Under terms of the guarantees, the Company and RealD would be required to fulfill the guarantee should the joint venture be in default of its loans or contract terms. The guarantees will expire at the time each loan is paid off. The fair value of the obligations undertaken by issuing the guarantees was not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2010.

 

7.  Investments

 

During 2009, the Company had certain investments in auction-rate securities which were classified as available-for-sale securities and accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” In June 2009, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with a financial institution with whom the Company had a banking relationship to sell, at the Company’s option, all or a portion of its outstanding auction-rate securities (“ARS”) at par, plus accrued interest. The settlement agreement provided for a provision on confidentiality and a release of the financial institution from claims related to the Company’s purchase, ownership and sale of the securities. In June 2009 the Company sold its remaining outstanding ARS under the terms of the settlement agreement which amounted to $9,375,000 plus interest accrued.  During 2009, the Company also liquidated, at par, outstanding ARS which amounted to $650,000 of which $50,000 were sold through the normal auction process and $600,000 were redeemed by the fund itself.

 

8.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses equal or approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair values and related assumptions used to estimate fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are disclosed below.  The Company’s instruments were considered Level 1 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. The following represents the three categories of inputs used in determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities:

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

Level 1:

 

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

 

Level 2:

 

Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 

 

 

Level 3:

 

Unobservable inputs that are used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability.

 

9. Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable is comprised of the following:

 

 

 

September 30, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

$

16,656,655

 

$

8,877,980

 

Other receivable

 

1,081,550

 

 

 

 

$

17,738,205

 

$

8,877,980

 

 

10.  Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

September 30, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

Raw materials and components

 

$

6,066,560

 

$

4,714,956

 

Work in process

 

921,650

 

169,707

 

Finished goods

 

19,593,240

 

8,102,385

 

 

 

$

26,581,450

 

$

12,987,048

 

 

The inventory balances are net of reserves of approximately $3.0 million and $2.7 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

 

11.  Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  The Company uses an estimate of its annual effective rate based on the facts and circumstances at the time to record interim income tax expense.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and a related valuation allowance is deemed necessary.  As of September 30, 2010, a valuation allowance has not been recorded.  However, if the Company experiences difficulties in achieving its forecasts of taxable income, the Company may be required to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets recorded which would impact the Company’s results of operations.  The Company has recorded a receivable for the amount of an income tax refund due to the Company as a result of the carry back of certain operating losses to previous year’s taxable income.

 

The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was 32.2% and 32.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to 28.1% and 26.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  The effective rate change from year to year is a result of differing foreign and U.S. tax rates applied to respective pre-tax earnings by tax jurisdiction.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company experienced more U.S. taxable income which carries a higher effective rate.  Our anticipated full year effective tax rate is estimated to be 31.7%.

 

Federal and state income taxes have not been provided on accumulated but undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries aggregating approximately $10.2 million at September 30, 2010 and as such, earnings have been permanently reinvested in the business. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable.

 

The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC 740, Income Taxes as it pertains to uncertain tax positions. ASC 740 requires that uncertain tax positions are evaluated in a two-step process, whereby 1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and 2) for those tax positions

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the Company would recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. The Company has examinations not yet initiated for Federal purposes for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. In most cases, the Company has examinations open for State or local jurisdictions based on the particular jurisdiction’s statute of limitations. The Company does not currently have any examinations in process. As of September 30, 2010, total unrecognized tax benefits amounted to approximately $0.1 million.

 

Amounts related to estimated underpayment of income taxes, including interest and penalties, are classified as a component of tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.  Amounts accrued for estimated underpayment of income taxes amounted to $0.1 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The accruals largely related to state tax matters.

 

12.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

Supplemental disclosures to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows are as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

6,920

 

$

3,424

 

Income taxes

 

$

2,709,488

 

$

1,218,556

 

 

13.  Stock Compensation

 

The Company accounts for awards of share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Stock Compensation—Overall, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. Share-based compensation expense recorded amounted to approximately $67,000 and $226,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and approximately $55,000 and $162,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  The Company recorded associated tax benefits of approximately $26,000 and $81,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to approximately $15,000 and $49,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

 

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company adopted and, at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders approved the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2010 Plan”).  Subject to the terms of the 2010 Plan, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine the terms of each award, including which award, if any, may be subject to vesting upon a “change in control” of the Company, as such term is defined in the 2010 Plan.  The Committee may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units or performance shares and performance units.  The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan was 600,000 shares.  No shares were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Options

 

The Company maintains a 2005 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan which was approved by the Company’s stockholders. During fiscal 2008, the Board of Directors made the decision to discontinue granting further stock options under this Plan, however, there are grants of stock options that remain outstanding under this Plan. The Company also maintained a 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan which expired in 2005, however, there are stock options that remain outstanding under this expired Plan.

 

All past and future grants under the Company’s stock option plans were granted at exercise prices based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The outstanding options generally vested over periods ranging from zero to three years from the grant date and expire between 5 and 10 years after the grant date. No stock options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

All stock options outstanding were fully vested as of January 1, 2009.  Therefore no share-based compensation expense was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards remained at September 30, 2010.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

 

278,125

 

$

2.29

 

1.69

 

$

480,450

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(105,875

)

3.39

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2010

 

172,250

 

$

1.62

 

1.33

 

$

1,243,516

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2010

 

172,250

 

$

1.62

 

1.33

 

$

1,243,516

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on September 30, 2010.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Options Outstanding at
September 30, 2010

 

Options Exercisable at
September 30, 2010

 

Range of option exercise price

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life

 

Weighted
average
exercise price
per option

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life

 

Weighted
average
exercise price
per option

 

$0.62

 

125,000

 

1.58

 

$

0.62

 

125,000

 

1.58

 

$

0.62

 

$4.25

 

47,250

 

0.67

 

4.25

 

47,250

 

0.67

 

4.25

 

$0.62 to 4.25

 

172,250

 

1.33

 

$

1.62

 

172,250

 

1.33

 

$

1.62

 

 

Restricted Stock Plans

 

During 2005, the Company adopted and the stockholders approved, the 2005 Restricted Stock Plan. Under terms of the Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors selects which employees of the Company are to receive restricted stock awards and the terms of such awards. The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan was 250,000 shares. The Plan was set to expire in September 2010; however, during the second quarter, at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders of the Company adopted an amendment to extend the duration of the Plan until September 1, 2013. At September 30, 2010, 90,479 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.

 

During 2008, the Company adopted and the stockholders approved, the Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan (Non-Employee Plan) to replace the 2005 Outside Directors’ Stock Option Plan. The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the Non-Employee Plan was increased from 120,000 shares to 250,000 by a vote of the stockholders at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. At September 30, 2010, 189,676 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.

 

In connection with the restricted stock granted to certain employees and non-employee directors, the Company is accruing compensation expense based on the estimated number of shares expected to be issued utilizing the most current information available to the Company at the date of the financial statements. The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

 

As of September 30, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awarded was $61,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.6 months.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Number of Restricted
Stock Shares

 

Weighted Average Grant
Price Fair Value

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2009

 

116,491

 

$

2.38

 

Granted

 

51,230

 

4.88

 

Shares vested

 

(93,030

)

3.65

 

Shares forfeited

 

 

 

Nonvested at September 30, 2010

 

74,691

 

$

2.51

 

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

The Company’s 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, approved by the stockholders, provides for the purchase of shares of Ballantyne common stock by eligible employees at a per share purchase price equal to 85% of the fair market value of a share of Ballantyne common stock at either the beginning or end of the offering period, as defined, whichever is lower. Purchases are made through payroll deductions of up to 10% of each participating employee’s salary. The maximum number of shares that can be purchased by participants in any offering period is 2,000 shares. Additionally, the Plan has set certain limits, as defined, in regard to the number of shares that may be purchased by all eligible employees during an offering period. At September 30, 2010, 88,553 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the Plan. The Plan was set to expire in October 2010; however, during the second quarter, at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders of the Company adopted an amendment to extend the duration of the Plan until October 31, 2013.

 

The total estimated grant date fair value of purchase rights outstanding under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was $1.81 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model made with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate—0.26%, dividend yield—0%, expected volatility—57.52% and expected life in years—1. The Company recorded approximately $5,000 and $16,000 of share-based compensation expense pertaining to the Plan during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 as compared to approximately $7,000 and $18,000 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  Associated tax benefits recorded in 2010 and 2009 were immaterial. At September 30, 2010, the total unrecognized estimated compensation cost was $1,900 which is expected to be recognized over a period of one month.

 

14.  Stockholder Rights Plan

 

The Company’s Stockholders Rights Plan expired on June 9, 2010 in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

 

15.  Related Party Transactions

 

The Company sold digital projection equipment, in the normal course of business, to its joint venture, Digital Link II, LLC for approximately $0.3 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $0.4 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The LLC in turn provides the digital projection equipment to third party customers under system use agreements. Revenue recognized by Ballantyne was $0.2 million and $4.1 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to $0.1 million and $1.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. Revenue recognized by the Company on the sale transaction to the LLC is limited by its 44.4% ownership in the joint venture which will be recognized upon sale of the equipment to the third parties.  The total receivable balance due from the LLC was $0.3 million at September 30, 2010 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2009.

 

16.  Foreign Exchange Contracts

 

The Company’s primary exposure to foreign currency fluctuations pertains to its subsidiaries in Canada and China. In certain instances the Company may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage a portion of this risk. At September 30, 2010, the Company had open forward exchange contracts to purchase Canadian dollars at a fixed rate of U.S. dollars with notional amounts totaling $3.0 million. The Company has recorded approximately $0.1 million of unrealized gains associated with these open contracts in its consolidated statement of operations at September 30, 2010.  The Company recorded an immaterial loss in its consolidated statement of operations at September 30, 2009.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

17.  Debt

 

Effective June 30, 2010, the Company entered into a $20 million Revolving Credit Agreement and Note (collectively, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), each effective as of June 30, 2010, with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”). The Company may request an increase in the Revolving Credit Agreement of up to an additional $5 million; however, any advances on the additional $5 million are subject to approval of Wells Fargo. The borrowings from the Revolving Credit Agreement will primarily be used for working capital purposes and for other general corporate purposes.  The Company’s accounts receivable, general intangibles and inventory secure the Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 125 basis points. Interest is paid on a monthly basis. The Company will pay a fee of 0.15% per annum on any unused portion. The Revolving Credit Agreement expires on June 30, 2011 at which time all unpaid principal and interest is due.

 

The Revolving Credit Agreement contains certain covenants, including those relating to the Company’s financial condition and limitations on the ability of the Company to pay dividends. The primary financial condition covenant pertains to the Company maintaining a minimum net profit before taxes plus or minus non-cash equity in income of the Digital Link II, LLC joint venture, plus any non-cash charges related to the legacy film projector business, of $1, measured quarterly, on a rolling 4-quarter basis.  Other covenants pertain to items such as certain limits on incurring additional debt or lease obligations, certain limits on issuing guarantees and certain limits on loans, advances and investments with third parties. Upon the occurrence of any event of default specified in the Revolving Credit Agreement, including a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement), all amounts due there under may be declared to be immediately due and payable. No amounts are currently outstanding on the Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

The Company previously was a party to a revolving credit facility with First National Bank of Omaha. This revolving credit facility expired on July 1, 2010.

 

18.  Bonus Plans

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers a Short-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan is an annual incentive program that provides certain officers and key employee’s bonuses in the form of cash or restricted stock or a combination of both if the Company achieves certain goals. Each payout is further subject to the achievement of certain individual goals, as defined.

 

The Company has recorded expenses related to the Plan of approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively compared to $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The bonuses are generally paid through a distribution of cash and restricted stock awards.

 

19.  Concentrations

 

The Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 48% of 2010 consolidated net revenues. The top ten customers were primarily from the theatre segment. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 58% of net consolidated receivables at September 30, 2010 as compared to 52% at December 31, 2009. Sales to China Film Jingdian Cinema Investment Company, LTD represented the largest percentage at 10% of consolidated sales and 22% of net consolidated receivables at September 30, 2010.  While the Company believes its relationships with such customers are stable, most arrangements are made by purchase order and are terminable at will by either party. A significant decrease or interruption in business from the Company’s significant customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company could also be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which the Company sells its products.

 

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of accounts receivable. The Company sells product to a large number of customers in many different geographic regions. To minimize credit concentration risk, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

Through distribution agreements with NEC, the Company distributes Starus DLP Cinema projectors to North and South America, Hong Kong, China and certain other areas of Asia. These agreements are non-exclusive distributorship agreements, some of which can be terminated with 90 day advance notice. NEC is the primary supplier of the digital products the Company distributes to the Theatre Industry. If the Company is unable to maintain its relationship with NEC, the results would have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition and operating results until the Company could find an alternative source of digital equipment to distribute. The principal raw materials and components used in the Company’s manufacturing processes include aluminum, reflectors, electronic subassemblies and sheet metal. The Company uses a single manufacturer for each of its intermittent movement components, reflectors, aluminum castings, lenses and xenon lamps. Although the Company has not to-date experienced a significant difficulty in obtaining these components, no assurance can be given that shortages will not arise in the future. The loss of any one or more of such contract manufacturers could have a short-term adverse effect on the Company until alternative manufacturing arrangements are secured.

 

20.  Contingencies

 

During the third quarter of 2010 the Company experienced the theft of 30 digital projectors in-transit, valued at approximately $0.8 million.  Based on the most current information available the Company believes it is probable that it will recover sufficient funds to cover the entire loss.  As a result, the Company has booked an insurance related receivable for the entire amount.

 

21.  Litigation

 

The Company is currently a defendant in an asbestos case entitled Manuel H. Chinea and Janet M. Chinea v. American Optical Company, Ballantyne Strong, Inc. a/k/a Ballantyne of Omaha, et al., filed August 17, 2010 in the Superior Court of the State of New York. The Company is one of twenty-five defendants. While the Company believes that it has strong defenses and intends to defend the suit vigorously, it is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this case, or the amount of damages, if any, that a jury may award.

 

22.  Business Segment Information

 

The presentation of segment information reflects the manner in which management organizes segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance.

 

As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s operations were conducted principally through two business segments: Theatre and Lighting. Theatre operations include the design, manufacture, assembly, sale and service of motion picture projectors, xenon lamp houses, power supplies and screens. Theatre operations also include the sale and service of digital projection equipment and accessories, sound systems, xenon lamps and lenses. The lighting segment operations include the design, manufacture, assembly and sale of follow spotlights, stationary searchlights and computer operated lighting systems for the motion picture production, television, live entertainment, theme parks and architectural industries. The Company allocates resources to business segments and evaluates the performance of these segments based upon reported segment operating profit. The Company previously evaluated the performance of the segments based on reported segment gross profit. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation. All significant intercompany sales are eliminated in consolidation.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

Summary by Business Segments

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

29,526,761

 

$

14,638,102

 

$

82,929,069

 

$

48,091,369

 

Services

 

2,197,114

 

886,690

 

5,233,460

 

2,770,319

 

Total theatre

 

31,723,875

 

15,524,792

 

88,162,529

 

50,861,688

 

Lighting

 

1,205,770

 

1,025,749

 

2,853,198

 

2,411,151

 

Other

 

 

1,495

 

 

25,357

 

Total revenue

 

$

32,929,645

 

$

16,552,036

 

$

91,015,727

 

$

53,298,196

 

Operating Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

4,539,334

 

$

2,730,662

 

$

12,057,536

 

$

7,993,440

 

Services

 

291,442

 

(272,122

)

266,544

 

(377,461

)

Total theatre

 

4,830,776

 

2,458,540

 

12,324,080

 

7,615,979

 

Lighting

 

(22,562

)

24,508

 

52,282

 

63,414

 

Other

 

 

635

 

 

12,770

 

Total operating income

 

4,808,214

 

2,483,683

 

12,376,362

 

7,692,163

 

Unallocated general and administrative expenses

 

(1,280,528

)

(1,368,418

)

(4,274,639

)

(4,333,737

)

Gain (loss) on disposal or transfer of assets

 

7,691

 

229

 

178,192

 

(1,714

)

Interest, net

 

(7,530

)

2,253

 

(9,533

)

55,346

 

Equity in income (loss) of joint venture

 

(23,373

)

(219,420

)

802,393

 

(637,557

)

Other income (expense), net

 

(81,055

)

(142,734

)

(107,279

)

(29,830

)

Income before income taxes

 

$

3,423,419

 

$

755,593

 

$

8,965,496

 

$

2,744,671

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures on capital equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

1,076,237

 

$

321,363

 

$

4,311,379

 

$

774,429

 

Services

 

23,210

 

29,031

 

61,998

 

29,031

 

Total theatre

 

1,099,447

 

350,394

 

4,373,377

 

803,460

 

Lighting

 

15,748

 

175

 

24,149

 

4,255

 

Total

 

$

1,115,195

 

$

350,569

 

$

4,397,526

 

$

807,715

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

324,050

 

$

343,748

 

$

1,131,874

 

$

1,114,766

 

Services

 

41,126

 

51,077

 

143,825

 

181,214

 

Total theatre

 

365,176

 

394,825

 

1,275,699

 

1,295,980

 

Lighting

 

7,837

 

10,980

 

24,912

 

33,031

 

Total

 

$

373,013

 

$

405,805

 

$

1,300,611

 

$

1,329,011

 

 

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Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Gain (loss) on disposal or transfer of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

 

$

229

 

$

164,600

 

$

(1,714

)

Services

 

7,691

 

 

13,592

 

 

Total theatre

 

7,691

 

229

 

178,192

 

(1,714

)

Lighting

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

7,691

 

$

229

 

$

178,192

 

$

(1,714

)

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

79,761,603

 

$

55,720,203

 

 

 

 

 

Services

 

2,147,623

 

1,225,122

 

 

 

 

 

Total theatre

 

81,909,226

 

56,945,325

 

 

 

 

 

Lighting

 

3,545,070

 

3,264,975

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

85,454,296

 

$

60,210,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary by Geographical Area

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

17,926,957

 

$

10,378,621

 

$

51,954,654

 

$

30,455,666

 

Canada

 

1,253,638

 

458,133

 

3,404,608

 

2,016,430

 

China

 

9,297,908

 

2,503,875

 

19,343,533

 

8,363,918

 

Asia (excluding China)

 

508,175

 

314,909

 

1,340,097

 

1,044,736

 

Mexico

 

1,639,934

 

1,735,348

 

4,667,458

 

7,122,679

 

South America

 

1,767,485

 

764,759

 

8,100,392

 

2,478,545

 

Europe

 

501,420

 

271,901

 

2,009,966

 

1,568,404

 

Other

 

34,128

 

124,490

 

195,019

 

247,818

 

Total

 

$

32,929,645

 

$

16,552,036

 

$

91,015,727

 

$

53,298,196

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

57,676,138

 

$

43,982,105

 

 

 

 

 

China

 

9,532,988

 

4,030,131

 

 

 

 

 

Asia (excluding China)

 

5,781,015

 

4,029,054

 

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

12,464,155

 

8,169,010

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

85,454,296

 

$

60,210,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues by business segment are to unaffiliated customers. Identifiable assets by geographical area are based on location of facilities. Net sales by geographical area are based on destination of sales.

 

23.  Subsequent Events

 

On November 1, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors elected Gary L. Cavey to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Cavey replaced John C. Wilmers who had served as CEO for 13 years and is retiring. Mr. Wilmers will remain with the Company focusing on the Company’s growing business opportunities in Asia.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. Management’s discussion and analysis contains not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and reflect expectations for future Company performance. For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as others not now anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

We are a manufacturer, distributor and service provider for the theatre exhibition industry on a worldwide basis. We also design, develop, manufacture and distribute lighting systems to the worldwide entertainment lighting industry through our Strong Entertainment Lighting segment.

 

We have two primary reportable core operating segments: theatre and lighting. Approximately 97% of fiscal year 2010 sales were from theatre products and services and approximately 3% were lighting products. Additional information related to our reporting segments can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Results of Operations:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

Revenues

 

Net revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2010 rose to $32.9 million from $16.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

29,526,761

 

$

14,638,102

 

Services

 

2,197,114

 

886,690

 

Total theatre revenues

 

31,723,875

 

15,524,792

 

Lighting

 

1,205,770

 

1,025,749

 

Other

 

 

1,495

 

Total net revenues

 

$

32,929,645

 

$

16,552,036

 

 

Theatre Segment

 

Sales of theatre products and services increased to $31.7 million in 2010 from $15.5 million in 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Digital Product Sales

 

Sales of digital products rose to $20.2 million from $5.2 million in 2009 as the industry change to digital projection equipment continues to accelerate. The majority of the increase in digital sales resulted from sales of digital projectors; however, sales of digital lamps also rose to $1.6 million in 2010 from $0.9 million in 2009 and sales of digital servers rose to $1.7 million from $0.2 million in the same period of 2009.  We believe the demand for digital equipment will continue to increase as exhibitors take advantage of the benefits of 3D digital technology as well as the potential benefits of additional advertising revenue and being able to project more alternative entertainment at the movie theatres

 

Film Product Sales

 

Sales of film projection equipment decreased to $2.3 million in 2010 from $3.7 million a year-ago due primarily to the industry transition to digital cinema.  The vast majority of this equipment was sold outside the United States.  We expect sales of new film equipment to decline significantly in 2011 and beyond.

 

Sales of film replacement parts increased to $1.4 million during 2010 from $1.3 million during the same quarter in 2009. We expect sales of film replacement parts to decrease over time as film equipment is replaced by digital units. However, we are unsure how the used equipment market will impact our replacement part sales when film equipment is replaced during the digital cinema rollout.  Sales will also depend on the pace of our film customers retrofitting their film projection theatres to digital cinema projection theatres.

 

Sales of xenon lamps were $0.7 million compared to $1.5 million in the prior year.  The decrease from the prior year is mainly attributable to the loss of sales to a significant lamp customer.

 

Screen Product Sales

 

We generated screen sales of $5.0 million in 2010 compared to $2.8 million a year-ago due to higher demand for the special “silver” screens needed for certain digital 3D applications. This demand is resulting from our customers wanting to show certain movies in digital 3D and also more 3D movies being available from the Hollywood studios.  We sell screens for both digital cinema and film applications. In some instances, a screen can be used interchangeably with either a digital projector or a film projector. However, there are certain digital 3D applications such as the technology by RealD that require special “silver” screens that we manufacture and which is driving the growth of the product line.  Sales during the quarter were also positively impacted by increased demand for large format screens.

 

Service Revenues

 

Service revenues increased in 2010 to $2.2 million from $0.9 million a year-ago. Revenues generated from servicing film equipment were $0.3 million during 2010 compared to $0.6 during the same quarter in 2009 while revenues generated from servicing digital equipment increased to $1.9 million compared to $0.3 million in the prior year.  The results reflect the continued installation of digital projectors for a large US-based cinema chain, coupled with increased demand from independent exhibitors due to the advancing digital cinema rollout.

 

Lighting Segment

 

Sales of lighting products were higher than a year-ago at $1.2 million compared to $1.0 million in the same period of the prior year as sales of follow spotlights and lighting parts each rose $0.1 million compared to the same quarter a year-ago. Sales of most other lighting products were relatively stable from period to period.

 

Export Revenues

 

Sales outside the United States (mainly theatre sales) increased to $15.0 million in 2010 from $6.2 million in 2009 resulting primarily from increased sales in China and South America.  Sales in China rose to $9.3 million from $2.5 million in 2009 while sales to South America increased to $1.8 million compared to $0.8 million a year-ago.  The results reflect increased digital cinema business in each region.  Areas with decreased sales are generally the result of parts of the world that are more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced

 

17



Table of Contents

 

higher than local manufacturers making it more difficult to generate sufficient profit to justify selling into these regions. In addition, as demand for film equipment and parts decreases there are certain areas of the world, such as Europe and parts of Asia, where the Company is not a reseller of digital projectors.  Additionally, foreign exchange rates and excise taxes sometimes make it difficult to market our products overseas at reasonable selling prices.

 

Gross Profit

 

Consolidated gross profit increased to $6.5 million in 2010 from $3.6 million a year-ago but as a percent of total revenue decreased to 19.6% from 21.5% in 2009. Gross profit in the theatre segment increased to $6.2 million in 2010 from $3.3 million in 2009 and as a percentage of theatre sales decreased to 19.7% from 21.4% a year-ago We continue to benefit from strong margins from our screen business in Canada and improved margins from our service company.  We expected our gross margin as a percentage of revenues to decrease and also expect it to decrease in the future due to increased sales of digital projection equipment which carry lower margins compared to most of our other products. The sales price on the digital projectors is higher than what we receive on film projectors which offsets gross margin dollars to a degree. Gross margins will also be impacted in the future by higher film manufacturing costs pertaining to lower demand for manufactured film products. We are purchasing film inventory components in lower quantities resulting in some raw material price increases and to experience less manufacturing throughput in the Omaha plant to cover fixed overhead costs. We are also reducing prices on certain products.

 

The gross profit in the lighting segment amounted to $0.2 million or 18.3% as a percentage of revenues in 2010 compared to $0.2 million or 23.1% as a percentage of revenues in 2009.  The margin increase primarily resulted from a product mix consisting of higher-margin replacement part sales.

 

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses were $0.7 million in 2010 compared to $0.5 million during the same quarter of 2009; however, as a percentage of revenues decreased to 2.2% from 3.1% a year-ago.  The increase pertains to additional staffing due to the growth across most product lines.  As our digital sales increase, we expect selling expenses to continue to drop as a percentage of revenues.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

Administrative expenses increased to $2.2 million in 2010 from $1.9 million in 2009, however, expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 6.7% in 2010 from 11.6% in 2009.  The increase was primarily the result of employee-related costs from additional personnel to keep up with the growth of the Company and the related stock and bonus compensation expenses.

 

Other Financial Items

 

Our results for 2010 reflect an insignificant loss pertaining to our 44.4% share of equity income from Digital Link II, LLC (the “LLC”). This loss compares to the loss of $0.2 million in the prior year and is primarily driven by the reduction in depreciation expense as a result of the sale of equipment by the LLC to customers for projectors previously held in the LLC.

 

Other expense was relatively flat year over year at approximately $0.1 million in both 2010 and 2009. The results primarily reflect the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations during the year due to the U.S. dollar decreasing versus the Canadian dollar.

 

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $1.1 million in 2010 compared to $0.2 million in 2009. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was 32.2% for 2010, compared to 28.1% in 2009. The increase in the effective tax rate from the prior year is the result of higher U.S.-based taxable income which carried a higher rate than the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.

 

For the reasons outlined herein, we generated net earnings of approximately $2.3 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.16 during the third quarter of 2010, compared to $0.5 million of net earnings and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.04 during the same quarter of 2009.

 

18



Table of Contents

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

Revenues

 

Net revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 rose to $91.0 million from $53.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

82,929,069

 

$

48,091,369

 

Services

 

5,233,460

 

2,770,319

 

Total theatre revenues

 

88,162,529

 

50,861,688

 

Lighting

 

2,853,198

 

2,411,151

 

Other

 

 

25,357

 

Total net revenues

 

$

91,015,727

 

$

53,298,196

 

 

Theatre Segment

 

Sales of theatre products and services increased to $88.2 million in 2010 from $50.9 million in 2009.

 

Digital Product Sales

 

Sales of digital products rose to $53.7 million from $21.0 million in 2009 as the industry shift to digital projection equipment continues to accelerate.  The majority of the increase in digital sales resulted from sales of digital projectors; however, sales of digital lamps rose to $4.7 million in 2010 from $2.0 million in 2009 while sales of digital servers rose to $5.3 million from $0.9 million a year-ago.  We believe the demand for digital equipment will continue to increase as exhibitors take advantage of the benefits of 3D digital technology as well as the potential benefits from additional advertising revenue and being able to project more alternative entertainment at the movie theatres

 

Film Product Sales

 

Sales of film projection equipment rose to $8.9 million in 2010 from $8.4 million a year-ago largely due to sales outside the U.S. We expect sales of new film equipment to decline significantly in 2011 and beyond due to the industry transition to digital cinema

 

Sales of film replacement parts declined to $4.2 million during 2010 from $5.0 million a year-ago. We expect sales of film replacement parts to decrease over time as film equipment is replaced by digital units. However, we are unsure how the used equipment market will impact our replacement part sales when film equipment is replaced during the full digital cinema rollout.  Sales will also depend on the pace of our film customers retrofitting their film projection theatres to digital cinema projection theatres.

 

Sales of xenon lamps were $3.1 million compared to $4.4 million a year-ago. The decrease in sales is mainly attributable to the loss of a significant lamp customer.

 

Screen Product Sales

 

We generated screen sales of $13.0 million in 2010 compared to $9.1 million a year-ago due to higher demand for the special “silver” screens needed for certain digital 3D applications. As discussed earlier, this demand is resulting from our customers wanting to show certain movies in digital 3D and also more 3D movies being available from the Hollywood studios.  We sell screens for both digital cinema and film applications. In some instances, a screen can be used interchangeably with either a digital projector or a film projector. However, there are certain digital 3D applications such as the technology by RealD that require special “silver” screens that we manufacture and which, as discussed earlier, are driving the growth of the product line.  Sales were also positively impacted by increased demand for large format screens during 2010.

 

19



Table of Contents

 

Service Revenues

 

Service revenues increased in 2010 to $5.2 million from $2.8 million a year-ago. Revenues generated from servicing film equipment was $1.6 million in 2010 compared to $1.9 million in 2009 while revenues generated from servicing digital equipment increased to $3.6 million in 2010 from $0.9 million in 2009, due to the advancing rollout of digital cinema.  The results reflect the continued installation of digital projectors for a large U.S.-based cinema chain, coupled with increased demand from independent exhibitors due to the advancing digital cinema rollout.

 

Lighting Segment

 

Sales of lighting products increased to $2.9 million in 2010 compared to $2.4 million in 2009. Sales of follow spotlights grew to $1.7 million from $1.4 million a year-ago. Sales of replacement parts were $0.6 million in 2010 compared to $0.4 million in 2009. Sales of all other lighting products, including but not limited to xenon lamps, sky trackers, britelights and nocturns were relatively flat at approximately $0.5 million in both 2010 and 2009.

 

Export Revenues

 

Sales outside the United States (mainly theatre sales) increased to $39.1 million in 2010 from $22.8 million in 2009 resulting primarily from increased sales in China and South America.  Sales into China amounted to $19.3 million in 2010 compared to $8.4 million in 2009, while sales into South America rose to $8.1 million from $2.5 million a year-ago.  These sales were offset by sales into Mexico where demand declined to $4.7 million from $7.1 million a year ago. Certain areas of the world are more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced higher than local manufacturers making it more difficult to generate sufficient profit to justify selling into these regions. Additionally, foreign exchange rates and excise taxes sometimes make it difficult to market our products overseas at reasonable selling prices.

 

Gross Profit

 

Consolidated gross profit increased to $16.7 million in 2010 from $11.2 million a year-ago but as a percent of total revenue decreased to 18.4% from 21.0% in 2009. We continue to benefit from strong margins from our screen business in Canada and improved margins from our service company.  Gross profit in the theatre segment increased to $16.0 million in 2010 from $10.5 million in 2009 and as a percentage of theatre sales decreased to 18.2% from 20.6% a year-ago. We expected our gross margin as a percentage of revenues to decrease and also expect it to decrease in the future due to increased sales of digital projection equipment which carry lower margins compared to most of our other products. However, the sales price on the digital projectors is higher than what we receive on film projectors which offsets gross margin dollars to a degree. Gross margins will also be impacted in the future by higher film manufacturing costs pertaining to lower demand for manufactured film products. We are purchasing film inventory components in lower quantities resulting in some raw material price increases and to experience less manufacturing throughput in the Omaha plant to cover fixed overhead costs. We are also reducing prices on certain products.

 

The gross profit in the lighting segment amounted to $0.7 million or 24.8% as a percentage of lighting revenues in 2010 compared to $0.7 million or 28.5% as a percentage of lighting revenues in 2009.  The increase was impacted by a product mix consisting of higher-margin replacement part sales.

 

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses rose to $2.3 million from $2.0 million a year-ago, but as a percentage of revenues decreased to 2.5% from 3.7% a year-ago. As our digital sales increase, we expect selling expenses to continue to drop as a percentage of revenues.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

Administrative expenses increased to $6.4 million in 2010 from $5.9 million in 2009; however, costs decreased as a percentage of revenues to 7.0% in 2010 from 11.0% a year-ago.  The increase was attributable to additional personnel to keep pace with the growth of the Company coupled with higher stock and bonus compensation expenses.

 

Other Financial Items

 

Our results for 2010 include earnings of approximately $0.8 million pertaining to our 44.4% share of equity in the income from Digital Link II, LLC. This income compares to the loss of approximately $0.6 million a year-ago, primarily the result of the gain recorded during the second quarter of 2010 on the sale of equipment by the LLC to a customer for projectors previously held in the LLC.

 

20



Table of Contents

 

During the second quarter of 2010 we also recorded $0.2 million from our 44.4% share of a gain previously deferred in 2007 pertaining to the initial transfer of equipment into the LLC.  The equipment was purchased by a third party customer during the second quarter which resulted in the Company recording the previously deferred gain.

 

Other expense amounted to approximately $0.1 million in 2010 compared to an insignficant expense in 2009. The results primarily reflect the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations during the year due to the U.S. dollar decreasing versus the Canadian dollar.

 

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $2.9 million in 2010 compared to $0.7 million in 2009. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was approximately 32.0% for 2010, compared to 26.4% in 2009. The effective tax rate change from year to year results from differing foreign and U.S. tax rates applied to respective pre-tax earnings by tax jurisdiction.  The higher rate in 2010 resulted from more U.S. based taxable income which carries a higher effective rate compared to our other tax jurisdictions.

 

For the reasons outlined herein, we generated net earnings of approximately $6.1 million in 2010 and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.43 and $0.42, respectively, compared to net earnings of approximately $2.0 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.14 during 2009.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the past several years, we have met our working capital and capital resource needs from either our operating or investing cash flows or a combination of both. We ended the third quarter with total cash and cash equivalents of $19.2 million compared to $23.6 million at December 31, 2009.

 

Effective June 30, 2010, we entered into a $20 million Revolving Credit Agreement and Note (collectively, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), each effective as of June 30, 2010, with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”). We may request an increase in the Revolving Credit Agreement of up to an additional $5 million; however, any advances on the additional $5 million are subject to approval of Wells Fargo. The borrowings from the Revolving Credit Agreement will primarily be used for working capital purposes and for other general corporate purposes.  Our accounts receivable, general intangibles and inventory secure the Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 125 basis points. Interest is paid on a monthly basis. We will pay a fee of 0.15% per annum on any unused portion. The Revolving Credit Agreement expires on June 30, 2011 at which time all unpaid principal and interest is due.

 

The Revolving Credit Agreement contains certain covenants, including those relating to our financial condition and limitations on our ability to pay dividends. The primary financial condition covenant pertains to our maintaining a minimum net profit before taxes plus or minus non-cash equity in income of the Digital Link II, LLC joint venture, plus any non-cash charges related to the legacy film projector business, of $1, measured quarterly, on a rolling 4-quarter basis.  Other covenants pertain to items such as limits on incurring additional debt or lease obligations, limits on issuing guarantees and certain limits on loans, advances and investments with third parties. Upon the occurrence of any event of default specified in the Revolving Credit Agreement, including a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement), all amounts due there under may be declared to be immediately due and payable. No amounts are currently outstanding on the Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

We were previously a party to a revolving credit facility with First National Bank of Omaha. This revolving credit facility expired on July 1, 2010.

 

Net cash used in operating activities amounted to $1.5 million in 2010 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.3 million in 2009.  The results pertain to $8.9 million of working capital needs so far this year.  The primary items affecting working capital included increases in accounts receivable, inventories and unbilled revenue of $8.6 million, $13.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  Working capital items contributing to cash flow included increases in account payable and customer deposits of $16.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

 

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $3.5 million in 2010 compared to cash provided by investing activities of $9.3 million in 2009. The 2010 activities were primarily impacted by the purchase of a building in our screen business in Canada and $0.9 million of capital returned from our investment in the Digital Link II joint venture.  The 2009 amounts primarily resulted from the sale of investment securities for $10 million and $0.8 million of capital expenditures.

 

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Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $0.5 million in 2010 compared to none in 2009 as a result of stock options exercised and excess tax benefits from stock options exercised during the 2010 period.

 

Transactions with Related and Certain Other Parties

 

The Company sold digital projection equipment, in the normal course of business, to its joint venture, Digital Link II, LLC for approximately $0.3 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $0.4 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The LLC in turn provides the digital projection equipment to third party customers under system use agreements. Revenue recognized by Ballantyne was $0.2 million and $4.1 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to $0.1 million and $1.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. Revenue recognized by the Company on the sale transaction to the LLC is limited by its 44.4% ownership in the joint venture which will be recognized upon sale of the equipment to the third parties.  The total receivable balance due from the LLC was $0.3 million at September 30, 2010 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2009.

 

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk Concentrations

 

Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 48% of 2010 consolidated net revenues and were primarily from the theatre segment. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 58% of net consolidated receivables at September 30, 2010. Sales to China Film Jingdian Cinema Investment Company, LTD represented the largest percentage at 10% of consolidated sales and 22% of net consolidated receivables at September 30, 2010. While we believe our relationships with such customers are stable, most arrangements are made by purchase order and are terminable at will by either party. A significant decrease or interruption in business from our significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. We could also be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which we sell our products.

 

Financial instruments that potentially expose us to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of accounts receivable. We sell products to a large number of customers in many different geographic regions. To minimize credit concentration risk, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition or use letters of credit.

 

Through distribution agreements with NEC, we distribute Starus DLP Cinema projectors to North and South America, Hong Kong, China and certain other areas of Asia. These agreements are non-exclusive distributorship agreements, some of which can be terminated with 90 day advance notice. NEC is the primary supplier of the digital products the Company distributes to the Theatre Industry. If we are unable to maintain our relationship with NEC, the results would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results until the Company could find an alternative source of digital equipment to distribute. The principal raw materials and components used in our manufacturing processes include aluminum, reflectors, electronic subassemblies and sheet metal. We use a single manufacturer for each of our intermittent movement components, reflectors, aluminum castings, lenses and xenon lamps. Although we have not to-date experienced a significant difficulty in obtaining these components, no assurance can be given that shortages will not arise in the future. The loss of any one or more of such contract manufacturers could have a short-term adverse effect on our Company until alternative manufacturing arrangements are secured.

 

Hedging and Trading Activities

 

Our primary exposure to foreign currency fluctuations pertains to our subsidiaries in Canada and China. In certain instances, we may enter into foreign exchange contracts to manage a portion of this risk. For the period ended September 30, 2010, we had recorded approximately $0.1 million of unrealized loss associated with these open contracts in our consolidated statement of operations compared to an immaterial amount in the same period of 2009.

 

We do not have any trading activities that include non-exchange traded contracts at fair value.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

Our off balance sheet arrangements consist principally of leasing various assets under operating leases. The future estimated payments under these arrangements are summarized below along with our other contractual obligations:

 

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Payments Due by Period

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Remaining
in 2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Thereafter

 

Non-competition agreement

 

$

50,000

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

Postretirement benefits

 

184,177

 

 

18,485

 

19,553

 

20,528

 

21,501

 

104,110

 

Operating leases

 

324,808

 

52,431

 

183,238

 

44,420

 

36,829

 

7,890

 

 

Contractual cash obligations

 

$

558,985

 

52,431

 

251,723

 

63,973

 

57,357

 

29,391

 

104,110

 

 

We have a contractual obligation to pay up to $50,000 to High End Systems, Inc. Payment is contingent on satisfaction of certain future sales of the product line purchased as part of the business. In addition, we have accrued approximately $0.1 million for the estimated underpayment of income taxes we are obligated to pay. The accrual is primarily related to state tax matters. There were no other contractual obligations other than inventory and property, plant and equipment purchases in the ordinary course of business.

 

Guarantees

 

During 2010 and 2009, the Company and RealD provided guarantees to notes payable entered into by Digital Link II, LLC to finance digital projection equipment deployed in the normal course of business. The notes bear interest at rates ranging from 7.0% to 7.46%. The following table summarizes the Company’s guarantees:

 

Guarantee Date

 

Interest
Rate

 

Original Notes
Payable Balance

 

Ballantyne
Ownership

 

Original
Guarantee

 

Remaining
Guarantee as of
September 30, 2010

 

July-08

 

7.00%

 

$

626,663

 

44.40%

 

$

278,238

 

$

83,321

 

November-08

 

7.20%

 

756,440

 

44.40%

 

335,860

 

44,718

 

November-08

 

7.00%

 

1,142,239

 

44.40%

 

507,154

 

162,841

 

January-09

 

7.20%

 

265,538

 

44.40%

 

117,899

 

25,848

 

April-09

 

7.20%

 

1,039,646

 

44.40%

 

461,603

 

110,307

 

September-09

 

7.00%

 

184,098

 

44.40%

 

81,739

 

55,340

 

October-09

 

7.25%

 

152,850

 

44.40%

 

67,865

 

41,076

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

1,824,774

 

44.40%

 

810,200

 

619,130

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

749,308

 

44.40%

 

332,693

 

265,679

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

423,224

 

44.40%

 

187,911

 

172,758

 

March-10

 

7.46%

 

216,141

 

44.40%

 

95,967

 

88,408

 

 

 

 

 

$

7,380,921

 

 

 

$

3,277,129

 

$

1,669,426

 

 

Under terms of the guarantees, the Company and RealD would be required to fulfill the guarantee should the joint venture be in default of its loans or contract terms. The guarantees will expire at the time each loan is paid off. The fair value of the obligations undertaken by issuing the guarantees was not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

There were no other contractual obligations other than inventory and property, plant and equipment purchases in the ordinary course of business.

 

Seasonality

 

Generally, our business exhibits a moderate level of seasonality as sales of theatre products typically increase during the third and fourth quarters. We believe that such increased sales reflect seasonal increases in the construction of new motion picture screens in anticipation of the holiday movie season.

 

Litigation

 

The Company is currently a defendant in an asbestos case entitled Manuel H. Chinea and Janet M. Chinea v. American Optical Company, Ballantyne Strong, Inc. a/k/a Ballantyne of Omaha, et al., filed August 17, 2010 in the Superior Court of the State of New York. The Company is one of twenty-five defendants. While the Company believes that it has strong defenses and intends to defend the suit vigorously, it is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this case, or the amount of damages, if any, that a

 

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jury may award.

 

Inflation

 

We believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation in recent years have not had a significant impact on our net revenues or profitability. Historically, we have been able to offset any inflationary effects by either increasing prices or improving cost efficiencies.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; management must make a variety of decisions which impact the reported amounts and the related disclosures.  These decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates.  In making these decisions, management applies its judgment based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances and our historical experience.

 

Our accounting policies and estimates that are most critical to the presentation of our results of operations and financial condition, and which require the greatest use of judgments and estimates by management, are designated as our critical accounting policies.  See further discussion of our critical accounting policies under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for our year ended December 31, 2009.  We periodically re-evaluate and adjust our critical accounting policies as circumstances change.  There were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (to be included in ASC Topic 810). This statement requires reporting entities to evaluate former Qualifying Special Purpose Entities (QSPE) for consolidation, changes to approach to determining a Variable Interest Entities (VIE) primary beneficiary from a quantitative assessment to a qualitative assessment designed to identify a controlling financial interest. This statement was effective as of the beginning of a Company’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2009. The adoption did not impact the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which amends Subtopic 829-10. ASU 2010-06 enhances disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. Certain provisions of ASU 2010-06 are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and others for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. Beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we provided new disclosures, as applicable to its fair value instruments. The disclosures required for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2010 are currently not applicable to our financial statements.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The principal market risks affecting us are exposure to interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We market our products throughout the United States and the world. As a result, we could be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic conditions.

 

Interest Rates — We have a variable interest rate credit facility with no outstanding balance as of September 30, 2010. If we would borrow up to the maximum amount available under this facility, a one percent increase in the interest rate would increase interest expense by $0.2 million per annum. Interest rate risks from our other interest-related accounts such as our postretirement obligations are not deemed significant.

 

Foreign Exchange — Exposure to transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency is primarily related to our China and Canadian subsidiaries. From time to time, as market conditions indicate, we will enter into foreign currency contracts to manage the risks associated with forecasted transactions. A portion of our cash in the China and Canadian subsidiaries is denominated in foreign currencies, where fluctuations in exchange rates will impact our cash balances in U.S. dollar terms. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar would impact our reported cash balance by approximately $0.2 million as of September 30, 2010.

 

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Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15 (e) and internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f).  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

PART II.  Other Information

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is currently a defendant in an asbestos case entitled Manuel H. Chinea and Janet M. Chinea v. American Optical Company, Ballantyne Strong, Inc. a/k/a Ballantyne of Omaha, et al., filed August 17, 2010 in the Superior Court of the State of New York. The Company is one of twenty-five defendants. While the Company believes that it has strong defenses and intends to defend the suit vigorously, it is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this case, or the amount of damages, if any, that a jury may award.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes a detailed discussion of the Company’s risk factors. In addition you should carefully consider the following updated risk factor:

 

Our Board of Directors recently elected a new Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

 

On November 1, 2010, our Board elected Gary L. Cavey to the positions of Chief Executive Officer, President and Director.  Mr. Cavey replaced John C. Wilmers who had served in those positions for 13 years and is retiring.  Mr. Wilmers will remain with the Company to assist in transitioning Mr. Cavey into his new position as Mr. Cavey is new to the Company and our business.  Mr. Wilmers will also focus on the Company’s growing business opportunities in Asia.  While the Board believes that Mr. Cavey is well qualified and will function well in the new positions, there is no guarantee that this will be the case.  Mr. Cavey’s failure to perform as expected may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

See the Exhibit Index on page 27.

 

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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 report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ GARY L. CAVEY

 

By:

/s/ KEVIN S. HERRMANN

 

Gary L. Cavey, President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

 

Kevin S. Herrmann, Secretary/Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 15, 2010

 

Date:

November 15, 2010

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

10.1

 

Executive Employment Agreement of Gary L. Cavey.* ·

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer. ·

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer. ·

 

 

 

32.1

 

18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer. ·

 

 

 

32.2

 

18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer. ·

 


·      Filed herewith.

 

*      Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

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